“It’s okay, babe. I’ll let it slide because you’re pregnant, but if you’re still acting this way after the baby is born, I’m having your head examined.”
“Bitch,” I mumble as she leaves the room chuckling.
Evan has insisted that I’m not left at home by myself, so Claire has been coming to hang out when she can.
Realizing I suddenly have to pee, I carefully lift myself off the couch. Thank God it’s not super low to the ground or there’d be no way in hell I’d be able to get up on my own. Once I’m standing, an intense pain shoots through me like a lightning bolt, and I fold myself in half, hardly able to breathe.
“Holy shit.” I’m trying to catch my breath when Claire walks in with Aria.
“Av, what’s wrong?”
I’m unable to answer her when I notice something trailing down my leg, getting onto our new rug. Fuck.
“I- I think my water just broke.” I notice that I’m shaking, obviously in shock from the pain. But is it just the pain? Am I ready to be a mother? What if I’m bad at it? I don’t have time to doubt myself anymore because once again I feel like someone is stabbing me. Holy shit. If this is how my delivery is going to be, I can’t do this.
Claire walks over and guides me back to the couch.
“I’m calling Evan. You need to get to the hospital.”
She goes in search of her phone, but I’m unable to listen to their conversation, as the pain is overtaking my entire body.
“Okay, babe. He’s going to meet us at Trinity.” She starts gathering her things and Aria, acting as if my world isn’t about to completely flip upside down.
“Claire, why don’t you just have him come get me here. You can’t deal with me and your own child.” Evan is working in town today, so it would take him no time at all to get here.
“Don’t be silly.” She gives Aria her sippy cup and then holds her hand out to me. “Come on. I’ll help you to the car and then come back in for her.”
I sigh and then take her offered hand. Terrified yet ready to get this over with and have my precious girl in my arms.
* * *
Twenty minutes later, I’m in a room, and Evan comes sprinting in.
“Av,” he pants, obviously out of breath from rushing to get here.
“I’m fine and so is the baby.” I rub at my belly and then pat the spot next to me on the terribly uncomfortable bed.
“I knew I shouldn’t have left you.” He kisses me. “I’m so sorry.”
“Stop. I’m fine. She wasn’t coming until her daddy got here anyway.” I wink at him, trying to lighten the mood, and it seems to be working.
“Good. I’m glad to know she’s not stubborn like her mother.”
I throw my head back in a laugh but then grab my stomach, the discomfort becoming too much.
“You okay?” I look up at my husband’s handsome face. “Should I call for a nurse?”
I shake my head, and I’m finally able to talk. “No, it’s normal. They’ll be in soon to see how far dilated I am.”
He nods, noticeably hating the fact that there’s nothing he can do to help me right now. Having him here has made me feel better though. I just hope he doesn’t divorce me after seeing how I am during labor.
* * *
“Ahh,” I sigh as I close my eyes, finally able to relax. We’ve now been at the hospital for two hours, and the anesthesiologist just gave me my epidural. I have to admit the huge ass needle terrified me, but the thought of feeling some relief, set my mind at ease.
Evan chuckles from the chair beside my bed. “I’m glad that helped you, but I hated the idea of them sticking that fucking thing in your spine.” My eyes are still closed, but I’m sure he’s got his arms crossed with a pissed-off look on his face.
I open one eye to look at him, apparently too exhausted to open both.
“Ev, I’m fine. Promise.” I give him a sleepy smile after seeing that I was, in fact, correct. He’s definitely pissed. I won’t mention to him that the fun hasn’t even begun yet. Although, he should have somewhat of an idea after I dragged him to Lamaze classes.
He scoots his chair closer to me. “I’m sorry for acting like an ass, I just worry about you, gorgeous.” I wish so bad that I wasn’t hooked up to all these machines right now so he could join me on the bed. I’m starting to really freak out about what’s to come, but having him near me, puts my mind at ease a bit.
