“I’m exactly where I need to be.”
“Where is Oliver? He is such a traitor.” She lets out a breath. It makes me chuckle.
“He wouldn’t like it if he heard you.”
“Right now, I don’t care,” she screams.
“What do you need?” I caress her face.
“We still have time. I’ve been trying to time the contractions, but it isn’t easy.” I take my phone out. For the last two weeks, I’ve been reading, preparing for this moment in the hope that she would let me be here.
“I got it covered. Is your hospital bag ready?” She eyes me, confused.“I’ve been doing some reading.” She smiles.
“In my bedroom by the door.”
“Ava, how can I help?” Max asks from the bathroom door.
“You can leave,” I bark.
“I deserve to be here just as much as you, if not more. I’ve been here for her.” I’m going to stand when she grabs my arm.
“Viktor, another one.” I start the clock.
“Breathe.” I walk her through the breathing exercises. I hate seeing her in pain.
“I’m here,” I hear Oliver yell from the front of the apartment.
“Bathroom.” Before I know it, he is standing by the bathroom door, ready for orders. I point toward Max.“I want him gone.”
“You don’t get to make that call,” Max says.
“Fuck, it hurts,” Ava cries out, her nails digging into my arm.
“Breath, baby girl.” Her nails continue to dig into my skin until her contraction stops.“You are ten minutes apart. We need to go.”
“There is a delivery gown on the bed. Help me get dressed, please.”
“Oliver, clear a path,” I order.
“Let's go.” He barks at Max.
“Can you walk?” I ask Ava.
“I think so.”
I grab the towel and help her out of the bathtub. As she stands, I see how beautiful she is. She is glowing. Then her water breaks.“I believe it is time to go.” I pull her to my arms.
“I think you might be right.” She gives me a small smile.
Five minutes later, we are in the car in the middle of a contraction. Oliver is driving as fast as he can. Ava is digging her nails into my arms, breaking the skin. But I love every second. The excitement swells inside of me. My son will be here soon.
“Viktor,” she screams.
“We are almost there. Breathe.”
“I want this baby out of me,” she cries in pain.
“Almost there,” I soothe.