Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Collin shifts into gear and then reaches for Shayla’s hand, placing it on his thigh. “You okay?”
“I’m better than Breakdown Betty in the back seat.”
Harley flips her middle finger in the air, barely missing a beat with her texting.
The escort flicks his lights and we’re on the way.
“Is it always this exciting?” Collin asks.
“Yes and no.” Shayla twist to face us. “We are always fabulous company. But this is our first labor and delivery.”
“I’m sure this is not how you saw your night going.” I realize he is really stepping up in the boyfriend department. He hardly knows us, and yet he’s speeding behind blue lights to get us to the hospital.
“It may be a bit of a surprise, but I wouldn’t trade it.” When he kisses the back of Shayla’s palm, Harley, Ginger, and I exchange dreamy glances.
Shayla definitely has left out details on the progress of this relationship.
We make it to the hospital in record time, Collin pulling through the ER entrance to let us out.
“We’ll catch up with you after we park,” Shayla calls behind us as we dash through the doors. The woman at the desk glance ups and points to the elevator banks. “Labor and Delivery, fourth floor.”
“How’d she know?” Ginger asks as we jump on the empty car and Harley pounds on the button.
The explanation becomes apparent as soon as the elevator doors slide open and we are greeted with a waiting room loaded with people. Harley and Ace’s parents, Jewls’ old neighbors—Janice, Bea, and Ronnie—and Robbie all stand around chatting casually.
“Where is she?” Harley shrieks.
“She’s in her room,” Amanda answers evenly.
“Can I see her?”
“When you chill out. She’s in a serene state and your hysteria won’t help.”
Amanda gives her that glare only a mom can give.
Harley takes a deep breath, closing her eyes and exhaling through it.
Ford, Talon, and Ace round the corner, strolling without a care in the world.
As soon as Ford’s arms curl around my waist, I fold into him. “What exactly happened?”
“That’s the question of the hour.” Ronnie glares at Ace, clearly not happy about something. “Now that everyone is here, can you give us the details?”
“Jewls’ Braxton Hicks contractions intensified. She started bleeding and called Major. We were out and couldn’t get to her immediately. Major called nine-one-one. It appears her water broke and her labor started.”
“It appears her water broke? Isn’t that obvious?” I ask, thinking of all the labor stories Jewls shared from her baby books.
“You’d think, but Jewls…” Talon tapers off, his face going slack.
“She thought she pissed on herself,” Harley gathers, letting out a little giggle.
“That must have been terrifying. Riding in the ambulance all alone and not knowing what was happening.” I tighten my grip on Ford’s waist.
“She wasn’t alone for long. We intercepted the ambulance on I-65 and Major jumped in.”
My heart flips in my chest, picturing the scene.
“What about the parents?”
“The Kellers are on the way, with half the town following behind Justin’s escort.”
Justin is Jewls’ cousin and in local law enforcement in Kentucky.
“Jewls has been on the phone with her mom. They’re less than an hour away.”
“What about the Powers?”
“Chartered a plane and landing soon.”
“Man, these people work fast.”
“We’re here!” Ember waddles out of the elevator, glancing around frantically. “How is she?”
Finn and Presley are with her, Finn toting Jewls’ stuffed duffel bag.
“Can I see her now?” Harley’s patience has worn thin.
Ace holds her hand and takes the bag from Finn, leading her down the hall.
When they return, Harley is a new level of calm. I’m ready for my chance to visit when the elevators open again and Jewls’ family piles out. Gill gives a chin dip, taking Margo directly to her daughter.
Shayla and Collin come out of the second elevator holding hands with Shayla glowing.
“I think Shayla had sex in the parking garage.”
Ford drops his gaze to mine, his lips twitching. Before saying anything, his attention goes over my head and he straightens. Major comes to the middle of the room, appearing resigned.
“Jewls is sticking to her plan to try herself.”
No one speaks, knowing this is a point of contention between Jewls and Major. He is convinced a C-section is the safest and easiest birth plan. She feels completely opposite, arguing that cutting her open is not the best way.
“You don’t let her try, she’ll resent it,” Ford tells him.
Major gives a curt nod. “Her doctor knows where I stand.”
Oh boy, I wouldn’t want to be the doctor going against Major.
“My sister has always been stupid stubborn.” Toby glowers.
“Go tell her that. Maybe she’ll listen, “ Major suggests. “Room 408.”
Jewls’ brothers and cousin take off in that direction.
“We’re in for a long night. No one needs to stay. When Sam and Drake get here, they will keep everyone updated.”
“We’re here.”
I swing my face to Talon, not recognizing the edge in his tone. He’s the first one to crack a joke or lighten the mood. The terse statement is out of character.