It's Time

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Jennifer's P.O.V

Ben timed my contractions with his phone, the expression on his face showed that they were still too far apart to warrant a trip to the hospital. We had been preparing for this moment, yet all the planning seemed to fall away when the real thing started. Ben was perfect though. He was very supportive, making sure I stayed hydrated and as comfortable as possible, rubbing my back and offering words of encouragement.

With each contraction, I focused on my breathing, in and out, in and out, trying to let go of the tension in my body. Easier said than done.

"Do you feel like walking a little bit? It might speed things along." He suggested and I nodded. Sitting was starting to feel uncomfortable.

He helped me rise from the couch and we walked arm in arm, allowing me to lean into him at some points. As we reached a wall, Ben turned and walked backwards, facing me. He moved at my pace, matching my unsteady steps. When a contraction hit, he paused and held me close until it passed.

"My mind has been wondering back to that night at the Golden Globes." I chuckled.

"That was one wild elevator ride." He grinned, his eyes lighting up with amusement.

"I still can't believe that happened." I denied with my head.

"Who knew an elevator ride could be so life-changing." He squeezed my hands.

"You know," I looked up at him. "I wouldn't change a thing about that day."

"Neither would I." He leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on my forehead.

I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion as I looked at him. After all that had happened, I couldn't imagine my life without him.

"What?" He smiled at me.

"I missed you." I said softly.

He closed the small gap between us and wrapped his arms around me. My head rested on his shoulder as I took a deep breath. I closed my eyes and relished the feeling of being in his arms again.

"Okay, contraction update." He checked his phone. "They last about thirty seconds and come about every ten minutes."

"Ben... I don't think that matters anymore." I looked down as I felt a warm liquid between my legs. "My water just broke."

"It's time to go to the hospital." He said.

"Yes..." My voice barely came out.

"I'll help you change." He surrounded me with his arm as we walked slowly to the stairs.

"Okay." I said in a shaky voice. "Leah."

"I'll call your doctor." She said, already picking my phone from the couch.

Ben rummaged through my drawers and pulled out a clean change of clothes for me to wear to the hospital. He gently lifted up my shirt, and helped me remove it over my head before replacing it with a fresh one. He then moved down to my legs to slide off my pants while I gripped onto his shoulders for support. Once I was successfully dressed in a comfortable outfit, he helped me slip on a pair of shoes.

As we descended the stairs, I gasped as I realized we were forgetting something.

"What's wrong?" He asked concerned.

"The hospital bag, in the nursery." I replied in a calm voice.

"Got it." He said as he dashed up the stairs.

I made my way down while he grabbed it. Leah returned my phone and assured me that she would take the best care of the kids. But I needed to see them one more time before leaving.

I stood next to their beds, watching them sleep soundly. My heart was filled with bittersweet emotions as I prepared to leave for the hospital. I knew that when I returned, they would no longer be just my babies, they would be big siblings. Tears welled up in my eyes as I leaned down to give Emme a soft kiss on the forehead. I fought back a sob, not wanting to wake my precious girl. I then moved to Max's bed, taking a deep breath before placing a gentle hand on his back.

"Mommy?" His sleepy voice broke the silence as he looked up at me, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Mommy has to go now, but when I come back, you'll have a new baby brother or sister." I explained.

He looked up at me and rubbed his eyes again, as if he didn't fully understand the magnitude of what I was telling him. He wrapped his little arms around me, suddenly feeling the weight of my departure.

"Don't worry baby, Leah is going to stay here with you. You're going to have lots of fun while mommy is away." I reassured him, my voice shaking slightly with emotion.

I stood back up, my hand on the door handle, ready to leave. I took a last glance at them, feeling the weight of the situation. With one last heavy breath, I stepped out of the room, closing the door silently behind me. Although it was just for a short while, it was one of the hardest goodbyes I had ever experienced.

Fate || BENNIFER Where stories live. Discover now