Page 21

Ten months later

“ I told you to cut through the park!” Genesis moans from the back seat as I take another curve too sharply.

“It’s closed, Preciosa, just hang on a little longer.” I’m following Knight, who’s clearing the way on his motorcycle so I can get my very pregnant wife to the hospital.

“If I have our son in the back of this car because you needed him born in the Bronx instead of Manhattan, I’m going to make sure it’s the last time you get anyone pregnant.” I smile as I make it over the Third Ave bridge in record time.

“Por favor, mujer! I’m trying to drive, or do you want me to crash this cage?” A memory tickles my mind as I say the words.

Almost like deja vu, and I shake the thought off because I need to concentrate on the road.

“Contractions are three minutes apart. We’re cutting it close here, Zek.” My brother is in the back seat with her in case we don’t make it to the hospital, he can deliver my son.

“Just don’t fucking drop my kid,” I yell as I lay the horn down, trying to get people to move quicker, but it’s no fucking use.

The Yankees are playing the Red Sox, and traffic is jammed.

“I should have scheduled the home birth like I wanted!” she moans as another contraction overcomes her body.

“I’m sorry, Preciosa. I’ll make it up to you with the next one.” A shoe hits the side of my head.

“Ouch,” I say, looking over my shoulder at her.

“I hate you!” I chuckle and shake my head.

“No, you don’t. You said so all night long. It’s not my fault your water broke, and we didn’t notice.” Her face flames red, and my brother curses.

“Why do you want to piss her off now? Fuck, Zek!” He takes her blood pressure as a police car jumps a curb with its sirens blaring.

I take the opportunity and surge forward to follow it.

“Hang on!” I call out as we jump the curb and get a volunteer police escort all the way to the hospital.

I slam the brakes at the Emergency Department doors and hop out to open the back door.

“SIR!” The police officer approaches me, but when he sees Genesis, he backs off.

“I see, congrats! Drive safer on the way home.” I nod and wave as I help her inside.

“Oh mama, you look ready to pop. Can you walk or do we need a wheelchair?” A pretty young blonde nurse asks as we walk in.

“I need to push!” Genesis yells, and the nurse doesn’t even blink.

“Alright, we’ll skip the wheelchair then. Bay Two has an empty bed. Someone call OB! Move boys, we’re having a baby here!” The nurse starts shouting orders, and Knight throws an arm over my shoulder.

“Think she’s single?” I look up at my best friend, who hasn’t taken his eyes off the nurse checking my wife.

“How about now isn’t the fucking time.” I shove him and move closer to Genesis.

She grabs my shirt and pulls me down to her eye level.

“So help me God, if you ever get me pregnant again, I will cut off your balls. AAAHHH!” she screams out, and I cover my ears.

“Alright, if you’re not the father, get out. This isn’t a free show. What’s your name, sweetheart?” The nurse smiles as she puts on gloves and glances down to check between Genesis’s spread legs.

“GENESIS,” she growls as she lifts off the bed and pushes.

“That’s right, listen to your body. Can I get a doctor in here or am I doing all the fucking work today?” She puts on a gown next, followed by a face shield, and then sits down on a stool.

She looks like a catcher ready to play ball.

“Baby’s head is out, Genesis. One more push should do it. Make it a good one.” I look down, and the nurse snaps at me.

“You don’t want to see this, Dad. You’ll never look at a vagina the same again. Trust me. Stay up there with Mama.” I move back and take my wife’s hand in mine.

“Thank you,” I whisper into her ear and kiss her forehead.

“For what?” She groans and pushes again.

“For giving me back my family.” A tiny cry sounds out, and we turn to look as the nurse stands and places a pink little baby boy on my wife’s chest.

“Congratulations,” she smiles at us as an older man walks into the room, patting his pockets like he forgot something.

“Thank you for joining us, Doctor Johnson. Now maybe you can finish your job.” She stresses the last part as she snaps off her gloves and throws all her protective gear away.

“What are we going to call him?” Genesis plays with his little toes and fingers, and I secretly count them to make sure we made him right.

“Zachary, for my father.” She smiles and nods.

“I love that.” I kiss my son and then my wife.

“I love you.”

Knight

“Excuse me!” I chase after the nurse who just delivered Pirate’s baby as she stomps down the hall mumbling about asshole doctors and not being paid enough for this bullshit.

“YES?” she finally acknowledges me and stops short, causing me to crash into her.

“Ah fuck, my bad. Are you alright?” I offer her a hand to stand, but she doesn’t take it.

She pops back up on her feet nimbly, and I immediately start thinking about how useful that flexibility and movement would be in my bed.

“Did you need something? I’m late for my lunch break.” I grin when she gives me the opportunity I was looking for.

“Let me treat you. You look like you’ve had a bad night, yet you delivered my godson with a smile and patience. It’s the least I can do.” I wait while she looks me over and thinks.

“Who am I to turn down free food even if it’s from the cafeteria?” I chuckle and motion for her to lead the way.

“We didn’t catch your name before. It was a little hectic. I’m Troy.” I try again to touch her, even if it’s just a handshake, but she doesn’t accept and slaps her head like she’s an idiot instead.

“Fuck! Sorry, I’m Jenna.” I smile at her frank response.

“Pleasure to meet you.”