Page 91 of It's Like Riding a Bike

And then a contraction that hurts more than the last hits. That’s when I slap his shoulder and yell, “Get me to the hospital!”

Since the urgent care in town doesn’t have a maternity ward, we have to drive to Iowa City. During the thirty-minute (usually forty-five minute) drive, I have three more contractions. From the classes we took, that tells me we’ve got plenty of time.

“Slow down, honey. My contractions are still far enough apart.”

“I’m going ten over. I’m fine.”

Except he was fibbing. He was going way above that. At least that’s what the highway patrol guy says. When the poor guy takes one look at me, then hears me scream in pain, he forgets about the ticket and gives us an escort with lights and sirens the entire way through Coralville to the University of Iowa Hospital.

Now we’re in the labor and delivery ward. I’m dilated to the point of no return. She’s coming whether we’re ready or not.

“Okay, Prudence. One more push,” my doctor says in a serious tone.

With Nate beside me helping me through it, I push one last time and hear the most beautiful sound in the world. It’s our little girl crying to life. I push myself up enough to get a glimpse of her. She’s got lots of dark hair on her head, but they’re doing those tests on her, so I haven’t seen her face yet. While I wait, Nate whispers the sweetest things in my ear like “You’re amazing, Prudence.” And “Thank you for giving me another daughter.” My favorite is. “I’m so lucky you wiped out in front of my shop that day. I’d never be here with you now otherwise.” That one made me laugh. That is until they place our newborn on my chest and I get my first glimpse at the love of my life.

Of course, I love Nate with my whole heart. Laura too and all the rest, but there’s nothing like the love you have for the child who grew inside you. The person you talked to every day. The one who heard secrets that no one else will ever know. No. This little girl who’s named Iris, after Nate’s mom, is the most precious gift I’ve ever gotten.

The lactation specialist shows me how to get started with nursing my daughter. This first feeding is extra important, so I want to do it right. I’m focused on Iris to be sure she’s latching on when I hear, “Welcome to the world Iris Laura.” I’m not sure when Laura snuck into the room, but it doesn’t matter.

I giggle at my best friend. “You know her middle name isn’t Laura.” It’s my mom’s name, Kathleen.

“Thought I’d give it one more shot.”

“We’ll name the baby after you next time.”

“Next time? Are we doing this again?” Nate asks with a smile on his lips.

He must like the idea. “Maybe.”

He doesn’t look shocked or angry or mad. He just smiles. “Whatever you want, angel. Now, let me hold my daughter.” He smiles, kisses Iris on the forehead, then leans down and kisses my lips. When Nathan and then Zoe enters the room, Nate lays a feeding blanket over my exposed chest. I don’t care if Zoe sees, but I’m pretty sure Nathan would pass out if he saw my boob right now. His poor face is still a bit pasty.

It’s not long until our birthing room is filled with all the people we love most. My parents made it just after Iris was born. Zoe and Nathan have met and held their sibling. Brett showed up but didn’t stay long after seeing Laura in the room, telling us he’ll “Catch the little one later.”

I’m not sure what’s going on with those two, but there’s something. As soon as I get back on my feet, I’ll get to the bottom of it. Not now, though. Right now, I’m focused on my family.

Mom hugs me as she coos at Iris. My father is so taken by the baby that he’s been speechless since he stepped into the room. I know, for a fact, he gave up hope that me and Travis would ever have a child.

Speaking of… Barbie was convicted of killing Celeste a few months ago. They were able to prove it was premeditated, first-degree murder due to the fact she rented a car to do the deed. If she’d used her own vehicle, who knows? Another reason due to her confession and the other thanks to Travis telling the jury that “Barbie said she was going to visit her parents that weekend, when really, she was renting a car and plotting the demise of my beloved mother”. She had the baby in prison, and the last I heard, Travis hired a nanny to take care of him and then married the same nanny a month later, earning him a built-in babysitter. (Nate’s words, not mine.) Not that I disagree. Travis is always looking for the easiest way out for himself. In this case, he found it.

I’m startled when Nate looks at the crowd in my room and says, “All right. Let’s call it a night. My wife is exhausted.”

He’s right. How did he know? I didn’t say a thing.

Of course he knew.

“We’re staying at your place, right, son?” My dad asks Nate as he takes my mom’s hand.

“Yep. Key in the planter.”

Zoe quickly interjects, “I left it unlocked, Dad.”

“Great.” As everyone leaves, Nate’s got one more thing to say, “Whoever gets here first tomorrow, bring my woman donuts.” There’s a smattering of laughter as they leave, but they all know he means it.

Once the room’s cleared, I close my eyes and relish the quiet. That is until little Iris decides she’s unhappy. Nate helps me sit up so I can give this nursing thing another go. One thing they don’t tell you is the truth about nursing. It’s not easy, especially at first. After she eats, Iris makes a sweet little gurgling sound. I gaze at my husband as he lifts Iris from my chest and begins to burp her.

When he cuddles her in close and smiles down at her, that’s it. I’m a goner. I take back what I said. I’ve gottwoloves of my life, and they are, right this minute, looking at each other adoringly. Wiping away a tear or two, I reach out and touch Nate’s hand. “I just realized something.”

“What?”

“Everything that’s happened in my life has led tothismoment. It led me to you and to her. I’m so grateful, even for the bad stuff, because without that, I wouldn’t have this.” I point to my two favorite people.

“I get what you mean.” He kisses Iris’ little nose. “Without the bad, we wouldn’t have the good.”

“Exactly.”

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