Reckless(94)

“Google. I told you I was studying up on pregnancy. You’re my big sister. My only sister. You think I’m going to let you pass a beach ball through your hoo-ha and not research it? Hello. I’m true blue.”

Ethan mumbles something behind me that sounds like, “You are,” but I don’t have time to figure it out because my sister is pushing and bawling and sweating. So much sweating.

“Do you want to squat? I hear squatting is a thing. It’s all natural and helps get more oxygen to the baby. And, like, women drop trou in the Amazon, squat, and squirt out their babies, but you know, without the actual squirting. Hopefully.” Please, Jesus, no squirting.

“Stop making me laugh.” She smacks me, and I flinch because she nailed that bruise on my arm, but she probably doesn’t know it because my t-shirt has three-quarter sleeves. “Yes, I want to squat. Help me.”

It’s a tough squeeze because she’s carrying a Goliath-sized child, but I help her plant her feet on the floor and wedge her body between the seat and the dash.

Pausing, she pulls me close until we’re eye to eye. Damn, she’s strong for a pregnant lady. “Catch. The. Baby. Or. Else.”

“On my life, I’ll catch this baby.” Truer words were never spoken.

Reaching underneath her, I ignore the weird gush of fluid and hope I don’t catch a turd instead of a child.

Holy shit. I’m really doing this.

Another contraction makes Kat wobble, but Ethan reaches over my shoulder and steadies her. She eyes me warily. “Sorry this is so gross.”

“It is gross, but it’s okay. I love you. Just don’t forget to name the baby after me.”

“No more jokes.”

“I can’t help it.”

Her face goes red with another contraction. More screaming and crying.

And then… a wet, squelching plop.

I fumble, but only a smidge.

Because I promised my sister.

Checking between the baby’s legs, I smile through my tears—I have a niece!

And I caught her with a prayer and my bare hands like a freaking wide receiver.

I am officially a badass.



* * *



“And then Tori sucked the fluid out of the baby’s mouth with a turkey baster!” my sister exclaims while she snuggles baby Annabelle Victoria Shepherd to her chest. “She was amazing!”

Everyone in the hospital room stares at me. Brady, his parents, my parents, Ethan.

I avert my teary eyes.

My mother crosses herself. “Gracias a Dios que estabas con tu hermana, Victoria.”

She thanks God I was with my sister.

“Yes, mija. We’re so glad you were there.” Dad gives me a weird side hug. “If anyone could do this, it’s you. You were always the brave one. Always so bold and strong.”

Wait. Whaaaat?

Dad smiles at Ethan. “But you know you have your hands full with this one, right?”

I look away, not wanting to see Ethan’s expression. It’s still too painful.

My parents don’t know we broke up. I mean, I guess we broke up. Ethan never came to see me last night, and now that the adrenaline from the live birth experience is waning, all the reasons why I’m pissed at him are falling into place like a game of Tetris.

So I’m shocked—stunned—when Ethan pulls me to his chest and kisses my forehead. “Well, I love her, so I’ll gladly take whatever she’s offering.”

I shove him away. “Now? You tell me that now?”

My dad laughs and pats him on the back. “Good luck with my little fireball.”

“We need to talk.” Angrily, I poke Ethan in the chest, and everyone behind me chuckles except Brady. I’m pretty sure if he weren’t about to cradle his baby, he’d be in Ethan’s face right now for letting Jamie treat me like shit.

I give my brother-in-law a look.

I got this.





53





Ethan





Tori marches out of the hospital room and into the hall, breathing flames of fury and looking so damn beautiful, she takes my breath away. Even with God knows what on her t-shirt and her half-skewed hair bun.

My heart’s been in my throat all morning. I need to talk to her. Want to wrap my arms around her and explain.

I was frantic to find her, racing back to her sister’s house only to spot Kat’s truck in the parking lot of the diner. Since then, well, Kat giving birth took precedence.

In the hall, I pause at the nurse’s station to swipe an extra set of scrubs. “Tori, wait.”

Reluctantly, she slows down, but doesn’t turn to look at me.

I get it. I fucked up last night. Just… I need to explain.

Jogging, I catch up to her and drag her into an empty room and close the door behind us. It’s quiet here on the maternity ward, and I don’t bother turning on the lights. I’m half-afraid they’ll be too harsh and startle her.

“Here.” I hand her the scrubs and wave to her top. “You, uh, you got some blood on you. Thought you might want to change.” Her nostrils flare, and I smile. “Don’t be stubborn. Take it.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.”

I love this. Her fierceness.