“I left it in the truck when I ran into the center. The security company called on my way home from the store and I immediately called Matt. Then I guess I tossed it in the passenger seat.”
I raise my head to look at her and push up to kiss her. “I’m sorry, I should’ve called you. I planned to tell you everything when I got home. It really isn’t the kind of news that should be given over the phone. But I honestly didn’t know you were worried something had happened to me.”
“I understand what you mean, Ace. A lot has happened today, and I know there’s no way you were thinking clearly through it all. I’m really just so thankful you’re home, safe and sound.”
“Does River know anything?”
“No. There’s no reason for her to know any of this for a long time. When we decide it’s time to tell her, all she really needs to know is that her mother’s mental illness was too much for her to bear. She was in too much pain, and she had to find a way to relieve it. Until that time, River deserves to have a carefree childhood with as many happy memories as we can give her. That’ll help balance her when she has to face all the bad stuff.”
“My wife is the most incredible woman I know.” I slide my palm across her cheek, and her eyes close as she leans into my touch. “There’s something I want you to do to for me, Layne.”
“Okay,” she agrees without question.
“The stuff I got at the store is still in the truck. I’ll be right back.”
After grabbing the bags and my phone from the passenger seat, I notice all the missed calls from Layne while I sat in the reception area of the rehab center. “Your wife is worried sick…”
“Come with me, babe.” I hold out my hand to help her up from the couch. She takes it and I lead her to our bedroom then close the door behind me. When we reach the foot of the bed, I gently nudge her to sit down.
“Want to tell me what this is all about?” she asks.
“I know you haven’t been feeling well. You’ve been pretty good at faking it, though. I’ll give you that.” I wink. “Before I take you to the doctor, I thought I’d bring the doctor to you.”
She takes the smaller bag from me tentatively and peeks inside. Her face falls and she shakes her head. “There’s no use in even trying this, Ace.”
“Humor me.”
“Fine.”
She takes it into the bathroom and rejoins me when she’s finished.
“Well?” I ask impatiently.
She chuckles at my excitement. “I left it on the counter for now. It takes a few minutes to process before we’ll know. You can check it later and let me know what it says.”
“Layne?” Zoe calls from the hall, her voice thick with alarm. Layne and I quickly cross the room, and she opens the door to Zoe’s panic-stricken face.
“What is it, Zoe?”
“I think my water just broke.” She looks down at her maternity jeans first, then Layne and I follow her line of sight. “What should I do?”
Layne steps toward her and wraps her arm around Zoe’s shoulder to comfort her. “We’ll call the doctor and meet her at the hospital so you can have this baby girl. It’s time, Zoe.”
“I’ll grab your bag, Zoe. I’ll meet you two ladies at the truck. Let me tell Mom and Lily so River can stay with them tonight,” I add.
“It’s time?” Zoe asks, just now catching up to the conversation.
“Yes, it’s time,” Layne replies and guides her to her bedroom. I follow them, grab Zoe’s suitcase, and head to River’s room to tell them.
“Ladies,” I say as I step in. “Layne and I are taking Zoe to the hospital. We’re having a baby soon! River, can you stay with Aunt Lily for a couple of days while we stay at the hospital to help Zoe?”
“Yes, yes, yes!” she squeals. “Will I have a baby sister when I come home?”
“You sure will. Are you excited about that?”
“Yeah!”
“I’ll call you and show you pictures as soon as I can. Be good for Aunt Lily.” I hug and kiss my little girl. “She might even bring you to the hospital to see us later.”
“Call us if you need anything, Ace. We’ll take care of everything here and make sure this little lady is overly spoiled for the next couple of days,” Mom replies.
“Absolutely. And in a few hours, we’ll have another one to spoil, too,” Lily adds.
Once we’re in the truck on the way to the hospital, Zoe’s contractions kick in. Layne is in the backseat with her, trying to help her breathe through the pain when it hits. “The doctor is already at the hospital, and she knows we’re on our way.”
By the time we get Zoe admitted and into a room, it’s well on the way into evening hours and I realize I’m starving. If I haven’t eaten in a while, I know Layne hasn’t either. Zoe is resting comfortably in the bed since her contractions have all but stopped, and Layne is stretched out on the chair that converts into a twin-size bed. I sit on the side and push her hair off her face. Her eyes flutter open and she wraps her hand around mine.
“Babe, I’m going to get us all something to eat. I’ll sneak a little something in for Zoe, too. I’ll be back as quickly as I can, but call me if anything happens.”