some things can be challenging

Chapter 16

Lucy

Today started off beautifully. Tim and I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on the patio, wrapped up in cozy blankets as the morning sun warmed our faces. There was something incredibly soothing about the gentle breeze and the sound of birds chirping as we sipped our coffee and shared a plate of pancakes. I'm bubbling with excitement today because I'm officially 37 weeks pregnant, which means we're just two and a half weeks away from meeting our baby girl!

Today is also a bit bittersweet because it's my last day at work before I take maternity leave. I'm being sent off after this week, and I'll be home for the next three months to bond with our little one. After that, I'll return to work, and Tim will take paternity leave. It's a bit of a juggling act, but I'm more than ready for this new chapter. Honestly, though, I'm not too sad about stepping away from work—my uniform barely fits, and with the baby sitting so low, running around is practically impossible!

After a blissful hour spent relaxing outside, I attempt to get up from my comfy spot but find it more challenging than I anticipated. Tim, always attentive, wraps his arms around me and helps me gently rise. We start getting ready for the day, and I opt for a pair of stretchy leggings and a tank top that showcases my growing belly. As I head to the bathroom to brush my teeth, I accidentally drop the toothpaste on the floor. "You've got to be kidding me," I mutter in frustration, struggling to bend down. Tim swoops in, picks it up, and hands it back to me with a reassuring smile, while he continues his own preparations.

We drive separately to work so that I can return home easily afterward. As soon as we arrive, I spot Sergeant Grey approaching me. Before he can say anything, I interject, "I'm just here to say goodbye."

Sergeant Grey smiles warmly and replies, "Well, you'll be missed around here for the next few months."

I smile back, appreciating his kind words. As everyone gathers for roll call, I stand by the door, not officially on duty today. Sergeant Grey makes the announcement: "Everyone, this is the last time you'll see Officer Chen at the station for a while, so make sure to congratulate her and say your goodbyes." The room erupts in applause. I'm not the biggest fan of being the center of attention, but I'm genuinely touched by the support.

Once most of the officers have left, I make my way to say goodbye to my favorite detectives.

"Whoa, Momma, you look like you're about to give birth any minute!" Nyle exclaims, pulling me into a warm hug.

Angela follows with her own embrace, adding, "Yeah, let us know how that water birth goes!"

"Sure thing," I reply, smiling broadly. We chat for a few more minutes before we part ways.

Back home, I make myself a snack and settle into the living room with a birthing book, hoping to feel as prepared and comfortable as possible. As the afternoon drifts by, around 3:00 PM, I decide to make a quick trip to the grocery store for some essentials. It feels good to accomplish something productive while I still have the energy.

As I continue shopping for the groceries we need, a tightening sensation begins to grip my abdomen. At first, it's manageable, and I dismiss it as just another Braxton Hicks contraction. But as time passes, the discomfort intensifies, deepening into a more persistent and painful feeling. I can't ignore it anymore; something tells me that labor might be starting.

I hastily gather my things, pay for the groceries, and rush to my car, hoping that my water doesn't break before I can get home. Every bump on the road seems to magnify the contractions, making me increasingly anxious. Fortunately, I make it home without incident, but the contractions grow even more intense and closer together. I realize with mounting certainty that our baby is on the way sooner than we expected.

Desperate to reach Tim, I dial his number repeatedly. After several attempts, he finally answers, his voice laced with concern.

"Lucy, are you okay? What's going on?" he asks urgently.

"Tim, I think—mmm—I'm going into labor," I manage to say through the waves of pain. "Can you come home soon?"

"Yes, Lucy, I'm on my way. I'll let Grey know over the radio," he replies, his voice steady and reassuring.

"Mhm," I respond, my pain evident as I brace myself against the table, trying to ease the discomfort by swaying my hips from side to side.

After we hang up, a surge of fear grips me. What if something goes wrong? It feels too early for our baby to arrive. I try to stay calm for the sake of our little one, but the pain is overwhelming.

"Aah," I groan, struggling to get up and pace around the room. Each contraction feels like a relentless wave, making it difficult to stay focused. About fifteen minutes later, Tim bursts through the door. He immediately envelops me in a comforting hug and starts rubbing my back with soothing strokes.

"It's okay, I'm here. I know this is hard," he says gently.

"Can you fill the tub?" I ask, still clenching my teeth as he continues to rub my lower back. "And call the midwife?"

"Of course," he replies softly, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead before rushing off to get everything ready.