Page 87 of SnowBound

“This is home,” I said, grinning like a fool.

“I’m so proud of you right now. Like a mother bird watching her babies fly out of the nest. You did it. I knew you were resilient, and it paid off.”

“Yes.” I breathed out. “I did it.” Not enough words existed to express the pride waltzing through me. I was still a nineteen-year-old mother-to-be, but I wasn’t homeless or a college dropout anymore.

“I was thinking,” Ellie swallowed a mouthful before continuing, “while I’m here, we could set up the nursery and everything that needs to be done. And I could also give you a haircut because once you give birth, you won’t have time to pamper yourself. And I read you’ll lose lots of hair, so better be ready for it. Also, we could go shopping for all the baby stuff you haven’t gotten yet so you won’t have to do it all on your own when the time comes. Or if the baby comes early. What do you think?”

“Elles, this is very nice of you, but you are here on vacation. You don’t have to.”

“Forget it. I want to. When the semester starts, I won’t be able to fly here as often as I’d like. Better you use me as much as you can while I’m here. And we have a rental so it will be easier to come and go.” She offered me a pointed look. “Accept the help, Abby. And say thank you.”

“Okay.” I sighed. “Thank you. It’s hard for me to accept your generosity, but even when I freak out about it, I’m still grateful.”

She snickered. “See, it wasn’t that hard.” I joined in, and we clinked our bottles of water.

“Your timing is quite good, you know?”

Ellie waited for me to explain.

“I have a doctor’s appointment in three days. Wanna join me?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. After all, I’m the baby’s favorite auntie.”

We chatted the rest of the afternoon away as we emptied some of the boxes meant for my bedroom, the kitchen, and the bathroom. After I told my best friend about my idea for the nursery, she agreed and promised we’d go to the hardware store in the morning to get started.

“I gotta grab some kitchen stuff,” I said while we tried to make plans for the night. “The cupboards and drawers have plates and cutlery and glasses, but I still need to get food and supplies.”

“Let’s make a list.”

A strange sensation tightened my stomach, and I bent in two, massaging the taut skin of my abdomen to soothe the pain.

“Ellie—”

She neared me and kneeled between my legs.

“Abby, what’s going on?” I could hear the fear lacing her words. “Is it the baby?”

Sweat lined my forehead as the cramp intensified. “No idea, but it hurts.” Tears burned the back of my eyes. “Ohmygod, I’m not ready for the baby to come yet. It’s too early. Make it stop.”

Leading me to a chair, Ellie sat me down. “Don’t move. I’ll call the doctor.”

“Please, baby, stay in there.”

The contractions lessened, but the tears wouldn’t stop.

What was I going to do now?