Page 101 of Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer

She clutched her stomach and groaned. “A cold, wet facecloth.”

“You got it.” I ran to the sink to get what she needed.

“Can we slow this down? I’m not ready to have this baby,” Harper whispered to the nurse assigned to her as I made my way back to her side.

Harper had been in labor for fourteen hours. She was uncomfortable, her back ached, her temper had flared more than once—mainly directed at me—and all I saw was the beautiful girl I met on the beach that day.

“Oh, honey, you’ll be fine. Look at me. The pain goes away once she’s born. And then you won’t even care. You’ll be so happy to see her.”

Harper whimpered. “I don’t know if I can keep this up.”

“You can and you will,” said the nurse.

I wiped at Harper’s forehead, then laid the cloth above her eyes, hoping it gave her some relief. Knowing the sounds of the ocean soothed her, I changed the music to crashing waves.

Her shoulders relaxed, and she grabbed my hand. “Please tell me I’m getting close enough to push.”

The nurse checked. “It’s almost time. Let me get the doctor.”

“Lean forward,” I said, helping her. My hands rubbed at her lower back. Her groan of relief made me at least feel useful in all this. I moved up to rub at her neck with one hand while keeping her upright with the other.

Our nurse came back in and began to break down the hospital bed, converting it for delivery. “The doctor will be here in a moment.”

“I want to push,” Harper said.

“Not yet, Harper. Hang on. Dr. Solano will be right here.”

“I don’t think I can.” Harper’s eyes swung to me. “It’s taking everything in me not to push. I just want this to be over.”

I smoothed the hair away from her face and cupped her cheek. She melted into my hand until a contraction hit her, and her whole body tensed. Tears sprang to her eyes as she curled into herself, her chin hitting her clavicle.

“How do women do this over and over?” Harper groaned.

I had no idea, but witnessing childbirth had me determined that Harper never had to do this again if she didn’t want to.

Dr. Solano came rushing in with a big smile on her face. “Looks like we’re ready to have a baby,” she said as she reached the end of Harper’s bed. She helped Harper place her feet in the stirrups and then examined her.

“Can I finally push?” Harper asked through terse lips.

“Yes, as soon as your next contraction hits. When you feel it, take a deep breath and push, and soon enough we’ll get to meet the little girl that will soon be the boss of the two of you.”

Harper panted out a chuckle that ended on a sharp cry. “Are you sure it’s too late for the epidural?”

“You’re doing great, babe,” I whispered and laced my fingers in hers.

“Don’t look,” Harper said sternly.

“What?”

“Well, you can watch her being born, but don’t look down there. You’ll never see me the same way again.”

She didn’t have to ask twice. “Whatever you want.”

“All right, next contraction. Lincoln, grab Harper’s leg just as the nurse is doing on the other side.”

I wrapped my arm around Harper’s calf and held firm. Once I steadied my grip, I reached for Harper’s hand closest to me. Our eyes locked and she nodded.

“I’ve got this,” she whispered.