Chapter 35 – Mackenzie
CHAPTER
THIRTY-FIVE
MACKENZIE
They’re playing in New York City this year, so Jordan and I stayed behind with my parents.
Jordan’s parents, Nora, and Reagan are up there to cheer the guys on.
I feel awful that Jordan didn’t go too, but he wouldn’t leave me this close to having the baby.
Secretly, I was relieved when he said that because I don’t want to do this without him.
We’re watching the game with my mom and dad at their house since it’s the closest to the hospital.
Thankfully, Jordan doesn’t have a game today and he can be here.
My mom has a huge spread prepared for us.
She’s made buffalo chicken dip, sausage balls, ordered pizza, several bags of chips, and homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
We all fill up our plates and sit down in front of the television just in time for tip-off. Williams easily tips it to Zee, the point guard, and he passes it quickly to Carter who nails a three-pointer. We all cheer and I have a feeling the Titans are headed for back-to-back championships.
At halftime, the score is a little closer than we all expected, but CTU is still winning by eight points. I’ve been having some Braxton Hicks contractions the last few days and they’ve started up again. Feeling like I need to stretch and use the bathroom, I stand up and immediately freeze.
“Baby, what’s wrong?” Jordan’s face is filled with worry as he meets my eyes, then starts to evaluate me.
“I think I just peed my pants.” I blush, a little embarrassed, but my mom jumps in immediately.
“Oh, sweetie, that’s not it. Your water just broke!”
“What?” Jordan and I say in unison.
She gives us the sweetest smile before answering. “Honey, you’re in labor. We need to get your bag and head over to the hospital. I’ll call and let them know we’re on the way. Jordan, did you install the extra car seat in your truck?”
He nods and she calmly continues, “Okay. Good man. You take Mackenzie and Conrad and I will follow behind in our car.”
Putting her hand on my cheek, my mom’s eyes water. “You’re going to be a momma today.”
That statement hits me deep and I hug her, realizing I’m a little wet and need to change. Jordan runs upstairs and grabs my packed bag, as well as a new outfit I can put on before we leave.
He and I walk out to the truck a few minutes later, having to stop when a contraction hits. He’s rubbing my back through it and then helps me into the passenger seat before climbing in himself.
Pulling my hand to his mouth, he kisses the inside of my palm in that way that I love. “I can’t wait to meet our baby today.”
Our. He’s been beyond anything I could’ve hoped for.
I worried that a baby, Trey’s baby especially, would be too hard for him to get over.
I shouldn’t have underestimated Jordan. He has stepped up and been my equal partner throughout this process.
I didn’t know I could love someone as much as I love him.
“Thank you, Jordan. You love me so well and I know this little one is going to be the luckiest kid on the planet to have you as their dad.” He gives me a watery smile before starting the truck and speeding the entire way to the hospital.
Four hours and a lot of tears later, the doctor is in the room and we’re starting to push. I’m exhausted, but ready to meet this baby.
“Okay, Mackenzie, you’re almost there. Dad, do you want to cut the umbilical cord?” Dr. Mason looks over at Jordan who is holding my hand and he immediately nods, the biggest grin on his handsome face.
“On the next contraction, push. Okay, ready, push!” I don’t hear the rest of what’s said because I focus on pushing with Jordan holding my hand. I squeeze his hand so hard, I hope I don’t hurt it.
“Good job, Mackenzie. I see the head. One more big push.”
I give all I have into this next push and I feel the strangest sensation before a piercing cry erupts in the room.
“You did so good, baby.” Jordan kisses my forehead and squeezes my hand.
“It’s a girl! Come over here and cut the cord.” Jordan follows directions and then the most beautiful baby is placed on my chest.
She has a head full of light brown hair, chubby little cheeks and all I can do is sob and kiss her tiny head.
“Hi, baby girl. I’m your momma.” The nurses then take her and get her measurements.
“Jordan, go stay with her, okay?” He looks at me and a frown starts on his lips.
“Mack, are you okay?”
“I feel a little dizzy.”
And the world fades to black.