Page 82 of His Treasured Mate

“Thanks.”

“She's going?” Sydney asked as I hung up the phone.”

“Yeah. She's not happy about it, but Kate convinced her.”

“Good. Does she have a bag packed?”

“No. She's always delivered here at home so why would we?”

“I'm on it. Luke and I will follow you over. Cora offered to take Hunter too.”

“Let’s just hope they can't handle him and Cammie together.” I chuckled, despite the situation or maybe in spite of it.

Individually, those two were the easiest kids ever, but together was a whole different story.

I felt a gnawing ache in my lower back.

Lily!

Kyle damn well better be right about this labor stuff. I needed to be there for my mate, not suffer along beside her.

*****

Four hours later and it was go time whether we were ready or not.

“I see feet,” I said. “That's not good.”

“We suspected as much. It's going to be okay. Just take it slow, Lily,” Sam instructed. “I need to just keep an eye as her head comes through.”

“Her head?” she asked.

“It's a girl!” I announced proudly. “We have another beautiful little girl, Slugger.”

“Don't push Lily.

Lily groaned as she fought against the urge while Sam insured our baby wasn't tangled up in her cord or anything.

Kyle had been right. I could feel sensations here and there, but the only pain I truly had to endure was that of Lily putting a death grip on my hand.

“She's clear. Give me one last big push.”

She started to push.

“Wait!” Sam ordered. “Her arm is up by her ear. I just want to ensure her shoulder doesn't dislocate. I know it's hard and you want to finish pushing, but just let me deliver her. Try hard not to push, Lily.”

“I really need to push,” she said through gritted teeth.

“It's okay, Slugger. You've got this. It's almost over.”

I love you so much and I promise our baby girl is worth it.

Don’t you think I know that? she snapped in my mind.

I felt helpless as I watched Sam deliver our daughter into the world, but I tried so hard to keep Lily from hearing my thoughts or even sensing my fear. She seemed to be in too much pain to really take notice.

“I can see her face,” I said, giving Lily a play by play. “She's gorgeous, babe.”

“Almost free. The worst is over,” Sam assured her, but as he carefully pulled the baby out, a second hand followed.