Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 100470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
I’m fucking terrified.
There were chapters in those books about delivering a baby at home. The books didn’t gloss over the possible complications for both mother and baby. Their magical solution was to seek immediate medical care as soon as possible. Out here, that’s simply not an option. Maybe we should pack her up in the truck and take her to the hospital.
Ryder frowns at me, reading my mind. “We can go if we need to. It’s why we ended up getting the truck. For emergencies.”
Mom shakes her head. “Raegan has made it clear she doesn’t want to go to town. She’s worried they’ll ask questions and take the baby.”
“We won’t let them,” Dad chimes in. “I’d like to see them fucking try.”
Dad goes into the bathroom to wash up and then returns to where Raegan is lying on the bed, a sheet over her stomach and towels beneath her.
“Sunshine,” Dad says, patting her knee. “I need to see how far you’re dilated. Have you had any more contractions?”
Her eyes flutter and a low, pained moan that sends tears rolling down her cheeks gives us the answer. Dad waits until the moment passes before lifting the sheet. He motions for Ryder to come look.
“She’s almost there,” Dad says. “I’d say she’s about ready to start pushing.”
I squeeze Raegan’s hand, hoping to give her the support she needs to do this. She’s been terrified of the pain it’ll cause and I’m afraid of the complications. Ryder has been the most levelheaded of the three of us, which is why he’s assisting with the birth and not me.
“I think I need to push,” Raegan says with a low whine. “Dad…”
He remains kneeling on the floor in front of her. “Okay, Raegan, start pushing.”
Her entire face turns purple as she exerts her energy to push. I let go of her hand, helping her to grip onto the backs of her thighs. She pants heavily and then cries out, a soulful howl that breaks my heart.
She’s in so much pain.
“You got this, baby,” Ryder says, squatting down beside Dad.
Mom disappears to put Renna down and then returns with a wet cloth. She hands it to me and motions for Raegan’s forehead. I settle it over her brow and whisper assurances to her.
“Next contraction, I want you to push again,” Dad instructs. “Come on. You can do it.”
The next contraction is quick to seize her. She whimpers and then bears down with all her might. The sweat continues to roll off her.
“Ahhh,” she cries out and then starts to sob. “I can’t do this, Daddy. I’m going to die.”
I shoot Dad a panicked look, but he doesn’t waver. “No, sunshine, you’re going to do this because you have to. You’re strong. I’m going to help you.”
Another contraction. Another scream.
My anxiety is clawing away at my insides, but I don’t dare let Raegan know. She needs to be brave and strong. Not just for our little bunny but for herself too.
I can’t lose them.
“See that beautiful dark hair,” Dad says, his face lighting up. “That’s the baby’s head, Ry. He’s coming and he’s positioned the right way.”
I exhale heavily with relief. I’d read about breach babies and it was a worry of mine.
“You can do this,” I murmur to Raegan. “Do this and I’ll change every dirty diaper until he’s eighteen.”
She doesn’t shoot me a nasty look or laugh at my joke. Another contraction hits her and her face turns purple once more as she screams in pain.
Ryder’s face pales, but Dad is grinning.
“Another push and the head will be out,” Dad says. “You’re doing so good.”
Seconds later, Dad exclaims that the head is out. Ryder watches wide-eyed but says nothing. Mom stands near Dad, frowning with her arms crossed. We’re all scared shitless.
“Shoulders are next,” Dad says with a grunt. “Smooth sailing after that.”
Raegan sobs and then sucks in a deep breath before pushing hard. There’s a bit of commotion and then Dad is cursing. Panic swells up inside me.
“W-What?” I demand, unable to keep calm for Raegan’s sake.
Dad glances over his shoulder at Mom. “Umbilical cord. It’s around the baby’s neck.”
Raegan starts to cry. “I’m so tired, Daddy. I can’t do it anymore. Can I go to sleep?”
“No,” Mom barks out, rushing over to her other side. “No sleeping. Focus and push the baby out.”
Raegan shakes her head in defiance, but Mom won’t have any of it.
“Raegan,” Mom hisses. “You push out this baby or you’ll die. Understand me? We’ll have to cut him out of you and you won’t survive it. I can’t lose you.”
Horrible memories of Stacey’s baby enter my mind. They’d had to cut into her and Michael accidentally killed it. I can’t do this. I can’t watch my sister and our baby die.
Raegan screams and then bears down with energy reserves somewhere inside of her.