Chapter 40
Chapter Forty
Samantha
School was out for the summer, and I was due in less than a week.
It was crazy how fast this pregnancy flew by.
I was in the nursery, folding onesies, and making sure the changing table was packed with tiny diapers.
The room was made for a princess. Weston made sure of it and spared no expense, even though I thought it was ridiculous.
He was excited, so I let him have his moment.
I picked up a little white sleeper with pink roses. A tear sprang to my eye as I held it up.
“You’re crying over laundry again, aren’t you?” Zoey walked in.
“I’m hormonal. What can I say?” I smiled.
“At this point, that’s your excuse for everything.”
“It’s a reasonable excuse,” I said, folding the sleeper and putting it in the drawer.
“I can’t believe she’ll be here soon. All that crying. Ugh.”
“I have no doubt you’ll sleep right through it,” I smirked.
“You know, that baby is going to have dad wrapped around his finger before she can even walk,” Zoey said.
“Like you have him wrapped around your finger?” I smiled.
“I do not.”
“Really? Then why did he buy you a new MacBook and a new phone when your other ones were practically brand new and fine?”
“Because the new models came out, duh.”
“Exactly. You asked him in your sweet little voice, and he couldn’t resist. So don’t say you don’t have him wrapped around your finger.” I pointed at her.
“Okay. Maybe I do.”
I needed to sit down. I’d had Braxton hicks for days, but today, they were hitting hard.
“What’s wrong?” Zoey asked.
“Just Braxton hicks.” I rubbed my belly.
“Sam? Zoey?” We heard Weston’s voice.
“Up here,” Zoey yelled.
He walked into the nursery with a smile, walked over, and kissed my lips.
“How are my favorite girls today?”
“We’re good,” Zoey said. “Auntie Greta and Finn are coming over for dinner, and Mom said you have to grill.”
“I do, do I?” Wes glanced at me.
“Yes. I bought the best-looking steaks and lobster.”
“Finn didn’t mention he was coming for dinner,” Wes said.
“That’s because Greta hadn’t told him yet,” I said, gripping my belly. “We’d better get cooking.” I went to get up and doubled over.
“Baby, are you okay?” He gripped my arm.
“I think so.”
Suddenly, I felt something warm trickle down my legs.
“Oh, my God, Mom. You’re peeing.” Zoey laughed. “So gross. I’m never having kids.”
I looked down at the puddle on the floor and then looked at Wes, who stood there with his eyes widened.
“That isn’t pee. I think my water just broke.”
“Oh, my God. Dad, do something,” Zoey said as he stood there staring at me with a blank face. “Earth to Dad.” She snapped her fingers in his face. He shook his head.
“Are you sure?” he asked me. “Maybe it is just pee.”
“Have you forgotten that I already birthed a child?” I cocked my head. “She’s standing right there. I know when my water breaks.”
“Right. We should go.”
“I think we should.” I doubled over as another contraction hit. “Ouch!” I belted out a scream.
“Zoey, help your mother downstairs. I’m texting Ben to turn around and come back. I’ll grab the hospital bag, diaper bag, and car seat.”
“Don’t forget a phone charger. I’m going to need it while we’re there.”
“Phone charger. Got it.”
By the time we got downstairs, Ben had already pulled up. Zoey helped me into the backseat and slid in on the other side. Wes came running out with the bags and the car seat.
“Did you get a phone charger?” Zoey asked him.
“Shit. I forgot.” He was completely out of breath.
“Breathe, future father of the year. I’ll go get it.” Zoey ran into the house.
“I hate both of you,” I screamed, gripping the bed rail with both hands.
“Wow. That contraction must’ve been a nine.” She popped a pretzel into her mouth.
“You have no clue what it’s like to expel another human from your body!”
“At this point, I don’t think I ever want to find out.” She popped another pretzel in her mouth.
The nurse walked in and looked at the monitor. “You’re doing great, Samantha.”
“I’ve been doing great for eight hours, and I’ve had enough.”
“Time to get out that PowerPoint presentation on breathing techniques, Dad,” Zoey snickered.
“What?” My head whipped to Wes. “You made a labor slideshow?” My brows furrowed before screaming as another contraction hit.
“Wow,” the nurse said. “I’ve never heard that one before.” She laughed, and Zoey laughed with her.
“Can I legally break up with him while in labor?” I asked the nurse.
“Sorry, honey. That one is way above my pay grade.”
After another grueling contraction hit, and Wes helped me breathe properly, I leaned back against the pillows.
“I take back what I said.” I looked at him.
“You don’t hate me?”
“Oh, no. I still hate you.”
“She’s kidding, Dad,” Zoey said.
“I’m not.” I shot her a dirty look.
The doctor walked in. “How is everyone doing?”
“How do you think?!” I spat.
“Let’s see if things are moving along.” He examined me. “Good news, Sam. It’s time to push.”
I pushed for an hour, with Wes holding my hand on one side and Zoey holding the other.
“I see her head. One last big push, Sam. You can do it.”
I gave it my all, and suddenly, a loud cry filled the room. And just like that, Charlotte Elizabeth Castile was born into the world.