Page 14 of SEAL's Patience
Tears slid down Felicity’s flushed cheeks. “Not like I have much choice,” she said through gritted teeth.
Patience nodded. She looked around for Quinn. They’d need something to cut the cord. It wouldn’t be sterile, but they’d have to worry about that later.
“The ambulance is about ten minutes out, then they have to get down here.” It was like her thoughts had summoned him.
“We don’t have ten minutes. Do you have anything we can use to cut the cord? The baby will be here anytime. She’s crowning now.”
“It won’t be sterile, but I’ve got a knife.” Quinn reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded knife. “I’ll hold on to it until you need it. I don’t want you cutting yourself.”
Patience rolled her eyes, then turned back to her patient. “Okay, Felicity. On the next contraction, you need to push. You’ve got this.”
Felicity’s expression went from horrified to determined. She scrunched up her face as the next spasm started. Patience hated that she wouldn’t be able to do an episiotomy. As the baby’s head emerged, her heart squeezed in her chest. It didn’t matter how often she’d help her mother deliver a baby; the miracle of birth always took her by surprise.
“You’re doing great. Her head’s out. Relax, breathe. One more push and you’ll be able to hold your daughter. Does she have a name?” Patience could feel Felicity’s distress and determination, but her breathing was too rapid. Distractionwould only do so much to help. Childbirth was never easy, but these conditions were exceptional.
“Clara Elizabeth,” Felicity grunted as the next spasm hit.
“Okay, push. Hard. You’ve got this.” Patience put as much command in her voice as she could.
Quinn shoved a blanket underneath her hands as she gently eased the baby’s shoulders out. Then she was holding baby Clara.
Patience checked Clara’s airways, and a moment later, the baby let out a sorrowful cry. Quickly wrapping her in both blankets, she placed her in Felicity’s arms as the ambulance sirens approached.Thank God.
“Your daughter is beautiful. They’ll check her at the hospital. You should both be fine now that help is here. But we still have to deliver the placenta. Can you push one more time for me?”
Felicity nodded and pushed as Patience pulled the placenta out and put it on the discarded leggings. They’d want to check it at the hospital. But her job was done. The paramedics could cut the cord.
Moments later, the cavalry arrived with a stretcher. Patience quickly conveyed what she knew.
“Okay, ma’am, we’ll take it from here. You did great. She was lucky to have you.” The other two medics were speaking to Felicity and lifting her onto the stretcher.
Patience nodded and stepped out of the way, but Felicity reached for her hand.
“Can you come with me to the hospital? I…”
Patience looked up at the medic she’d been speaking with. His name tag said, John. When he nodded his agreement, she answered. “Of course, I’ll come.”
With a tremulous smile, she gave Patience’s hand a brief squeeze before releasing it as they wrapped her and the baby together in the silver heat blankets.
“I’ll follow you to the hospital and take you home when you’re ready.”
She turned in surprise to find Quinn right behind her, Felicity’s suitcase in his hand. How could she have forgotten about him? “You don’t have to. I can get a ride share…”
His growl cut her off. “What did I tell you earlier?”
It felt like days, not just over an hour since they’d first argued in the Ready Room’s parking lot over her taking an Uber.
“Fine, but I don’t know how long I’ll be there.” She still didn’t understand this man. One minute he was trying to get rid of her, and the next he was doing everything he could to help.
“It doesn’t matter, however long it takes is fine. I promised to get you home, and I will.”
The stubborn set of his jaw told her there was no use arguing with him. Besides, did she really mind spending more time with him?
“If that’s what you want.” It might have been snarkier than she intended, but his smirk said he saw right through her.
“Now you’re catching on, little girl.”
Then he grabbed her arm to help her up the embankment as they followed behind the paramedics.
