Chapter 75 Jada
Bryce pulled back, staring at me while the old preacher droned on. He must have been used to brides and grooms being so absorbed in each other on their big day. I wondered if he’d ever experienced this, though.
Leaning back in, he whispered, “Can you go to the car while I distract everyone?”
“With a closeup magic trick?” I snorted.
“You know I have something to occupy that smart mouth of yours.” There was a playful lilt to his words that set me at ease.
I bit back a smile. “Look, I’m not in active labor until my contractions are five minutes apart.”
“I know that, but I—"
The preacher cleared his throat, and we both looked at him sheepishly before looking back at each other.
Bryce arched an eyebrow like just say the word.
But I looked at the old man with a sweet smile.
“I know we practiced last night, but I’m so excited to be his wife.
Can you only do the parts that are absolutely necessary for us to sign the marriage license? ”
His eyes glassed over like he was lost in a memory of his own, and then a smile formed on his lips. “We sure can.”
Bryce looked at me. Are you sure? he mouthed.
His concern for me just reminded me how sure I was. I nodded and resettled myself just before a contraction wracked through my uterus. It was like a strong period cramp. I counted to fifteen in my head before it eased up, but the pain in my lower back remained.
A little slice of fear took hold because this was just the beginning. We better make it to the hospital in time for the epidural.
Bryce met my gaze with a worried look. But I took a deep breath and tried to focus because this was also my wedding day. I gave him a small smile and a nod to reassure him, and myself, that it would be okay.
Under a minute later, a cheer went through the audience as Bryce and I kissed to seal our vows. Rei and Hayes went down the aisle ahead of us, but before we followed them, Bryce took the microphone from the stand and spoke into it.
“I need Fletcher, Gen, Glamma, and Rei to come here, please.”
Everyone seemed to be confused, but the people we needed got up from their seats and made their way to the makeshift stage. Fletcher held Glamma’s hand as she went up the short stairs.
Once we were all gathered, Bryce took the lead, whispering, “Gen, I need you to go get the limo and pull it over here.”
She nodded and turned to leave. Then, he looked at Fletcher, Glamma, and Rei. “Jada’s water broke.”
Glamma’s eyes flew open as she studied me. “Did it get on your dress?”
“Glamma!” I hissed. “I’m going into labor, and you’re worried about my dress?”
“Babies get born every day, Jada,” she reminded me. “This dress is once in a lifetime.”
I shook my head at her, and Bryce promised, “We can get it cleaned.”
Then he spoke to Fletcher. “Will you ride to the hospital with us, in case we need you?”
He nodded. “Let me tell Liv, and I’ll meet you in the car.”
“Thanks,” Bryce said, and I felt relieved I would be with a doctor if I ended up being one of those people having my baby on the side of the road. I guess if it came to that, at least I’d be in a limo.
Then he looked at me. “We didn’t discuss your labor plan, but if you want someone besides me in the room with you, now is the time to say it.”
I widened my eyes at him in shock. This selfless man was offering to take a back seat to my friend and my grandma if that’s what I wanted.
“I want you there,” I whispered. “Rei, can you stay with Glamma in the waiting room?”
“Absolutely,” Rei said. Glamma nodded. “We’ll stop by the house and make up a bag for you.”
“Okay, let’s have this baby,” Bryce said with a smile on his face. He walked between Glamma and me, letting both of us hold his arms on the way down the stairs. Hayes stepped up to the mic, explaining what was going on…with very colorful language.
Together, we walked toward the limo waiting for us on the gravel path between the wedding setup and the tent. I looked at the tent, sad I’d have to miss the party.
But soon, I’d get to meet my baby girl, and that was pretty exciting too.