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Sean pulled up to the hospital’s entrance, and I took the elevator to the labor and delivery unit.
“How can I help you?” a voice asked through the speaker.
“My wife is here in labor. Her name is Stella Bradshaw.”
“Oh, hey, Mr. Bradshaw. She was talking all about you. I’ll buzz you in.”
When the door opened, a nurse was standing there.
“I feel like I already know you.” She grinned. “I’m Pepper, Stella’s nurse. My shift just started and I’m pulling a double, so I’ll be with the two of you all day and night.”
“You think it’ll take that long?” I asked as she took me to Stella’s room.
“Ha.” She breathed out a laugh. “I love first-time dads.”
When I stepped into the room, Stella lay on the bed, hooked up to the fetal monitor.
“Baby, I’m so sorry.” I ran over and kissed her lips.
A smile graced her face as she grabbed my tie. “A dead phone? You forgot to charge it one week before our baby is due?”
“You’re right. I’m an idiot, and I promise to make it up to you. How are you feeling? Are you in pain?”
“A little bit. It’s not too bad yet.”
“Good.” I kissed her forehead. Unbuttoning my sleeves, I rolled them up. “All that matters is I’m here now, and we’re doing this together.”
* * *
Stella
The contractions started to peak with greater intensity. I moaned, laying on my side, gripping the bar of the bed, while Miles rubbed my lower back.
“Where is Dr. Gregario?” I asked Pepper.
“He’s doing a C-section right now. He’ll be in as soon as he’s finished.”
The contraction subsided, so I rolled on my back and looked at Miles. Bringing my hand up to his face, I softly stroked his cheek.
“Thank you.”
“No need to thank me, sweetheart. I hate seeing you in so much pain. I’m going to get you through this.”
“I love you.”
“I love you more.” He leaned over and kissed me.
“Happy Labor Day!” Dr. Gregario strolled into the room with a smile on his face. “How are you feeling, Stella?”
“How do you think?” My brow arched.
“Yep. Same response all my laboring mothers give me.” He winked. “Let’s see. Three hours ago, when you came in, you were dilated to three. I’m going to take a look and see if you’ve made any improvement.” He lifted up the sheet and examined me. “Oh boy. You’re still dilated at three centimeters.”
“How is that possible?” I asked.
“It’s common for first-time mothers. Don’t stress about it. It’ll happen. If you really want to get the ball rolling, I like to suggest to my patients that they try dance therapy.”
“Huh?” My brows furrowed.
