When I Lie With You

Chapter 42

Ian

We arrived at the ER in record time. I broke every driving law possible. I went inside, found a wheelchair, and helped Rory from the car. I could see the pain in her face as she held her stomach. The receptionist took us up to the Labor and Delivery unit, where one of the nurses took Rory’s information and then called her doctor. The time had finally arrived. My daughters were about to enter the world and I couldn’t wait to meet them. I hated seeing Rory in so much pain and I wanted to do everything possible to try and make her comfortable. I helped her into the cloth gown the nurse left for her and then I helped her onto the bed.

“Ian, this pain is unbearable. I don’t think I can do this,” she said as she laid her forehead on my shoulder.

I clasped her shoulders with my hands and lightly rubbed them. “Yes, you can, sweetheart. Your daughters are depending on you to help them come into the world. They need your help.”

She sighed as she laid her head back on the pillow. I could tell she was already exhausted.

“Hello, there. I’m Cora and I’ll be your nurse for the rest of the evening.”

“Hello, Cora, I’m Ian Braxton. Is there anything you can give my wife to help her pain?”

“I’ll have to ask her doctor, but I’m sure he’ll give her something.” She smiled.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Adalynn. In the midst of all the excitement, I had forgotten to call her. Actually, I didn’t call anyone.

“Rory better be in labor, Ian, because you’re interrupting sex time,” Adalynn answered.

“She is. We’re at the hospital now.”

“OH MY GOD! I’m on my way. Tell her that I’m on my way!” Click.

I looked over at Rory just as another contraction started. “Look at me, Rory. Focus on me, sweetheart,” I said as I held her hands.

She squeezed them as hard as she could while she breathed in and out. Finally, it was over and she let go of my hands. Damn, her grip was hard and it hurt.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” I asked.

“Yes. Have these babies for me, please.” She smiled.

“You know I would,” I said as I kissed her nose. “Adalynn is on her way. I’m going to call the rest of the family.”

I made a few phone calls to let everyone know that Rory was in labor. As I had my back turned to the door, I heard Adalynn breeze in.

“Ugh, Rory, you poor thing,” she said as she held her hand. “Is he taking good care of you?”

I sighed as I shook my head. “Yes, I am, Adalynn, and hello to you too.”

“No offense, Ian, and hello.”

Nurse Cora walked back into the room and asked us to leave while she checked to see how many centimeters Rory was dilated.

“I’m sorry, Cora, but I’m not leaving my wife’s side.”

“And neither am I,” Adalynn snapped.

Rory told Nurse Cora that it was okay for us to stay. She examined her and then looked at Rory. “I’m sorry, but you’re already dilated to eight centimeters. It’s too late for you to have an epidural.”

“Eight centimeters?” I asked. “How did she dilate so quickly?”

“It happens, Mr. Braxton. Just a couple more centimeters and she’ll be pushing those babies out.”

Rory began to cry. “Another contraction is coming and I want pain meds! Ian, do something. Buy me some pain meds, baby, please.”

I put my arm around her as she screamed through another painful contraction. “Sweetheart, I would if I could, but I can’t. You know I can’t. We can do this together.”

“TOGETHER! Are you experiencing this much pain? Are you lying in this bed, ready to explode? No, I didn’t think so, buddy.”

“Right, sweetheart. I’m sorry.”

“OH MY GOD, Ian, another one already!” she yelled.

Nurse Cora looked over and smiled at Rory. “It’s almost time. The contractions will start coming closer together.”

I went into the bathroom and ran a washcloth under cool water to place on Rory’s forehead. “Here, maybe this will help you.”

“Thank you. I love you so much, Ian.”

“I love you too and I’m here for you.”

Rory’s doctor walked into the room and examined her. “Well, it’s time. You’re at ten centimeters, Rory. Let’s have these babies.” He smiled.

Excitement poured throughout my entire body. Finally, my babies were going to be here. I took Rory’s hand and softly kissed it.

“Me and you are a team, sweetheart. We’re going to do this together. I’m going to be here to help you with every push and every contraction. I love you so much and you can do this.”

“Wow, you’re one hell of a husband,” Nurse Cora said.

Adalynn knew that Rory and I didn’t want anyone else in the room during the delivery, so she kissed Rory on her head and wished her luck before going out to the waiting room to wait with Daniel and the rest of the family.

Rory took in a deep breath as the doctor put her feet in the stirrups and the pushing began.