That was all it took to snap Evan out of his panic-induced haze. “Holy crap,” he repeated. “We’re going to have some babies!” Turning to CeCe, he kissed her nose and grinned. “I love you.”
CeCe cracked a smile in between contractions, her own eyes brimming with tears. “I love you, too. Can we go now?”
Evan nodded, a loose curl falling on his face. “Yeah, babe. We can go.”
Outside they heard Beckett honk the horn. “That’s our ride,” Mallory announced, taking CeCe’s other arm and ushering the expectant parents toward the exit. Anthony held the door open, and said, “I just got off the phone with Jerry at the highway patrol. They have Beckett’s license plate and won’t pull you guys over. Congratulations.”
“Thanks, man.” Evan clapped his shoulder as they pushed through.
Behind them everyone cheered and offered their well wishes. Evan opened the backseat for CeCe, but was stopped from joining her by Mallory. “Hop up front with Beckett. I want to be here in case there’s any funny business.”
“Like what?”
“In case one of them tries to pop out, I’ll push them back in.” Mallory scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Just get in the front seat, Ev.”
Beckett tapped the horn again, startling Evan into the moment. “Take shotgun, Lawless. I need you to navigate.”
Evan bent down to cup CeCe’s cheek, running his thumb over the soft skin. “Are you okay?” he whispered, his voice brimming with emotions.
“I’m fine. Just do as Mal and Beckett say.” She winked, and he finally got into his seat.
Mallory held CeCe’s hand and coached her through the contractions.
Anthony was true to his word. As soon as Beckett merged onto the highway, a police cruiser turned on his lights and led the way toward the hospital. “It’s good to know people,” Beckett said as he followed the police car. “I’ve never been in a police escort,” he marveled.
Mallory blinked. “Oh my God. Who has Maybelle?”
Evan snorted. “Real nice, Mal. You misplaced your baby and you’re giving me guff.”
Beckett punched Evan in the shoulder, still keeping the car steady in the snow. “She’s with Harold and Mona. They offered, and I was too worked up to argue.”
“Oh, phew,” Mallory said with her hand on her heart. “She couldn’t be in better hands.”
“Agreed, now hold on, because here comes our exit.” Beckett eased the car off the highway and angled it toward the hospital, which was just ahead. “Hang in there, CeCe. You’re killing it.”
“I love you so much, babe,” Evan said, tears falling down his cheeks.
“Love you”—CeCe let out a yelp of pain—“too.”
“Do something, Mal!” Evan shouted, pointing at his wife with a look of terror in his eyes.
“I’m doing everything I can, and so is CeCe. Beckett, pull up to the ER entrance. They’re expecting us.”
Beckett pulled up just as Evan threw his door open and ran into the hospital. “We’re having a baby!” he shouted, frantically looking around for help. The lobby was full of folks who had had their own versions of exciting Christmases. A young man held what looked like a broken arm to his chest, while an older woman coughed into a handkerchief. A tired-looking receptionist didn’t look up from her workstation.
“Hello!? I said we’re having a baby!” Evan linked his hands together and waved them side to side, as if rocking a baby to sleep. “My wife is having twins right now!”
Mallory ran in after him, fortunately able to be calm in high-stress situations. She strode up to the check-in desk and smiled politely at the receptionist. “Hi there, and Merry Christmas.”
The other woman looked up and smiled. “Merry Christmas. What seems to be the problem?”
Evan slammed his hand down on the desk, but Mallory cut him off. “My sister-in-law is in labor, she’s just outside. She’s a month early, carrying twins, BP is slightly elevated, but there was no blood loss and her contractions are less than two minutes apart. Water broke about fifteen minutes ago.”
Evan blinked beside her, shaking in his sneakers. “Thanks, Mal.” He fell against her side, his knees wobbly. Mallory wrapped an arm around his waist, keeping him from collapsing in a heap.
“Deep breaths, Ev. You’re about to meet your children.” She kissed his sweaty forehead and turned him in the direction of the car. “Let’s roll.”
A nurse joined them with a wheelchair and followed them out to the car. The police officer helped get CeCe settled before he went on his way. Beckett parked the car in the lot before running after the group, his shoes slipping on ice patches the entire way inside.
