"Still nothing?" asked Patty to Holtz. They were standing in the open doorway of the firehouse, enjoying the light breeze in the air that was cooling off the unusually warm morning.
"Nope," she said. "1st appointment of this 41st week and they're still as snug as a bug in a rug. Peanut is not going to grace us with their appearance till they're good and ready, or Abby gets an induction."
"She thinking about it?"
Holtzmann looked over to where her wife was talking to Angie and Beth about something. Erin was standing nearby with a large handful of paperwork.
"She's... unsure," shrugged Holtz. "I think she wants to wait and see a little while longer. She's been doing okay health wise. But if she goes into the 42nd week, the doctor wants to jump starting labor with stripping the membranes or breaking her water."
"That doesn't sound pleasant," stated Patty.
"I think we'll be doing a lot of walking between now and then to try to get things going," said Holtzmann, crossing her arms. "New York had better prepare for one cranky mommy."
"Yeah, Abby doesn't seem so thrilled about this overdue business," agreed Patty.
"I meant me," said Holtz, making a disgusted face. "I hate walking."
"You going to do the kick count for me? I've got one more to do today and you just gave more sugar," asked Abby. She was sipping on some grape juice on the couch. Erin laughed as she picked up some of the BLT dip she had made with a couple of buttery toast points. They were having a small get together at Abby's request. She had wanted to have all of their family together for a little bit before the baby came. It was a nice thought in Erin's opinion. It had been a while since they had all sat down together, and it had been some time since she had so many guests at her place.
"I suppose since we sent Holtz away for a little bit with Patty to get dinner," chuckled Erin.
"God, I'm glad," said Abby. "If she makes another watermelon joke, I am going down to the bodega across the street and buy one to throw at her head."
Erin laughed at that, gesturing the fruit salad in front of her. Abby groaned.
"Did you have to mention it?"
Erin smirked, dusting off her hands.
"It's kind of hard when my niece or nephew is trying to get as big as one before they're born."
Abby shook her head.
"Thanks for this. I needed a moment."
"It's not a problem Abby. And I'm sure David will appreciate the leftovers for lunch tomorrow."
"He'd better be appreciating more than that," said Abby, with a little bit of spite on her tongue. Erin patted her best friend's hand.
"David's been as sweet and loving as he was before. He was just scared, that's all."
"Funny hearing you say that," said Abby as she finished off the glass. Erin gave her a look for that comment. Abby went sheepish.
"Okay, okay. I make too many jokes about the fact that you were a chicken." She quirked her lips when Erin scoffed.
"Maybe I should have just left you with Holtz and me and Patty eat the snacks and dinner after we had three busts today on our own."
"Nooooo," said Abby, picking up the bowl after moving to put down her glass. "That stuff is delicious."
"Then eat," Erin said. "Holtzmann said she you hadn't been eating a lot the last couple of days."
"I read a lot about how after the baby descends you want to eat everything in sight, but right now I just don't want to touch anything much." Abby made a face.
"You'll get there," said Erin. She heard a knock on the door.
"Ooh, that'll be Cheyenne," she said, hopping up. "She's bringing the sweets."
"Cheesecake?" said Abby hopefully.
"Even better," said Cheyenne as she came in the door. "I tweaked an old recipe from Patty's aunt. They're called labor cookies. It's spicy ginger, meant to start your labor with something with a little extra kick. She swore by them during all her pregnancies." She handed the platter to Abby. "I made them while I was at work. "
"They're still warm," said Abby. She bit into one. Her eyes widened a little.
"I think I get the spicy part." She coughed once and reached for the sparkling grape juice to pour herself another glass.
"No wine?" pouted Cheyenne, looking at Erin, who walked over the box of other cookies Cheyenne had brought in as well.
"In the fridge," said Erin. "I had to keep it out of Abby's reach." She headed for the kitchen.
"I could get through labor drunk," said Abby. "That would be awesome."
"Uh-huh," said Cheyenne, a smile on her lips as she sat down in a chair next to the couch. "Is Kevin and Zack coming?"
"Zack has to work at the shop, but Kevin is coming over as soon as he locks up for the night," Abby said as she reached for another cookie.
"Okay, but if you go into labor before dinner because of those..." said Erin as she brought over the wine.
