Page 69 of Derecho

“LACH!” Lainey’s shout had me nearly jumping out of my skin.

“I’m here, I’m right here, Lainey. You’re doing great.”

“I need my sister. I need Birdie…please!”

I held pressure on her hips as she rocked through another contraction. As soon as I felt the tension leave her body, I was back next to my brother.

“We need to get her into my truck,” he said, slipping his satellite phone back into his pocket.

“What? Why?” I asked.

He pressed past me, placing a hand on Lainey’s shoulder. “Lainey, can you walk out to my truck?”

“I don’t t-think I can stand r-right now,” she panted.

“Okay, I’m going to carry you out.”

“My water broke…” she warned.

“Nothing to worry about. We’re family, I just want to get you and the baby to your sister.”

“She can’t come here?” Lainey’s eyes were rounded with fear as she looked past Beau to me. “What about the ambulance?”

“The ambulance…” Beau paused. “We’re on the list. But things are bad in town and…And I think we need to move. Ready?”

I nodded, and she followed with her own agreement. Beau leaned over and scooped her up, and a wave of panic nearly bowled me over. Because she’d almost been stuck with me delivering the baby, and I couldn’t even carry her to safety. If I’d just checked to see that things had calmed down…God, it wouldn’t have mattered. Because there was no way I was capable of getting her to my truck and over to Birdie.

“Lach!” Her hand reached out for mine as Beau walked by me. I didn’t take it. She was better off with my brother. Better off without⁠—

Another scream pierced the air, bloodcurdling and filled with fear as Beau adjusted his hold on her.

“Let’s go!” he barked at me.

“I should stay here,” I tried to say, but Lainey’s hand was still reaching out for me as Beau stepped through the front door.

I wasn’t good enough for them. I didn’t deserve them. Being with me wasn’t safe for her. Or the baby. Something bad was going to happen to them because I wasn’t capable of being in charge of their well-being.

SHUT UP!! Shut up, shut up, shut up!!!

God, that unrelenting voice of fear, and doubt, and shame in my head just needed to leave me alone!

I wouldn’t back away from her now. She needed me. She wanted my support. And I was going to give it to her. I scooped up the bag waiting by the door and made my way out to Beau’s truck.

Lainey

“Oh, God.”

I was going to die. Being in the tub was tough, but having Lachlan’s arms around me, his hands digging into my back and pressing on my hips with each contraction helped distract me.

Now, I was literally on my knees in Beau’s truck, my hands gripping the headrest of the front seat while Lach sat in the back, his leg bouncing up and down each time I inhaled sharply.

“Did you drop the comb?” he asked. I slammed my eyes shut and clenched my teeth so hard, I thought I might actually crack a molar or two. The truck rocked sharply, which felt impossible at the snail’s pace Beau was currently driving us.

“You. Have. To. Go. Faster! Please!” I begged.

“We’re almost there. I promise. Your sister will kill me if something happens to you or the baby. And I’d let her.”

Tears pricked at my eyes. I couldn’t take how sweet both Beau and Lachlan were being to me.