Stanton Bliss(57)

“How long is a while?” Joshua frowns.

He shrugs. “Hard to say, but you are not dilated at all, so I would assume up to twelve hours.”

Joshua’s face falls in horror. “Twelve hours before she even goes into labour?”

“Yes.”

“What’s the other option?” Joshua asks as his eyes flick to mine.

“We could put you on a drip and speed up the process.”

“Induce me?” I ask.

“Yes.”

My eyes hold Joshua’s, and the worry on his poor face makes my decision. I want this done. I want our baby in our arms.

“I would like to be induced, please, if you are sure that’s ok for the baby?”

“Yes, of course.” Dr. Walton smiles.

Joshua swallows the lump in his throat, he looks like he is going to throw up, and he’s telling me to calm down and relax?

Dr. Walton turns to the nurse. “Please transfer Natasha to a birthing suite and arrange an induction.”

“Yes, Doctor.” She smiles.

He turns back to me. “Now, Natasha, I know you have discussed with me your pain relief.”

“I don’t want any,” I reply.

Joshua closes his eyes.

“Induction is faster and stronger. I would suggest you don’t dismiss it completely. The anaesthetist is here and can perform an epidural.”

“No, thanks.” I force a smile. No f*cker is putting a needle in my spine. I have heard the horror stories.

Joshua runs his hands nervously through his hair again.

Dr. Walton smiles warmly. “I am going home for a few hours and I will be back to check on you.”

“Ah, no!” Joshua snaps. “I want you here the whole time.”

The doctor smiles warmly. “Joshua, it’s fine. I live around the corner and it won’t be instantaneous. We have time and I will be here for most of the night. I have another patient also in labour down the hall.”

“What time will you be back?” Joshua snaps.

“I will be back at about eight for the rest of the night. You need to relax, this is a natural process and you being stressed won’t help anyone. Least not your wife.”

Joshua’s worried eyes flick to mine. I smile softly and hold my hand out for him. “It’s ok, baby,” I whisper.

He nods nervously. “Ok.”

The doctor leaves and the nurse smiles warmly. “We are going down to the birthing suite now. Do you have a bag with you?”

“My friend has it in the waiting room.”

She smiles. “Go and get your bag and come back to me at the desk and we will go into the birthing suite.”

I swallow my nerves. “Ok,” I whisper.

She leaves the room and Joshua grabs me into an embrace so tight I can hardly breathe.

I whisper into the top of his head, “Relax.”

“I don’t like this,” he breathes.

“Joshua. Aren’t you supposed to be the strong one here?” I gently kiss him.

His worried eyes hold mine and I cup his cheek in my hand.

“We got this, baby,” I whisper.

“I don’t like this,” he repeats softly.

“I know you don’t but it is going to be ok.”

He nods and helps me down from the bed, and we make our way to the waiting room.

Cameron is pacing, Adrian is standing and Bridget is sitting. They all rush over to us.

“Oh my God,” Adrian splutters. “What’s going on?”

“I’m getting induced.”

“Fuck.” Bridget stammers as her face falls. ‘That shit is supposed to hurt.”

“Shut the hell up,” Joshua snaps.

Cameron slaps Joshua on the back. “Get ready for a ride, old boy. You are about to see vaginas in a whole new stretching light.”

Bridget and I giggle, and the blood drains from Joshua’s face.

“That’s not funny, Cameron,” Adrian spits. “You’re going to be fine, baby. You are the toughest chick I know.” He wraps his large arms around me and squeezes me tight.

I smile. “I know.” And it’s true. I feel damn invincible at this moment in time. Bring it. Bring it the f*ck on and give me my baby.

Adrian passes me my overnight bag. “I packed you both some clothes, and I put in some clothes for the baby, too.”

I smile brightly. “Styling baby Stanton already?”

He throws me a wink. “Of course.”

Bridget cuddles me. “Oh, Tash. I love you. Everything will be fine. I am waiting out here just in case you need me,” she whispers into my hair.

I nod and feel a little bit bad that I didn’t want anyone but Joshua with me at the birth. This is such a precious moment, one I only want to share with him.

Cameron wraps his arms around me. “Pain management, chick. There are no medals for bravery.” He kisses me on the cheek and shakes Joshua’s hand.

I nod and fake a smile. “I just want to ring Mum quickly.” I dial Mum’s number.

“Hello, darling,” she answers, and for the first time today I feel teary. I really wanted her here.

“Hi, Mum. My water has broken and I’m being induced.”

“Oh, it’s going to be wonderful. Enjoy it.”