Heat of the Moment

Part 2

Buck’s heart raced as they hit yet another wall of traffic, the brake lights glaring ominously ahead. Eddie’s breath quickened beside him, and Buck could feel the tension in the car escalate. The seconds felt like hours as he tried to maneuver the vehicle through the increasingly frustrating standstill.

“Eddie, listen to me,” Buck said urgently, glancing at his husband. Eddie was pale, sweat beading on his forehead, his breaths quick and shallow. “We can’t stay stuck here. I’m going to call Athena for help.”

“What? No!” Eddie protested, his voice strained. “Don’t do that! I don’t want an ambulance. I’m fine!”

Buck shook his head, his expression serious. “You are not fine! You’re in labor, Eddie, and I can’t just sit here while you’re struggling.” Before Eddie could argue further, Buck pulled out his phone and dialed Athena’s number.

“Buck, please,” Eddie said, panic creeping into his voice. “I’m okay. I just need—”

“Athena!” Buck interrupted, his voice urgent as he heard her pick up. “It’s Buck! I need your help!”

“Buck? What’s going on?” Athena asked, her tone shifting to concern instantly.

“I’m stuck in traffic, and Eddie’s in labor. We need to get to the hospital, but we can’t move,” Buck explained, glancing over at Eddie, who was grimacing as he gripped the seat. “Can you help us get around this traffic?”

“Buck, is Eddie okay?” Athena asked, her voice serious now.

“Not really,” Buck admitted, swallowing hard as he watched Eddie. “He’s in a lot of pain, and I’m worried we won’t make it in time. Can you come out and help us?”

“Absolutely,” Athena replied immediately. “Stay on the line. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Buck hung up, his heart pounding in his chest. “Athena’s on her way. She’ll help us get through the traffic,” he said, trying to sound reassuring. But Eddie was shaking his head, eyes wide with fear.

“No, Buck, please! I don’t want an ambulance! I just need to breathe—” Eddie’s voice broke off as another contraction hit him. He gripped his belly, eyes squeezing shut as he fought through the pain.

“Just breathe, Eddie,” Buck urged, his voice a steady anchor amidst the chaos. “In through your nose, out through your mouth. Just like we practiced.”

Eddie nodded, though Buck could see the tears pooling in the corners of his eyes. “I can’t—”

“Yes, you can!” Buck said, reaching over to take Eddie’s hand. He intertwined their fingers, feeling the warmth and the tension radiating from Eddie’s palm. “You are strong, and you can do this. Just focus on me.”

“Buck, it hurts!” Eddie gasped, his breath hitching as he tried to stay calm. “I don’t think I can hold it in much longer.”

“I know it does,” Buck said, his heart breaking at the sight of Eddie in pain. “But help is coming. We just need to get through this moment, alright? Just a little longer.”

Time dragged on as they remained trapped in the stagnant traffic. Buck's eyes darted back and forth between the road ahead and Eddie, whose face was contorted in discomfort. He could see the muscle tension in Eddie’s jaw and the way he bit his lip, trying to suppress the sounds of pain that threatened to escape.

“Please, Buck,” Eddie whimpered, his voice trembling. “I need to push.”

Buck felt panic surge through him again. “No! Not yet! We’re almost at the hospital, okay? Just hold on a little longer. You can do this, I promise!”