Epilogue

                                    

                                          
"Baby?" 
                          
He'd picked the phone, distracted, going over upcoming menus with Lukas in an attempt to transition from their summer fare into fall, but the tone in his wife's voice immediately made him get up from the table, gesturing to Lukas he had to take this. 
                          
"Stef? You okay? The baby..."
                          
"He's on his way, Bradley."
                          
"Now? We have still have two weeks." His heart thudded wildly and he gripped the wall.
                          
"Somehow, I don't think he's going to follow the rules here."
                          
"Honey, are you sure? Maybe it's Braxton hicks, I know you've been getting a lot of those lately...or maybe a false alarm or something."
                          
"I'm standing in a puddle. No false alarm, B."
                          
"Oh my God, it's really time. Uh, let's see," he scratched his head anxiously, "do you need me to call the doctor? I know we packed bags already. Should I call my mom to grab Lea from school?"
                          
"Slow down, B. Everything is under control. I called our doctor and she called the hospital to let them know we're heading in, bags are by the door, and Natali is going to get Lea and stay with her at the house. All I need is you."
                          
She sounded slightly winded and it set off a panic in him, though he tried to keep his voice calm for her benefit. Irina had brushed off any offer to help, while she was in labor, and he was honestly fortunate she'd even allowed him in the delivery room. 
                          
Everything involving this pregnancy was completely different. They had been in it together, every step of the way; morning sickness and painful flare-ups, sharing fears and hopes, balancing busy careers and life with a four year old who had developed the sudden sassiness of a 14 year old, birthing and breastfeeding classes. They had held one another up and he knew that labor would be no different, as nervous as they both were. 
                          
"I'm ten minutes away, love. Leaving right now. Are you having contractions?"
                          
"Yes, but they're not that close together. And not that painful yet, either, but I'm sure that'll change. Please be careful driving, okay? No speeding. Nat's here."
                          
"Good. I'll see you soon, okay? I love you."
                          
"And I love you."
                          
The short drive seemed like an eternity and when he got home, Natali answered the door, a big smile on her face.
                          
"She's doing great. Her contractions just started to pick up but we're in good shape, I think." She placed her hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you guys have got this. Okay? You're going to bring my nephew into the world."
                          
"I'm so glad you were here with her," he replied, giving her a hug. "And thank you for picking up Lea."
                          
"Your mom said she'll come by, too, so we can wait for updates." 
                          
When he and Natali reached the living room, Stefani was on the couch, scrolling through her phone, but the instant she saw him, she got up as quickly as her pregnant belly allowed, ambling over to embrace him tightly. 
                          
"Go time!" She said brightly but Bradley could see the fear in her eyes, the unspoken worry that they were so close to having their son in their arms and the thought of anything going wrong was terrifying.
                          
He stroked the small of her back, his hands running gently over her belly before coming to cup her chin. "I'm scared, too, love. But we're in this together, okay? We're a team. Eye on the prize...we'll have him in our arms so soon and I'll be here every single step of the way."
                          
She nodded, resting their foreheads together, expelling a tense breath. "Okay."
                          
"Yeah?"
                          
"I just want him here, safely. Everything else, I can handle. Especially since you're by my side." Kissing him softly, she intertwined their hands, "we can do this."