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“Yer bein’ there is the help, Liam. Christian needs ye, lad.”

Did he? I wasn’t sure I belonged here, but I didn’t want to leave.

“I need to put the phone down so I can carry coffees back, Mom. Love you.”

“Love you, deary. Let us know when ye get a chance. Give our love to them both.”

I carried the coffees back and handed them off to Christian at the door. I took a lap of the L&D floor, introduced myself to the nurses, and took stock of the vending machines.

Me

How’s she doing

LouISA

She looks like season 5 Xena Warrior Princess

Me

…

LouISA

She feels like shit. C needs another coffee, don’t ask.

I picked up another round and knocked on the door to Marisol’s room a few minutes later.

Christian answered the door, and I saw Louisa over his shoulder as I handed him a cup each for both of them. She was sitting on her heels in front of Mari, who was bouncing on an exercise ball. Their foreheads were pressed together, baby belly resting between them. Lou brushed tendrils of hair away from Mari’s face, speaking low to her, until I saw Mari’s belly tighten and shake, and I realized she was laughing at whatever Lou said.

I couldn’t take my eyes off them—off her.

“She’d planned to have her mom and sister here. They’re on their way, though. Have you⁠—‘’

“Roads are still drivable, man. They’ll get here.”

He nodded, but his eyes were glossy. I put my hands on either side of his face, my forehead to his. I kept my breath slow and steady while he righted his.

“It’s too early, bro, I am so—‘’ his voice broke, and I cleared my throat loudly to cover it.

Everything was going to be fine. He was going to hold his wife’s hand and take it like a man when she screamed in his face. And he would watch his healthy, perfect baby boy come into this world. I knew it in my gut, and I hoped he felt my confidence when I said as much.

Christian looked over his shoulder at the women in the room. “Thank God she’s here.” He was talking about Lou. “I thought she’d be crackin’ jokes and… I’m not sure what I thought, but she stepped up for Mari, you know?”

I was proud that Lou was able to bring some comfort to Marisol. They’d become good friends, but they hadn’t known each other long. The only other friend Lou talked about was Rachel, and neither was very interested in babies.

“I’m here if you need another coffee or a slap in the face, but for now, go take care of your wife like you always do.” I squeezed his shoulder.

I felt steadier than I had all night. Like something in me had settled into place.

And then we heard frantic Spanish from down the hallway.

“Oh, thank fuck—Amorcito, ya llegó tu mamá,” Christian called into the room, and a second passed where she processed what he said, and then Marisol burst into tears. Christian was by her side immediately, and I let the door close gently before turning around to wave her parents over.

“Todo está bien. Ella… will quiere… to see vosotros.” Fuck, I tried.

“Gracias,” Mr. Delgado said. I held the door for them, then walked over to the waiting room. Slouched down in one of the chairs, knees bent and feet wide, I was almost instantly asleep.

When I opened my eyes again, Louisa was standing between my legs, close, staring down at me.