"I wouldn't care," said Abby, muffled through the cookie. She took a drink of the juice.
"So what exactly are Patty and Holtzmann bringing back for dinner?" asked Cheyenne.
"Lots of spicy Curry, Eggplant Parmesan, Tomato Caprese salad with aged balsamic, I've already cut up the fresh pineapple in the fruit salad, and Holtz is picking up some Red Raspberry Leaf Tea."
"I'm sensing a theme," said Cheyenne to Erin as she poured her a glass of wine after speaking, looking amused.
"All foods to induce Abby's labor, yep." Erin grinned at that. "We're trying our best. Plus, the curry sounded good. And some nice Italian appetizers."
"Anything's better than eating cold leftovers or at the hotel," said Cheyenne. "I'm starving." She reached for the BLT dip. Erin noticed Abby rubbing her abdomen with a small grimace.
"Didn't someone say something about a kick count?" Cheyenne flailed and moved over to on the couch with Abby. Erin laughed and watched as her best friend maneuvered Cheyenne's hand to the spot where the baby had just been kicking.
Abby was still lying on her back a moment after they had finished the non-stress test. They had already done an internal examination to check her cervix for dilation and effacement, taken a couple of ultrasounds, and now the non-stress test just to make sure their child was still doing well.
"Everything is fine," said Holtzmann, leaning down to kiss her wife on the tip of her nose. "You're fine and the baby is all fine and dandy in there. The placenta is still working well enough. Your body is just not ready for labor."
"But I'm ready for everything to be over with," said Abby with a small huff. She really wasn't happy she was at her second appointment of her 41st week. Their kid should be out in the world already and being cuddled in their arms. She had eaten half the platter of cookies and was starting to get tired of ginger again.
"Too bad, so sad."
Abby rolled her eyes and sat up after straightening her clothes.
"I suspect the doctor wants to go ahead and try to start your labor," said Holtz. "I'm thinking he's going to come back in here and suggest something."
"I think he's worried about with my age and everything that something is going to happen," grimaced Abby. "I don't want to have to go to the hospital and do Pitocin and such Holtz."
"You don't have to do anything honey unless there's a firm medical reason why," said Holtzmann, leaning on Abby. "Being overdue doesn't count."
"You don't mind waiting a few more days and see what happens?"
"As long as you're comfortable," said Holtzmann. She rubbed Abby's shoulder. "I know you really can't relax."
Abby sighed. "Maybe we can try the membrane sweep and see if that does anything." She rubbed her back. "At least it doesn't involve IV's and fetal monitoring. Or possible uterine hyperstimulation."
"Then be prepared to get your feet back in those stirrups," teased Holtz.
"I'm surprised you're not finding an appropriate pun," said Abby.
"Another day. And I will have plenty," said Holtzmann. "Right now I'm just your baby mama at your beck and call." She took Abby's hand, squeezing it.
Holtz was sitting on Erin's desk on Monday morning. She was about half gone already from exhaustion. She had been extra vigilant on baby watch all weekend, but nothing had happened yet. Abby's first 42nd week appointment was the next day, and they both had a feeling that the doctor would just send them on to the hospital. Her wife was in an aggravated mood. Abby was now two weeks overdue, and with the membrane sweep, she had been cramping on top of her Braxton-Hicks. If she was honest, Holtz was going to be grateful if the doctor did send them on to the hospital. At least the light would be at the end of the tunnel for all three of them.
"So this is a plan?" asked the blonde hopefully.
"We'll distract Abby," promised Erin. "Keep her mind off things."
"Good," she yawned. "I need a nap. You can text me if something arises. I think I need a couple of Class III's all to myself when I wake up." She hopped down off the desk, stretching.
"You're supposed to be off-duty, remember?" said Erin after Holtz.
"Uh-huh," said Holtz, waving a hand behind her. The physicist shook her head.
"Where is Holtz going?" asked Abby, looking after her wife as she came up to Erin's desk.
"Upstairs," said Erin. "She wanted a moment of peace and quiet. Jen's working on something and she just needs a moment to breathe and think."
"Yeah, neither one of us has had much rest," agreed Abby. She carefully sat down in a chair across from Erin's desk. "This kid is killing us and they're not even here yet."
