Page 75 of Endurance
Goosebumps tingle all the way from my head to my toes at this incredible moment happening here at Tower Park.
Tanner’s chin wobbles as he turns and offers a quick wave to the crowd, further stoking their cheers. When he faces the pitch again, I watch his jaw tick as he struggles to control his emotions. Vi utters a choked sob as Tanner pulls me under his arm and presses his forehead to my hair, clearly overwhelmed by everything as well.
Suddenly, we see Vaughn Harris emerge in front of us on the sidelines, clipboard in hand, and a small smile on his lips. He cups his hand to the side of his mouth and mouths, “We’ll see you next week.”
Tanner nods, narrowing his eyes with focused determination. And with that single, solitary look, I know he’s ready to get back to work and find his stride again.
The commentator continues with the visiting team announcements when, out of nowhere, I see Vi hunch over in her seat.
I bend down next to her. “Vi, are you all right?”
Her eyes are pinched as she nods. “Yeah, just a weird cramp. Braxton Hicks, I’m sure. I’ve been getting those a lot.”
“Are you sure?” Hayden’s voice is laced with concern as he squats down beside her. “Damnit, Vi, I don’t like this.”
“I’m fine!” she crows, standing up straight and then freezing. She reaches out and grips mine and Hayden’s forearms.
“Belle, can you do me a favour and tell me if I’m bleeding?” Her voice is trembling with fear and anxiety as her grip tightens on me.
Hayden’s eyes find mine and I school my features to look calm, cool, and collected. I quickly bend down and see a wetness all over the crotch of her jeans. Thankfully her jeans are light.
“It’s clear, Vi.” I glance up at her and add, “Your water just broke.”
“Oh fuck!” Hayden and Tanner say in unison, Tanner just now catching on to what’s happening before us.
“Bugger, bugger, bugger!” Vi crows. “I’m going to miss the match.”
“Stuff the match, Vi. You’re having our baby!” Hayden roars.
She nods, schooling her features into crisis mode. “All right, we’re going to go.” She makes a move to get past us and says, “You guys have fun. We’ll see you after.”
“After?” Tanner barks. “What do you mean? I’m coming with you!”
“Oh stop! You don’t have to do that, Tan. It could take hours. Right, Belle?”
I shrug unhelpfully because I have no clue where her contractions are to even guess. This is a standard issue when you’re a doctor. People look to you for answers as if you have them, even without a proper examination.
“I don’t give a fuck,” Tanner barks. “You’re not taking a bloody cab to the hospital, Vi.”
“Well, you don’t have a car!” she argues.
Tanner digs into his pocket and pulls out a key fob. “I have the spare set to my truck. Booker drove here, so it’s in the players’ lot. We’ll take that.”
“Great!” Vi winces from what I can only assume is a contraction. “One big happy family.”
Hayden and Tanner usher Vi up the stone steps until we’re out the door.
“You stay with Vi while I run and get the truck.” Tanner passes Vi’s arm to me and jogs off down the sidewalk at lightning speed.
“Can you believe the odds?” Vi croaks, dropping down onto a bench and cupping her round belly. “I mean, bloody hell, I walk Bruce almost every day and nothing. One tearful moment with my brothers and BAM! Baby’s coming!”
I laugh. “Are you feeling all right?”
She exhales. “These cramps are coming and going a lot, but I’m okay.”
“How often are they coming?” I ask, pulling my mobile out so we can time them.
“I don’t know,” she croaks. “It’s too intense to tell.”
