Page 121 of Lone Star Longing
Joyce’s lips thinned, but she nodded in agreement. “You’re right, of course. Thank you so much for your generosity, Marianne, and for helping host this shower. Lacey said you’re making the cake.”
“Yes, and it’s come out really cute, if I do say so myself. Lacey still hasn’t decided on her theme, so we’re just going with doubles.”
“Doubles?”
“You know, twins, so two of everything. It’s going to be cute. We’re going to have two cakes and two punch bowls and cute little games. I’m excited about it.”
“We could help,” her mother offered.
“Oh, I think we have everything under control at this point, thanks. We have everything we need. You can just sit back and enjoy yourselves.”
Lacey’s stomach twinged again, though she’d started to relax as conversation turned away from her mother. She pushed a hand against her side, wondering if it was just the babies moving around, but she didn't feel them, only her stomach tightening under her hand.
She knew that was one of the signs of labor, but she was still almost two months away from her due date. Probably just tension from the whole weekend.
“What’s going on?” Beck leaned close to ask when she drew in a breath a few moments later.
“Not sure. Just stress, I’m sure.”
“You keep pressing a hand to your stomach. Are the babies moving around?”
“No, my stomach is tight. I mean, on and off.”
“Like contractions?” His voice was loud with surprise.
“Not—no. It couldn't be contractions,” she said, waving the idea away when everyone riveted their attention to her. “Too soon.”
“Twins are often born early,” her mother said, pushing her chair back. “I told you. Let’s get you to San Angelo.”
“Mom, no. It’s too soon. And even if it is labor, it’s only been a couple of pains. It might just be a stomach thing.”
Her mother forced herself to relax and move her chair closer to the table. “I’m just saying, it’s a long drive.”
“If they continue, we can call Dr. Fredrick,” Beck said.
“We can call Austin,” her dad said. “He’s in town. He should be able to tell us if you’re in labor.”
“God.” She didn't want her friend examining her. “Let’s just all take it easy, okay, and finish our dinner? There’s got to be something else to talk about. Somebody start talking, and I’m sure this will go away.”
But everyone kept their eyes on her throughout the meal, and when she made the mistake of grimacing, Beck was on his feet, phone to his ear.
“I’m calling Dr. Fredrick.”
“You have her number on your phone?”
“Yeah, just in case.”
Lacey wasn't sure whether to be annoyed or impressed that he would have thought of such a thing. She nodded and pushed herself away from the table to walk into the living room, just needing to move. She heard Beck’s voice, but not his words, heard the urgency of them, and then he appeared in the doorway.
“We’re going to go downtown to meet Austin at his clinic.”
“You called Austin, or Dr. Fredrick?”
“Both. She said to make sure you’re in labor before you make the drive. Austin said he’d check you out.”
“How is he going to determine if I am?” She heard the note of panic in her own voice.
“Lace. He’s going to examine you, but he’s a doctor. Come on. I told him we’d be there in a few minutes.”
