Author's Note: Wow, I'm finally getting this posted. Sorry for the ridiculously long wait.
Chapter Three – Baby Names and Long Nights
"Ugh, I'm huge!" I said, slowly making my way towards the living room to sit down.
"You look beautiful," Jace said, smiling up at me, a playful spark in his eyes.
"You're just saying that so I won't get mad and unleash my Shadowhunter skills on you," I replied; rolling my eyes. He just chuckled. I fell to the couch, sinking into the pillows. I groaned, closing my eyes. I was eight and a half months pregnant, only a week away from my due date. My ankles were killing me and my back hurt constantly. "If you love me…" I started, propping my feet up on Jace's lap; wiggling my toes. He smiled, taking my foot in his hands, rubbing soothing circles into my sole. I closed my eyes. I didn't know how I'd survive without his foot rubs.
"I was wondering if you'd thought about names…" he began softly, looking up at my face.
"I haven't thought about it, actually," I admitted. He paused before continuing.
"Well I was wondering, could we maybe name him Max?" he whispered.
"I think that would be wonderful," I answered him, the back of my eyes burning with unshed tears. "I can't think of a better name for our son," I told him. He exhaled, looking relieved. He leaned over to my protruding stomach.
"I can't wait to meet you, Max," he said quietly, a smile playing on his lips. I felt Max kick in response to his father's voice. I smiled.
"I think he likes it," I told him, "here, feel." I took his hand, placing it on my stomach where I had felt the baby kicked. He smiled up at me when he felt his son kick against his hand. I watched his face as he stared, transfixed by his son's movement, and realized that my life couldn't get any better that this.
BDBDBDBDBD
"Jace! Jace, wake up!" I yelled, curling around my stomach as another sharp pain ripped through my abdomen.
"What? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice thick with sleep.
"My water broke. The baby, it's time," I told him through clenched teeth. He sprang into action and dialed Isabelle while running to get my suitcase from the closet. I just sat on the bed, waiting for the pain to pass. I breathed out as it started to fade.
"C'mon honey," he said, picking me up. I didn't protest, I just nuzzled my face into his chest as he walked down the stairs carrying me and the suitcase. By the time he started the car, another contraction was sweeping over me, and I doubled over in pain.
"Drive!" I forced out. He gave me a panicked look before speeding off to the hospital. It was a fifteen minute drive there, and my contractions were coming five minutes apart. He carried me into the hospital. I hardly noticed, I was too focused on not screaming as another searing pain swept through my stomach. He put me in a wheelchair and a nurse wheeled me down the hall, Jace jogging next to me to keep up.
When we got to my room, he lifted me out of the chair and put me gently on the bed. I gripped his hand as I fought off another contraction. I whimpered slightly and he leaned down to kiss my forehead.
"Isabelle and Jocelyn will be here soon," he told me. I just nodded. The nurse came in to see how far along I was. I groaned when she told me I was only five centimeters. I rolled over on my side, gripping the rail of the bed and Jace's hand, waiting for the next contraction. Sweat was already plastering my hair to my forehead and the back of my neck. I felt Jace push my hair back from my eyes. "I love you, Clary," he whispered, "I know you can do this." I closed my eyes, exhaling. This was going to be a long night.
Author's Note: I'll try not to make you wait as long for the next update. Tell me what you think! Please review, it will make my day, and keep me motivated.