Yesterday my life was filled with rain

 

It felt like an all-nighter that wouldn't end. At first, Rafe was certain Ruby wouldn't want all these people in the suite where baby Colin would be born. Most were family. Her father came with his laptop if he might be in for the long haul. His parents brought him some fast food to eat in the hallway.

Of course, Ruby looked at him as if she'd punish him sooner or later, but it was getting tiring, and he was getting hungry. He didn't mean to be this way. Yes, he was afraid he wouldn't have the stamina for this fatherhood. 

But he wolfed down the food and asked his mom if she could bring a milkshake and coffee next time. He even slipped her a twenty. He was going to need it.

For a while, Ruby was as happy as a debutante on Bridgerton. In fact, she had to talk about how she'd rewatched the show, and she and Gabby kept talking about how hard it must have been in the past to have a baby at home. But then the nurses came in. The doctor was on the way. All along, the heartbeat was in surround sound and swish ever so often. Everyone needed to leave for the hallway. Except, Rafe. 

His heart thundered. He wanted to go, but he knew he couldn't.

"We think the baby might get here sooner than we thought," a doctor started in on all the logistics and whatnot. As far as Rafe was concerned, they could have been talking about the weather.

Of course, Ruby snatched his hand and told him he smelled like a burger. "You need to shower or I might eat you!"

"What?" Rafe didn't think so. They'd packed her a bag. Not one for himself.

Besides, he wasn't going anywhere. He was here for support. Of course, he wasn't sure what that meant. Exactly. But the nurses were sure to show him.

Before he knew it, the contractions came back, more fierce. Ruby looked to be in pain, her face all scrunched up and angry. Rafe hoped they never had to do this again. 

The baby was coming faster. Even the doctor told him. "Ruby is the kind of woman who could have six kids with no problems."

Rafe wasn't sure what this doctor was getting at, but here Rafe was having to help her up so gravity could pull baby Colin out. And it worked.

That's when Rafe learned all about taking care of an infant. And it felt like baby boot camp, but he was happy to learn. Even so, he hoped his mom remembered to bring coffee and a milkshake. Yes, this all-nighter would probably last all of tomorrow and then some.