Page 95 of Ready or Not
“Sorry, hospital policy says that I have to verify the car seat is installed correctly,” the nurse says, putting the brakes on the wheelchair and stepping around until she’s in front of me.
“It’s on the other side of the SUV.” Bishop steps up, grabbing the handle of Aurora’s seat. “I’m going to get her clipped in, then I can help you get situated.”
“Go on,” Mercy says. “I’ll get Vale settled.”
Cooper and Holt continue to scan the parking lot and watch the exit to the hospital. God, please tell me this isn’t going to be my life forever. I honestly don’t know how much longer I can live like this. It’s really starting to wear me down.
Mercy is extremely gentle as he helps me move from the wheelchair and into the SUV.
I cringe when I realize two of the guys will still have to find a way to climb into the back row.
“We’ll climb over the seat through the cargo area, if necessary,” Mercy says, like he can read my mind. “Don’t fret, love. We’re bringing home a healthy baby girl.”
“I love you.” I lean toward him, and he meets me in the middle for a tender kiss.
The drive home is filled with more anxiety. All four of the guys are nervous and doing their best to block it in the bond. Holt is an excellent driver. I’ve never had a single worry with him behind the wheel, but I fully admit I’m panicking.
The long, private road that leads to the gate comes into view.
Holt slowly takes the turn, and I finally feel like I can breathe.
Bishop leans forward in the back row. I turn a little, so I can see his handsome face.
“Are you doing okay, gorgeous?” He nuzzles his beard to my cheek.
“Yeah, but my entire lower half burns like hellfire.” I try to smile, but it’s forced.
“I told you we should have dropped off her prescription before coming home.” Cooper turns around from the front passenger seat. “Once we drop you off, one of us can run back out and handle getting it and anything else you need.”
“Teams of two,” Mercy says, curling around Aurora’s seat. He’s behind her in the back row, and he places a huge hand on her middle. “We keep to protocol, no matter what.”
Goodness, I feel ridiculous as my eyes ache and my head shakes.
I exhale heavily, trying to get my emotions under control.
It doesn’t help.
I’m mentally and physically exhausted. I’m wearing what amounts to an adult diaper. My boobs hurt, and I need a shower.
If Andrew could see me now, I’m pretty sure he’d turn and run in the other direction.
And what a blessing that would be.
Chapter Thirty-One
Vale
The hospital was actually pretty peaceful, even though the nurses and doctors seemed to pop in every time I fell asleep. Being home means stairs and listening to Kate and Ranger bicker to the point I briefly consider trying to strangle them both.
We have Aurora’s five-day checkup with the pediatrician, only to find out she lost an extra ounce and a half.
I’m baffled because she nurses constantly.
Like all the freaking time.
It leads me to believe I’m doing something wrong, but the pediatrician recommends trying to see if we can go two hours between feedings. That way, she’ll actually eat instead of nibbling and using me as a pacifier to fall asleep. At the very least, I should try to get to an hour and a half between feedings.
Even that would be a blessing, considering she’s waking up every forty-five minutes to an hour. If there weren’t five of us, I’m pretty sure I would have lost my mind by now. I truly don’t know how couples or single parents manage. Every woman should have a pack of men to share baby care responsibilities.