Chapter 19
Dr. Greene entered the emergency room and smiled at Knight and Gabby.
“It seems your baby has decided to come a little early. It’s not uncommon for second pregnancies.
Since your contractions seem sporadic, we have two options.
We can send you home, and you can return once they become five minutes apart,” she advised.
“I know your last birth has brought up some concern. Doc has generously offered you a room here without charge, where we can keep an eye on you.”
Gabby gazed up at Knight. “I prefer to relax at home.”
“You haven’t relaxed since the first one happened at Ty’s,” Knight reminded her. “Don’t act tough. We’re both thinking of what happened last time. I’ll feel better knowing they’re monitoring you.”
“We’re taking a room away from a patient who might need it,” she argued.
“The maternity ward has rooms to spare,” Dr. Greene volunteered. “I don’t see any reason to feel concerned. It may take a while for the contractions to even out, and then it might progress faster. It’s your decision. I’ll give you a few minutes to discuss it.”
When she left the room, Knight turned to Gabby. “I vote for us to stay.”
“You’re just nervous,” Gabby shook her head. “You heard Dr. Greene. This pregnancy won’t go like the last one.”
Knight pressed his head against the cold, metal rails. “We didn’t think it’d happen last time. Do you really want to return home? Think about it. If they changed at three in the morning, we’ll have to wake up Marcus, find a sitter, and then drive here.”
Gabby made a face, not liking the idea of waking her toddler in the middle of the night. Claire volunteered to watch their son, but Gabby didn’t like the idea of them taking time away from her and Patch. Especially since he only returned the day before.
“Marcus has finally started sleeping all night in his toddler bed. Do you mind asking Edie to stay with him? I don’t want to intrude on Claire and Patch’s time alone,” she explained. “Then we won’t worry about getting him settled somewhere.”
“Will you stay here then?” he asked, surprised she gave in so easily.
“I can’t say I haven’t thought about Marcus’ birth. I’ll feel better if we can stay here. I didn’t expect to go into labor this early. I don’t have my things or the baby’s clothes,” she said wearily as she held her stomach through another contraction.
“I’ll ask Patch to bring it to us,” Knight said, sounding relieved. “Do you need anything else?”
“Bryanna agreed to watch Marcus if I went into labor. Call her and let her know we’re in the early stages. I’m sure she’s cleaning up from the party. Maybe she can take Marcus in the morning. Hopefully, I won’t be in labor long.”
“I’m on it,” Knight said, taking his phone from his holster. “I’ll make the calls outside. Can I get you anything?”
“I’m starved. Do you think they’ll let me have something to eat?” she asked hopefully.
“Dr. Greene wrote ice chips and popsicles on your board. I’m sorry, honey,” he apologized, playing with her fingers.
“Popsicles for the win,” Gabby said. “Can you get me a banana one?”
“Sure. I’ll be right back after I make my calls,” he said before rising and heading outside. Dialing Patch’s number, he waited for his best friend to answer.
“Hey, man. How’s Gabby?” Patch asked.
“Dr. Greene says everything’s good. She’s in labor. The contractions haven’t stabilized, and she offered us a room here to keep an eye on Gabby. I’m scared shitless,” he admitted.
“Brother, you’ve devoured every baby book in history. You’re practically prepared to deliver it yourself. Do you need us to pick up Marcus?”
“We’re asking if Edie can stay with him tonight, and Bryanna agreed to take him while Gabby stayed in the hospital. Enjoy Claire while you can,” Knight said, knowing the first few months felt daunting with a newborn and no experience.
“We’re here if you need us,” Patch assured him.
“Can you swing by the house and get Gabby’s and the baby’s bags?”
“Sure thing,” Patch said. “We’re leaving the party now. I sent Claire home with Samantha. She’s giving her a massage, and a mani and pedi.”
“We’re in the ER for now. I’m sure they’ll move us by the time you get here,” Knight said nervously.
“I’ll be there soon, brother,” Patch said, chuckling.
Knight made the other calls and returned to Gabby.
“They’re moving us to the maternity floor,” Gabby informed him. “Room 404.”
Taking out his phone, he texted Patch.
We’re in room 404.
I’m at the house now. Patch texted.
The aides entered to roll Gabby down the hall. Knight swiped his hand through his hair and followed behind them, holding Gabby’s things. Reminding himself he needed to stay strong for her, his stomach flip-flopped as he recalled the trauma of almost losing her the last time.
Standing in the corner of the room, he watched as Gabby used the restroom and the nurses left to give her privacy to change.
“Knight, can you unzip me?” she asked, turning around and presenting her back.
