The First Signs

The first sharp pain struck before the sun had fully risen.

Lila’s eyes shot open, her breath catching as a deep pressure rolled through her lower abdomen. She pressed a hand to her stomach, blinking in the dim morning light, trying to steady herself.

It wasn’t unbearable, but it was different.

Stronger.

She lay still for a moment, trying to determine if it was real, if it was time.

Then, as quickly as it had come, it faded.

She exhaled slowly, glancing at Ethan, who was still fast asleep beside her. His brow was slightly furrowed even in sleep, as if his body refused to fully rest while she was so close to giving birth.

Lila bit her lip, debating whether to wake him.

Not yet.

She had read about this, had spoken to Sarah about it. The first contractions could start and stop, coming in irregular waves.

There was no need to panic.

Not yet.

She took a deep breath, rubbing slow circles over her belly. “Not quite yet, little one,” she whispered. “But soon.”

By mid-morning, the contractions had come and gone three more times, each one stronger than the last.

Lila moved about the house, trying to distract herself, but Margaret caught on quickly.

The older woman narrowed her eyes as Lila stood at the kitchen counter, cutting fresh fruit with a little too much focus.

“You’re breathing differently,” Margaret stated.

Lila sighed, setting the knife down. “I might be.”

Margaret crossed her arms. “How long?”

Lila hesitated. “Since dawn.”

Margaret exhaled sharply. “And you didn’t wake Ethan?”

Lila shook her head. “It wasn’t time yet.”

Margaret muttered something under her breath before calling, “Ethan!”

Lila winced. “Margaret—”

Footsteps pounded from the other room, and a moment later, Ethan appeared in the doorway, his hair still slightly disheveled from sleep. His eyes immediately locked onto Lila.

“What’s wrong?” His voice was sharp, laced with concern.

Margaret gave Lila a pointed look. “Your wife has been in labor since this morning and thought she’d just casually go about her day.”

Ethan’s entire body tensed. “What?”

Lila groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. “It just started, Ethan. It’s not serious yet.”

Ethan strode toward her, cupping her face, scanning her expression as if searching for any sign of distress. “Lila, why didn’t you wake me?”

She sighed. “Because I didn’t want to worry you until it was real.”

Ethan’s jaw clenched. “It’s real now.”

Margaret scoffed. “It’s been real. Now, stop arguing and start preparing.”

Ethan exhaled, visibly reining himself in before nodding. “Right. We should call Sarah.”

Margaret was already ahead of him, grabbing her shawl. “I’ll ride into town myself. She’ll want to be here early.”

Ethan nodded, turning back to Lila. “Come sit down.”

Lila sighed. “Ethan—”

Ethan lifted her effortlessly into his arms.

Lila squeaked. “Ethan!”

He smirked. “You can argue with me after the baby is here.”

Lila huffed but didn’t fight him.

Not when another contraction rippled through her body, making her grip his shirt a little tighter.

The hours stretched on, the contractions coming more frequently now.

Ethan stayed glued to her side, helping her breathe through each one, rubbing soothing circles over her back whenever the pressure became too much.

Lila tried to remain calm, but with every wave of pain, the reality of it all set in deeper.

It was happening.

Their baby was coming.

Sarah arrived by late afternoon, her presence immediately grounding Lila. The midwife wasted no time checking on her, giving Ethan a reassuring nod.

“Everything’s progressing well,” Sarah said. “You’re doing just fine, Lila.”

Lila exhaled, relief washing over her.

Ethan still looked tense. “How much longer?”

Sarah gave a small, knowing smile. “Could be hours. Could be sooner. First babies like to take their time.”

Ethan’s grip on Lila’s hand tightened. “She’s been in pain all day.”

Sarah patted his shoulder. “She’s strong.”

Ethan’s jaw clenched, but he nodded.

Lila squeezed his fingers. “I’m alright, Ethan.”

He looked at her, his blue eyes filled with something raw, something vulnerable. “I just hate seeing you in pain.”

Lila smiled weakly. “It’s a good kind of pain.”

Ethan exhaled. “I know. But that doesn’t mean I like it.”

Lila chuckled softly, despite the next contraction building inside her.

Sarah motioned toward the bed. “Let’s get you comfortable.”

Lila nodded, letting Ethan help her up.

She felt it now—the final stretch.

This was it.

The wait was almost over.