"Won't be long," Erin said. When Abby didn't respond, Erin looked up at her. She was rubbing her back and side with a big wince.
"God, I can't get rid of these Braxton-Hicks," said Abby with a sigh. For some reason, something seemed off to Erin and she made note of the time.
"Want to help me?" she asked Abby. "We need to finish the evaluations for the Mayor. I don't know why he wants reports on the new team, but-"
"It's just so he can feel important," said Abby. "They pay us and they want paperwork to show for something. Probably to bill the state extra for hosting."
Erin didn't respond. They were all in universal agreement that all the local governments like to charge each other for everything they could possibly could. Instead, she showed Abby what she had done so far and they started writing things down together. And in secret, Erin kept an eye on Abby's Braxton-Hicks contractions. It was easy since Abby seemed to react regularly, even if it wasn't vocal. After a couple of hours, there was a definite pattern. When Abby went to the bathroom for what was about the fifth time that morning, Erin told Patty her suspicions.
"I'd say that is a definite pattern," she said, leaning her head to the side. "So Abby's in labor?"
"Having some real contractions at least," said Erin. "Help me keep her distracted for a little while? I'm going to text Holtzmann and see if she's awake."
Patty nodded and it wasn't long till she had Abby and a couple of the new team discussing something or the other Erin couldn't hear. It didn't take much to get people off on tangents, which worked well at the moment. They were all like minded and enjoyed similar things. Erin heard the sound of a someone sliding down the fire pole. She soon found a familiar blonde sitting on her desk.
"Come here often?" Erin said, smirking.
"Let me see," Holtz said, taking the notepad from Erin where she had written down the times. She ran through the numbers.
"I do think you're right," she said with a nod, giving it back to Erin. "I wondered about it a couple of times this weekend, but then they'd end up doing something wildly different."
"Well, there's the beginning of a rhythm," said Erin. She tapped Holtz on the shoulder and pointed to Abby rubbing her side.
"I'll get her back upstairs soon," said Holtzmann, bouncing her leg. "I know she needs to get some rest and keep her energy up, but this has been helpful."
"It's go time," agreed Erin. She grinned at Holtz. "You're having a baby." Erin noticed Holtzmann had a bit of a glazed over look on her face.
"You worried?" she asked, frowning.
"Thinking," said Holtz slowly. "So much we need to do."
"You let us take care of everything here," said Erin pointedly. "You worry about her and the baby."
"Then who's going to worry about me?"
"That's generally Abby's job, so I think for the next day or 20,000 days, you're going to have to worry about yourself."
"Nonsense Erin. Someone always has to worry about me or I'll fade away like Tinkerbell."
"If you think I'm going to sit here and say-"
"Nah," grinned Holtz. "Just having fun with ya Gilbert." She hopped off of Erin's desk, hugged her tight with a squeal, and ran over to the stairs.
Abby was so very irritated at her body. It was not her day so far physically. Her Braxton-Hicks were bothering her, she had been cramping some more, plus the little bit she had managed to eat for breakfast did not even have a chance to settle on her stomach. That didn't even count the backache that had progressed out to her lower part of her abdomen and hips. Holtzmann had suggested going downstairs and working to keep her mind off things that morning. And while it had helped, she couldn't take her mind off the Braxton-Hicks. They were just so annoying today. But maybe they'd help push things along and she'd be dilated more for her next appointment. Erin had even tried to entice her with Chinese at lunch, but the thought of anything on her stomach was not an enjoyable one. She had even felt a little nauseous at the water Patty had brought her when she grabbed herself a bottle. She was just so ready to be done.
It wasn't until a contraction had Abby leaning over a chair and swaying a little to deal with the pain did she realize that something was definitely different than the fake contractions she had been having since she was about 26 weeks. This was not going away no matter how many times she changed positions and it was really starting to hurt.
"Oh geez," gasped Abby softly. She felt Erin at her side and rubbing her back.
"Breathe Abby. Nice and slow."
"I think I'm in labor," she whimpered, leaning her head on her forearms. "Erin..."
"So not the fake contractions then?" Erin asked. Abby stood back up, rubbing her hip.
"I don't... I don't think so," said Abby. "That last one felt kind of... urgent."
