44. Ayla

44

AYLA

T he Jeep rumbles to a stop in the driveway, its tires crunching against the gravel, as we arrive back at the townhouse. I hop out, breathing in the crisp autumn air tinged with the earthy scent of fallen leaves. Teller, Clay, and Kip are already unpacking the trunk, their easy banter and laughter filling the space between us.

“I still can’t believe you managed to burn the pancakes, Kip,” Clay teases, hefting a duffel bag over his shoulder.

Kip grins sheepishly. “Hey, at least I didn’t almost set the cabin on fire trying to start the fireplace like someone else I know.”

Teller chuckles, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement. “I think we can all agree that cooking isn’t our strong suit.”

I smile, warmth blooming in my chest as I watch them. The weekend had been filled with moments like these - small, seemingly insignificant instances of connection and joy that I had once thought were beyond my reach.

As I grab my backpack from the Jeep, my mind drifts to the first time I met the guys. I had been so guarded then, my walls built high from years of disappointment and betrayal. But somehow, they had seen past my defenses, offering me a chance at something real.

My phone buzzes insistently in my pocket, jolting me out of my reverie. I pull it out, expecting a text from work or maybe a meme from Jamie. But as I read the message, my heart plummets to my stomach.

IN LABOR. COME TO THE HOSPITAL. NOW.

I’m running back outside so fast that I’m out of breath. “Guys!” I shout, my voice cracking with urgency and fear. “Jamie’s in labor! We need to go now!”

Everything turns to chaos, as the guys drop what they’re doing, their faces morphing from relaxed contentment to serious determination in an instant.

“What? Now?” Kip asks, his blue eyes wide with shock.

“Yes, now!” I exclaim, my hands trembling as I grab my keys. “She just texted me. We have to hurry!”

Teller is already in motion, snatching up his jacket and heading for the door. “Let’s go,” he says, his voice calm but authoritative. “Clay, you drive.”

I’m moving on autopilot, my mind a whirlwind of fear and excitement. This is really happening. Jamie is about to have her baby, and I’m about to become an honorary aunt.

As we pile into the Jeep, I catch a glimpse of Clay’s face in the rearview mirror. His jaw is set, his eyes focused on the road ahead. But I can see the concern in the tense set of his shoulders, the way his fingers grip the steering wheel just a little too tightly.

Kip reaches over from the passenger seat, squeezing my hand. “It’s going to be okay, Ayla,” he says softly. “Jamie’s strong. She’s got this.”

I nod, trying to breathe past the tightness in my chest. I know Kip is right. Jamie is the toughest person I know.

It doesn’t take long for Clay to pull up into the parking lot. The tires screech as Clay whips into the hospital parking lot, barely throwing the Jeep into park before we’re all scrambling out. My heart races, pounding against my ribs as if it might burst free at any moment.

“This way,” Teller barks, already striding towards the entrance with long, purposeful steps. Kip and I exchange a glance before hurrying after him, Clay bringing up the rear with Piper in his arms.

Inside, the hospital is a hive of activity. Nurses rush by, charts in hand, while worried family members pace the halls. The sterile scent of disinfectant mingles with the distant beeping of machines, making my stomach churn.

I grab the sleeve of a passing nurse, my words coming out in a desperate rush. “Excuse me, we’re looking for the maternity ward. Our friend, Jamie Collins, she’s in labor.”

The nurse’s expression softens, her eyes filling with understanding. “Of course, dear. Take the elevator to the third floor and follow the signs. You can’t miss it.”

“Thank you,” I breathe, already moving towards the bank of elevators.

As the doors slide shut behind us, I lean against the wall, trying to steady my racing thoughts.

I wonder if the baby is here yet.

Beside me, Kip reaches out, his fingers twining with mine. “We’re almost there,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing soothing circles over my knuckles. “Just breathe, Ayla. It’s going to be alright. You’re not the one giving birth.”

