Bucked: The Mountain Man's Babies(21)

She shakes her head, saying, “Granted, they’re going to need to master walking first,” she says, laughing, waving her free hand. “What I mean is, Buck is ready, and looks like you’re too.” She looks at my belly, her face bright. “Is it terribly awkward if I rub your belly?” she asks, setting her son down on the hardwood floor.

I nod, not knowing what else to say to this sweetheart.

“Jesus Christ, woman,” Jax laughs. “I know you, honey, and the moment you feel the baby kick you’re gonna be begging for another.”

“Another?” Her mouth drops open as she pats my belly. “I think three is plenty for me, for now.”

And in that moment I feel like Harper and I could be friends. Maybe because she is so freaking genuine, gentle. Good in the way Buck is good.

Jaxon though, he looks rough, his arms lined in tattoos, his eyes darker. I can see that Harper is the light in his world.

I wonder if Buck can be that for me.

Take away all the horrible memories of my past – a lonely childhood, a family that never treated me like family. No one ever willing to take me under their wings.

Harper’s hand is still on my belly, and her hand turns to my side, her brow furrows.

“Is something wrong?” Buck asks, immediately detecting Harper’s discovery.

“Not wrong, but Rosie, have you been to the doctor?” she asks me.

I swallow, feeling hot all of a sudden. Very. Hot.

“Yes, I mean, I regularly saw a family doctor.”

“And there was nothing irregular that was ever brought up at those visits?”

“Irregular?” Buck asks.

“Um.” I shake my head.

“What is it, Harper, you’re scaring the girl,” Jaxon says, stepping closer to pull his wife away.

She shakes her head though, and I look around the room again, counting three babies, and realizing they were all in her belly not so long ago.

Buck may not know the difference between one baby or two or three.

But Harper does.

“Rosie,” she says, covering her mouth. “I’m pretty sure there’s more than one baby in there.”

Buck’s eyes meet mine, and I grimace, wishing I’d told him myself.

“Surprise,” I say. “We’re having twins.”

Before he can answer, before anyone can ask any questions, a gush of water spills across the floor.





15





I blink back my shock.

Twins?

Holy fuck.

I wish she’d told me.

But right now, I can’t concern myself with that.

Right now, I need to get my woman to the hospital.

Harper jumps into action as a stunned Rosie just stands there.

“Jaxon, you need to get the babies in the car. And Buck, you need to get Rosie in the car. We’ve got to get her to the hospital.”

But Rosie starts screaming, “No, no, I can’t go anywhere. I think ... oh, my god. I think. I. Buuuuuck.” She reaches for my hands and she squeezes them tighter than fuck.

“She’s having contractions. We need to get her to the hospital. Now. Jax, call the ambulance.”

“I can’t move ... I ....” She’s hunched over now. “Buck, I’m scared,” she whimpers, lowering herself to the ground.

“Oh, no, sweetie,” Harper says, falling to her knees beside Rosie. “If you lie down there’s no way you’ll get back up.”

Rosie is crying, and Jaxon hands me some pillows for her back. We’re in the fucking foyer, and Rosie is on the ground, her hands on her stomach as if that can stop this force.#p#分页标题#e#

“Jaxon,” Harper directs. “Get the pack and play from the truck. Buck, I need you to call the ambulance, and then get me some towels. Cold rags.”

I spring into action, calling 911. The operator puts me through to a medic right away. “If she is already having contractions as bad as that, you might be delivering these babies yourself, we’re an hour away.”

I relay the information to Harper, who grabs the phone from me. “It’s okay,” she tells them. “I helped deliver four of my mother’s babies. I can do this.” I’d forgotten that Harper grew up in a scarily conservative home, they didn’t believe in doctors or medication. If there’s anyone I want to be here for Rosie and my children now, it’s her.

Harper stays on the phone a little while longer, and then hangs up, as Rosie arches her back, screaming full hilt.

Jaxon has got the triplets in the pack and play, and hands them an iPad to watch a cartoon. Which is probably good. The scene unfolding could be hella traumatizing.

Harper tells Jaxon and me to wash our hands with scalding water, as she drapes a sheet over Rosie. Then Harper reaches between Rosie’s legs to assess the situation.