Once You've Tasted Love

Chapter 70

*Two and a half months later*

It was the 30th of April now and I was done, well, done as in my energy was nearly gone. My bump was big, I was tired and I just wanted it to be over. Gary had been as sweet as ever and even though he was working a lot with the boys, he always tried to be there for me and looking after me. Fortunately, they weren't touring or promoting, it was studio time, so he at least came home every day and wasn't far away at night. And during the day he had always been available over the phone.

It was a beautiful morning and we were sitting in the kitchen. "When will you be home tonight?"

"Dunno...Is 6 alright?" 

I nodded and smiled "Sure! Anything you want me to cook for dinner?" 

"Actually I was thinking of a take-away today? Italian maybe?" 

"Why not? Good idea!" 

"Settled then" Gary smiled and looked at the time "I'm sorry but I should get going. See you later. And call me if you need anything." 

"Yes dad" I rolled my eyes and we both laughed before I gave Gary a kiss.
-----

After cleaning the kitchen I called Anna. 

"Hey Clara! How are you?" 

"Fine, thanks, how are you lot?" 

"Good! Well, Jack is working and I'm at home with Holly. You?" 

"Gary is working too and I actually wanted to ask you if we should meet?" 

"Yeah, why not? 30 minutes at Hyde Park?" 

"Sounds good. See ya!" 

"See ya!"

30 minutes later I got to the spot where we had decided to meet. I sat down on a near bench and soon afterwards I saw Anna walking towards me, pushing Holly in her pushchair in front of her. I smiled at both, the sight I had at the moment and at the thought that very soon I could use ours too. My heart immediately jumped at the image of Gary, me and our son walking through this very same park together in a few weeks time.

"Hi Anna!"

"Hi you! You look awesome!" 

I laughed "Yeah, about to pop! I honestly can't wait." 

"I know that feeling. But honestly, pregnancy suits you." 

I smiled and looked into the pushchair where Holly was. She had grown up so fast. 10 months old and she was already sitting up and trying to stand up too.

We walked for a while before settling into a near café and had something to eat for lunchtime.

After that I got home and had to have little lay down as I felt a bit of pain in my stomach. It only got worse though. I was unsure of what to do, so I called my mum. 

"Hello?" 

"Hi mum." 

"Clara, sweetheart, how are you?" 

"Not good." 

"Why?" 

"I have pain, but I don't know if it's already labour." 

"Well, are you bleeding?" 

"No." 

"Has your water broken yet?" 

" No." 

"How much pain do you have?" 

"As if I'm having like a really bad period." 

"Ok. Are those 'contractions' regularly yet?" 

"No. Sometimes 20 minutes, sometimes 3, sometimes an half an hour." 

"Ok, sweetie. No worries. You are in fact at the earliest stage of labour. But, until you need to go to the hospital it can take 24 hours or even longer from now on. So, no stress. I always went in when water broke. Have you packed everything?" 

"Yes."

"Gary is reachable if water should break?" 

"Yes." 

"Good. Relax and try to get some sleep now. You'll do fantastic sweetie. I love you. Call me if you need anything." 

"Thanks mum. Love you. Bye." I hung up and tried to sleep.
-----

I woke up as I heard the front door close. "Clara?" 

"Living room." 

Gary appeared and sighed "Thank god." 

I frowned "What do you mean?" 

"I tried to get a hold of you to ask what pizza you'd like but you didn't answer. I was a bit scared to be honest." 

I blushed "Oops. I fell asleep. How late is it?" 

"6." 

My jaw dropped "I slept through out the whole afternoon?!" 

Gary chuckled "Looks like it. Anyway, I brought you a margherita." 

"Aww thanks." 

I decided not to tell Gary about the little contractions I had had, first because he was worrying enough as it was, second, I wasn't having any at the moment. We sat down in the kitchen.

Gary wanted to pour himself a glass of wine when I stopped him "Gary don't." 

He frowned "Why?" 

"I think it's better for you not to drink alcohol the next 24 hours." 

"What do you mean?" 

"I have the feeling it's going to arrive soon."

Gary put the bottle back "WHAT?! And you're still sitting there?" 

I sighed "Gary. Calm down. I said I have the feeling. I don't have strong contractions and my water hasn't broken yet either. This can take 24 to 48 hours." 

"Oh. Ok. Well." He sat down and we continued eating.
-----

After dinner I decided to head upstairs and check one last time that everything was ready.

As I was standing in the nursery I heard steps on the landing, coming nearer "Clara?" 

"Yes?" 

Gary stood in the doorstep "Ahhh, there you are. Come on, I ran you a bath, you should relax a bit." 

I smiled at his cuteness "Aww thanks."

He took me into our bathroom and my jaw dropped. He had prepared a bath with bubbles, rose petals and candles. The light was dimmed too. 

"Wow Gary, this looks beautiful. Thank you. I love you." 

"Everything for you." 

I kissed him quickly and then let him help me get inside. I looked at him "You coming?" 

"Sure?" 

I nodded.
-----

"Wait. Let me get outside first" Gary said about half an hour later.

He got outside, giving me a chance to admire his naked body. He wrapped himself into his dressing gown before holding up a big fluffy towel for me. I stood up, letting him wrap it around me before he lifted me out, laying me down on the bed.

I put on my nighty and got under the covers. Gary laid down beside me and pulled me towards him so my back was resting against his torso, resting his arm around my waist, his hand splayed out over my stomach, keeping me close and warm.
------

I woke up at 4 o'clock in the morning to a stinging pain in my uterus. I sat up and suddenly everything was wet. 
"Fuck." I whispered. "Gary?" 

"Mhm...Let me sleep." 

"Gary wake up." 

"Noooo." 

"Gary my water just broke."