Paradise Valley (Virgin River #7)(98)

“We’ll talk about it,” Cameron said, taking the squashed envelope out of her hands. “It won’t be burned.”

“Works for me, but hell—try to use it on yourselves. It was her retirement and condo, for God’s sake. She worked hard for that. Abby, I’m glad you’re happy. I really am.” Then he smiled sadly.

Abby turned around to face Cameron. She had tears in her eyes. “Are we done now?” she asked Cam.

“I think so, honey. You okay?”

“No. I’m in labor.”

“Aw, Jesus, why didn’t you say so?”

“I wasn’t sure. Now? I’m sure.”

“Okay, sit back down here,” he said, tossing the envelope on the side table and easing her down onto the couch. “Let’s take a minute to see what we’ve got before we activate Mel and John.”

“We’ve got one right after another,” she said. “Hard. Long. Getting stronger. Pretty soon I’m going to have to start deep breathing.”

Brie got right over there. “Any idea how far apart?”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I was listening to Ross. But close and getting closer. This has been going on since you called, but I saw a chance to have this over with him before the babies came and I— Cameron?” she asked, turning her frightened face to his. “I’m nervous. Is it okay? It’s over thirty-six weeks, right? We’ll be okay, right?”

“We’re going to be fine, baby. And they’ll be fine.”

“Will they come too fast?”

“We’ll have Mel pick us up in the Hummer just in case. Brie? Call Mel?”

“Sure,” she said, heading for the phone. When she turned to pick it up, she saw Ross backing toward the door, his eyes on Cameron and Abby.

Abby had her hands on Cam’s face. “I love you so much,” she said. “I wish we’d just gotten married when you first suggested it. I want them to have a father.”

“They have a father, baby. We’ll get it done as soon as you’re recovered a little.”

“We’ll put your name on the birth certificates.”

“We’ll do anything you want. Right now it looks like we’re going to deliver.” He smiled and gave her a kiss. “You didn’t want to wait for the Pitocin, I guess.”

“I made it long enough for them to be healthy,” she said, leaning against him. “Didn’t I? Please tell me I—”

“They’re going to be perfect, Ab. Trust me, honey.”

Brie watched Ross. He had a melancholy look on his face as he lifted a hand to her to wave goodbye. For a second she was frozen, then she lifted her hand in return. No time for farewells between Abby and Ross, which was probably for the best. She made a mental note to retrieve and protect the check that lay on the table.

She dialed as the door closed behind Ross. How must it feel, she wondered, to know that you’ve squandered your life? To see all you lost?

“Mel? Hey, Cam and Abby are here and she’s in labor. Contractions very close together and she says they’re strong and long. Cameron asked if you’d bring the Hummer to take her to the hospital, just to be safe. Very good—I’ll tell them.” She disconnected and said, “As soon as she can leave the kids with Jack, she’s on her way.” Brie grinned. “So—what an exciting day this turned out to be. So much for boring paperwork!”

When Mel arrived at Brie’s office, she took a couple of minutes to talk with Abby about her contractions. “Get in back with her, Cam, and I’ll drive. Her water hasn’t broken and I think we have time. Tell me if I have to pull over and trade places with you.”

While Mel drove, she listened to Cameron trying to coach Abby through her breathing, trying to soothe her, rubbing her back. But when they arrived at Valley Hospital forty-five minutes later, she heard Abby snap, “Of course I’m doing fine. Can you stop touching me so much?”

Mel smiled to herself, but then she hurried. She put the Hummer in park at the hospital’s emergency entrance, ran around to the back and lifted the hatch. “I want you to stay on the gurney, Abby,” she said. “Cam, give me a hand here.”

“I can probably still walk,” Abby began to argue.

“No, do as I say,” Mel instructed. When she and Cameron had rolled her into the hospital and up the elevator to labor and delivery, they were expected. Mel asked a nurse, “Is Dr. Stone here yet?”

“Not yet, but he said he was coming right over.”

“If you can still reach him, tell him to put a wiggle in it—I think I’m going to find she’s in transition.”

“Will do,” the L&D nurse assured her.

In the birthing room there were two plexiglass bassinets, two warmers stocked with diapers so tiny they could fit in the palm of her hand, monitors and IV stands. Cameron and Mel cautiously transferred Abby to the bed. Mel pulled off Abby’s shoes. “I’m going to ask Cameron to help you get into a gown, Abby, while I change into scrubs. When we’re both changed, I’ll check you. How’s that?”

“Fine,” she said, rolling carefully into a sitting position on the bed. “Oh!”

“What, honey?” Cam asked her.

“My water! Oh God, I’m totally sitting in a puddle.”