Page 50 of Love Like Ours

Palmer was putting on his clothes as well, no doubt to let Loki out, as the dog was whining and dancing by the door.

“I’m coming, Loki.” He chuckled. “Will you head to the hospital?”

She nodded. “Yes, but you’ve got a car being delivered soon.”

“Yeah, then I have work to catch up on before we start tomorrow at the lighthouse.”

“Right,” she said, shoving on her shoes. “I’ll keep you posted.” Her smile grew. “I’m going to be an aunt.”

“Not to split hairs, but technically, you’ve been one for about nine months,” he joked before kissing her.

“True,” she said as they walked towards the front door. She grabbed her keys from the counter and followed Palmer and Loki out front.

There was a layer of dew on her car as she drove to Edgeview in the quiet. The streets were empty when she went through Pride, except for a few cars at Sara’s Nook.

She knew it was too early for the bakery to be opened, but she parked in front and rushed to the door. She knocked on it when she found it still locked.

When Sara came out from the back, she waved at her. “We’re having a baby and my brother needs food and coffee.”

Sara clapped and rushed to open the door.

“Oh, how exciting. I just finished a batch of apple fritters. I’ll pack some up if you want to make the coffee. Brook isn’t in yet.”

“Sure.” She stepped behind the counter to make coffees the way she and her brother liked.

Sara came back with a large pink box of pastries, and she balanced that and the coffees in her hands and went back out to her car. She sipped on her coffee and downed a warm apple fritter while she drove the rest of the way to Edgeview.

When she finally arrived at the hospital, Lucas was pacing in the waiting room, his phone in one hand and a Styrofoam cup of coffee in the other. His hair was a mess, and he looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

“Soph!” he called and rushed to hug her, relief washing over his face. “Finally. Oh thank god you brought good coffee.” He set down the Styrofoam cup and took the one she offered.

“Well, hi to you too,” she teased, then held up the box of pastries. “How’s Avery?”

“They’re switching out her sheets. I was just getting coffee. I paid three bucks for that dark toilet water.” He motioned to the cup. “Come on back. She’s doing great, but man, this whole labor thing is intense.”

Sophia smirked. “Oh, poor you. Isn’t she the one in labor?”

“Ha ha,” Lucas deadpanned. “You’re hilarious.”

When they stepped into the room, Avery was sitting on a large yoga ball.

“Shouldn’t you be lying down?” Sophia asked, rushing to hug her sister-in-law.

“No, I’m good. I’ve decided to skip on the epidural so I’m free to roam around.”

“Seriously? You’re forgoing drugs and doing yoga while in labor?” Sophia shook her head. “You’re Wonder Woman.”

“I’m not doing yo—” Avery started, but then she closed her eyes and hissed slightly as she rubbed her belly.

“What was that?” Sophia asked when Avery’s eyes opened again.

“That was a contraction. They’re getting stronger but still nothing I can’t breath and concentrate through.” Avery took several more deep breaths.

“Shouldn’t your parents be here?” Sophie asked, glancing around.

“They are. They’re downstairs in the cafeteria,” she said. “My dad is a fireman, so you’d think he wouldn’t panic in times like this.” She smiled. “He’s freaking out. Big time.” She went to stand.

“I’ve never seen the man look so pale.” Lucas laughed.