Page 74 of The Golden Goalie

“Library,” I manage to get out.

“I’m no my way. Do I need to call 911?”

I grit my teeth. “No.”

“Talk to me. What’s going on?”

Before I can answer, Mrs. Randolph shows up in my line of sight. “Amber?”

“I’m sorry. I can’t...” I try to breathe as the pain intensifies.

“Okay, okay.” She takes the phone from me. I can’t even argue because I can’t breathe. “Sit down.” She guides me backwards until the back of my knees hit my seat. I try to sit, but the pain intensifies.

“Ahhhh.” I grasp my stomach.

“Okay. Deep breaths, Amber.” She puts her hand on my belly. “I can feel the contraction. Breathe deeply.” I manage to suck in a little air. “Again.” I’m in an awkward position. I’m not standing, but I’m also not sitting. Moving either way hurts too much. “Take another breath.” I try, but I can’t get any air. Suddenly, I remember what Adam said, and my breathing speeds up. The pain intensifies, and I cry out in pain. Suddenly, I feel a new presence join us. I don’t know how I know it’s Rico, but I just do.

“Amber.”

“Rico?” My voice is a whimper.

“I’m here, Love.” He steps into my vision, and I nearly cry with relief. “Baby, what’s going on?” He steps close, putting a hand on my back.

“Her belly is contracting. We need to get her to relax, to ease the cramping. It’s way too early for this,” Mrs. Randolph says.

Her words fuel my panic, and I feel my stomach tighten unbearably. “Ahhhh.”

“Amber, we need to get you to the hospital,” Rico says, full of determination.

“No, she needs to relax. If she can get the contractions to stop, she’ll be okay,” Mrs. Randolph says.

I can tell Rico wants to argue with her, but he doesn’t. “Okay, what do we do?”

“She has to relax. I don’t know what that idiot said, but that’s what set this off.” Rico is close enough to me that I can feel him stiffen.

“What idiot?” he asks in a low voice.

I feel his gaze on my face. “Adam,” I whisper.

His eyes lock on mine, and he goes very still. “Adam was here?”

My eyes squeeze shut in agony. “He’s going to try to take my baby.” The words come out in a cry that’s a mix of pain and desperation.

“Amber, look at me.” His voice is commanding, and I lift my teary gaze to his. “Is that what brought this on?”

“Yes,” I whisper through the pain.

“Okay.”

He turns to Mrs. Randolph. “I’m taking her home.”

She doesn’t even bat an eye. “Good.”

“I don’t know when she’ll be back.”

“Good,” she says again.

“Rico,” I gasp out, but he ignores me.

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