Page 185 of Mended Hearts

There. A flutter. He was okay.

An EMT hustled over. Ollie’s voice cracked as he gestured to me. “She’s in labor!”

“Well,” the medic said, smiling easily at Beau before turning that same calm warmth on me, “this kid’s already got a flair for the dramatic.”

“Hell of a birthday party,” the officer muttered as the EMT offered his arm and helped me into the ambulance.

Ollie stayed close, Tillie clinging to his leg as he climbed up behind me. I spotted Greyson holding Beau, Alice beside him, Riviera a few steps back.

“Hey, you’re gonna be just fine,” the EMT said. “Let’s grab your vitals real quick, alright?”

I nodded, because what else could I do?

Ollie gently peeled Tillie off, passing her to Alice, then climbed in fully, grabbing my hand and pressing it to his lips, eyes shimmering.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” he breathed. “This isn’t how this was supposed to go.”

I shook my head as tears fell, even as he swept my hair off my forehead and pressed a kiss to it.

“Breathe for me, Trouble.” His eyes flicked up to the medic as I complied.

“She looks great,” the EMT said, glancing at the monitor. “Heart rate’s a little fast, blood pressure’s elevated, but given what she’s just been through? She’s golden. I just want to track baby’s movement for a few minutes.”

I swallowed hard and nodded, the bridge of my nose stinging.

Ollie looked between me and the kids outside the door.

“Stay,” I said softly.

“Leighton…”

“They need you. I’m a big girl. I’ll be okay. Right, guys?” I asked, flicking my gaze up to Mr. Sunshine and his scary looking needle.

“We’ve got them,” Greyson said from the open door, his voice steady. Alice gave a small, shaky nod behind him.

We had them. They were safe.

And I was…going into labor.

The officer still hovering beside the doors dipped his chin as Ollie looked between me and his babies, both of their chins trembling.

“Trust us to keep your kids safe, sir. We need to get her to a hospital.”

“I... I’m...” Ollie stammered, the color draining from his face.

God. It was an impossible choice.

“I’ll bring them after,” Greyson vowed, stepping in. “Go, Ollie. She needs you right now.”

I needed him.

I needed him with the kids—andwith me. My heart tore in two. Everything about this felt wrong.

A female officer appeared beside the first, her voice gentle as she knelt next to Tillie. “You’re both doing so good. Your Aunt and Uncle will bring you to meet the baby later, okay?”

Beau nodded, but tucked his face into Greyson’s neck.

Tillie, though—Tillie’s eyes locked on mine. Brimming with tears, she launched herself into the cramped ambulance, scrambling onto the bench before throwing her arms around my lap.

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