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“Just admiring the baby’s room.” I welcomed her into my arms, kissing the top of her head. “How was the nap, Kitty K?”

“It was okay.” With a hand on her lower back, she sat in the comfy rocking chair.

“Do you need a massage?” I asked, knowing she’d been experiencing back pain.

She shook her head. “I can’t wait to get him out of me.” She flicked me a regretful look. “No offense to you or our little man, but I’m tired and extremely uncomfortable. I can’t see my feet, and I have to pee every twenty minutes.”

Laughing, I sat on the ottoman in front of her. “I know, love.” I took her hand in mine. “You look beautiful.”

She snorted and rolled her eyes. “You’re just saying that to be nice. I don’t feel beautiful. I feel like an agitated fat whale.”

I stifled a laugh. “You’re gorgeous to me. You have a lovely glow about you. You’re carrying our bundle of joy, and that’s a lot of work. So thank you.”

“I know I’ve been cranky.” Her face softened. “But you’d be too if you couldn’t sleep and your back hurt.” The baby kicked, and she gasped. “I think he’s practicing martial arts so he can compete with you when he comes out.” She licked her lips. “I’m thirsty.”

“Water or juice?” I rose from the ottoman.

“Water. I’ll come too. I need to move.” She reached for my hand, and I assisted her up.

Then she gasped. “Oh, no.”

“What happened? Are you hurt?”

She looked at the puddle of water on the floor.

Forrest

Excitement and fear set in. I dealt with urgent situations all the time at my health clinic. But my wife’s water breaking froze me for a moment.

Get yourself together!

“BaMBu Beast, it’s time.” Kiera’s calm voice snapped me out of the shock.

I had expected excitement, but her calmness surprised me. It was the complete opposite of her energetic self.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Been waiting for this day. Can you clean up the mess while I get dressed?”

“Do you need me to help you?”

“I’m good.” She waddled off as I got a towel to clean the floor.

When I finished, I went to our bedroom, but Kiera wasn’t there. I found her sitting on the bench by the garage door.

She held the hospital bag on her lap and smiled at me. “Let’s go.”

I sat beside her and wrapped an arm around my lovely wife. “Are you nervous?”

She nodded. “Are you?”

“Yes. But I’m also very excited. Let’s take this moment to appreciate the quiet one more time.” I grinned at her. “Because when we return, it won’t be quiet anymore.”

Tears gleamed in her eyes. “Okay.” She rested her head on my shoulder. “I can’t wait to meet him.

I placed a hand on her belly. “Be good to your mom and come out quick, okay?”

A kick shifted my hand. Kiera and I looked at each other with wide eyes. Then we laughed.