The Life We Made

Chapter 34

As I had told Ty that evening in Central Park, Channing was going to be ready when he left, and that's exactly what happened.

I woke up Friday morning, one day from 40 weeks, feeling weird. My stomach was tight and cramping, but I wasn't having strong or consistent contractions yet. I was super irritable and couldn't get comfortable in any position I tried, both sitting and lying. I'd also been going to the bathroom a lot more frequently.

I waited until 9:30 to call Olivia, not seeing a need to wake her up. She came over as soon as I called, dropping Penelope off with her parents first.

By 5 o'clock, the contractions started full force and we timed them. They were about 20 minutes apart when they first started. They were a lot more painful than when I'd had them last and the pain radiated into my lower back. Olivia coached me to breath through them, though all I wanted to do was cry.

We waited to call Dr. Keith's nurse until the contractions were 10 minutes apart, which happened about two and a half hours later.

My water had yet to break, so she informed me to head on it, but to take my time because until that happened, nothing would be happening.

I made sure everything was in the hospital bags while Olivia took Nala on a short walk after she ate because she'd have to be put in her pen since it'd be a while before someone came to let her out.

While I waited for them to return, I pulled my phone out and called Terry's phone. He didn't answer, so I tried someone else. I got ahold of one of the trainers and he connected me to Terry. I explained what was happening and that I was going to the hospital. I also told him that I didn't want him to tell Ty until after the game since it was so close to game time and he was starting tonight. He reluctantly agreed to that and told me they'd book him on the first flight out after the game.

By the time I got off the phone, Olivia was back and had already put Nala in her pen.

"You ready?" she asked, excitement visible on her face.

I took a shaky breath. "I'm so ready. But I'm also more scared than I've ever been. This is actually happening."

"It's long, and it's hard. But I'd be lying if I said it wasn't the best thing to ever happen to me," she said, alight. When I didn't say anything, she grabbed my duffel bag and the diaper bag and I put Ty's backpack on my back. "Let's go," she added.

I locked the door behind us and we made our way to the garage, where Olivia's car was parked. "What are we going to do about my car?"

"I'll bring Ty back here when he's ready. You're not going to need it right away."

I nodded as we climbed into her car and headed toward the hospital, my life about to change forever.

On the way to the hospital, I called my mom, who freaked out the whole conversation.

"You're what?!" she squealed.

"I'm on my way to the hospital to have this baby," I repeated for the third time. She was in shock, and she had a hard time comprehending what I said.

"Is it for real this time?"

"I'm pretty sure. I've felt off the last couple of days. And I'm cramping so much more than I did. Dr. Keith's nurse seems to think this is it, and if not, they can induce me. I'm 40 weeks along tomorrow," I told her.

"Oh my goodness, I have to book a flight," she panicked. "I have to be there."

"It's a short flight, Mom. We're not even at the hospital yet. It's going to be a while before she makes an appearance."