Page 130 of Lone Star Longing
“Wait a minute, wait a minute,” Austin said, his hand on Beck’s arm. “Let me talk to her, see what she felt. See what’s going on.”
Beck didn't want to wait, wanted to go to her and see how she was doing, but Poppy held him back while Austin went to check on her.
“What’s going on?” Lacey’s dad asked, joining Poppy and Beck.
“She thinks her water broke.”
“Why are we standing around?”
“Austin is checking her. She’s not sure. She thought maybe she wet her pants,” Poppy said.
Just then, Austin and Lacey emerged from the building, Austin’s arm around Lacey’s waist.
“Who’s the one driving to San Angelo?” Austin announced. “You might want to get on the road.”
A moment passed before the words sunk in, then Beck surged forward to take Lacey from Austin.
“You sure that’s the best thing?” he demanded of Austin. “You don't think she should have the baby here?”
“Please don't have the baby here,” Hailey teased, and Beck noticed they were once again surrounded by their friends.
“I mean in town. In the doctor’s office. Do you think driving that distance is okay?”
“She’s not going to give birth in the car, if that’s what you’re worried about. I’m a little concerned that they’re six weeks early. I’d feel better if they were in a place with a neonatal unit.”
“Yes. Please,” Lacey said. “But I don't have my bag. I haven't even packed one yet.”
“We’ll pack one and bring it to you,” Marianne said. “You get on your way.”
“My party! The cakes.” Lacey looked longingly in the direction of the twin cakes.
“We’ll save you some,” Hailey promised. “You go take care of business. We’ll be there in the morning.”
“I’ll go get the truck,” Beck said, reluctant to let go of her even for that amount of time. He left her to the embraces of her friends and ran out of the yard to pull the truck around. He was glad he parked close, but still he didn't want to make her walk the distance. He was aware of the other patrons watching him as he ran down the street to get in, whip it around in the messiest three-point turn he’d executed in his life, and whipped it back to the gates in front of The Wheel House.
“Are you having any contractions?” Beck asked as he helped her up into the passenger seat.
“I’ve been having a few cramps, but it wasn't like the Braxton-Hicks. I thought it was just anxiety.”
“You weren’t eating. Is that why?”
“Yes.” She squirmed a little on the seat.
“Are you having a contraction now?”
“No, I—I’m just not comfortable. I guess they’ve dropped.”
“It’s not too late. Austin can deliver them.”
“I don't like that he wasn’t ready to do that. That he’d rather send me to my regular doctor. I’d feel safer knowing I’m in the best place for them.”
As she settled in, Poppy jumped into the back seat, patting Lacey’s shoulder as she did so. Beck ran back to the other side of the truck to come face to face with Tanya and Joyce opening the back door on the driver’s side.
“We’re going,” Joyce said without preamble, like she was waiting for an argument.
Beck wasn't going to take time to give her one. Instead he swept his hand toward the back seat. “Make yourself comfortable.”
But he wasn't going to wait for anyone else to jump into his truck, and pulled onto the street among shouts of well-wishes before Tanya even found both ends of her seatbelt.
