Page 24 of A Trident Christmas Baby

Alex’s heart sank, a wave of emotion washing over her. This couldn’t be happening now—not without Ace. She forced a smile, but her hands twisted in the blanket covering her lap.

“Are you sure?” she asked, her voice quieter now, almost pleading.

“Positive,” Dr. Patel said gently. “But it could be hours or even days before active labor begins. Every pregnancy is different. However, with the pains you described, I would like to keep you overnight for observation. As soon as they have a room ready on the labor and delivery floor, they’ll move you there.”

Alex nodded mutely, her mind spinning.

As the doctor exited the room, Alex spotted Derek standing awkwardly in the doorway, though she didn’t miss the concern that showed in his eyes.

“What did the doctor say?”

“Well, it seems my bestie was right. Dr. Patel confirmed that I’m in labor, though she said I still have a while to go. But because of the pains that I described, she wants to admit me.”

“Shit,” Derek blurted out, making Alex giggle.

“Shit is right,” she said, as her eyes filled with tears. “D, I’m afraid Ace won’t make it back in time.”

Derek’s expression softened as he stepped near the bed. “I’m confident that he’ll make it back, Alex. I’ll do whatever I can to get him back here.”

Alex closed her eyes, a mix of relief and frustration swirling inside her. She trusted Derek to do everything in his power, but she hated feeling so powerless, so out of control.

Derek took a seat in the chair beside the bed. He reached out and squeezed her. “He’ll make it, Alex. You know, Ace. He’d fight through a snowstorm, an army, and probably a bear to get to you.”

That drew a soft laugh from Alex, though her throat felt tight. She looked down at her rounded belly, resting her hand over the baby’s small, solid movements beneath her palm.

“Listen here, little one,” she murmured, her voice soft and full of emotion. “You’ve got to stay put just a little longer, okay? Daddy’s coming home, and I want him to be the first one to hold you.”

Her fingers traced gentle circles over her belly as she felt a flutter in response, a tiny reminder of the life she and Ace had created together. Tears pricked her eyes, but she blinked them away, smiling faintly.

“You’re strong, just like your daddy,” she whispered. “But let’s be patient, yeah? Just a little longer.”

She glanced at Derek. “Where is the team now?” She asked, hoping he could give her something.

“They are in the air right now.” He glanced at his watch. “They should be landing in Kodiak soon. As soon as I know they’re on the ground, I’ll get word to him.”

Alex smiled. “Thank you.”

He gave her hand another gentle squeeze. “You don’t have to thank me, honey. Are you staying in this room, or are they going to move you?”

“They are going to move me to the labor and delivery floor as soon as they have a room available,” she said as a big yawn escaped her.

Derek chuckled, then took a seat in the chair next to the bed. “Why don’t you try and get some rest? I’ll wake you if someone comes in.”

She smiled before turning onto her side and closing her eyes.

Ace was coming home. And Alex was determined to wait for him.

CHAPTER NINE

Ace braced himself as the Short C-23 Sherpa touched down at Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak. Its massive tires skimming over the partially snow-covered runway. Ace peered out one of the small windows, relieved they’d managed to land despite the storm swirling outside. Snowflakes danced in the air, illuminated by the airport’s floodlights, and a thick blanket of white coated everything in sight.

“Looks like a damn Christmas card out there,” Irish muttered, grabbing his gear as the plane taxied to a stop.

“Yeah,” Ace replied, his voice tight. He wasn’t in the mood for small talk. The only thing on his mind was getting home to Alex and their baby.

As the ramp lowered and the team began unloading their gear, Ace felt the sharp sting of the icy wind against his face. He gritted his teeth and helped the others, his movements mechanical, his thoughts elsewhere.

“Let’s get this done quick,” Skittles said, shoving a duffel bag onto a sled. “It is fucking freezing out here.”

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