Page 31 of Pieces into Place (Moonflower Cove Romance #16)

Since waking up, Blake had had a couple of Braxton-Hicks contractions that she’d worked through without anyone noticing.

They were uncomfortable, but not painful.

Thank God. The painful one she’d had the night before had made her want to cry.

But was that a sign she was going to be going into labor soon?

Or would her water need to break first? With Alexis, her water had broken after she was in labor. Would it be the same for Blake?

She had no clue.

Nor had she thought to ask Dr. Jacobs the countless times she asked if they had any more questions.

Before she could talk herself out of it, Blake cleared her throat as she looked at Vera. She had her back to Blake as she cleaned, humming along to a song Blake vaguely recognized. Taking in a deep breath, Blake finally decided it was time.

“Mama?”

“Yeah, honey?” Vera set the cleaning rag down as she turned to face Blake with a smile on her lips.

“Will I know when I’m going into actual labor?”

Vera’s smile softened as she pulled up a chair close to Blake and sat. “You will. I know the unknown is scary. But your body will tell you. It’s so hard to explain until you experience it, but you’ll notice a difference in how the contractions feel and in their frequency and intensity.”

“It’s the last part I’m most afraid of.” Blake bit her lip, looking down at her belly. “I’m so excited for her to be here, yet so nervous about getting her out.”

“And that’s a very valid feeling to have.

Even after helping countless people have babies before I was pregnant, I still didn’t know what to fully expect until it happened to me.

And even my labor with Ellie and Brayden was different than Isla’s was with Evie.

Everyone is different, but always know you have me and Mom and Alexis to ask any questions to, okay? ”

“Yeah, I know,” Blake smiled at Vera. “I’m just learning how to do this whole openness thing.”

“For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing an amazing job. You’ve come so far these last few months, Blake.” Vera’s voice caught in her throat and she took a moment to compose herself. “I’m so proud of you. ”

“Thanks, Mama.” Blake held out her arms as Vera stood and hugged her.

“And I will never get over you calling me mama .”

“I’m sorry it took me so long to do it.”

“It makes it all that more sweeter now, honey.” Vera kissed the top of Blake’s head before standing by her chair with her hand on her shoulder. “And I know I’m the doctor in the family. But you see that woman right there?”

Vera pointed to Isla, who was skimming leaves out of the pool.

Her mom looked so cool as she walked barefoot around the pool in swim shorts, tank top, and sunglasses pushed back into her curly hair.

She was talking away about something to Alexis that Blake couldn’t quite hear, but they were both laughing.

It made Blake smile at the sight of her mom and wife together.

“She should have been a doula. Your mom knows how to help people get ready to have babies and get them out. Just ask Mason or Emily. Or me. We’ve all benefited from Isla Mackenzie helping us prepare for labor.

” Vera was smirking as Blake looked up at her.

“Of course, my experience was very different from everyone else because I got added benefits of her being my wife.”

Blake pretended to be disgusted as she laughed. “Okay, there are some things I don’t need to know.”

“Hey, you don’t know until you try it.” Vera gave her a look that told Blake she was teasing, but also serious.

“The old saying is what gets you pregnant can get the baby out. I know it’s different for us, but the actions are the same.

Once you’re full term, I say go for it. That’s what got Evie out of your mom. ”

“Oh, geez.”

“You asked for my advice,” Vera laughed.

“Yeah, yeah. I should have known sex would be your answer. ”

Vera winked at her. “You know me well. But seriously, honey, never hesitate to ask me anything. Or Avery. Dr. Jacobs.”

“I’m sorry,” Blake blurted out. She watched the confusion flash on Vera’s face as she quickly continued. “I should have used you as my doctor. I don’t know why I didn’t. It was so stupid and I am so sorry.”

“Oh, Blake.”

“I’m so sorry, Mama.”

Standing, Blake hugged Vera as the two held onto each other tightly.

Vera tenderly rubbed her back as she whispered in Blake’s ear that it was okay and that she loved her.

Blake let Vera hold her as the pain of her past decisions slowly began to melt away.

It wasn’t long before Isla and Alexis hurried up to the deck to make sure everything was okay.

“It’s okay, Blake.” Vera framed Blake’s cheeks with her hands as she brushed her tears away with her thumbs. “I know you are in good hands with Avery. That decision is in the past and we are moving forward now, okay? I’m not mad, and you shouldn’t feel bad about it anymore, okay?”

Blake nodded, but Vera shook her head.

“Say it.”

“I won’t feel bad about it anymore.”

“That’s my girl.” Vera kissed her forehead. “I’m glad you got that out in the open, though. I know that’s been bothering you.”

“Just like it’s been bothering your mama,” Isla chimed in, earning her a slight glare from Vera. “Hey, I’m just saying. It was lingering over all of us, I think.

Blake nervously fiddled with her fingers as she looked at Alexis. They had an entire conversation without words. Alexis nodded her head, and Blake knew she was on board with what Blake was thinking.

“I know it’s not the same, but I’d really like for you two to be in the delivery room with us.” Blake looked at Vera then Isla, then back at Vera. “If you want. You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” she smirked, enjoying the moment as her parents hugged her tightly. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Try to keep us away.” Isla was crying as she kissed Blake’s cheek repeatedly. “Thank you.”

“I love you, Blake,” Vera whispered in her ear as Blake savored the feel of being so loved by her parents. “Thank you.”

“I love you, too. Both of you.”

Winking at Alexis, Blake smiled. And for the first time in eight months, she felt fully ready to meet their baby girl.