there for me (shourtney)

lxxv.

courtney's pov -

Knowing that having babies prematurely ran in my family, Shayne and I had our hospital bags packed a month before I was due. 

I started to stay home in Santa Monica more, working on writing and editing, while Shayne went into the office each day. Every morning he made his coffee, and begrudgingly poured it into his to-go mug while asking me if I was sure I wanted him to leave. Each time I'd reassure him that I was okay to stay home, reminding him that Kari regularly checks in throughout the day.

Late June proved to be difficult at the office. Nothing terrible, just a workload that my brain couldn't handle. So most of my time was spent sitting on the couch in front of a fan, sketch drafting or editing in small doses. And when Shayne would come home, I'd force myself to go on a walk on the beach with him. It would take both our minds off of work. 

The last Wednesday in June Shayne had come home with a huge smile. Happiness radiated off of him. 

"Woah, what's up with you?" I teased, getting up off of the couch to greet him. Only in an oversized t-shirt and underwear. 

"A bunch of people from the office gave us stuff." He broke the news. 

"They what?" 

"They knew we weren't throwing a shower, so today they brought stuff to my car after work." He grinned. 

"Are you serious?" I asked, dumbfounded at the unrelenting kindness of our friends. 

"I'm serious. I'll bring it all up, give me a second." He laughed, stepping closer to give me a hug. I relaxed into it, feeling one of Shayne's hands on my upper belly. 

-

A half hour later, Shayne had spread out tiny onesies, small blankets, teething rings, rattles and other shiny toys, bibs and little spoons in the shape of airplanes on the table. 

As I sifted through everything, Shayne was sure to point out that the two boxes of diapers on the floor, and the infant car seat placed on the chair were from Damien. 

"What? That's too much. He shouldn't have." I shook my head as I looked between the items. 

"That's what I said, but he insisted. Then he kind of went Rumpelstiltskin and told me to name the kid 'Damien'." Shayne laughed. 

"That makes sense." I chuckled. 

We began sorting through things, Shayne took the items to their respective storage place, while I wrote down what was from who. I'd get started on thank you notes tomorrow. 

"I can't get over the fact that they all did this." I mused as Shayne took the last onesies and placed them in a drawer underneath the changing table my mom bought for us. We placed it beneath one of the windows in our room. 

"They were so kind about it." He said, coming back over to me at the table. "They always ask about you, too." He chuckled. "It's cute. They miss you." 

I smiled, about to say something, but a twinge in my lower back stole the words. I sat up, straightening my spine, but it didn't alleviate the tension. 

"Miss them too." I said, clearing my throat. Shayne's eyes flicked to me. Watchful.

"How about an early dinner?" He asked, hovering at the kitchen table with me. 

"Actually, um, not that hungry." I said. Shooting one of my palms to my back, trying to rub out the pain.

"You feel something." Not a question. He came closer, in tune with my motions. I nodded, dipping my head before meeting his eyes.

"In my lower back. Spreading to my hips." I said through my teeth. Taking my palm away from my skin, I cursed the fire my fingertips spread. 

"Okay, alright." He said softly. Thinking of ways to help. "Do you want to try and stand up? We could try a breathing position or two from that class?" Shayne offered. 

I nodded, slowly edging off the seat. My feet hitting the floor sent waves of pressure rushing up my back, nerves frying. I cried out, bracing myself on the table. Shayne quickly hooked an arm around my chest from behind. His other hand holding the table for support. 

"I'm going to stand right behind you, and gently rock your hips back, okay? Keep your feet a bit apart." He said quietly. I nodded, spreading my feet, arms straight up from the table, palms flat against the wood. 

Shayne rocked my hips back, held for a few seconds, then swayed them forward. Repeating the motion a couple more times. 

His soft touch on my hips began to burn. Causing me to whimper and hang my head. My red hair falling around my ears. 

"How does this feel?" He checked in. Careful to not put unneeded pressure on my skin. 

"Feels like I'm having a contraction." I groaned, leaning forward, knuckles whitening. Shayne let go, taking a step to the side to clearly see my face. 

I expected to see his eyes full of fear and worry, but his massive grin met me. He laughed quietly. 

"I'm going to get our bags, then we'll drive over to the hospital. Sound good?" He asked, smiling. Thank you for being calm. 

I let out a strained laugh, "Sounds good, baby." Ducking my head again, I felt him place a kiss on my head before heading to the bedroom to grab our stuff. 

"Ready?" He came out with our things, keys in hand as he held out a pair of his sweatpants for me to slip on. We're going to have a baby.

"As I'll ever be." 

-

more developments! hope you like it! 

the end is in sight! i've mapped out these last few chapters and I'm very excited for them :)