“I love you, Evan Porter,” I say as my eyes start to close again.
“I love you, too.” I hear the emotion in his voice, and it breaks my heart a bit. I know he’s worried about me and the baby. Maybe I should send him to get a coffee or something so he has something to do to get his mind off of it for a while. I imagine I’ll be here for hours before the baby decides she wants to come. Evan said she’s not stubborn like me, but I beg to differ.
Just as I’m about to drift off, the door opens and my nurse, Claudia, comes in. She’s too damn chipper, and I just want to sleep.
“Hi, Avery!” Just put me out of my misery now. Is this woman going to be in here during my delivery? Because I really can’t handle much more of her.
“Hi.” I fake a smile.
“I’m just going to see how far dilated you are. See if little miss is getting any closer to making her grand debut.”
I hear Evan shift in his seat. I know he’s anxious to find out about my progress. I have a feeling I’ll still be sitting at three centimeters, but I don’t voice that to them. I have no freaking clue how I’m going to get my feet up in the stirrups because I can’t feel the entire lower half of my body.
Nurse Claudia acts like she’s new at this and just sits at my feet, waiting for me to take it upon myself. Thankfully, my amazing husband knows I can’t take care of myself right now, and he helps my feet into both straps. I can feel his hands on me, but I’m pretty sure he could tickle the bottoms of my feet and I wouldn’t notice. I’m half tempted to tell him to do it, because this is the one time I wouldn’t deck him for tickling me.
Now that I’m spread for the world to see me, Claudia checks me out to see how far along I am. Evan squeezes my hand, and I roll my head to the side to smile at him. He leans down and kisses the corner of my mouth. I can’t believe we’re about to be parents in a short time. For so long, it’s just been us. A part of me is sad that it won’t still be like that, but the other part of me is ecstatic to start this journey with him.
I’ve obviously been wearing my emotions on my face. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” he whispers into my ear and then taps my forehead.
“Just thinking about how crazy it is that we’re going to be parents soon.” I give him a sleepy smile.
I can see the moisture in his eyes, and I have a feeling that today I’m going to see a side of Evan Porter that I’ve never gotten to see before.
“We’re going to be the best fucking parents around.” We’re having an intimate conversation until Claudia clears her throat. I don’t care if she heard us. This is our special day, so we’re allowed to say whatever the hell we want to each other.
“Alright, Avery, it looks like you’re at an eight now, so it shouldn’t be much longer.”
There’s no way I heard her right. Surely, I didn’t progress that quickly. Isn’t this supposed to take all day?
“Are you sure? I’ve only been here a couple hours.” I know I sound ridiculous for asking, and when I chance a look at Evan, I can tell that he thinks I’m insane for questioning her.
Claudia laughs. “Yes, I’m sure. You have been very fortunate with how quickly you have progressed. Usually a woman is in labor much longer than you have been, especially with her first child. But occasionally, the baby is just anxious to come.” She takes off her rubber gloves and washes her hands. Before heading toward the door, she says, “I’m going to call Dr. Cooper to let him know that it’s almost time. You relax for a bit because you’re going to need all the energy you can muster.”
* * *
Finally, after four long hours of pushing, we hear precious little wails fill the air. She’s here. I throw my head back on my pillow, and that’s when my own tears start to fall. After so much heartbreak from not being able to conceive for the last several years, our baby girl is finally here.
“It’s a girl!” Dr. Cooper exclaims, even though we already knew.
“She’s here, Av.” I look up at my husband who is staring over at our daughter; a single tear slides down his cheek. My sobs come out louder now. I know I’m probably just overly hormonal right now, but this is one of the best moments of my life. I’m a mom.
“What does she look like?”
“Like her beautiful mother,” he says as he leans down and gives me a sweet kiss. “I’m so proud of you.” I reach up to his face and run my thumb along his cheek, drying his tears.
“Dad, do you want to come cut the umbilical cord?” He looks at me in question.
“Go,” I smile, “then I want to hold her.”
