“It’s okay, baby girl,” I soothed, pressing kiss after kiss into her hair as I strode down the hall. “You’re not alone. I’m right here. Every breath, every step—you’ve got me.”
The hospital wasn’t far, thank the Goddess. I settled her into the car carefully, buckled her in when her hands shook too much to do it herself. She glared at me, but her lips trembled.
“I’m not fragile,” she whispered, like she needed me to believe it.
I cupped her cheek, letting her see everything in my eyes—the awe, the love, the worship. “You’re not. You’re the strongest female I’ve ever met. But strength doesn’t mean you have to do this alone. Let me carry some of it, Aurora. Please.”
Her eyes softened, wet with tears. She nodded.
By the time we arrived, contractions were sharper, closer together. I carrie
