Page 89 of Labor of Love

“A vibe? Goddess help us all.”

“Now that I’ve ruined you with my wicked ways, do you have names picked out?”

“Yeah, I have a short list of favorites. I figure when I see them, I’ll know what their name is supposed to be.

“Kind of like they name themselves?”

“Yeah, like that,” I answered.

This pregnancy isolated me more than I’d already been, so it was nice to talk about the baby with someone. Picking Silas for it wasn’t likely the wisest, but he seemed so earnest that I was lulled into it. If I was smart—which was debatable after the last seven months—I wouldn’t have gotten in the car once I realized he was my driver. But he was here, and I would take it because I hadn’t been prepared for how damn scared I was.

“I like that. I’m named after my uncle.”

“Are your parents close to your uncle?” I asked through gritted teeth as another contraction washed over me.

It felt like they were even less than two minutes now. I didn’t know what I would do if I had to give birth to this child in the back of an Uber. Would my body just give out and say never mind? That didn’t seem like the greatest plan either.Please let us get to the hospital.

“I don’t think they were really close, but my dad lost a bet to him when they were in high school, and he said their third kid had to be named after him.”

“What a weird forfeit.”

“Exactly what I said when I found out.”

Just as another cramp built, Silas pulled into the hospital parking lot. I’d been so busy chatting that I hadn’t realized we were moving through traffic. We pulled into the parking lot near the obstetrics entrance.

“Do you think you can walk, or do you need me to get a chair?”

“I think I can walk,” I answered but then ruined it with a muffled scream as the pain hit again.

“No, you can’t. I’ll pull up to the curb and get a chair from inside.” The pressure was so strong that all I managed to do was croak out a weakyes.

Silas stopped, looked me straight in the eye, and firmly said, “Rowan, I need you to wait here while I get you a wheelchair.”

I nodded but didn’t answer.

“Promise me. If you try to get out on your own, you might get hurt.” The urgency in his voice made me weak with relief. I wasn’t alone.

“Yeah, I won’t move. Promise. Even if I did try, you could catch up with my waddling. I walk like a penguin these days.”

“I don’t know how fast…no, godsdamnit, I am not Googling that right now. Don’t go anywhere.”

4

SILAS

“Careful with your head. Swing your legs out first,” I cautioned Rowan when I returned. He allowed me to help him to his feet, but when he went to pivot into the chair, he clutched his stomach and moaned low as another contraction hit him.

“Silas, I don’t think I can do this.” Rowan sounded so serious when he made his announcement that I had to work hard to keep my laughter contained. I knew he was in pain, and I didn’t want him to think I was laughing at him. My knowledge of babies was limited, but I was fairly certain what he wanted wasn’t an option.

“Sweetheart, it’s a little late for that. Your baby is coming whether you want to do this or not.”

“I don’t want to do this alone,” Rowan groaned.

“Do you want me to call someone for you? Maybe the father?” I bit my tongue to avoid asking any more questions. The night we hooked up, he’d said he was an ex, but people change their minds. Or maybe he was already pregnant that night? No, the timing wouldn’t line up for that. He’d be too far overdue.

“I don’t have any right to ask, but would you stay? Please?” Rowan looked so nervous asking. If he wanted me, he was damn sure going to get me.

“If you want me to stay, then I’m not leaving. But we need to get you inside so they can get your mini-me delivered, or you’re going to have this kid in the parking lot.”

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