He hands his phone over to one of the nurses so he can get pictures of the first moment he shares with our daughter. She’s still crying, but I’ve been told that it’s a sign of a healthy baby, so she can cry all she wants.
After a moment, my handsome guy brings her over to me, bundled in a pink blanket.
“Here’s your momma,” Evan whispers as he leans her down so I can see her better. She is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life, and I can’t believe she’s ours.
He kisses her little head and then hands her to me. I nervously take her, and I think Evan can sense my worry so he stays right next to me. I’m a bit out of it after the workout I just had.
“Hi, baby girl,” I whisper into her hair, “I’m so glad you’re here.”
The doctor and nurses all leave, and we are able to spend our first moment together as a family of three.
10
Avery
“Av, she’s absolutely beautiful,” Sierra says over the phone, and the sadness in her voice breaks my heart. Claire called her as soon as the baby was born, and it didn’t take anytime for her to blow up my phone, demanding pictures.
“Thanks, Sier.” There’s silence on the line for a moment. “You doing okay?”
She sighs. “I’m fine, really. But this is your day, don’t let me ruin it.”
I throw my head back on my pillow. As excited as I am about our brand-new baby, I still worry about her. I’m closer to her and Claire than I’ve ever been to my own sister. I hope my daughter finds friends like them one day.
“You’re not ruining my day.” I decide to change the topic. “How’re the boys?”
As soon as I ask, I hear a howling baby in the background and giggle.
She huffs. “Good lord, I just want to talk for five minutes.”
I laugh. “Go get your baby, and I’ll FaceTime you tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. Love you.”
I smile, even though she can’t see me. “Love you, too.”
As soon as I hang up, I hear footsteps clomping down the hallway, and I’m not surprised when they continue into my room.
“Let me see my niece!” Claire hollers as soon as she comes in.
“Claire, the baby is sleeping.” Evan reprimands, and it has me laughing. He’s already in overprotective daddy mode, and I love it.
She rolls her eyes at him. “Good luck with this one,” Claire says to me as she points to her brother with her thumb.
Ryke ignores their bickering, both of us used to their arguing.
“While you two are fighting, I’m going to see how the new mom is,” he says as he makes his way toward me. We all laugh. “How you feeling?” He leans down to kiss me on the cheek.
“Really good, actually. Just super tired.” I could fall asleep right now, and I’m honestly exhausted from all the visitors, but I know everyone wants to see us.
He pats me on the arm and then turns toward Evan, “So, she wasn’t momzilla like Claire was?” Oh shit. He’s definitely sleeping on the couch tonight.
“Ryker Allen!” Claire scolds, which has us all in hysterics.
“No, she was a fucking rock star.” Evan walks over to me and kisses me on the lips and then walks over and lifts the baby out of her bed.
“I forgot to even ask. What’s her name?” Claire asks as she looks down at the sweet bundle in my husband’s arms. We wanted her to be surprised.
Evan looks up at her so he can see her reaction. “Zoey Elizabeth.”
“Really?” She gasps, and then she starts crying. Damn, we’re both hormonal. “Mom would have felt so honored, and I love the name Zoey.”
We finally found a name that we both loved, but then we wanted to have a part of his mom in her name so we chose Elizabeth. I can just imagine Liz looking down on her granddaughter with a huge, proud smile on her face. Her and Jack would both adore her.
After Claire and Ryke left, Evan told me about the firm closing this summer. I could tell he was hesitant about telling me, but I know he’ll have no problem getting another job. He’s amazing at what he does, and anyone would be lucky to have him in their practice.
* * *
“Welcome home, Zo,” I whisper to my sweet baby girl as we step into her nursery.
After only three days, we got the okay to go home today. She’s as healthy as can be, and the doctor was happy with my recovery and didn’t feel it was necessary for us to stay any longer, even with her being a few weeks early. Not all premature babies get that lucky. I’m looking forward to my own bed tonight, although, I’m not sure how much of it I’ll actually be seeing anytime soon.
