Page 109 of In at the Deep End

Not It’s the right thing to do.

Matt gazed at him for a moment before managing a nod. “Thank you.”

Owen squeezed his shoulder. “Come on. Let’s go look after your mum.”

They walked around to the house, and Matt led the way to the back door he knew would be unlocked.

Mum glanced up as they stepped into the kitchen. “Hey,” she said, her voice soft. A mug of tea sat untouched in front of her. Jamie was pushing a toy tractor around the kitchen floor, blissfully unaware the world had shifted beneath everyone else’s feet.

Mum’s eyes were rimmed with red.

Matt went over to her and hugged her. “Did Dad say when he’d be back?”

“He wanted a little time with Gordon before…” She drew a breath. “Before everything starts.” There was only the slightest tremor in her voice.

Owen approached the table. “Is there anything I can do?”

Mum managed a tired smile. “Not really, but thank you for asking.” She picked up her mug, sipped from it, then winced.

“I’ll make a fresh pot.” Without waiting for her response, Owen went about the task.

Mum sighed. “It wasn’t unexpected.” She met Matt’s gaze. “That doesn’t stop it from hurting, though.”

Silence settled over the kitchen, broken only when Jamie drove his tractor into Owen’s shoe.

“Crash!”

Owen looked down solemnly. “I never stood a chance.”

Jamie giggled, and for a few precious seconds, the sound lifted the room.

“Babs?” Beth’s voice came from the lounge. A moment later she stood in the doorway, one hand resting against the frame and the other cradling the underside of her bump. Her dark curly hair was pulled back, her face pale.

Very pale.

Matt straightened. So did Owen and Mum.

Beth’s voice barely carried. “I think my waters have broken.”

Mum was on her feet before the sentence had finished. “Are you having pains yet? How far apart are they?”

“I don’t… There isn’t much pain.” Then she swallowed. “But I’m bleeding.”

Oh my God.

“Zach!” Mum’s voice cracked through the house. “Get the hospital bag and the car keys. Now!”

Footsteps thundered overhead. “On it!”

Owen was already pulling out a chair. “Beth, sit down.”

Mum shook her head sharply. “Keep her standing.” In a heartbeat she’d gone from grief to grim purpose. “Matt, you’re in charge of Jamie.”

Jamie appeared delighted by this promotion. “I’m boss!”

Matt managed the ghost of a smile. “You are.”

Mum grabbed her handbag. “Owen, if Jeff rings, tell him not to leave the hospice until we’ve spoken to the hospital.” Then she turned to Beth. “We’re going. Right now.”