He tells Kat he needs to pick up his check at the tattoo parlor in Austin, and then he’ll get Izzy from his parents’ house. “It shouldn’t take longer than two hours.” Worry knits his brows. “But maybe I should ask one of the guys to drop off the check.”
I squeeze my sister’s hand. “I’ve got Kat. If anything happens, I’m right here.” He frowns, and I mock being offended. “What? I watch all those medical shows.Grey’s Anatomy, reruns ofER,House. I got you, bro.” Plus, my parents are driving up later today. They want to be here the moment this baby arrives.
Still frowning, he kisses his wife’s forehead. “You’re sure you’re okay? You moaned all night.”
“Oh my God, you guys.” I cover my ears. “Too much information!”
Brady snickers and shakes his head. “She was moaning because she’s so pregnant, doofus. Not because I was giving her the midnight express.”
“LOL.” Thank God.
My sister laughs. “I don’t think you’re supposed to say LOL in person.”
“Says who? I do things my way. You do it yours.” I’m difficult, but she knows this.
Brady eventually leaves after we assure him—again—that Kat’s fine.
The first half hour alone goes well. We drink this weird ginger pregnancy tea, and I make my sister some scrambled eggs.
But then my luck goes south.
Really south.
Because her water breaks.
* * *
Kat looksat me like I’m crazy. “Let’s just wait for Brady.”
“He’s probably in Austin right now, and your contractions are five minutes apart.Five. Why didn’t you tell me your back hurtall night?”
“I didn’t think they were contractions!” Her voice is wheezy since she’s trying to breathe through the pain.
“Look, I’m driving you to the hospital. It’ll be fine. If we hurry, we’ll beat the noon rush. Bet you can pop out this baby before dinner. I’m a speed demon when I want to be, remember? We can drag-race on the way there.”
Her death grip on my hand makes me pause. “Stop trying to be funny.”
“I’m nottrying. I’m naturally funny. Now get your ass in the truck. Come on, I’ll help you waddle.” In the meanwhile, hopefully Brady will get my messages and haul himself back here.
Except, shit. Now we’re headed to the hospital. Whatever. One crisis at a time.
We only make it to the Lone Star diner when I have to pull over because Kat says she has to push.
All I know is that’s bad.
I run into the packed restaurant screaming like a crazy person. “I need a doctor! A nurse! A paramedic! Someone who knows more than McDreamy references.” Everyone stares at me.
Fuck my life, nothing ever works like it does in the movies.
Rounding the truck, I open the passenger door. “How you doing?”
Sweat beads her forehead, and she reaches for me with a clammy hand. “Baby’s coming. Like, now.”
Can’t freak out.
Can’t.
Cannot.
