Page 114 of The Golden Goalie

“Yeah, on skates!”

I focus on maneuvering around the cars and keeping my speed up. I keep my map pulled up on my phone and glance at it often to make sure we’re on the right track. By about mile three, I’m reminded that I am most definitely not a runner. I’m too bulky. But thoughts of Amber in labor alone propel me forward. We finally make it to the parking lot, and I don’t know when I’ve ever been so grateful to see a building. I run through the lot with the guys right behind me. We burst through the front door, causing nearly every eye in the place to turn to us. I am aware of the scene we are causing, but I could care less. I stride over to the check-in. “My wife’s in labor. I need to get to her right away.”

The woman stares up at me, slack jawed. “Um, it’s on the fifth floor.” She says something else, but I don’t stick around to listen. I run to the elevator and smack the wall when I see the out of order sign. Stairs it is. I turn around, but Gunner’s already pointing in the direction of the stairs. We jog down thelong hallway and hit the stairs. By the time we get to the top, my calves are screaming; but I don’t let it slow me down. I throw open the door and stride inside, stopping at the front desk. “My wife’s in labor. Amber Garcia. My name is Rico Garcia.”

“Are you the dad?” she asks.

“Yes.”

“I’m just going to see some ID and then—”

My patience is gone. Evaporated. “I’m on the Green Thunder hockey team. Look me up. What number?” She just blinks. “What room number?” I demand.

“Uh, 527.” I’m already jogging. “Wait, you can’t all go back there...”

I run down one hall and hit another and finally make it to 527. I shove the door open and stop. There she is. She’s bent over, holding her stomach. Sweat lines her forehead, and her eyes are scrunched in pain as she breathes through a contraction. I stride over to her and take her hand. “I’m here, Baby.” Her eyes pop open, and I can see the pain in her eyes. I look at the machine and take in what’s going on. “It’s almost done, Baby. Just keep breathing. Good girl.” The contraction begins to loosen, and she sits back against her pillows, looking exhausted. My heart squeezes in my chest when she turns those gorgeous eyes to me and even manages to smile.

“Rico.”

I lean forward and kiss her cheek. “I’m here.”

“Well, thank goodness for that.”

I look over and realize for the first time that Mrs. Randolph is sitting next to Amber, holding her other hand. Knowing that Amber wasn’t alone eases something in my chest. She stands up and pats Amber’s hand. “You’re in good hands now; your man is here. You’re going to be fine. You’re strong. Don’t forget that.”

“I can’t thank you enough,” my girl says, but Mrs. Randolph waves her off. She gives me a stern look as she walks past.

“Take care of them.”

I nod. “I will. Thank you for being here when I couldn’t be.” She nods again and then disappears from the room.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Amber says in a soft voice.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t get here sooner.” She gives me a onceover. “Uh, I didn’t get a chance to take a shower last night and that was before I rode for six hours in a car and then ran five miles.”

Her eyes widen. “You ran five miles.”

I don’t get a chance to say anything else, because she leans forward. I eye the screen. “Okay, Baby. Take a deep breath. There you go. Keep breathing. You’re hitting the peak.” She gasps in pain, and my heart tugs in my chest. “Keep breathing. Okay, it’s coming back down.” She lays back exhausted, and I push her hair off her forehead.

“Thanks,” she whispers with her eyes still closed.

I glance around the small room. “Shouldn’t there be a doctor in here?”

“She’s been in and out,” Amber says softly. When she opens her eyes, she squeezes my hand. “Rico, I didn’t know she was coming. I didn’t bring my bag; I didn’t get the car seat. I don’t have anything.”

I lean forward. “I’ll take care of everything. Let's just get our girl here, and then I’ll go get what we need, okay?” I lean forward and kiss her cheek.

The door opens and a doctor sweeps in. “Okay, Amber. Let’s check your progress.” After washing her hands, she turns to me. “You must be dad.”

“I am.”

“I’m Dr. Anderson. I’m going to be delivering your baby.” She moves over to Amber, and a nurse comes in as well. I hold Amber’s hand as they check her, noting the grimace on her face. “All right. It’s about time. We’re going to get you ready to getthis little one out.” I watch as Amber nods. Our room is a buzz of activity after that. They get Amber ready to deliver. Another nurse comes in, and they set up the birthing station.

The next twenty minutes will be indelibly engraved on my brain for the rest of my life. I lean forward and wipe the sweat from my exhausted wife’s brow. “You’ve got this, Baby.” She turns to me, and for the first time, I see the crack in her strong facade.

“I can’t do this, Rico,” she whispers. Nobody else hears her, but I do. I lean over her and get eye to eye with her.

“You can do this, Amber Nicole. You’re the strongest person I know.” She begins to shake her head, but I squeeze her hand. “Our little girl is waiting to meet us. You just need one more push to get her out. You can do this.”

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