The Fall - Book 2

248. Conall Ignatius Barnes

OCTOBER 30, 2020 — THE BARNES HOUSE — RÉA

"I missed our bed...it's so comfy," I say as I snuggle into the mattress.

"You've said that every night since we've been home," Bucky chuckles.

"Well, it's true! While I was happy to stay with Pepper until Tony got back, I'm very glad to be in my nice, comfy bed." I let out a contented sigh as I burrow further beneath the covers. "Dorothy was right: 'there's no place like home'."

"Gosh, you're cute," my husband murmurs, his tone filled with affection; I feel that same warmth through our link.

I cuddle as close as I can against him, and stretch up to give him a soft, sweet kiss before tucking my head into the crook of his neck. I inhale deeply, breathing in his comforting fragrance of cedar, vanilla, and cinnamon, and let out another happy sigh.

"This is my favourite place to be," I speak through our connection. "Right here."

"Mine, too."

I feel Bucky press a kiss to the top of my head, and I lean back just enough to meet his gaze.

"I love you, Bucky."

"I love you, Réa."

He leans close and just as he presses his lips to mine, a sharp pain spears my abdomen. I squeeze my eyes shut as I sharply inhale; Bucky lets out a quiet hiss of pain—so quiet that I barely hear it—and I immediately close our link, not wanting him to experience this.

"I definitely won't miss those," I mutter after the pain has faded. "Like I said the other day, I know the Braxton Hick contractions serve a purpose, but I really, really don't like them."

"Are they always that strong?"

"No. I've only had a few that were...mostly they're just kind of annoying."

"Ah." My husband's quiet for several long moments. "So, how about I make you breakfast in bed tom—"

I miss the rest of his words as I once more feel that sharp pain...along with a rush of liquid between my legs.

"Okay, I'm calling Doctor Lawrence," Bucky says, rolling over and grabbing his mobile from the nightstand. "Pretty sure these aren't Braxton Hicks."

I nod as he taps the screen a few times; I hear the ringing through the speaker.

"This is Doctor Lawrence."

"Hi, Doctor. This is Bucky. Barnes. You're on speakerphone with me and Réa. I'm sorry to call at nine-thirty at night, but, um, I'm pretty sure she's in labour."

"Why do you say that?"

"Well, she's had a couple of pains...and I'm pretty sure her water just broke." He pauses briefly. "And I know it's early, because she's thirty-five weeks and two days along, but, like I said, I'm pretty sure her water just broke."

"Okay." There's a brief silence on the line. "Let me gather my things, and I'll be there shortly."

"Thank you, Doctor."

"Yes, thank you," I add.

"Of course, Réa. Just try to relax. I'll see you soon."

"Okay. Bye," I reply.

"Goodbye."

The call disconnects and Bucky returns his mobile to the nightstand, then kisses my forehead before slipping out of bed and pulling on a pair of sweatpants and a long-sleeve t-shirt.