Dumping everything in the chair, he helped her out of the dress and into the hospital gown.
“I’m sorry, Knight,” Gabby said, turning around and wrapping her arms around his waist. “I fell asleep on you last night, and now we’re having the baby. We’ll have to wait at least six weeks before we can make love.”
Knight wanted to groan, but he held it in. “I care more about you and the baby being safe and healthy. Our intimacy can happen when we both can enjoy it.”
Gabby giggled and hugged him. “You’re being so sweet and supportive.
It feels like a lifetime for me. I know you feel the same.
Kassie said I can use the nursery anytime I want.
Marcus loves playing with his little friends on the days I come to work.
Bryanna agreed to bring him to the daycare when I have the baby.
Then, he’ll be close to meet his new brother or sister. ”
“We haven’t decided on a name,” Knight said, panicking. “Our kid can’t come into this world without one.”
“What do you have in mind if it’s a girl?” Gabby asked.
“What do you think about Leonie, after Leo?” he asked. “After all, we’d be divorced if he didn’t recognize my symptoms.”
“Let’s mull it over. What about a boy? I’m not calling him Leo,” Gabby warned.
“What about Leon?” he asked.
“Meh,” Gabby said. “Why don’t we search names and find one? It can be a middle name.”
“Yeah, right,” Knight said, searching on his phone.
“All right, Gabby. We’re hooking you up to the monitors. We’ll keep an eye on the contractions, and you can relax and watch TV,” Dr. Greene said, entering the room.
“Any chance I can eat something? I’m starved,” Gabby asked.
“I prefer you keep it light. I’m using the side of caution. If we need to do a C-section, I prefer you don’t,” she explained before leaving. “You can have ice chips and popsicles.”
Gabby stuck out her lip, pouting.
“Baby, I promise you. After you deliver this child, I will get you whatever you want,” he vowed.
“I’m holding you to it. I should’ve eaten the chicken salad before we left Ty’s,” Gabby sighed in disappointment.
“Hey, beautiful,” Patch said, kissing Gabby’s cheek and passing the suitcase and diaper bag to Knight. “Rumor has it you’re having this ugly mug’s kid. We’re all hoping it takes after you.”
Gabby giggled, accepting the flowers he handed her.
“When does Dr Greene think you’ll deliver?” he asked.
“She’s watching the contractions. We have no idea,” Gabby said. “Thank you. They’re lovely.”
“Claire sends her love and says to call if you need anything. Samantha’s giving her a mini spa day. We have an appointment in the morning, but we’ll return right afterward,” he assured her.
“Hopefully, he or she will arrive by then, and you’ll be visiting your godchild,” Gabby said warmly. “Knight and I talked about it, and we want you and Claire to act as godparents to this child.”
Patch smiled and hugged her. “We’d be honored. We’ll stop by and check on you tomorrow.”
“You’re the best,” she said, holding her stomach.
“Hang in there, beautiful,” Patch smiled.
“I will, but what about him?” she whispered.
“We can always ask Victoria to drop in with her special coffee,” Patch said, winking at her.
Gabby giggled. “He’s a bit afraid of her at the moment. I don’t know if he’d accept anything from her.”
“Don’t act all coy with me. You Serenity women come up with all different ways to get us to do what you want,” he teased.
“We gotta keep you on your toes,” she said, smiling.
Patch made his goodbyes and walked outside the door with Knight.
“Do you want me to stay with you?” he asked.
“Nah. I gotta take care of Gabby. We came home for this,” he said. “I’m glad we got here when we did.”
“You and me both,” Patch said seriously. “I can be here in ten minutes if you need me. Gabby’s a strong woman. She’ll do great. You got this, buddy.”
Knight nodded nervously. “I do. I can do this.”
Patch slapped him on the back and squeezed his shoulder. “I’m here for you.”
“Thanks,” he said, watching his best friend walk down the hall. He stopped long enough to greet Doc and shake his hand. Doc and Leo were best friends. It must hurt to know he wasn’t coming back.
He returned to Gabby’s room, determined to act strong. Everyone in Serenity hurt over Leo’s death, and it didn’t seem right to feel joyful about the upcoming baby. Except when he locked gazes with Gabby, the thrill of bringing another piece of them into the world seemed right.
* * *
The following morning, Samantha helped Claire into a pair of short, thick heels to support her. Her long, wavy hair lay in perfect curls, and she wore a small pillbox hat with a short veil. The white dress flattered her heavily pregnant frame.
“When did Patch plan all this?” Claire asked as Samantha sprayed down an errant curl.