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I turn back toward her. “You can enjoy this after the babies are born.”

“I’m enjoying it now.”

The answering service connects me to a nurse and another contraction starts, which leaves me trying to answer questions about timing. Emma grips my hand hard enough to make the bones shift.

The nurse tells us to come in.

I end the call and grab the hospital bag as Mom appears from the hallway, already dressed with her hair pulled back. “Benny?”

“Emma’s in labor. The nurse wants us at the hospital.”

Her attention goes straight to Emma. “How far apart are the contractions?”

“Between four and six minutes,” Emma answers as she reaches for her coat. “My water hasn’t broken.”

Mom crosses the room and helps her into it before looking at me. “I’ll get the girls dressed and bring them once you’re checked in.”

“I’ll send a car.”

“You take care of Emma, and I’ll handle everything here.”

I reach for Emma’s purse, my keys, and the folder holding her medical paperwork.

Mom watches me for another second. “Benny, breathe.”

“I am breathing.”

“You’re moving like you’re chasing someone through an airport.”

Emma covers a laugh with one hand. “I’ll call when we know more.”

“You’d better.” Mom catches my arm before I can turn away. “I love you.”

My throat tightens before I can prevent it. “Love you too.”

I start toward the elevator before Emma looks down at my feet.

Her eyebrows lift, and I follow her gaze.

I’m wearing sweatpants and one sock.

Emma bites the inside of her cheek. “Do you want me to wait?”

“I need thirty seconds.”

“You might want both shoes, too.”

I stare at her. She starts laughing as I head for the bedroom.

Twelve blocks from the penthouse, I remember everything I left behind.

Emma leans back against the passenger seat after another contraction. I grip the steering wheel and resist the urge to treat Manhattan traffic laws as suggestions. “I forgot the chargers.”

She turns her head. “We’ll survive.”

“Your robe is still at home.”

“I’ll wear the hospital gown.”