Page 187 of The Baby Twist

Miles

I was in the middle of negotiating a deal when the conference room door opened.

“Boss, your wife just called. Her water broke, and she’s headed to the hospital.”

“What?” I reached into the top pocket of my suit coat and pulled out Ben’s play phone.

“Oh my God.” I placed my hand on my head.

“Apparently, you left your real phone at home. Stella told me to tell you not to hurry over since you’re an idiot for forgetting your phone when your wife is due to give birth in a week. She was very loud about it.”

“Ah, shit. I’m sorry, gentlemen. We’re going to have to reschedule this meeting.”

“We understand, Miles.” Gordon smiled. “Good luck with the baby and your wife.” A smirk crossed his lips.

“Thanks. I’m going to need all the luck I can get.” I walked out of the conference room. “Call the florist and have five, no, make it six dozen roses sent with a bouquet of balloons. Also, I need you to go to Tiffany’s and pick up the necklace they have reserved for me. I was saving it for our anniversary, but I feel like I need to give it to her now—maybe after she has the epidural. Yeah. That would be a good time to give it to her.” I ran to the elevator and pushed the button.

“Anything else?” Isla asked.

“That should do it. I’m sure she’s bringing my phone with her, so text me when you arrive at the hospital with the necklace.”

“Will do, boss. Good luck,” she said as I stepped into the elevator.

I grabbed a cab to the hospital. When I reached Stella's room, she glared at me.

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” I walked over and kissed her forehead. I pulled Ben’s play phone from my pocket and held it up. A small smile forced its way to her lips.

“Your phone is right there,” she said.

“You’re here.” Pepper smiled, walking into the room.

“Pepper, you’re our nurse again?”

“I am. I was delighted when I saw transport wheel your wife up. Are we ready for baby number two?”

“As ready as we can be.”

Stella’s contractions were intense, and so was her grip on my hand.

“Oh my God. I need that epidural,” she shouted.

“Dr. Gregario is on his way. He told me to see how dilated you are,” Pepper said. She examined Stella and smiled. “You’re at four centimeters. I’ll call the anesthesiologist right now.” She walked out of the room.

Shortly after, a woman walked in, pushing a cart of the flowers I ordered.

“Mrs. Stella Bradshaw, these are for you.” She placed the vases of roses around the room.

“They’re beautiful, Miles. Thank you. Holy shit!” she screamed. “After this baby is born, you’re getting a vasectomy.”

“Excuse me?” I cocked my head as I massaged her back.

“You heard me!” she shouted.

My phone dinged. Glancing at it, Isla’s name appeared. Once Stella’s contraction was over, I opened the text message.

“I’m here with the necklace.”

“Take a seat in the lobby. She’ll be getting the epidural soon.”