Page 63 of Four Simple Rules
"Not too spoiled," I say, grinning as the game begins.
Over the past year, my father and I have become inseparable. Since his retirement, Grace and he decided to move to Prembrook to remain close to Jesse and me. Every Sunday night, we have a family dinner with joyful conversation and good food. It's the things I missed when I was away. The things I craved growing up.
And finally, we're repaired.
Cheers erupt through the stands as one of Jesse's players whacks a ball straight over the center field bleachers and drops into the street.
"He's got some good players this year," Grace says, clapping her hands.
I swallow hard, ignoring the dull ache pulling at my stomach. "He does!" I say with fake excitement, trying to focus on the game below.
And definitely not focusing on the sharp, knife-like stabs taking over my abdomen. My fingers curl into fists in my lap, and I blow out a breath, trying to hide the pain from our parents.
Jesse has been so nervous about today, not only for opening day with his team but because my due date is a mere week away. He swore I'd have this baby today. Even wished it when he kissed my belly before the game for good luck. Wouldn't you know it, though? It's about to come true.
As the hours pass, we fall into soft conversation and watch the game with hawk eyes. His team tramples the other in a 9-3 victory, starting the season on a high note. The boys celebrate in the dugout, screaming their victory for all to hear.
All the while…
"Blake?" Grace coos, taking my hand in hers. Concern etches on her face, and her eyes widen. "Oh, boy. Deep breaths, okay?"
I nod, swallowing down the whimper in my throat. Most women labor for hours their first time before needing to go to the hospital. But me? Yeah, I feel like I'm drowning in deep pain that won't go away. Every five minutes, to be exact.
"Honey, you grab Jesse. We'll meet you at the hospital…" Grace trails off.
"It's time?" my father's deep voice booms, forcing my gaze to his.
"Yes," I squeak, blowing out a breath as another contraction barrels through me and ends. "It's time."
"I'll drive you, okay? Jesse might be lost in the locker room for a little while. So, we can go and get you settled." Grace gently helps me to my feet and aids me as we make our way through the crowd exiting the ballpark.
* * *
"Blake! Tulip! Fuck!"
"Sir! This is a hospital!" A nurse shouts after Jesse when he rushes into my room, sweat dripping down his face. His coach's uniform still sits snugly against his body as he approaches me.
"Fuck. Your dad got to me like ten minutes ago! I would have been here sooner…" He shakes his head and grabs my hand. "Tulip." Those hazel eyes take me in as I rest in the hospital bed with my gown on and IVs started. "It's finally happening."
"It is," I groan through the pain, clinging to his hand as another contraction rips through me. I cry out, wanting to suffocate Jesse forever for putting me in this position. Then kiss him for giving me this miracle.
"Good girl," he whispers and kisses my cheek.
"Jesse, it hurts so bad," I sob into his neck when he pulls me close.
"You're doing great, Tulip…"
"Ah, Mrs. Rutherford. It looks like it's time to push," my head nurse says, walking in with a grin. "Let me check you one last time, but you should be at ten centimeters."
Jesse squeezes my hand as the nurse shoos everyone else away. Grace gives me a little wave, clinging to my father with misty eyes.
"We're going for coffee in the cafeteria. We'll be waiting for the call. We love you both," Grace says with tears fluttering on her lashes.
"Come on. Let's give the kids their privacy. Take all the time you need before calling us back in. We love you," my father says with a lump in his throat.
"Love you," I croak.
Years ago, I never thought I'd be in this position. Well, not with Jesse. I always wanted kids, but the timing was never right. And the guy was always wrong. But Jesse? He's my knight in shining armor who scooped me out of my ten-year brain fog of despair and lifted me to who I am now.
