Tracy

“I need you to come right now. I'm having the baby,” I cry out over the phone. My belly hasn't stopped cramping for the last few hours, but he's been at work all day.

“I'm on my way, sweetheart. I'll be there in ten minutes. Hang in there for me, please, baby.” I hear the nervous panic set in his voice as he tries to calm me down. I love him even more for it.

“I will,” I grunt out. “Ouch,” I say, ending the call as the pain gets to me. I might drive myself to the hospital if he doesn't get here soon enough. Everything is packed and by the door. I try to sit down, but a painful cramp hits me forcing me back up on my feet. I walk outside, searching for any kind of air I can get. It’s November, and the weather is a little chilly but being in Texas it's still pretty warm compared to up north. The breeze hits me, and I feel ten times better. I hear the sirens in the background over the sound of my own tears. This sucks terribly.

He was supposed to be off but one of the guys came down with the flu and he was needed for backup. He's already told me he's hiring three more patrol officers. The crime has gone down since the rash of burglaries ended with the capture of a group of teens. Now staffing is a matter of getting people to shift out for each other. Right now, there's only five of them and even though our town is small they are still several Petty crimes that they have to take care of every day. Derek pulls in quickly. I hold on to the railing and go down the few stairs leaving the bags on the steps because I know that he'll be mad if I try to grab them. “I got you baby. I got you.” He scoops me up into his arms and carries me to the car. Instantly the pain feels like it's gone away even if I know that it's going to be back in a second. I know I have him by my side now. “Okay let's get you seated right. I love you, baby. And I can't wait to meet our son.”

“Me either.”

“Just give me one second while I grab our bags, babe.” He grabs them, and we fly out toward the highway and to the hospital. Thank heavens he’s got the squad car. We were there in less than ten minutes and they are checking me in within the next five.

Every labored breath is only eased with him holding my hand. His phone goes off and he answers, “Hey, pumpkin. Tracy and I are at the hospital right now.” He smiles up at me as he talks to Amelia.

“Yay we're having our baby now,” she cries on the other end. “We will be there as soon as you can. So excited,” she squeals I can hear her from the bed.

A small laugh escapes me as he ends the call. “I guess you know she's coming.” I nod because another pain hits me just then. Derrick dashes to my side, holding my hand. “I love you so much, Tracy. You're all I can ever think about.”

“I love…” A pain rips through me this time and it’s deeper than the last one.

“I’ll get the doctor.” A nurse nearly collides with him as he opens the door.

“She’s in pain.”

“Yes, sir. We know. Her sensors went off at our desk.” Derek returns to my side and the woman sits on the bed between my legs after putting on some gloves. “Mrs. Wright, I need to check you. Just relax as best you can.” She lifts the covers and drops them fast. “Oh heavens, it’s time for the doctor.” She jumps up and calls for the doctor. It’s then they prepare for the actual delivery. Derek squeezes my hand and kisses my brow. I look at him and suddenly, I’m a bit ticked off.

Twenty minutes later, I’m giving out the final painful push of my son’s broad shoulders.

“You did it,” he says as our son cries out in the room.

They lay my little man on my chest. He’s not so little. He goes from my chin to my crotch. I can’t believe he fit inside me. “He’s beautiful,” I sob, kissing his head. Derek kisses both of our foreheads and I can see the tears in his eyes.

“Sorry, I have to get him cleaned up.” The nurse takes him from us.

“He’s perfect, my lovely wife.” He kisses my lips this time. “Thank you for giving me a son.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you by my side, Derek,” I tell him.

“You weren’t saying that about five minutes ago.” I shrug in embarrassment. I was kind of a total bitch.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so mean,” I apologize.

He brushes my stray hairs away from my face, then runs his fingers down my cheek. “I’m not bothered. Baby, I know that I wouldn’t like the person who has my body being ripped in two. I’m sorry that you had to go through so much.”

“I love you, Derek,” I whisper, looking into his happy face.

“My love for you knows no bounds, Tracy.”