Chapter 36
MADDOX
“Ithink that name is fucking perfect!” Simon says, slapping his steering wheel.
“Thanks,” I say as we pass a sign that says we’re thirty miles away from Nashville. And one that says the speed limit is sixty-five miles per hour. A sign Simon is clearly ignoring. Though he’s at least not going ninety anymore. “You said you have a daughter?”
“Yup. My Lainey. She’s two and a half. My pride and joy and the reason why I’ve embraced the salt and pepper hair.”
“That’s amazing,” I say as I look out the window. Simon has tried to keep my mind off things, but I can’t help but worry every time the conversation stops.
Am I missing it? I haven’t heard from her or Shelby in nearly an hour.
What’s happening? Is she okay? Why haven’t I heard?
Should I call? Am I a bother to call? Are they not calling because it’s happening and they don’t want me to feel bad?
Are they not calling because nothing significant is happening?
The not knowing is killing me. I feel like I’m failing her already and Tiny Tot isn’t even here yet.
“Let me guess. You feel like shit because you aren’t there and you’re worrying yourself to death that you’re a horrible father already and the kid isn’t even born yet?”
I look over to Simon in awe. Is he also a mind reader?
“How did you know?”
“I had that look approximately two and a half years ago,” he says as he weaves past a car. “Charlie, my wife, wasn’t due for a few weeks and my friends took me out for a stag party, but for babies. Golf, beer, a diaper haul, the whole nine.”
“That’s amazing.”
“It was until one of my best friend’s teenage sons, who was our designated driver, had to pull my ass out of the bar because she was in labor.”
“You’re kidding me,” I say with a laugh. “Your kid was born and you were drunk?”
“Hungover,” he corrects me. “Nothing sobers you up quite like your person screaming at you and squeezing off your hand.”
“I can only imagine,” I say as my hand inadvertently starts opening and closing in a fist. I wonder if someone can get put on the injured reserve because they’re laboring wife broke it?
“I’m telling you this because I remember feeling like dog shit for being away from her. But life happens. Nothing goes to plan. And it’s not going to go to plan once your son gets here. In Lainey’s entire life, there has not been a day that hasn’t gone to shit somehow.”
“That makes me feel better.”
“Listen, being a parent is fucking hard,” he says. “But just be there for your kid. Be there for your woman. Just be there and everything is going to work out.”
Be there.
Two words. Short, simple, and to the point. Asher told me the same thing. Maybe it is that simple? And exactly the reminder I need every day to make sure my worst fears don’t come true.
“Wise words from a wise man.”
“Why thank you.” He doesn’t take his eyes off the road as he grabs his cell phone. “Actually, can I record you saying that? I have a few people I’d like to play it for.”
“That’s the least I can do.”
I hear my text notification, and my heart drops when I see that it’s Shelby.
Shelby
She’s at nine and the doctor says ten is around the corner. Hurry the fuck up Gallagher.
“Fuck!” I yell. “She’s almost at ten centimeters.”
I don’t know if he has a turbo charge, but somehow, he hits a button and we’re going faster than should be legal. “Screw the speed limits. It’s fucking baby time!”
5:02 a.m. CT
“I’m here! I’m here!” I yell, holding onto the door frame as I swing myself into Gabi’s room.
Gabi looks up to me with relieved, yet scared eyes as she grips Shelby’s hand. “You made it.”
I step on the other side of her, taking her free hand as I bend down, needing to kiss her more than anything in the world right now. “I made it.”
For a moment—a few seconds in time—the world stops.
It’s just me and Gabi. After the crazy last however many hours.
After a half of a football game. After three planes and a thrilling car ride.
After meeting strangers on a plane. After Gabi having to navigate the last day of pain. We’re here. Together.
Be there…
And I will. Always.
“I think my work here is done,” Shelby announces, breaking us of this moment.
“If you want to stay, and if Gabi wants you to, you don’t have to leave,” I insist. “I don’t know how I can thank you for everything you’ve done.”
“I love you both, but no one is happier you’re here than I am.
” She kisses Gabi’s forehead before walking around to me.
“I’m going to be the best Aunt Bee I can.
I’ll buy him booze when he’s eighteen and I’ll sign tests when he fails them.
But I do not, and I repeat, do not, need to see him being born. ”
We all laugh as she gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Take care of my girl, okay?”
I pull her in for a hug, maybe the tightest one I’ve ever given someone. “Forever.”
We let go and Shelby steps out of the room as Ainsley pulls me aside to get me gowned up.
“You ready, Daddy?”
I nod and give her a hug because I’m so grateful for the women in our lives that were here for Gabi when I couldn’t be.
“I am,” I say as I walk back to Gabi. “Let’s have a baby.”