Page 76 of The Model

“What was that?”

“A contraction,” I answered. “I was right. I don’t want to do this without drugs. It already hurts like a bitch, and I haven’t even gotten to the hard part yet.”

Ryder’s eyes glistened. “I’m so fucking sorry I’m not there for you. Will you ever forgive me?”

“Hey, look at me. There’s nothing to forgive. There was no way to predict the events of today would happen.”

“I feel like shit for not being there. I won’t be able to forgive myself as easily as you did.”

“Should I pull up here and take you in?” Raine asked as she pulled to the front entrance of the hospital.

“I don’t know. We can ask inside. That wasn’t part of anything they told us in our classes.”

“I’ll text you when I get to the airport and right before I board. If you need anything during the time between…” He wiped his hand under his eye.

“I’ll call or text. Whatever happens, I promise we’ll keep you updated. Thank you for letting me see your face. It helped calm me down…some.”

“It’s the least I could do.” He closed his eyes and swallowed roughly. “I love you more than anything, Lexie.”

Why did it sound like he was saying goodbye forever?

“I love you too. Now hurry up and get your ass back here.”

“Will do,” he waved. “Bye, baby.”

“Bye,” I choked out.

“Enough of the sappy.” Raine held out her hand to help me get out of the car.

“Thank you for telling him what was going on. I’m not sure how I would have told him and made it coherent.”

“You’re welcome. Now, let’s get you inside so you don’t have your baby in your car. I am so not driving your car ever again if that happens.”

“Deal, now help me out.”

Glancing down at my phone, I already missed seeing Ryder’s face, but I knew I needed to suck it up.

Opening my messages, I sent him one last text.

Lexie: I love you madly. More than I love hearing the waves crashing as I fall asleep or ice cream. <3 <3 <3

Ryder: I love you more. :-*

28

Ryder

Before I rounded the corner,I knew I was much too late. Raine had kept me updated throughout the process, and Lexie was being taken in to have an emergency c-section as I was boarding my plane. The last seven hours had been hell, knowing that I wasn’t there for my wife. Not only was I not there for the birth of my daughter, but I wasn’t there to protect Lexie from her crazy ass ex.

Stopping outside the door, I ran my hand down my face and took in a deep breath. I didn’t want to upset Lexie. Raine had messaged me saying she was awake and in a lot of pain and hell if I didn’t want to add to that. As quietly as I could, I opened the door to her hospital room. I wasn’t prepared for what I saw when I walked inside. My gorgeous Lexie was propped up in bed with pillows, her blue hair was pulled back into a smooth ponytail, her eyes were shut with a serene smile on her face, and she had our daughter at her breast.

There were already flowers and balloons in the room. Something I hadn’t thought of, but even if I had, I wanted to get up here as quickly as possible. Nothing was going to keep me from seeing my girls once I finally made it to the hospital.

I watched silently as my daughter’s lips suckled at her mother’s breast. I was in awe that I had anything to do with making the precious being that was in front of me.

“She’s perfect, isn’t she?” Lexie’s soft voice startled me. Without opening her eyes, she held her hand out for me to take. “Come closer and see our daughter.”

Gently, I sat on the side of the bed with Lexie’s hand still in mine and held it to my chest. I never wanted to let her go or out of my sight after today. With my other hand, I brushed my finger across my daughter’s soft cheek.

---