“You bet, Your Honor. Thank you.”
I ran out of the courthouse, climbed into my car, and drove as fast as I could to the hospital. When I arrived, a kind nurse took me up to the Labor and Delivery area, where they were already prepping Paige.
“I’m here.” I ran over to her bedside and kissed her forehead. “Thank you, Morgan, for taking care of her.”
“You’re welcome. I called the rest of the family. They’re on their way.”
“Roman is taking over in court for me. He’ll be here later.”
“How is my favorite patient doing?” Georgia walked into the room.
“I’m ready to get this over with.” Paige smiled.
“Said every pregnant woman, ever,” Georgia said, glancing at the fetal monitor. “You’re having a strong contraction right now, Paige. Why aren’t you screaming as every woman does?”
“I was trained to handle pain. I’ve felt worse than this.”
“Okay, then. Lucky you.” Georgia smiled. “I’m going to check to see how dilated you are. Look at that. You’re already dilated to seven. I’m afraid it’s too late for an epidural.”
“I’m fine, Georgia. I don’t need one.”
Georgia’s brows furrowed. “You are the best patient I’ve ever had. I’ll be back soon.” She gave Paige’s hand a squeeze.
After a few hours, Paige wasn’t progressing, so I helped her out of bed, and we walked around the room.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“I’m fine. Stop worrying.”
She was such a warrior, and I was so proud to be able to call her my wife.
“Whoa.” She gripped her belly and her back. “That one was a little too much.”
“Let’s get you back in bed.”
She rolled on her side, and I rubbed her lower back.
“How does that feel?” I asked.
“Better. Thank you.” She reached over and placed her hand on my cheek.
She was getting tired. I could see it in her eyes.
“Close your eyes for a while and try to get some rest.”
“Before you do that, I need to check you,” Georgia said, stepping into the room. “Sorry to break the news to you, but you’re fully dilated. It’s time to push, Paige.”
“You got this, sweetheart.” I gripped her hand and helped her into position.
She pushed for an hour. And with each push, she became more exhausted.
“I need one big push, Paige,” Georgia said.
“I can’t.” She fell back on the bed. “I can’t do this. Just take the baby out. Do what you have to.”
“Come on, Paige. One big push.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I can’t.”