He Loves Me... She Loves Me Not

Chapter Twenty-five

When news of our unexpected engagement spread online, we were flooded with congratulations from friends, family, and colleagues in the industry. Despite the outpouring of positivity, we couldn't escape the lingering negativity. However, Scott and I made a conscious decision not to let it affect us.
 
Instead, we focused on the future, particularly the impending arrival of our baby. As the due date approached, we made a hasty return to Austin, seeking refuge on the farm, where we could begin to lay the foundation for our new life without being weighed down by the opinions of others.
 
One evening, as we sat together watching our favorite movie, my mind drifted to the story I had always wanted to write—the narrative that had given purpose to my life before this new chapter began. Now, with this opportunity to embark on a fresh journey of discovery and exploration, I was determined not to squander it. I knew that this path with Scott was the real deal, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
 
This is the life I am grateful to lead for the rest of my days. Unlike the characters in my stories, whose fates are determined by external forces, this is my own story. I am eager to see how it unfolds and reluctant to reveal too much, as we are only at the beginning of our journey.
 
Days passed by so fast, and we found ourselves living a simpler life that I couldn't have imagined. While walking around the farm with Scott, I was overcome by a sudden sense of unease and restlessness. A sharp pain gripped my stomach, leaving me feeling uneasy and unable to catch my breath. As the discomfort extended to my hips, I realized that I might be going into labor. Alerting Scott, we hastily gathered all the essentials and made our way to the hospital.
 
The need to give birth in a hospital was unexpected, as it diverged from our original plan. Both of us were caught off guard by this turn of events. Though I had always fantasized about giving birth at home, just like my own mother did with me, that dream didn't come to fruition.
 
As we made our way to the hospital, I found myself on the verge of giving birth in the car, despite the pouring rain that had suddenly welcomed us along the journey.
 
"My god, it's raining! Hang in there, babe. We're almost at the hospital," Scott exclaimed as he drove.
 
"Scott, you look nervous. I'm more worried about you being nervous."
 
"Sorry, it's just how I get when I'm nervous. I mean, you're the one about to give birth. Who wouldn't be nervous?"
 
"Okay, just drive carefully."
 
Driving through the rain, my contractions continued, and it became clear that the hospital was where I needed to be. Minutes later, we arrived at the hospital, and the nurse swiftly wheeled me into the building and guided us to the second floor, where the delivery doctor awaited. As we entered the room, they immediately began checking my vital signs, medical records, and the baby's information. There was a whirl of activity at the nurse's station, and I could sense Scott's anxiety as I reached for his hand, feeling him tremble. I couldn't help but laugh. "Hey, easy there, cowboy! You're not the one giving birth. Just relax. We've got this. Luke is almost here, so there's no need to be nervous."
 
Scott shook his head, concern evident in his eyes. "How on earth are you staying so calm when you're the one in pain, babe? And don't worry, I won't get nervous, but promise me that if you feel anything strange or painful, you'll tell me, okay? I love you."
 
"I love you more." I reassured him with a soft smile.
 
The nurse began addressing me and the doctor, going over the details of the delivery and ensuring everything was in place. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of nervous anticipation and excitement. As the medical team prepared everything, Scott remained by my side, offering support and love and trying his best to conceal his unease.
 
He tenderly placed a kiss on my forehead and soothingly massaged my back while we awaited the nurse's signal to accompany us to our birthing room. Once we arrived, the anticipation of giving birth hung in the air, and Scott graciously yielded the space to the nurses as they attended to me. Their warmth and support put me at ease, especially knowing this was my first childbirth experience. The nurses kindly offered me invaluable guidance, sharing techniques to alleviate discomfort during labor and preparing me for the imminent moment of bringing our baby into the world.
 
Reclined in the hospital bed, the sensations of childbirth surged through my body, a poignant reminder that our little one was eager to make his entrance into the world.
 
"I need help, Scott," I called out, my voice trembling with fear and anticipation. As soon as he heard the urgency in my tone, Scott sprang into action and pushed the button at the bedside, where the nurses would be alerted. But nervousness caught him, so he rushed to the door and summoned the nurses, urgently explaining the situation to them. "Please, we need a doctor," he implored as he beckoned them to follow him to our room.