Page 21 of Brokered Betrayals

Andrew grimaced, Royce sucked in a sharp breath, and Sawyer cast a wary glance at the end of the bed to where Megan stood with a smile on her face. At least she was enjoying their friendly banter.

Royce crossed his legs and leaned forward a little. “Split in half?”

“Sure feels that way,” Kelsey said.

Sawyer was overcome with remorse. “I’m so sorry. I knew pregnancy came with a host of uncomfortable side effects and that delivery would be painful, but it sounds like medieval torture.”

“It’s okay.” Kelsey inhaled deeply as the next contraction built, and the breath exhaled shakily. “I’m tough, and I knew what I was volunteering for.” She squeezed his hand and tugged him down closer. “I fucking love you, and this has been anabsolute—” She sucked in air into her lungs. “Holy shit, this little girl wants out now.”

“Do you hear that?” Royce asked proudly. “Our Darla Grace is raising hell already.”

Dr. Yang came in at that exact moment. “Sounds like I got here just in time.”

“Yes!” Kelsey exclaimed. “I’m going to evacuate their little angel, and my man is going to get me something delicious to eat.”

“Nah, your first meal is on us,” Royce said. “You tell us what you want, and we’ll make sure it arrives.”

“Pancakes,” Kelsey said as Dr. Yang donned her protective gear. “No, make that french toast. Or maybe sausage gravy and biscuits.” Her body tensed with another contraction. “I don’t think I can hold this one off.”

“Let’s just breathe through this last one,” Dr. Yang said as she stood at the foot of the bed and positioned Kelsey’s legs in the stirrups. “On your next contraction—”

“Big breath, chin to chest, and bear down for ten seconds,” Kelsey replied.

“That’s right.”

“Dads, do you want to hide at the top of the bed with Kelsey or stand down here to see your little girl enter the world?” Dr. Yang asked.

“Umm,” they both replied. Sawyer and Royce had prepared for everything but where to position themselves during delivery.

“It’s okay with me if you stand down there,” Kelsey said. “I’d invite anyone to the show at this point.”

Royce snickered and positioned himself by Kelsey’s knees, but Sawyer stayed in place to hold her hand while she pushed their baby girl into the world. “You’ve got a cute vagina, Kels.”

Andrew snorted and shook his head. “You’re such an idiot, but I love you.”

Sawyer aimed a disbelieving glare at Royce, who merely shrugged.

“Aww, shucks,” Kelsey said. “Thank you. I’m quite fond of her too.”

“I’m also a big fan,” Andrew told her.

“You’ll have six weeks to write her poems,” Kelsey teased.

“Here comes your next contraction,” Dr. Yang said. “Ready.”

Kelsey inhaled a deep breath and nodded.

“Push,” Dr. Yang said.

Sawyer immediately started counting down from ten as Kelsey bore down and pushed.

“You’ve got this, baby,” Andrew said as he placed a hand on her back.

“You’re doing great, Kelsey,” Dr. Yang said. She reached for an instrument, and Royce scurried back up the bed, looking wild-eyed, pale, and wobbly. “I’ll only need to make a slight cut to ease her way.”

“Okay,” Kelsey said meekly.

Royce made scissors with his two fingers and mimed cutting. He shivered hard and nearly went down. Sawyer grabbed his arm with his free hand and held on until Royce’s legs steadied.