I roll my eyes at him, drawing in a shaky breath as the elevator dings and the doors slide open. We step out into a brightly lit hallway, following the signs towards the maternity ward.

We round the final corner, and there it is - the nurses’ station, the waiting room filled with anxious fathers-to-be, the distant sound of a newborn’s cry. This is it.

I burst through the door of Jamie’s hospital room, my heart hammering against my ribs. “Jamie!” I call out, rushing to her bedside.

She looks up at me, her face flushed and glistening with sweat, but her eyes are filled with fierce determination. “Ayla,” she breathes, reaching for my hand. “You made it.”

I nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat as I take in the sight of her - the monitors beeping steadily, the IV line snaking into her arm, the way her belly rises and falls with each labored breath. “Of course I made it,” I murmur, brushing a damp strand of hair from her forehead. “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.”

Kip appears at my side, his brow furrowed with concern. “How you doing, Jamie?” he asks softly, resting a hand on her shoulder.

She laughs, but it’s cut short by a grimace as another contraction hits. “Oh, you know, just fine,” she grits out, her fingers clenching around mine. “Just peachy.”

Despite the tension crackling through the room, I can’t help but smile. That’s just so... Jamie. Always ready with a sarcastic quip, even in the midst of labor.

“You’ve got this,” I tell her fiercely, holding her gaze.

She nods, drawing in a shuddering breath as the contraction eases. “I’m glad you’re here,” she whispers, her voice raw with emotion. “I was surrounded by men…having another girl is a breath of relief.”

My heart swells with love for this woman, this friend who’s become more like a sister to me. “I’m not going anywhere,” I assure her, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

The doctor enters the room, his presence commanding attention. He moves swiftly to Jamie’s side, checking her progress with practiced efficiency. “She’s nine centimeters dilated,” he announces, his voice steady and calm. “It won’t be long now.”

Those words hit me like a freight train, the gravity of the situation sinking in with startling clarity. My heart races, a mix of anticipation and fear coursing through my veins. This is really happening. Jamie’s about to become a mother, and I’m here to witness it.

I grip Jamie’s hand tighter, trying to anchor myself in the moment. She squeezes back, her face contorted in pain as another contraction hits. “Breathe,” I remind her.

The doctor turns to the group, his expression serious. “I need the room cleared for delivery,” he instructs, his tone leaving no room for argument.

My heart sinks at the thought of leaving Jamie alone, of not being there to support her. I start to rise from my chair, reluctance weighing heavy in my limbs.

But then Jamie surprises me, her hand shooting out to grab my wrist. “Stay,” she pleads, her eyes wide and desperate. “Please, Ayla. I need you.”

“But you can only have one person…”

“And I want that person to be you. Stay.”

Her words are a shock to me…that she’d pick me when she hasn’t known me long. She’d meant it when she said we were family now.

Tears spring to my eyes, a lump forming in my throat. I never expected this, never thought Jamie would want me by her side during such an intimate, vulnerable time. But the look on her face tells me everything I need to know.

“Of course,” I whisper, sinking back into my seat. “I’m not going anywhere.”

The guys file out of the room, each one pausing to give Jamie a reassuring smile or a gentle touch. Teller’s the last to leave, his gaze locking with mine for a brief, charged moment. “Take care of our girl,” he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion.

I nod, my determination fierce and unwavering. “Always.”

As the door clicks shut behind him, I turn back to Jamie, my heart full to bursting.

Jamie’s grip on my hand tightens as another contraction hits, her face contorting with pain. I wince, feeling the strength of her grasp, but I don’t let go. Instead, I lean in closer, my free hand stroking her hair.

“Breathe, Jamie,” I murmur, my voice low and soothing. “In through your nose, out through your mouth.”

She nods, her jaw clenched tight as she focuses on her breathing. I watch the rise and fall of her chest, silently willing her to find strength in the steady rhythm.

