Page 54 of Friar
“How long?”I asked, already on my feet, heart hammering against my ribs.
“An hour.Maybe two.”She grimaced, fingers twisting in the sheets.“I didn’t want to wake you until I was sure.”
My stubborn woman, still trying to protect me even now.I grabbed the hospital bag we’d packed weeks ago, double-checking the contents with shaking hands.The zipper caught, and I cursed, yanking it harder than necessary.
“Breathe, church girl,” I said, the old nickname slipping out.“Remember what the doctor showed you.”
Cheri nodded, focusing on her breathing as the contraction eased.I helped her sit up, sliding my arm under her shoulders.She was hot against me, her nightgown damp with sweat.
“Let’s get you dressed,” I murmured, finding the loose sweats and T-shirt we’d set aside for this moment.My fingers felt clumsy, too large for such delicate work as I helped her change, her body periodically seizing with contractions that seemed to be coming faster now.
I grabbed my phone, punching Beast’s number with my thumb while my other arm supported Cheri.He answered on the second ring, sleep thick in his voice.
“What?”
“She’s in labor,” I said, the words rushing out.“Real labor this time.We’re headed to the hospital.”
“I’ll call Forge, have him meet you there.Five minutes, brother.You don’t need to be the one driving right now.”
I ended the call, stuffing the phone in my pocket as Cheri doubled over, teeth clenched against another contraction.“Jesus, they’re coming fast,” I muttered, more to myself than to her.
“This one’s bad,” she gasped, her nails digging into my forearm hard enough to draw blood.I welcomed the pain.It was nothing compared to what she was enduring.
“I got you,” I promised, half-carrying her through the hallway toward the front door.Outside, the rain had turned the world into a glistening darkness, droplets hammering the roof in a frantic rhythm that matched my pulse.
Beast and Forge were already there, the club truck idling in our driveway, headlights cutting yellow swaths through the downpour.Forge jumped out as we appeared, taking the bag from my shoulder and holding the passenger door open.His face betrayed nothing, but I could read the concern in his eyes as he watched Cheri’s labored steps.
“Thanks, brother,” I said, helping Cheri into the seat.
Beast stood back, giving me a nod.“Go.Focus on your family.I’ll spread the word.”
Family.The word still sent a jolt through me, even after these months of preparation.My family.My woman.My child.
The truck’s engine growled as Forge slid behind the wheel, wipers battling the relentless rain, and I climbed in with Cheri, gathering her into my arms.Cheri’s breathing had turned shallow, her hand gripping my arm.Her fingers were ice against my skin.
“Tell me if you need us to pull over,” Forge said as he pulled onto the empty street.The digital clock on the dash read 3:36 AM… middle of the night, roads should be clear.Twenty minutes to the hospital if traffic cooperated.
“Just get me there,” she said through gritted teeth.“Don’t stop.”
Forge pushed the truck harder, tires hissing against wet asphalt.Each red light felt eternal, forcing us to slow or stop when every instinct screamed to keep moving.Cheri’s cries grew sharper, her body curling forward with each contraction.
“Almost there,” I promised, though the hospital still loomed in the distance.“You’re doing great.Just keep breathing.”
“Doesn’t -- feel -- great,” she panted, sweat beading on her forehead despite the truck’s cool air.Her grip on my hand tightened impossibly, the pressure so intense I saw stars.
Rain pounded the windshield, distorting the road ahead into a watery blur.
“God, Friar, it hurts,” Cheri moaned, her head falling back against the seat.“Worse than --” She broke off, another contraction stealing her words.
Worse than anything Tasha had done to her, she meant.The thought sent a fresh surge of protectiveness through me.This pain was different… natural, purposeful, bringing life instead of threatening it.But knowing that didn’t make her suffering any easier to bear.
“I know, baby,” I said, my voice rougher than intended.“Almost there now.See?”I nodded toward the amber glow of the hospital sign emerging through the rain.“Just a few more minutes.”
Forge swung the truck into the hospital’s deserted parking lot, headlights carving bright arcs across the wet asphalt.The emergency entrance glowed like a beacon ahead, its canopy offering shelter from the downpour.He parked as close as possible to the ER entrance, leaving the truck in a loading zone without caring about the consequences.
“Ready?”I asked, already moving to open the door.
Cheri nodded, her face pale but determined.I helped her from the seat, supporting her weight as another contraction hit.Her body went rigid against mine, a low moan escaping her lips.
