Mi Princesa

Part Two - Chapter Twenty-Seven: Christmas Eve

"She's late," Vanessa sulked sitting down, she was meant to have given birth yesterday and the fact that there was no sign of her daughter yet left her anxious; she had been on time with Bojan. 

Yet there was no sign that the little girl was even ready to make an appearance in the world, it was Christmas Eve and Vanessa couldn't help but worry what was going to happen. 

Fernando sighed setting down his book and looking at his wife, he knew that she was uncomfortable and he wished that there was something that he could do to help her; their little princess would arrive right when she was meant to and not a moment sooner. 

"I'm sure she'll come soon," Fernando reassured moving to wrap his arms around Vanessa, he didn't know how much longer she would be pregnant but everyone was on stand by for when she went into labour. 

His parents had arrived for Christmas a couple of days ago, Flori had been hoping to be there for the birth of her third grandchild by Fernando and she was surprised how long the pregnancy seemed to be dragging on for. 

"I just worry when she might come," Vanessa mumbled knowing that they had church tomorrow, she really didn't want to go into labour there and she was expected to give a message on television again. 

It was all written out so that she had nothing to worry about, Vanessa had carefully planned out what she was going to say; she wanted to look back on her first year as Queen with a smile on her face. 

So much had changed since her father had passed away and Vanessa was sure that George would have been proud of everything that had happened; she couldn't wait to see what the next year would bring for them all. 

Fernando sighed wrapping his arms around Vanessa, he had been worried too about when their daughter might arrive; he was worried that she would arrive at a bad time tomorrow when they were stuck in traffic or something.

The last thing that he wanted was the press getting a glimpse of their daughter the moment that she was born; they would have to wait like everyone for a glimpse of the princess.

***

"You look huge," Joseph teased hugging his sister, he had been a little surprised to learn that she was going to be at the carol service that evening especially given that she was a couple of days overdue. 

His niece was due at any time and Joseph was sure that Vanessa would much rather be at home resting than attending this event, it was a quiet affair and he was sure that everyone would understand if she had stayed home. 

"You're not meant to tell a pregnant woman that," Ethan scolded his husband, he nodded his head at Vanessa knowing that he was so thankful that she had made him feel so welcome. 

It had been a couple of months since he had married Joseph and the two had slowly settled into married life and were evening looking into maybe adopting or having a surrogate so that they could have a baby of their own. 

Fernando stood loyally by Vanessa's side, he had refused to leave her side when she had insisted on coming to the carol service; he didn't want her over doing anything right now. 

"Have you spoken with Charlotte?" Joseph asked grinning, he didn't know if his sister had told Vanessa her news yet but he was sure that Vanessa would be thrilled. 

Vanessa shook her head she hadn't really seen her sister the last few weeks especially with being so busy right now; she rubbed her bump hoping that her daughter would arrive soon. 

It was strange to think that she was actually at the end of her pregnancy, she wouldn't miss a minute of it and she was looking forward to just holding her daughter in her arms.

***

Taking a deep breath, Vanessa tried to ignore the cramps that she was experiencing as she watched the choir sang beautifully before her; it had started a little while ago and she had a feeling that she knew what was happening. 

A part of her was thrilled at the idea that she was going into labour, the other part was terrified that it was happening now in front of all these people; she bit into her lip to hold back a curse as the cramps started to get worse. 

Brushing a hand against the material of her chiffon tunic with lace up detail and gathered sleeves, Vanessa peeked at Fernando knowing that she would have to tell him soon that they were going to have to go to the hospital. 

Bojan was already safely with the nanny and Nora was spending the evening with her mother so both would be okay. 

Vanessa tried to focus back on what was happening around her, the last thing that she wanted was for anyone to realise that she was in labour before she had the chance to alert Fernando. 

The singing was really beautiful and Vanessa knew that it was a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays; she jumped a little as Fernando took her hand and gave it a squeeze. 

It had her smile that she didn't have to say a word to him but he knew that something was wrong, the first half of the concert came to an end and Vanessa couldn't help but be relieved. 

"You okay?" Fernando murmured softly when everyone moved to get refreshments, he had noticed she had been distracted and if it was all too much for her then he was happy to go home. 

Her siblings were here and no one wanted her to overdo it so close to having a baby, they would all rather Vanessa rested and prepare for the birth of her second child. 

Fernando searched Vanessa's face, he wanted her to tell him what was wrong and he wanted nothing more than to protect her right now when she was the most vulnerable.

Vanessa opened her mouth to say something when she felt something warm and wet trickle down her legs, she blinked a little surprised and looked at Fernando knowing that there was no delaying it now. 

They had to get to the hospital and Vanessa prayed that they would be able to get there in time; she could only think of what people would say if her daughter was born in the back of a car. 

"Nando... my water just broke," Vanessa murmured shifting a little, she carefully got to her feet knowing that she wouldn't have a chance to change before they reached the hospital. 

It was late in the evening and Vanessa was sure that they would have a way of sneaking them into the hospital, she looked at her husband who was staring at her. 

Fernando cursed, he knew that they should have stayed home and he now had to get his very pregnant wife to the hospital without anyone getting a look at them. 

Already he could see their security getting ready to move, they would have to act quickly and Fernando prayed that his daughter would be able to hang in there for a little while longer so that they could reach the hospital in time. 

Slowly ushering Vanessa out of sight, Fernando knew that he would do anything to keep her and the baby safe; they had a bit of a drive to the hospital and he was sure that their security team already had everything in place. 

Vanessa gritted her teeth, the contractions were getting worse and she wanted nothing more than to hold her daughter in her arms.