9 months. It’s about a week before our due date. I’m a sick, anxiety filled, pregnant woman with horrible mood swings. I’m probably the devil to Liam without even knowing.
I woke up. Early in the morning. The sun had just taken a peep at London. I put my robe on and headed downstairs. Liam was at his desk, rubbing his face as if he was stressed. I moved closer and put my hand on his shoulder.
“You okay, babe?” I asked.
He turned with no words. He kissed my stomach and stood up. By the look in his eyes, he was sad.
“Can we talk?” He said, looking to the sofa.
He held my hand and made sure I sat down carefully. As he sat down, he sighed.
“I uhm…they’re having me go to Istanbul. I’ve got to leave tonight.”
My eyes widened and I started to tear up. My mouth was open.
“But! But Bristol’s supposed to come any day! I want you here Liam…” I cried.
“Shh, don’t cry, love. It will be okay. I’m having Harry stay with you. He’s the strongest agent I know and will definitely take care of you and watch over you. As much as my heart hurts to leave you, especially at this time, I’ve tried everything. Apparently, it’s serious and I’m the only computer nerd they have for this specific task. Please forgive me….” He said softly.
“It’s not your fault. Just please….please be careful. Like I’ve said, I’m not raising our daughter alone.” I said.
I was a wreck. My face was red, I was crying hysterically and my hair was a mess. I got close to Liam and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
“You’re strong. You’re going to do fine. Just remember, I will be back and I’m going to hold Bristol. Promise me, and do this, don’t be in fear. I will come back. And I will be her father. And also…”
Liam pulled out a small box and opened it. A diamond ring. I wiped my eyes and look back and forth from the box to Liam.
“Jora, please marry me.” He said.
Mouth still agape, I shed a tear and gently grabbed the ring.
“Yes, Liam.” I smiled.
After I put the ring on, he kissed my lips. I was marrying my best friend.
****************************
“Don’t you worry, Liam. She’s going to be just fine.” Harry said.
We were standing at the door while Liam was near the taxi. I blew a kiss and he waved with a broken smile. He got in and was gone. I bawled. Harry grabbed my hand and brought me inside. As I sat on the couch, he went into the kitchen. He came back with a tissue.
“Here ya go, love. Don’t cry…he’ll be back before you know it.” Harry said.
I wiped my nose and nodded.
“I’m going to make some hot chocolate and put in a movie for you while I work on the car. If anything happens or you need something, don’t get up. Just yell for me.” He said.
I looked him in the eyes with a smile.
“Thank you. So much.” I said.
He gave that cheeky grin. In 10 minutes, I had chocolate and a good movie. Wrapped in the blanket, I soon fell asleep.
**********
Darkness was in the room. The movie was back on. I guess Harry restarted it for me. I heard him in the garage. The clock said eleven. As soon as I moved the blanket, sharp pains hit my hips. I gripped the blanket and sat up.
“Harry!” I yelled.
No reply. I was going into labor. The pains got worse.
“HARRY!” I screamed.
Tools fell in the garage and he busted through the door. His eyes were wide as he rushed over.
“The baby’s coming.” I said.
“Okay. We’ve got this.” He stressed.
He helped me up then held my hand as we walked out into the car. He got my fuzzy boots and the keys. The pain brought tears to my eyes. As Harry got into the car, he turned my head with his hands to look at him.
“You can do this. I’m going to get you there but you gotta calm down and breathe for me. Okay?” He said.
I breathed out and nodded. He back out smoothly and drove 90 down the street. Hazards on and all.
“Breathe. You’ve got this. I’m gunna help you through this. Liam’s praying, you’re going to be okay.” He said.
Harry grabbed my hand. Finally after eternity, we pulled up to the emergency area of the hospital. He got out and sprinted inside. In seconds, nurses and a gurney were headed towards the car.
