Servicing the Target (Masters of the Shadowlands #10)(18)

She grabbed her spare overnight bag and a flashlight and made a dash for the back garden gate. I’m already wet—why am I running?

She ran through the garden, opened the door, and stepped into the lanai. Her soaked hair flopped in her face, and with a huff of annoyance, she pushed the strands away.

Something huge moved on the dark patio. She turned the flashlight that way. Huge was right. A man—Ben.

He growled, “Stop right there and identify yourself.” His threatening voice was sexy as hell.

With a chuckle, she closed her eyes and pointed the light at herself. “It’s me, Ben.”

“Fuck me, what are you doing out in the rain, Anne?”

“I—”

The door above them opened, and Z called down, “Benjamin, may I impose upon you to drive us to the hospital? Jessica’s in labor.”

“Be my pleasure, Z. Let me get—”

“Wait.” Anne lifted her voice. “Z, the Suncoast is backed up with a multi-car accident. The news says a rig tipped over and is lying across the entire road. Other cars smashed into it and skidded into the oncoming lanes as well. Because the traffic jam goes in both directions, rescue vehicles haven’t been able to get to the location to clear the mess.”

Ben started, “We can take—”

“You can’t even get to Gunn. The roads are flooding. I barely made it with my Ford Escape—and the water’s still rising. I doubt any vehicle can get through now.”

There was a long silence from above. She could feel Z’s concern. Finally he said, “I’m glad you arrived when you did, Anne. At least we won’t be trapped on the road.”

“Delivering a baby in a car. Not my idea of fun,” Ben muttered.

“Apparently, we’ll have a home birth tonight. The midwife lives locally. Hopefully she can get here.” Z’s flashlight moved as he pulled out his cell phone. “Come on up, you two. The door’s open.”

A baby coming. A storm. No power. A chill crept up Anne’s spine.

Thankfully, Jessica was strong and healthy.

Anne glanced at the dark bulk that was Ben. “Let’s get up there and see if we can help.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Ben put a hand behind her back to guide her toward the steps. His palm was warm through her wet clothing. And far too comforting.

After drying off and donning clothes from her go-pack, Anne talked with Z, then headed into the master bedroom. A myriad of candles lit the room, showing arched windows, pale walls, and dark furniture.

On the king-sized bed, Jessica sat with her back against the headboard, hands laced over her belly, eyes closed. The grimace on her face said she was in the middle of a contraction.

First babies never came quickly. Anne’s experience wasn’t extensive, but she’d been her sister-in-law’s birthing partner twice while Harrison was in Iraq.

By tomorrow, Jessica would have a baby to show for the pain. Anne knew her friend wouldn’t begrudge the work in the least.

After a half minute, Jessica relaxed and opened her eyes. “Anne. Hey.”

Anne took a seat on the bed. “I came to keep you company while Z tries to reach the midwife before she gets stuck in the traffic jam. He hasn’t had an answer yet. She’s probably in a poor reception area.”

A flash of worry crossed Jessica’s face. “There are pockets of dead zones all around here.”

A diversion was indicated. “So, did you change your mind about knowing whether you’re carrying a girl or boy?”

“Nope.” Jessica smiled wryly. “Although Z probably bribed the doctor to tell him.”

“Ah.” Oh, he undoubtedly had. “Possibly.”

Jessica shifted, obviously uncomfortable, even without a contraction.

“Girl, there’s no reason why you have to stay in here…not until you’re closer to the big moment. Would you like to move into the living room?”

Jessica’s eyes lit. “Can I? I feel as if I’ve been stuffed into a cave and forgotten.”

“Then let’s get that sorted. Couch or recliner? And let me grab some towels.”

“Couch. There are old towels on the linen closet’s bottom shelf. In the bathroom.”

“Perfect. Stay put for a minute.

Anne set things up, added a sheet for comfort, and returned.

Jessica was sweating slightly, but eager to move.

Anne helped her up, out to the living room, and hesitated. “You know, as long as you have someone beside you, you can walk around.”

“Really? Awesome.” She gave Anne a rueful look. “Since it’s tax season, I missed some birthing classes. Z and I had hoped to make them up this week.”

“You’re such an accountant. I’m surprised Z didn’t insist on the classes.”

“I got kind of hysterical, and he caved. Probably because I pointed out that I’d worry more if I had to file tax return extensions for every one of my clients.”

Anne grinned as she steered her friend around the room. Jessica was one of her favorite people, but totally numbers crazy.

“Well—oh God, not again.” Jessica swiftly sat on the couch and held her hardening belly. Through gritted teeth, she added, “The pains are down to every two or three minutes.”

Anne pulled up her memory of when she’d helped with her niece and nephew’s births. Such frequent contractions meant active labor, right? Time for the midwife to get here.