Chapter 20
TWENTY
Keely
“What a day,” Hugh said as we settled into bed.
“To be married on Christmas Eve,” I said. “I wonder if they thought it through. You know, they’ll forever be celebrating their wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve.”
Hugh shrugged and pulled me into his arms. “I think that’s perfect. Two birds with one stone.”
I laughed as I snuggled up to kiss him. “Your mind works in mysterious ways, Mr. Pembroke.”
I shifted onto my side, my swollen belly making comfort difficult to find.
“That’s why you love me,” he said as he turned out the light then turned to spoon me.
Curled up in his arms, I closed my eyes.
“Hmm,” Hugh let out after a brief moment. “Do you feel that?”
“What?”
“Did you just... you know, pee in the bed?”
“No!” I said, instantly offended. But then a sense of unexpected warmth flowed around me. “Oh, my God!”
I shot out of bed, my nightdress soaked.
“What’s going on?”
“The baby!”
“Huh?”
“The baby! The baby is coming!”
“Are you guys okay in there?” Abbie called through the door.
“The baby is coming.”
She opened the door. “What do you mean, the baby is coming?”
“I mean right now. This minute. My water just broke.”
“Calm down,” Ayra said as she, too, came to the door. “Just because your water broke doesn’t mean you're going to have the baby right here and now.”
Hugh sat up and looked at me with complete and utter confusion. “But... it’s not supposed to come for another week yet.”
“Yeah,” Abbie said, eyeing him with amusement. “Babies aren’t always good at reading calendars.”
“But, it’s Christmas Eve.”
Ayra glanced at her watch. “If you can hold it in for another hour, your baby will be born Christmas day.”
I glared up at her.
“Sorry,” she muttered.
“Hugh,” I shouted. “Get up. Do something.”
“What?” he stood and ran around the room. “Should I pack an overnight bag?”
“It’s already packed and in the closet.”
“Should I boil some water or what?”
“Don’t be silly.”
In his panic, he kicked the foot of the bed and howled with pain at his busted toe.
Jai came in and put his hand on Hugh’s shoulder. “Come on, man. I think you need to calm down. You’re not doing her any good like this.”
As he guided Hugh out of the room, I screeched with unbearable pain.
“No! Don’t go. Hugh! I need you.”
“What’s all the commotion?” Darling said as she poked her head in the door.
“Yeah,” Susie said. “I thought the party was over and...” She caught sight of me. “Oh. Oh, my.”
“Oh!” I let out, holding my belly as I felt it fall. “I think it’s coming.”
“Now?” Ayra said. “That can’t be.”
“It be!” I screamed as I steadied myself against the dresser. “It be!”
“I’m here,” Abbie said, instantly at my side and holding my hand.
“I’m here, too,” Ayra said, grabbing my other hand.
“Is there anything we can do?” Darling said.
“Oh, my! Oh, my!” was all I could say as I began to breathe in short puffs.
“Okay!” Hugh said, finally finding his wits. “We appreciate you all, but anyone who is not to be involved in this birth, please leave.”
He ushered Jai, Gabriel and Matthew out as well as Darling and Susie.
“It’s coming!”
*****
TWENTY MINUTES LATER, I lay on my back holding the purest bundle of joy I could have ever imagined.
“The doctor is on the way to make sure everything is all right,” Abbie said.
“Thank you,” I said. “Thank you both.”
Hugh nodded his agreement as he brushed a tender finger on our baby’s forehead.
“She’s beautiful,” Abbie said.
“Shall we tell the others?” Ayra said. “I think the entire cast and crew are out in the hall waiting for news.”
I nodded as sweat poured down my forehead and mingled with my tears of joy.
She opened the door and dramatically called out, “Hear ye! Hear ye! Let it be known that Keely Lee has given birth to a beautiful and healthy little girl just minutes before the strike of midnight.”
Muffled cheers blended with tired congratulations as the crowd breathed a communal sigh of relief.
Darling and Susie poked their heads in.
“Does that mean that we’ll be celebrating Christmas, our wedding anniversary and your first child’s birthday all at the same time.”
“Looks that way.” I waved them in
“What are you going to name her?” Susie said.
I looked at Hugh. With everything going on we haven’t even discussed any possible names.
“What do you think?” I said.
“There’s only one name that comes to my mind.”
“Mine, too.”
“Jane,” we both said.
Ayra once again leaned out the door to address the remaining crowd. “Let it be known, I am sure to no one’s surprise, this little girl shall carry the name Jane.”