Page 15 of Brokered Betrayals

“She brought her own gown when she delivered Ella,” Sawyer said.

Trinity laughed. “I wasn’t joking. She brought a pretty lilac hospital gown with her, and I wasn’t about to tell her no.”

Another nurse approached, older and with a stern countenance. “But I told her she’s not getting a discount for bringing her own gown.”

Royce waited for her to crack a smile, but none came. “Good to know,” he replied.

“People are trying to sleep,” Nurse Ratched said. From somewhere in the ward came a loud, snarly growl of a woman in the throes of labor. “Or deliver their babies in peace. Maybe you can get where you need to go instead of gabbing in the corridor.”

Royce was twelve years old again, looking into the disapproving eyes of Mrs. Hildie.

“Oh, stuff it, Aggie,” Trinity said. “They’re not bothering anyone.”

The older woman harrumphed and stomped away, her rubber-soled shoes squeaking in protest. Down the corridor, Andrew stepped out of a room and waved at them.

“Looks like Kels is ready for us,” Sawyer said. “Thanks so much for your help.”

“My pleasure,” Trinity replied.

“Do we get to pick the nurse assigned to our suite?” Royce asked.

Trinity smiled sympathetically. “Sorry. We share duties in all the rooms, but I’ll do my best to run interference. Aggie’s actually a good person and a damn fine nurse, but she should’ve retired ten years ago.”

The mother in labor let out another feral noise that made Royce’s dick shrivel up inside him.

“I’d better go,” Trinity said, bravely moving toward the scary sounds. “I’ll check in with you soon and get you guys set up in your suite.”

“Thank you,” they called after her.

Andrew greeted them with bear hugs when they reached him. “Are you ready to meet your little girl?”

“So ready,” Royce said.

“Your life is about to change in ways you never dreamed possible,” Andrew told them.

Royce forced his eyes wide. “What goes on in the labor and delivery room?”

Andrew snorted and playfully slugged his shoulder. “Nothing scary.” He cocked his head to the side. “Okay, some parts are, but this will still be the most beautiful moment of your life.” Andrew scanned the only bag they’d brought up with them. “Is that it?”

“For now,” Royce replied. “We didn’t want to pack up all the stuff if our suite wasn’t ready.”

“Good thinking.” Andrew leaned forward and sniffed. “Do you have snacks in there?”

Nodding, Royce said, “But we know the rules. If Kels can’t eat in here, neither can we.”

“Got that right,” Kelsey called from inside. “Get in here. I need someone to watch television with me.” They immediately answered her summons and entered the room to find her propped up in bed. She held a remote in one hand and a cup of ice in the other. “My water broke, but I’ve barely dilated a centimeter, and my cervix is still pretty thick. This might be a long night.”

“No contractions?” Sawyer asked.

“Not so much as a twinge,” Kelsey replied. “I did this with Ella, so I’m not surprised. Dr. Yang gave me the option of starting Pitocin to induce labor or waiting until her morning rounds to see if I’ll transition on my own. Pitocin is the devil, so I’m going to wait.”

Royce kissed her temple. “We want whatever is best for you.”

“Be prepared for hours and hours of theHousewivesfranchise,” Andrew cautioned.

“It’s a small price to pay,” Sawyer said.

Thirty minutes later, Royce couldn’t decide if the antics intrigued or disgusted him. Kelsey explained the key differences between the shows, which extended beyond their location.