Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
RYAN
“I’m just going to run down to the cafeteria, and I promise I’ll be back soon,” I assured Jo, although it was more for me than her.
I didn’t want to leave Jo’s side, but she needed to eat. No one else was with us, and I wasn’t leaving the hospital—just going to the main floor.
The moment I stepped off the elevator for the cafeteria, I called her, pretending to confirm her order but really needing to hear her voice when I couldn’t keep an eye on her.
The nurse cautioned against zoogling with a low amniotic fluid condition, but I’d done it anyway, and the results were frightening. According to the website, issues with the amniotic fluid could cause Jo to go into early labour, putting both her life and the baby in danger.
The thought of losing either of them wasn’t one I thought I could survive. Even I had survived so much, including the challenges of being a Ranger, and the mission that went wrong, had seemed like a walk in the park compared to my family being in danger, a silent enemy I didn’t know how to fight.
While I was gone, not only did I stop by the cafeteria and get her something to eat, I stopped by the gift shop as well.
“Ryan, I’m tired. I’m going to close my eyes.”
“That’s fine, Sunshine, you just stay on with me and close your eyes.”
We weren’t planning on a stay at the hospital, and we weren’t prepared.
The suddenness of it all left me feeling as though I’d failed her, like I’d been caught in a storm without an umbrella.
I vowed to make it up to her. I gathered toiletries, word puzzles (she loved those), a soft gown, cozy slippers, her favourite snacks, and a phone charger.
But the absence of a sleep bonnet—Jo never went to bed without hers—stung like a forgotten promise.
When I got back, she was asleep. I disconnected our call and put her phone on charge.
A nurse stopped at our room to check in on Jo, looking at the items I purchased. “You’ve been busy. Is everything okay? I was checking to see if she needed anything to eat, but I see you have it covered.”
“I wanted her to be comfortable tonight.”
Her expression shifted in a way that made me feel deeply concerned.
“It will just be for the night, won’t it?”
“The doctor will give you an update tomorrow once they have a better picture of what’s going on.”
The nurse went over dietary restrictions and preferences, then placed an order for Jo’s breakfast in the morning.
I knew things were serious, but even with Zoogle’s information, I didn’t consider that our stay would extend beyond the night. It was a cold wake-up call.
While Jo rested, I slipped into the washroom and made a call to Harrison. He and Amara were already planning on heading our way in the morning. I told him what I wanted him to grab from the cottage.
“It sounds like you’re planning an extended stay,” he mused.
“I’m being thorough.”
Jo woke up feeling much better and was eager to eat. I shared the conversation I had with the nurse about her stay possibly being longer than a night. This did not surprise Jo. She looked up at me and sighed. “I figured as much,” she said. “I guess I’ll just have to make the best of it.”
She spoke with unwavering determination, her voice steady and resolute.
“Don’t worry whether I’m here for a night or longer; both the baby and I will be healthy,” she declared, leaving no room for doubt.
God, I admired her. She was strong, not just in her words but in the quiet resolve that seemed to emanate from her very core.
The room was spacious, with a sofa that could be pulled out into a bed.
However, it was positioned too far from Jo for my comfort, so I opted to spend the night in the chair by her side, keeping watch over her.
In the middle of the night, she woke up shivering.
I went in search of the nurse on call. When they checked Jo’s temperature, it was elevated.
“She’s burning up. I’ll give you some extra blankets.”
“Are you going to give her something for the fever?”
“Not until we have results for the blood tests. They should be available in a few hours.”
The nurse returned after half an hour to collect a blood sample for testing.
“Dad, get some sleep. The next couple of days are going to be busy. You’re going to want to be at your best,” she advised.
I tried to follow the nurse's advice, but I was hyperaware of every movement Jo made. By morning, she seemed better again. The doctors determined they needed to continue monitoring the amniotic fluid until the baby was delivered, so Jo would not be released.
When we were alone, her brave face crumbled. “We had this delivery all planned out.”
I felt her frustration, which mirrored mine. The extra equipment set up at the cottage was ready for delivery just in case. Instead, we were at the hospital, far from home.
By noon, we had visitors. First, Nancy stopped by, bringing with her a light mood, cracking jokes and bringing treats.
“I wish I had thought about this before I had the kids. Smart, get yourself checked into the hospital for some bed rest before the baby arrives. It will be the last rest you get for months,” she cackled.
Hurricane Amara arrived next. I was grateful for the home-cooked meals and the baked goods she brought along for Jo.
I tried to remember that Amara was also pregnant, and we were both concerned about the same person.
No matter her condition, she would not relegate me to the background while my woman was in crisis.
Harrison needed to check her before I did.
Harrison was a godsend. He brought everything I requested, and he held up an additional bag. “You mentioned what you needed for Jo and the baby but forgot about things for yourself. So, I threw some of your shit in a bag, including your shaver.”
I nodded. Being unshaven normally reminded me of a dark time in my life. I ran my hand along my jawline. I hadn’t given the hair a second thought. My sole focus had been Jo and our little one.
