Lifeline

Chapter 39

One day, as I watched Liz from across the room, a knot of worry tightened in my chest. She winced slightly, her hand instinctively moving to rest against her belly. Concern surged through me, and I hurried over to her side. "Are you okay?" I asked, my voice tinged with anxiety. Liz looked up at me, her expression a mix of surprise and reassurance. "Yeah, just a little discomfort. I think the baby's just moving around a lot." I exhaled slowly, my tension easing somewhat. "You sure?" She nodded, offering me a reassuring smile. "Positive. It's just part of the package, I guess." I brushed a strand of hair from her face, my fingers lingering against her skin. "You know, I'm here for you, right? If anything ever feels off or you're in pain, you don't have to tough it out. We'll figure it out together." Her eyes softened, and she placed her hand over mine. "I know, Alex. And I appreciate that more than you can imagine." As the days passed, I remained vigilant, always on the lookout for any signs of distress or discomfort. Liz, too, was attentive to her own well-being, not hesitating to reach out if something felt off. Our communication had become an unbreakable thread between us, a lifeline that kept us connected and grounded. And as the end of the pregnancy drew nearer, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The prospect of welcoming another life into our family filled us with a sense of wonder and hope.

My eyes shot open as I felt the bed shift slightly that night, and I turned to see Liz next to me, her brows furrowed in discomfort. She was panting softly, her fingers gripping her baby bump. Alarm surged through me, and I was instantly wide awake. "Liz?" I called out, my voice laced with concern, as I reached out to gently touch her arm. She turned her head to look at me, her breathing still uneven. "Alex, I think... I think it's time." My heart raced as her words sank in. This was it—the moment we had been waiting for. Panic and excitement mingled within me, creating a whirlwind of emotions. I quickly sat up, my mind racing with thoughts of what needed to be done. "Okay, okay," I said, my voice steady despite the chaos in my mind. "Let's get you to the hospital. I'll call the doctor, and we'll figure this out." Liz nodded, her grip on her bump tightening slightly as another wave of pain washed over her. I moved quickly, grabbing my phone and dialling the doctor's number. As I explained the situation and received instructions, I could feel my hands trembling with a mix of anticipation and nerves. After hanging up, I turned back to Liz. "The doctor said we should head to the hospital. Let me grab our bags and call a cab." Liz nodded again, her face flushed with a combination of pain and excitement. I quickly moved around the room, gathering our bags and making sure we had everything we needed. My heart pounded in my chest, the gravity of the moment sinking in as I realised that our family was about to grow. Once everything was ready, I helped Liz to her feet, wrapping my arm around her for support. She leaned against me, her breaths coming in shallow gasps as we made our way to the front door. The cab ride to the hospital felt like a blur, my thoughts consumed by the impending arrival of our child. Emilia was with her grandparents that night, so at least the timing was fitting. As we entered the hospital, a sense of urgency filled the air. The medical staff quickly assessed Liz's condition and guided us to a room. Time seemed to both crawl and fly as we navigated the process of labour, each moment bringing us closer to the moment we would finally meet our baby. The room seemed to fade away as we focused on each other, and I was acutely aware of every breath she took and every sound she made. Liz was stronger than ever, but I could see the pain etched across her face as the contractions intensified. I held her hand, offering whatever support I could. "You're doing amazing, Liz. Just remember to breathe. We're in this together." She nodded, her grip on my hand tightening as another wave of pain washed over her. I watched as she closed her eyes and took slow, deep breaths, her knuckles turning white as she squeezed my hand. "That's it," I encouraged, my voice steady. "You've got this." A little smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "You better not pass out this time." I chuckled, the tension momentarily easing as her humour broke through. "No promises, but I'll do my best." As the contractions continued, I kept a watchful eye on the monitors, making sure everything was progressing as it should. The medical staff moved around the room with a sense of purpose, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and gratitude for their expertise. Through each contraction, I whispered words of encouragement to Liz, reminding her of her strength and the incredible journey we were on together. She responded with determined nods, her focus unwavering even in the midst of pain. And then, after what felt like both an eternity and an instant, the moment arrived. Our baby was ready to make their entrance into the world. The room buzzed with energy as the medical team prepared for the final stages of labour.