Erin crossed her arms, smiling a little. "The baby is coming, I'd hope it'd be urgent."
"I'm in labor," said Abby dazedly. It felt a little weird knowing it was actually happening.
"About time," grinned Erin, no longer able to hold in her excitement. She hugged Abby. They both laughed at that and held hands.
"Oh my god, I'm in labor," said Abby coming to the realization of what that meant. She put a hand over her abdomen and pulled back. "I need to-"
"Relax," said Erin. "And let it come. We can time your contractions and see if it is getting any closer together. Maybe it won't be false labor." She pulled out her phone.
"Or better yet, you can let Holtz do it."
Abby shook her head. "Let her be for a little while. I think she's having fun upstairs, now that she's rested and awake." They both heard a crash and laughter from Jen and Holtzmann, followed by happy clapping from Diana.
"So, timing?" said Abby. Erin nodded and pointed to her phone.
Holtz had been monitoring her texts from Erin, especially now that her wife knew she was having real contractions. Holtzmann was happy the membrane sweep seemed to have worked. Abby was letting Erin help her out for a couple of hours in timing contractions and helping to keep her mind occupied. But it was getting later in the day and she knew they had a long way to go that evening. She headed down the stairs and found Kevin rubbing Abby's lower back. He looked grateful at Holtz when she approached and squeezed Abby's shoulder before he went over to his desk and started getting ready to leave for the day. Holtzmann ran her hand through Abby's long ponytail. She hadn't bothered to put it up in a bun that morning. Holtz kissed her wife on the neck.
"Come on honey, upstairs. You need to get some rest."
"Kevin feels nice, don't want to move," Abby said, her voice above a muffled whisper. She was leaning against the wall and had her head on her arms.
"Come upstairs with me and I'll give you all the massages and counter pressure you want," said the engineer. "The contractions are only going to get longer and closer together from here on out and you need to be somewhere a little more comfortable to wait them out."
"12 minutes apart and about 35 seconds in length," said Erin, coming up beside Holtz with her jacket and purse on her arm. "Been holding pretty steady. Oh, and as of 5:00, you both are on maternity leave."
"Whaaaaaaaaaat?" said Holtz, looking really surprised. "Since when?"
"Since it's paid for," Patty said, coming up to the three of them while putting on her jacket. "Three months baby." She gave Abby a hug first, then turned to Holtz.
"Text me first when Abby's about to give birth so I can beat Erin to the hospital Holtzy."
"You know it," grinned Holtz. Patty hugged her too. Erin huffed loudly and Abby laughed as she moved to look at her best friend.
"You want to come upstairs for a little while?"
"No, I think I'm good for today," said Erin. "I'm going to let you two have all the fun this evening." She put a hand on Abby's baby bump with a smile.
"We'll be seeing you soon enough." She hugged Abby once more and headed out the door.
"Were they just waiting for you to come downstairs?" asked Abby, turning to Holtzmann.
"That would be correct," said Holtz. "They were keeping an eye on you for me, although technically Erin and Patty both do like your company. Not sure what Kevin was doing."
"Hanging out, I think. Not really sure myself, other than the back rubs he owed me." Holtz noticed when Abby winced and held her side and back.
"Contraction?" When Abby didn't open her eyes, Holtz made note of the time in her head, humming to herself as she waited out the thirty or so seconds.
"Upstairs," said Holtz. "There are snacks, water, blankets, a bed, a couch, a rocking chair... all the comforts of home a lady in labor could need." She tugged on Abby's wrist.
"Do we have to do this?" whined Abby slightly.
"I don't think there's another option Abs," said Holtz. Her lip quirked a little. She really wanted to tease her wife, but refrained. "I already called the doc. They said if you're doing fine and the baby's fine, just to go ahead and labor on at home and go to the hospital when the contractions are five minutes apart for an hour."
"Five minutes," said Abby. "That's 12 in an hour."
"Yep. So instead of five in an hour, 12 minutes apart, you get more contractions. It's more bang for your buck, really."
Abby pouted and after one more tug, Holtz finally managed to get her to head up the stairs. Holtzmann made Abby sit down on the couch with her feet up.
"How are you feeling?" asked Holtz, smoothing Abby's hair.
