A Devious Humanity

Hope and Happiness

Laying on her side on the large and soft bed with a thick pillow tucked up under her big belly, Evelyn dozed lightly while Connor carefully rubbed her lower back to try to help ease the straining muscles during her final week of pregnancy and coax them to relax a little so she could rest more comfortably. The long walks around the block with Ruby had done little to get things in motion regarding labor, and the final few days had been physically and emotionally exhausting for Evelyn to endure with her increasingly uncomfortable condition. Dealing with Lucas in the hospital two days prior had given her an unexpected shock, but she was okay now that she knew he was going to be just fine and wasn't stressing out.

After Evelyn finally fell asleep and seemed to relax on the bed Connor got up very slowly and quietly as to not disturb her, and gave her a kiss to her cheek. With a ginger touch he put his hand to the side of her belly and could feel that her belly was lower than it had been, which of course meant labor wouldn't be too far away now that the baby was descending into position. Leaning his head down he pressed his ear against her bump and listened to the quiet, fluttering heartbeat of his baby and felt himself smile brightly.

"I love both of you."

He whispered as he walked out of the bedroom and met Ruby sitting in the opened doorway of the bedroom. Rubbing his hand over the dog's ears Connor motioned to the bed and spoke to the loyal hound in an equally quiet voice.

"Go keep her company, girl."

Ruby seemed to perfectly understand the command and managed to hop up onto the foot of the bed to cuddle against Evelyn's legs without waking her up by accident in the process.

"Good girl."

Creeping down the staircase with silent steps Connor walked into the livingroom to try to distract himself for a little bit as he knew that things were going to change for the better very soon. As he sat down on the couch to have a moment to think, he heard the side door out in the laundry room leading to the garage open and close, followed by Hank walking through the kitchen to join him in the livingroom.

Hank noticed his son and he watched Connor's soulful brown eyes staring straight ahead into nothingness with utter excitement. "How's Evelyn?"

"Sleeping."

"And how're you?"

"Not sleeping."

"Smartass." Sitting down beside Connor on the couch Hank kicked up his feet on the coffee table and leaned back into the cushions heavily. "Seriously, how are you holding up?"

"I'm nervous, but it's the good kind of nervous." Admitting the truth made Connor's heart race a little with nervous energy. "I'm excited."

"Can't say that I blame ya'. Got the bags for the hospital packed?"

"The baby's bag is in the baby's room and Evelyn's bag is in our bedroom closet."

"What about your bag?"

The prospect of a third bag made Connor's brow arch a little. "Huh?"

"Labor can last from a few hours to a few days. You should have a second bag packed for yourself just in case things take a while longer than expected."

"I didn't even think about that."

"That's because you're too busy thinking about them."

"I'll be sure to throw a few things in my backpack tonight."

"Bring a book or two. It'll help you both pass the time as you wait."

"Is that what you did when Barbara went into labor?"