Falling into Place - Forbidden Heart Series

34| Waiting game

"How long does it take to have a baby anyway? This is taking forever."

Ayden read over and slugged Nate on the shoulder. "Impatient much? Settle down over there. All that leg shaking is making me nervous."

"What did you expect," Nate grumbled. "I don't do good with waiting. I'm nervous, fidgety, and anxious. What if things--"

"Don't go there," I cut in and pointed to each one of my friends. "I don't want to hear any what-if scenarios from any of you. They're going to have a healthy, beautiful baby girl and Danielle is going to be fine."

That shut Nate up pretty quickly. Ayden too. Thank goodness Karma took Lanie, Jamie, and Cherise to the cafeteria. Lanie was a nervous wreck, and I had a strong feeling she was thinking back to when little Nate was born. Especially the way she's been cradling him ever since we stepped into the hospital.

Ayden wasn't that much better off either. His hands were resting on the arms of the chair, appearing calm, cool, and collected to those who didn't know him. But I didn't miss the way he was white-knuckling the arm tests.

As for Ryan's parents, his dad was on a flight back here from California. He'd been away on business and hoped on a plane as soon as we called him. His mom was here in the waiting room, but she wouldn't leave the coffee station that just happened to be twenty feet from us.

Vegas money told me it wasn't for the coffee. 

Then there was Jackson. He was sitting next to me with his eyes still glued to the double doors that read Only Authorized Personnel Beyond This Point. Each time Ryan came through those doors with an update, Jackson jumped to his feet. Then Ryan returned to Danielle and Jackson went back to his staring.

"You okay, baby?" I asked him softly.

"Fine, princess."

"You're not fine, Jackson. Why don't we go for a walk?"

It might be good for both of us to get a little air. Danielle went into labor exactly nine hours ago, and last we heard she was only five centimeters dilated. We had a long way to go, and sitting in this room staring at a door wasn't doing Jackson or me any good.

"I don't want to leave. I don't want to miss an update."

I placed my hand over his and stroked the inside of his wrist. After knowing someone and living with them for a few years, you pick up on the little things that comfort them. Jackson always seemed to calm down when I did this.

"Please," I begged. "I need some air and I want you to take me."

Jackson's eyes finally met mine. I could see the conflict he was dealing with. He wanted to give me what I wanted, but he also didn't want to leave this room. Even though I really thought getting him to go outside would help, I wasn't going to push it.

"Go ahead, Jackson," Ayden said from his seat. "I promise to call if those doors open."

With a sharp nod, Jackson got out of his chair and held out his hand to me. "Let's go, princess."

I took his hand and let him lead me out of the waiting room and towards the exit of the hospital. Doctors, nursers, and visitors passed by us in the halls.

Everyone seemed to be in a hurry here. Medical staff was in a hurry to save someone's life or bring them into the world. Security was in a hurry checking guests in and out. Visitors were anxious, begging for results of loved ones.

Everyone was in a hurry. That applied to us as well. We were all in a hurry to know for sure that the baby was going to be okay. And Danielle, too.

"You can't fool me, princess."