Page 69 of Fighting for Family

“Let’s see how close these contractions get, and then we’ll make a plan,” Dr. Greene said as she watched the monitor.

Patch watched the screen intently.

“It appears you’ll be here for a bit,” Dr. Greene reported. “Since your water broke, I’ll check to see how much you dilated and then we’ll decide if you want to go home for a bit or stay.”

“She’s staying,” Patch said overprotectively.

“Patch,” Claire admonished. “Dr. Greene knows what she’s doing.”

“We’re here. I know it’s where we need to stay,” Patch said firmly. “I’ve learned to trust the signs. I came home early, we got hitched this morning, and now you’re in labor. Trust me on this.”

Dr. Greene gave him a patient smile. “Fortunately, you and Gabby are the only two women in labor. I’m here all day. It won’t hurt to see how it progresses. I’ll be back in a few minutes to check your cervix.”

Patch let out a sigh of relief. He came to her bedside, sat, and took her hand. “What a way to start our day. Do you realize our baby will be born on our wedding day? How cool is that? This day can’t get any better.”

“It’s beyond wonderful,” she said. “Since we planned on checking on Knight and Gabby, why don’t you pop over and see how they’re doing? Dr. Greene can’t tell us anything, but they can.”

“I don’t want to leave you,” he admitted.

Claire laughed. “It’s literally across the hall.”

“All right,” he said begrudgingly and rose. “I’ll be right back.”

Patch crossed the hall and knocked gently on the door in case Gabby rested.

Knight came to the door and wiped his hand down his face. “Hey. We didn’t expect you until later.”

Patch grinned. “Claire and I got hitched this morning, and her water broke at the courthouse. We’re in the room across the hall.”

“No kidding?” Knight’s face lit up. “Our kids will be practically twins.”

“Uh, I don’t think so. If my kid turns out looking like you, we’ll have a problem,” he said, grinning. “Claire wanted me to check on Gabby. How’s she doing?”

“The contractions have stayed ten minutes apart. We’ve walked the hall, and it helped a bit, but not enough. She’s over it,” he whispered.

“May I come in and say hello?” Patch asked.

“Sure,” Knight said, stepping back and allowing Patch to enter.

“Hi,” he greeted Gabby. “I came to tell you about your bestie. She’s in labor across the hall. She wanted me to check on you.”

“I want this baby out of me. You’re a medic. Reach your hand down there and yank it out,” she demanded. “I haven’t slept, I’m starving, and these contractions have gone on forever.”

“Dr. Greene gave us options,” Knight whispered to Patch. “Gabby wants to do this naturally. It doesn’t help she’s eaten all the banana popsicles on the floor, and it’s the only thing that cures the beast, if you know what I mean.”

“Did you check downstairs? Kassie keeps extra boxes down there for when Emma doesn’t feel great,” Patch informed him. “It’s a secret stash way in the back on the right-hand side.”

“Will Randy get mad?”

“He’s not down there. They ran into a plumbing problem in the floor. They’re all at the community center making sides, and then he grills the meat here to keep it hot for dinner. Kassie ordered pizzas and assorted meals for lunch, and nobody’s down there until 1400 when they prep for supper. He won’t even know, and we can replace them before they even realize they’re gone.”

“You’re a lifesaver,” Knight murmured. “Honey, I’m running down to the kitchen. They may have a stash of popsicles there.”

“I want the entire box,” she grumbled. “This baby must be a boy, because it’s taking its sweet time like its father.”

Patch chuckled. “I’ll let Claire know how you’re doing.”

“Please tell her I send my love and keep us posted,” Gabby said sweetly before turning to Knight. “What are you waiting for? Do you see an ice cream truck making its way onto the floor?”