The doctor moves to the foot of the bed, his expression focused and calm. “Alright, Jamie,” he says, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. “On the next contraction, I need you to push.”

Jamie’s eyes widen, a flicker of fear dancing across her face. I squeeze her hand, drawing her attention back to me.

“You’ve got this,” I tell her, my voice fierce with conviction. “You’re the strongest person I know, Jamie. You can do this.”

She holds my gaze for a long moment, drawing strength from the unwavering belief in my eyes. Then, as the next contraction builds, she takes a deep breath and bears down, a low groan escaping her lips.

I watch in awe as she pushes, her face flushed with exertion and determination.

“That’s it, Jamie,” I encourage, my heart swelling with pride. “You’re doing amazing. Just keep pushing.”

She nods, her teeth gritted as she focuses all her energy on bringing her baby into the world. I can feel the tension in her body, the incredible strength coursing through her veins.

And then, with one final, herculean effort, it’s over. Jamie collapses back against the pillows, her chest heaving as the doctor lifts a tiny, squalling bundle into the air.

“It’s a boy!” he announces, his voice ringing with joy and triumph.

Tears spring to my eyes as I watch the doctor place the baby on Jamie’s chest, the tiny form still slick and wriggling. Jamie’s face transforms, the pain and exhaustion melting away as she gazes down at her son with pure, unadulterated love.

“He’s perfect,” she whispers, her voice choked with emotion. “Ayla, look at him. He’s absolutely perfect.”

I lean in close, my own tears falling freely as I take in the miracle before me. The baby’s tiny fist curls around my finger, his grip strong and sure.

“He is,” I agree, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. “And so are you, Jamie. I’m so proud of you.”

The nurse approaches with a warm smile, ready to take the baby for his first check-up. Jamie reluctantly releases her hold, watching as her son is gently placed in the bassinet. I give her hand a reassuring squeeze, knowing how difficult it is to let go, even for a moment.

“He’ll be back before you know it,” I promise, my voice soft. “And in the meantime, you should rest. You’ve just done something incredible.”

Jamie nods, her eyelids already growing heavy as the exhaustion of labor catches up with her. “Will you stay?” she asks, her words slurring slightly. “Just until I fall asleep?”

“Of course,” I reply without hesitation, settling into the chair beside her bed. “I’m not going anywhere.”

As Jamie drifts off, I let my own eyes close for a moment, the events of the day washing over me. It’s hard to believe that just a few hours ago, we were returning from the cabin, our hearts full of laughter and love. And now, here we are, witnessing the beginning of a brand new life.

My thoughts turn to Teller, Clay, and Kip, waiting anxiously outside. I know they must be desperate for news, their concern for Jamie and the baby palpable even from a distance. I make a mental note to update them soon, to share in the joy of this incredible moment.

The nurse brings him back, giving him raving reviews, and Jamie quickly takes him.

“Do you have a name?” I ask.

Jamie nods, a small smile on her face. “Tank and I picked it out before he died. Thomas.”

Tears fill my eyes as I gaze down at the tiny, perfect face of Jamie’s son, nestled in her arms. The little boy’s features are so delicate, his skin impossibly smooth and soft. I reach out a tentative finger, gently tracing the curve of his cheek, marveling at the sheer miracle of his existence.

“I love it.”

Jamie looks up at me, her own eyes brimming with emotion. “He’s perfect, isn’t he?” she whispers, her voice thick with exhaustion and joy.

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. In this moment, everything else fades away - the stress of the past few hours, the chaos of the hospital, even the lingering uncertainty of my own future. All that matters is the incredible love radiating from Jamie and the tiny life she’s brought into the world.

“Thank you for being here,” Jamie murmurs, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

I shake my head, a watery smile spreading across my face. “You did all the hard work, mama. I just cheered you on from the sidelines.”

Jamie laughs softly, the sound mingling with the quiet coos of her newborn son. “Well, you were one hell of a cheerleader.”