"Very uncomfortable," said Abby, taking a deep breath. Her back was aching and she rubbed her it forcefully, trying to make a dent in the soreness. "But that's normal, I'd imagine."
"I think so," said Holtzmann. She took Abby's hand in hers, kissing it.
"Do you want anything?"
"A cup of coffee would be nice. I could use the caffeine." Abby looked hopeful while Holtz's face scrunched up in confusion.
"You didn't have one this morning?" The physicist shook her head.
"Wasn't feeling up to it."
"One coffee and breakfast coming up." Holtz kissed Abby on the lips.
"Breakfast?" said Abby, balking at the thought.
"You need food sweetheart," said Holtzmann, leaning back down and looking her wife directly in the eye. "Because you probably won't be eating much at the hospital later between contractions." She headed for the kitchen.
"I don't think I'll want to eat," said Abby, grimacing.
"And this is why you're going to eat now," Holtz instructed her wife as she held an egg carton in her hand that she had just gotten out of the fridge. "Peanut needs food too. They've got a journey ahead of them."
"I want a steak with mashed potatoes with rosemary and garlic."
"Later," chided Holtzmann. "Celebratory after birth dinner." Abby made a face at Holtz's back. She realized that the living room looked different than it had that morning. There was a lot more pillows on the couch, and a few snacks and bottles of water and soda were spread out on the coffee table. Holtz had even dragged the rocking chair into the living room. As usual, her wife had already taken care of a lot of the details. She smiled, shaking her head.
"I'm keeping an eye on you," said Holtzmann from in front of the stove as she put bread on to toast. Abby sighed, rolling her eyes at her wife. Overprotective as usual. Her lover was going to be hovering. She pulled out her phone and checked the feed on Ghost News to see there were any new posts. When a contraction got her attention, she rubbed her side with a deep breath, trying to keep her mind calm and relaxed. It was a very hard task, considering. She sunk down deeper into the couch, trying to get comfortable. It did feel nice to have her feet up. When she had been downstairs, she had taken to walking around the place for distraction.
"Is there an extra copy of your birth plan in your things?" asked Holtz.
"Yes," said Abby, scrolling through the website. "And our insurance information."
"Good," said Holtz, pulling out cheese from the fridge.
"What are you making?" asked Abby.
"Scrambled eggs with cheese and toast with apple jelly. I know any sort of meat and fat slow things down digestively, but at least I know you'll eat this."
That actually sounded good to Abby considering what little she had eaten. The smell of percolating coffee filled the air and her mouth was starting to water at the thought. She got up off the couch and headed over to the kitchen for a cup once it had stopped making. She pulled the butter and jelly out of the fridge for the toast before getting a cup from the cabinet.
"You're supposed to be sitting down."
"Gravity," said Abby, as if it explained everything. She took a piece of cheese off the cutting board and poured a cup of coffee before adding sugar to it. She stirred the liquid and leaned over the skillet, taking in the scent of the scrambled eggs.
"God, that smells good."
"That would be because you are hungry," said Holtz. She poked her lover in the shoulder with the back end of a spatula. "You're going to need energy."
"Hook me up to one of the proton packs, I'd have an excellent half-life." The snort that came from Holtzmann made Abby laugh.
"So are we starting with the jokes now or waiting for later in labor?"
"I think we'd better hold off on the corniest ones till I'm pushing this kid out of me."
"Roger," said Holtz. Four pieces of toast popped up from the toaster and Abby grabbed plates. She helped butter the toast while her wife piled the eggs onto the two dishes.
"Dinner is served."
"You are the best honey," said Abby, smirking at Holtzmann. "So glad I married you."
"Luckiest woman alive," winked Holtz. When she saw Abby grimace, she moved and started to rub Abby's back. "Breathe out through the contraction. Nice and slow." She concentrated on pressing into her lover's lower back. Once the contraction was over, Holtzmann found herself with an armful of Abby, her head burying into her shoulder.
"Easy there Abs."
"I think you're going to have a big baby on your hands," said Abby, whimpering.
"Nah," said Holtz, pulling back. "All I see is a strong woman who is going to need some encouragement over the next few hours." She handed Abby her plate.
"Now to the couch. You're going to eat and rest. It's going to be a long night."