Chapter 20
''But fresh air would be good for the baby...and for me!'' Jaime insisted. ''I'll even go in the wheelchair. Please?''
''Sweetheart,'' Steve said patiently, ''if it were up to me, I'd take you in a heartbeat. All I know is I was told to keep you in that bed...and that's where you need to stay until they tell me otherwise.''
''You are no fun. Austin!''
''Feel like some Monopoly?''
''No.''
''Couple hands of poker?''
''No!''
Steve smiled...and kissed her. ''Maybe a nap would do you some good. I'll just go work on the nursery and come back later.''
''Arrrrgh!''
Steve knew her well; he ducked - and thus avoided the pillow that'd been tossed at his head,
''She's cranky as hell,'' Steve warned the doctors the next morning. ''Listen, would it be okay if I take her out to the backyard, just for a little while? S'posed to be nice out today; she could use the fresh air and change of scenery...''
''Sorry, Steve,'' Rudy told him. ''We need Jaime to stay lying down in that bed - or we'll put her back in the hospital.''
''Why do I get the feeling this is more serious than you guys are letting on?'' Steve asked.
Rudy patted him on the shoulder. ''You're on the right track; just keep doing what you're doing.''
The doctors felt reassured after seeing Jaime. Being at home truly agreed with her. But Steve had been right; she most definitely was cranky.
''Are you sure I'm not having twins...or triplets?'' Jaime fretted at them ''Look at me; I'm huge! When I finally do go into labor, you're gonna have to take me out of here with a forklift and crane!''
''We're sure,'' Hammond told her, smiling. ''The ultrasound showed only one baby.''
''Yeah? Well, she's gonna be the NFL's first female linebacker, the way she keeps slamming into my ribs.''
''Any more contractions?'' Hammond asked.
''No. I wanna go outside.''
''Any trouble breathing...or catching your breath?'' Rudy inquired.
''No.''
''Everything looks good,'' Hammond told her. ''No dilation so far; looks like we've managed to stop labor. And your blood pressure's firmly in the range of normal. Just try to hang in there; it's only for a few weeks.''
Jaime nodded, forgetting her bad mood for at least a full minute. ''When she's born healthy, this'll all be worth it.''
Steve put one perfect rose in a bud vase and placed it on the tray with a baked chicken breast, mashed potatoes and buttered (fresh) carrots. He poured a glass of milk and headed into the bedroom. Jaime smiled warmly, rewarding his efforts. ''It's not even take-out,'' he told her. ''I'm learning.''
''You know this means you'll get to cook - at least sometimes - even when I'm back on my feet again, right?'' She took a bite of the chicken. ''It's delicious; thank you.''
''I have another surprise for you,'' Steve told her. ''Be right back.'' He returned with his hands behind his back. ''Close your eyes.''
Jaime complied...and opened them to find a tiny Siamese kitten climbing up her chest to nuzzle her face. ''Steve, she's adorable!''
''He,'' Steve corrected. ''Just like our baby. And you need to lie back down on your left side now - but I'm sure he'll keep you company.'' He pulled up a chair. ''And so will I.''
''Our daughter will adore him,'' she predicted, giggling as the kitten climbed up her shoulder and started licking her face. ''Guess I won't be needing that sponge bath today, after all,'' she told her husband.
''Hey, I was looking forward to that!'' Steve protested. ''Have you thought anymore about names? For our son, I mean.''
''I love the name 'Rebecca'...but still thinking about it. For a boy though...Steven Carl.''
''Uh-uh. Sorry,'' Steve told her.
''We don't need a boy's name anyway...but why not?''
'''The first time you're really angry and call out that name...I'd head for the hills out of self-preservation. Or don my flak suit and helmet!''
''You would have to throw a monkey wrench into it, wouldn't you?'' Jaime laughed, scratching the kitten behind its ears.
''Monkey wrenches are my hobby. And I do like the name 'Rebecca', by the way.'' He tried it out for size. ''Becky Austin...not bad.''
''Becca,'' Jaime corrected.
''Very nice. And even though we're having a boy...I'd love a little girl.''
''You'd spoil her rotten!''
''That's my job,'' he agreed. Steve placed a loving hand on his wife's swollen belly...just in time to feel something 'off'...and alarming. Instead of the expected kick, he felt the muscles tighten...and Jaime winced. It happened again, even harder - and Jaime clutched her stomach, grabbing Steve's hand (still resting there) and squeezing it hard as she cried out in pain.
''Call...the doctor!'' she gasped.
Steve took one look at his wife - especially her face - and instantly made up his mind. Calling Hammond (or any of the others) right now would be wasting precious minutes. ''No; we're going to the hospital,'' he told her. ''I'll use the car phone once we're on the way.''
Jaime nodded - and for once, she didn't argue. Steve reached for the wheelchair then thought better of it and hefted Jaime into his arms instead. With his left hand, he grabbed her (already packed) overnight bag and she clung to him as he carried her out to the car.