The Other Path Chapter 93

Jim Beckett doesn't run much, but his conservative oxfords pound the asphalt of the hospital's parking lot. "Any news?" he demands, meeting Martha in the Maternity waiting area.

"The nurses examined her and set her up in a room. Her doctor's still on the way. She was finishing a delivery. Richard popped out of Kate's room for a few seconds five minutes ago. He said nothing's happening yet. And Dr. Parish is also in there. She promised that if there's a problem before Dr. Drake arrives, she'll drag the OB chief to Kate's side."

"Good for Dr. Parish, but God forbid she'll have to. I'd like to let Kate know I'm here."

"She said she doesn't want anyone except for Richard and Dr. Parish in there, but I can text Richard to tell her."

Jim nods. "I'd appreciate it if you do that."

Rick taps the screen of his phone. "Your dad's here, Kate. He's out there with Mother. "

Kates's fingers curl into her blanket. "I didn't call him. I want to see Dr. Drake before I talk to anyone else."

"I know," Rick acknowledges. "I heard you. I didn't call him either. Mother must have. Those two have been pretty tight as expectant grandparents. So what do you want to do?"

"Can you talk to him; say whatever guys say to each other?"

"Normally, that would be let's go have a beer. But in your father's case, that wouldn't work out very well."

"You're the writer. Think of something," Kate urges.

"All right," Rick agrees. "I won't be long."

Rick fixes his face in a smile. "Hi, Jim. Listen, Kate's really on edge. She hates not knowing exactly what's going on."

A wry smile tugs at Jim's lips. "Don't I know it."

"And you know she'd never admit to any weakness in front of you," Rick continues.

"Not since she was two," Jim Beckett agrees.

"But from what Lanie, Dr. Parish, tells me, we could have quite a wait before anything happens. Might as well get comfortable. I know you like your coffee black, but the stuff up here can take the paint off cars. I think it's a hospital tradition. But there's a Java Hut cart in the lobby if you want to get something drinkable. Once Dr. Drake comes and Kate understands how things will be going, I'm sure she'll be glad to see you. But in the meantime…." Rick shrugs spreading his hands.

Martha latches on to Jim's arm. "No point in sitting here. And there's also a gift shop downstairs. Maybe we can get Kate some magazines or something so she doesn't have to listen to Richard drone on."

"I don't drone, Mother," Rick protests.

Martha waves dismissively. "Whatever. Come on, Jim. Let's go."

As elevator doors close on Martha and Jim, Dr. Drake strides out of the car next to theirs. Rick runs to meet her. "Kate's in 106. She'll be really relieved to see you."

Drake moves into the room ahead of Rick. "So Kate, how are you feeling? Any contractions?"

"Nothing yet," Kate responds.

"Let's have a look." Drake glances over her shoulder at Rick. "You might want to step out for this."

"Yeah, right," Rick agrees. "I'll be just outside."

Drake makes an efficient examination. "Your amniotic sack ruptured, Kate, but I'm sure you know that. Now you're at about 37 weeks. Anything between 37 and 42 weeks is considered term. So the baby will be at the low edge but not early term. That means it would be best if labor proceeds normally. How long ago did you first notice fluid?"

Lanie's eyes narrow as she stares at her friend. "Be honest, Kate."

"It was when I was unwrapping the stroller."

Lanie consults her watch. "That would make it about two hours ago."

Drake nods. "Then your labor could be starting anytime."

Kate winces. "I think it just did."

Drake checks the fetal monitor. "You're showing a contraction, but the baby's heartbeat is strong. That's good, Kate. We previously discussed pain control measures. Do you want an epidural?"

"Say yes, Kate," Lanie urges. "I know you're the original grit your teeth and bear it, girl. But there's no reason for that. Castle's not about to leave your side. He's probably leaning against the door. And you know how crazy it will make him if he sees you in pain."

Kate can't suppress a smile. "You've got that right. And I don't need him crazier than he already is. All right, Doctor Drake. Set it up. And Lanie, tell Rick he can get his beautiful butt back in here and he can tell my dad and Martha to come in too."

"I'll paraphrase that first part," Lanie decides. "But I'm on it."


The dark-haired infant snuggles into Kate's arms as her proud father, grandparents, and big sister look on. "How much does she weigh?" Alexis inquires.

"Six and a half pounds and 18 inches long," Rick announces proudly. "All fingers, toes, and organs appropriately positioned. She's perfect."

"You'd say she was perfect if she looked like Medusa," Martha accuses. "Fortunately, she is. I think she looks like Kate."

Rick puts out his finger to the tiny girl, who immediately grasps it. "She's got a grip like her mother. And she couldn't wait to get going. Very Kate-like."

"Have you thought of a name?" Martha asks.

Kate rolls her eyes. "Rick's thought of about a thousand of them. But we haven't settled on one yet."

"I want to choose a name that says how precious she is," Rick insists.

"But doesn't sound too precious," Kate adds.

"How about Miv?" Jim offers. "I ran across the name when I was doing a seminar in the UK. It's a diminutive for a Welsh word I can't pronounce, but meaning my precious little one."

"Miv," Rick repeats. "That wasn't even on the list, but it seems to fit her."

"It does," Kate agrees. "How about Miv Johanna Beckett-Castle?"

"That is charming!" Martha exclaims.

"It does fit her," Alexis chimes in.

Rick strokes the baby's face with the tip of his finger. "Hello there, Miv Johanna Beckett-Castle. We're going to have some great times together."

The room suddenly rocks as the boom of an explosion vibrates through the air. Rick instinctively shields Kate and Miv with his body and Kate holds the baby close. "What the hell was that?" Jim Beckett exclaims as the shockwave passes.

Rick pulls out his cell. "Maybe there's a news flash."

"Take Miv, Rick," Kate orders. "I need my phone. I have a code I can use to monitor NYPD communications."

Kate reaches into the drawer of her bedside table to retrieve her cell.

"Anything?" Rick asks.

Kate nods. "Starting to come through. An explosion of unknown origin in the David N. Dinkins Building. Police and fire en route."

"Dinkins is more than five miles from here." Rick realizes. "That must have been some hellacious bang."

"Anything about the people in the building?" Alexis asks.

Kate shakes her head. "Not yet. But if the blast felt that strong from that far away, it can't be good."

"Miv's cries fill the room as Rick holds her closer. "Heck of an introduction to life in the Big Apple. But Mama and Daddy's friends in the NYPD will check this out. Whatever happened, they'll be on it. "

Kate holds out her arms for her daughter. "You can bet on it."