“Ryan, my aunt and uncle’s flight is arriving soon. You should go pick them up,” Amara instructed.
My jaw ticked. Folks don’t give me orders, and her tone left a lot to be desired.
“Amara,” I worked to keep my tone respectful, “I’m not leaving Jo’s side to go to the airport. You can always ask Chase.”
She wasn’t happy with my response, but I really didn’t care. Leaving my family in the hospital to run an errand wasn’t an option.
The days stretched on. Before we knew it, ten days had passed.
Jo was feeling better. The amniotic fluid level had improved.
It wasn’t where they wanted it, but it was higher and hadn’t gotten worse.
They’d given her some Tylenol, and the fever had receded.
However, they kept monitoring her temperature, as it would spike from time to time.
The biggest issue was her boredom. She hated being confined to the bed. Bedrest felt like a punishment for her.
At least our family and friends were around. My parents also flew in. I made sure both of our parents were checked into a hotel nearby. Harrison and Amara got themselves a room too. Although Amara and Jo were cousins, their bond was strong, and Amara was very protective of Jo.
Jo was only allowed three visitors in her room at a time. I couldn’t bear to have her out of my sight for too long. I knew where my place was which left room for two more people.
It meant a lot of juggling. We had many visitors at the hospital, and they were genuinely concerned for her.
I understood that. However, watching the screens of the machines monitoring her and the baby brought a sense of reassurance, a quiet comfort amidst the chaos of the hospital.
It was a small but significant solace, knowing that every heartbeat and breath was being carefully tracked.
Amara pulled me aside out of the room. The conversation didn’t start off on the right foot.
“Ryan, I think it’s admirable that you want to be at Jo’s side and all, but I think you’re overstepping. Other members of the family want to spend time with her as well.”
I had never cussed out a woman before and didn’t want to with a friend’s wife, but Amara had me tempted. My eyes scanned the hallway, and they landed on Harrison speaking with his in-laws.
“Harrison,” I barked.
His head snapped up; this wasn’t the summons of a friend but of a commanding officer. Amara stood with her mouth open. I hadn’t bothered to respond to her, just walked in Harrison’s direction. We met each other halfway.
“What’s going on, Kay?”
“I need you to get ahold of your wife. My focus is on Jo and making sure she and our baby are safe. Understand I’m going to take issue with anyone who tries to get between me and her. I need to be there to make sure my wife is good.”
His eyes widened when I said “wife,” and I knew he understood my words carried weight and meaning. I wouldn’t have said it if it weren’t true.
“Wife?” Amara questioned.
She had walked up behind me. Well, fuck, I let the news slip. Jo would kill me, but I didn’t care.
“Yes, my wife,” I confirmed as I headed straight back to the room.
Her parents headed out when I returned. “We decided we would do an early lunch today. We will bring you both back something.” Her mother patted my cheek.
I thanked them, and Jo’s dad patted my shoulder on his way out. We had an understanding. As long as I kept taking care of his little girl the way I had been, we were good.
We would see how he felt about me when he returned from lunch. I was sure there would be lots to discuss.
I certainly had to give Jo the heads up.
“I let the cat outta the bag,” I informed her the moment we were alone, and I took a seat.
“Which cat and what bag?” Jo asked.
“Amara was being…” I searched for a word.
“A lot,” Sunshine offered.
“I wanted Harrison to get her to back off, and I let it slip that we were married.”
She shrugged. “Oh well. It was one of the best-kept secrets in our family. I’m surprised we got away with it for so long.”
Her response surprised me. I thought she’d be pissed, but I guess when looking at the bigger picture, everyone knowing we were married wasn’t a big deal.
“Ryan.” The hitch in her voice alerted me that something was wrong. “Can you get a nurse?”
“Why, what’s wrong?”
“I think my water just broke.” She touched the bed and held up her damp fingers.
Sixteen hours later, Jo held our perfect little girl to her chest. I had never seen anything more beautiful in my life.
Jo was exhausted but radiant, her joy lighting up the room.
She had never looked more stunning. Despite all the worry, the baby was healthy, with the cutest little head and dimples.
I pressed a kiss to Jo’s temple. Then I ran my finger over her little balled-up fist.
“She is perfect,” I whispered.
“I know, right?”
She looked up at me, and I couldn’t resist kissing her. This was family — my wife and daughter. They were my everything. I felt humbled to be blessed with such happiness.
I didn’t want to leave their side, but Jo insisted I let everyone know the latest: Kay had arrived.
“Our daughter is here, and both she and Jo are healthy and doing so well,” I announced to our waiting family. My heart burst with pride. I received hugs from our parents, with promises they would see them soon. Then I rushed back to my ladies.
Later, when it was just the three of us, Jo said, “It’s time to pick a name for her. We said we'd decide once we saw her.”
I thought it would be a hard decision, but we soon found ourselves on the same page. For her first name, we went with my suggestion, and for her middle name, her mother’s.
Although she was just hours old, the name Regina Justine Kay suited her perfectly.