Chapter 84
Liz, August 17
“Oh my god, why do women do this?” A savage scream tears out of my throat as a new wave of pain rips through me.
Ben calmly rubs my lower back. “You’re doing so good, babe. Okay, deep breath now. You’re at the worst part of this contraction. Coming down now. Breathe.”
The contraction fades and my heart softens a bit. He’s doing the best he can, and I know it. I take a deep breath and try to savor my precious downtime. It feels like the contraction has barely ended when another one builds right behind it.
“I can’t do this,” I state flatly, matter-of-fact, like I’m giving bad news at work.
“You’re already doing it, babe, and you’re almost done.” His voice is steady, soothing. I’m aware he’s probably lying, but I bear down and grit my teeth.
“I can do this,” I grunt, forcing the words out through clenched jaws. The contraction finally eases, leaving me gasping, trembling, but alive.
I glance up and find Ben’s hand still clasped over mine: steady, warm, grounding. For just a moment, I believe what he’s trying to tell me.
Then I notice a nurse smiling at me. When the hell did she come into the room?
“Okay, honey,” she says, bright but firm. “We’re ready for you to push now. Let’s have a baby.”