I carefully lower her into her crib, laying her on top of her zebra print bedding. She’s been snoozing away all morning, not having a care in the world. I’m hoping this is a good sign and that she’ll be easy on us.
“Why don’t you let her lay in her bed and go relax on the couch while I fix you some lunch?” I look at him like he’s crazy. “She’ll be fine.” He walks over to the dresser and grabs the baby monitor and then switches it on. “Promise. I can even watch her while I’m in the kitchen.”
When we received the thing at my baby shower, I thought it was the most ridiculous invention ever, but now that she’s here and I’m worried to leave her unattended, I am glad we have it.
“Okay,” I sigh and follow him out of the room. Only looking back at my daughter once before exiting. I have to say I’m damn proud of myself.
Deciding that I desperately want Chinese after suffering through the tasteless hospital food the last few days, Evan orders for us.
“They’ll be here in about a half hour. Want to watch a movie?”
“Sure.” I nod as I yawn into my hand. I’m guessing I’ll fall asleep before my beef and broccoli makes it here.
He finds an old Will Smith movie on Netflix, but before the beginning credits are over, I’m passed out.
* * *
Midnight. The sounds of little cries have me flying out of bed. I have to admit, I’m shocked that Zoey let me sleep this long. She last ate three and a half hours ago. I was told that since she’s nursing, she’ll eat more often than a baby who is bottle-fed.
“You got her?” Evan mumbles, clearly still half asleep.
“Yeah, babe. Go back to sleep.” He’ll be home from work with me for the next two weeks so I can sleep when she doesn’t need to be fed. The hospital recommended that I don’t start pumping until closer to time when I go back to work. That way she gets used to being on my breasts. They said that once she’s tried a bottle, she most likely won’t want to go back to nursing. Even as stressful as it was the first day after she was born, I’d be devastated if I couldn’t do it. She’s a little barracuda, and it’s obvious that she’s not starving.
I make my way to the nursery. At first, I was a bit hesitant to have her sleep in her crib right away, but after much reading, I learned that it could be a very difficult transition if she started out in our room. Plus, I know this sounds selfish, but we both wanted our room
to remain ours.
“Hi, baby girl.” I coo as I lift her from her bed. I switch on the lamp that matches her bedding before I settle us into the rocking chair in the corner of the room. “Are you hungry?”
She immediately latches on like she’s starving to death, and I lean my head back, savoring this moment.
11
Evan
“Evan, it was nice meeting you. I’ll be in touch soon.” Fred Reynolds shakes my hand and then escorts me out of his fancy ass office. I have to say the building is very upscale, but I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be working here. I like high-end, but this may be a little too much.
“Thank you, sir. I look forward to hearing from you.”
I walk out into the cool December air. After spending most of my life in Chicago, it’s still weird to me that it doesn’t get below fifty degrees at Christmas here.
We’ve had Zoey home for a week now, and I have to say, it’s been one of the best damn weeks of my life. Don’t get me wrong. It has definitely not been easy, but Avery has been incredible. I could tell at first that she was worried that she would do something wrong as a first-time mother, but she’s been nothing short of amazing.
I took two weeks off from work, and the only time I plan to leave my girls is to interview for a few jobs. The day after we got home, Fred Reynolds from Reynolds & Sons called me after looking at my resume, and I was told he had also spoken to Flynn. I know that he feels bad about closing us down, but thankfully, he’s giving us all time to find something new. Malcom and Mallory were both offered jobs in Dallas as well. I’m pretty sure Flynn felt guilty leaving his niece without a job. Although, I don’t know why she would move across the country to be someone’s assistant. Avery still doesn’t know that I was offered a position there, but I wasn’t even going to entertain the idea. I wish that she’d decide to stay home with Zoey, but she loves her job, so I know that’s another thing that’s tying her to Phoenix.
Renewed: The Unexpected Series Page 5