Page 27 of The Space He Left
"You don't have to find out. I'm coming."
I hung up just as another contraction hit. This one was so intense that I had to brace myself against the counter, breathing hard through the pain.
When it ended, I made my way upstairs to change clothes and grab my hospital bag. Each step felt monumental, my body heavy and awkward. I'd packed the bag weeks ago, leaving space for Jack's things, optimistic that he'd be there when the time came.
I zipped it closed, accepting that I was doing this alone. No, not alone. Without Jack, yes. But not alone.
Sam arrived exactly five minutes later, bursting through the front door with a look of controlled urgency.
"How are you?" he asked, immediately taking my bag and helping me toward the door.
"Scared," I admitted. "The contractions are about fifteen minutes apart now, and they're getting stronger."
"That's normal. We have time to get to the hospital safely." He helped me into his truck, adjusting the seat and making sure I was comfortable. "Have you been able to reach Jack?"
"No. His phone is going straight to voicemail."
Sam's jaw tightened, and I could see him struggling to control his anger. "I'm sure he'll call back soon. Until he's back, whatever you need, I'm here."
"I know. I'm so grateful, Sam. I just... I really wanted Jack to be there."
"He should be there. But if he's not, you're going to be okay. You're the strongest woman I know."
The drive to the hospital was a blur of contractions and Sam's steady presence. He drove carefully but quickly, talking to me between contractions, helping me breathe through the pain. Almost as if he'd been to birthing classes.
"Have you thought about what you'll name her?" he asked during one brief respite.
"We talked about Emma," I said. "Emma Rose. Rose was my grandmother's name."
"That's beautiful. Emma Rose Henderson. She's going to be perfect."
Another contraction hit, stronger than before, and I gripped Sam's hand. "Oh God, that was intense."
"You're doing great. We're almost there."
At the hospital, Sam helped me out of the truck and into a wheelchair. The maternity ward felt surreal, like I was watching someone else's life unfold. The nurses were efficient and kind, checking my dilation and monitoring the baby's heartbeat.
"Seven centimeters," announced the nurse. "This baby is definitely coming today. Where's dad?"
"He's... he's on his way," I said, the lie burning my throat. I didn't even know if Jack had listened to my messages, let alone if he was on his way. And, frankly, at this point, I didn't care. All I cared about was getting Emma Rose and me through these next few hours.
"Well, hopefully he makes it in time. Labor can move quickly once you're this far along."
Sam squeezed my hand. "He'll be here," he said, though I could see the doubt in his eyes. If Jack had listened to just one of my messages, he would have called. His silence said everything.
The contractions were coming faster now, every ten minutes, then every seven. Each one was stronger than the last, demanding all my attention and strength. I'd stopped trying to call Jack hours ago. There was no point in continuing to reach for someone who had made it clear he wouldn't be there.
Instead, I focused on what I could control: breathing through the contractions, staying calm, and preparing to meet my daughter.
"Sam," I said during a brief respite between contractions. "Could you call my parents? And Jack's parents? They should know Emma is coming today."
"Of course," he said, already reaching for his phone. "What should I tell them about Jack?"
I thought about that for a moment. "Tell them he's not available. They'll understand what that means."
Sam nodded grimly and stepped into the hallway to make the calls. I could hear the murmur of his voice, though not the words. When he returned, his expression was carefully neutral.
"Your parents will be here in a couple of hours. Jack's parents..." he paused. "His mom was pretty upset. She said some choice words about Madison that I won't repeat."
