Page 73 of Sin Wagon
“Okay,” Delilah whispers, nodding.
I rush to her side and help her to the car. The drive to the hospital is a blur of flashing lights and rapid heartbeats. I push the pedal to the floor, my knuckles white as I grip the steering wheel, running every red light and stop sign in my path. The speedometer climbs, but all I can think about is her labored breathing beside me.
What if we don’t make it in time? What if something goes wrong? The hospital finally comes into view, and I silently plead for everything to be okay as we screech to a halt in a parking spot at the emergency entrance.
I can’t believe this is happening. As Delilah’s fingers tightly grasp mine, I draw in a deep breath, seeking solace in her presence, hoping it will steady my nerves.
This is it. This is the moment we’ve been waiting for.
Holy shit, we’re having a baby.
“We’re almost there,” I tell her. “We’re going to meet our baby today.”
She nods, her eyes wide. Her courage amazes me, and I feel a surge of love so powerful it nearly knocks the breath out of me. I help her out of the car, and we approach the emergency room entrance. The automatic doors whoosh open, welcoming us into the sterile, brightly lit space.
A receptionist greets us with a warm smile, her cheerfulness a stark contrast to my pounding heart.
What if something's wrong with the baby? What if I'm not a good dad?
“Happy Thanksgiving! What brings you in today?”
“We’re having a baby,” Delilah tells her.
“Okay, let’s get you up to delivery and into a room right away.” She grabs a wheelchair, and Delilah sinks into it with a sigh of relief. My heart aches at the sight of her discomfort, wishing I could take her pain away. The wheels squeak across the polished floor, and I follow closely, every step feeling like a dream.
Inside, the staff moves with practiced efficiency, their calm demeanor somewhat soothing my frazzled nerves. Delilah changes into a hospital gown, the crisp fabric rustling softly as she moves. She climbs into the bed, and the nurses take her vitals as I settle into the recliner next to the bed. I pull out my phone and text my parents, Jonas, and Derek, letting them know we’ve arrived. Replies come in almost immediately, their love and support coming in bursts of messages.
The door swings open, and Dr. Maud steps in. “Happy Thanksgiving. I hear we’re having a baby.”
She pulls on her gloves, the latex snapping into place with a reassuring sound. “Okay, Delilah, I’m going to check how far you’re dilated.”
Delilah nods. “Okay.”
Dr. Maud lifts the sheet gently, her movements practiced and efficient. A few moments later, she removes her gloves.
“We’re at five centimeters,” she says, her tone both professional and kind. “How’s the pain? Do you want an epidural?”
Delilah hesitates, her brow furrowing slightly. “No, I’m okay for now.”
“Are you sure?” Dr. Maud’s voice holds a note of concern. “There comes a time when it’s too late to get one, and I don’t want you to miss out if you decide you want it.”
Delilah glances at me, a flicker of doubt in her eyes. “Thanks, but I’m good for now.”
“Alright,” Dr. Maud says, offering a reassuring smile. “How about some pain meds then? We can keep you more comfortable while we wait.”
Delilah looks at me again, her eyes searching for my support. I nod, trying to convey all the reassurance I can.
“Go ahead,” she says quietly, her voice steady despite the nerves.
Dr. Maud exits the room, and shortly after, a nurse comes in with a small cup of pills and a cup of water. She offers Delilah a warm smile.
“Here are the pain meds Dr. Maud mentioned. They should help take the edge off.”
Delilah takes the meds with a small sip of water, her face tightening momentarily as she swallows. The nurse sets the empty cup on the tray beside her and leaves the room, promising to check back soon.
Delilah sinks into the bed, her hand reaching out to mine.
“Thanks for being here with me,” she says softly, her voice trembling slightly.
