Next to me, Nolan chuckled. “I think we can do that.”
“Maybe we should have something spicy for dinner. The doctor said that can induce labor.”
“Walking also helps induce labor,” Merrick pointed out.
I glowered at the alpha who I loved dearly. “I tried that, remember? I was out of breath in three seconds. Your giganticoverdue alpha child is squishing all my organs and making things difficult for my lungs!”
“If he's not here in the next few days, you know that Dr. Chen will induce you,” Wilder assured me.
“I know, but I wanted to go into labor naturally.”
“There's still plenty of time for that.” Merrick planted a kiss to the top of my head before wandering over to the kitchen to start getting things together for dinner.
While he prepared the food, I snuggled with Nolan. Preston took my feet, placing them in his lap, and rubbed them. The feeling was downright euphoric. My feet were swollen and sore.
I’d heard a lot about the pregnancy glow. Unfortunately, I never glowed. I felt bloated and icky.
“Grill’s on!” Merrick called from outside.
I turned to Preston. “Better get me out there, handsome.”
“Your wish is my command.” He smirked, scooping me up with ease. I was still pretty stuffed from the ice cream, but I would never say no to a burger.
Wilder and Nolan trailed after us, talking about some house project or another as I snuggled into Preston's chest. I was relishing all of the care they were giving me. Even though I was usually pretty independent, it made my omega happy to be pampered.
“Actually, drop me off here for a potty break,” I said, tapping him on the shoulder.
I liked being pampered and carried, but I refused to let them carry me to the bathroom; that was a hard limit of mine.
Preston did as he was told, popping me down and letting me waddle off to the bathroom. Thanks to the baby sitting firmly on my bladder, I needed to make frequent trips to the little girl’s room.
After doing my business, I washed my hands and made my way back to Preston, who was waiting for me by the entrance to the kitchen.
I was only a few steps away from him when my belly tightened. I'd been experiencing light Braxton-Hicks contractions, but this was something else.
A moment later, a trickle of liquid slowly seeped down my leggings. Given that I’d just been to the bathroom, I highly doubted it was pee.
“Hailey?” Preston asked at my shocked expression.
“I'm pretty sure my water just broke,” I told him, looking between my damp leggings and the alpha who stood there, looking dumbstruck.
“Is it time?”
“I think so.”
I opened my mouth to say something else but was cut off by a contraction hitting me. My hand flew to my stomach and I groaned. Preston lurched forward to keep me upright.
A gigantic smile spread across his face. “Merrick, you better turn that grill off. It's baby time!” he shouted in the direction of the deck. Not even a second later, the rest of my alphas converged into the hallway.
“It’s time?” Nolan asked.
I nodded, taking deep breaths.
“Is her hospital bag still in the car?” Merrick questioned.
“There's a hospital bag in every one of our cars,” Wilder pointed out.
I had wanted to be prepared, no matter what. I had no idea when or where I was going into labor, so I had definitely overprepared.