Love you both.
Love you, too.
When he entered the room, Vic was examining Kara as his wife gritted her teeth from the added pressure.
“You’re there,” Vic said. “We’re ready to push.”
“So no epidural?” Dan asked.
“Nope, but don’t worry. She’s got this. I’ll be right back.”
Dan went to Kara’s bedside and took the hand that didn’t have the IV attached, kissing the back of it. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. I already knew you were incredible, but now I know you’re a superhero.”
“I don’t feel like one. I’m scared of this next part.” Her eyes were full of tears. “I should’ve gotten the epidural when I could.”
“I’m sure you’ll rock this the same way you rocked the first part.”
“If you say so.”
“I say so, and you know how I love to hear myself talk.”
She laughed and then gasped at the start of another contraction.
Dan talked her through it while feeling ridiculous because nothing he said would help. “I can’t wait to meet our Dylan.”
“Me, too,” she said, panting through the aftermath of the contraction.
“Last chance to change your bet.”
She’d bet on a girl, while he’d bet on a boy.
“She’s a girl. I’m sure of it.”
He couldn’t wait to be a girl dad—or a boy dad. Either was fine with him, and he was thrilled to be naming the baby after his late brother. “You’re going to be a mommy.”
She turned her head so she could see him. “You’re going to be a daddy.”
“I’m so excited.”
“Me, too.”
“I just wish I had a magic wand to move things along for you.”
“That would be nice to have right now.”
Victoria returned with David and Katie, who were wearing gowns, masks and gloves and moved like a well-oiled pit crew who’d done this very thing many times before. Their obvious competence infused him with confidence that he badly needed as he prepared to support his wife through the birth.
They instructed him to get behind her on the bed while they positioned her legs and took their places, with Victoria leading the charge, Katie standing next to Kara and David waiting to care for the baby after the birth.
“On the next contraction, I want a big push,” Victoria said.
“Are you ready, honey?” Dan asked, surprised to be blinking back tears as the magnitude of the moment took hold.
“I think so.”
“I’ve got you. Lean on me when it becomes too much.”
Her hand gripped his arm as the contraction began and she pushed with all her might.
