"Yeah, about that . . ." I pause, listening to someone chat him up for a brief moment. "Something's come up."
There's an uneasy quiet over the line for a beat too long before Gage explodes. "What the hell do you mean, something's come up? What could be more important than your best friend and brother-in-law getting married, ass**le?"
"Your niece or nephew finally making its way into the world?"
Again I'm greeted with more silence, which is really starting to get on my nerves. "I don't get it," Gage finally says.
I start to laugh and that earns me a stern look from my wife, who's slowly changing into regular clothes, an oversized sweater and black leggings. I immediately sober up. She's moving like an old woman and that isn't her usual style. "Your little sister has gone into labor. We're leaving for the hospital now."
"Wait a minute. Now? How long has she been in labor? You're not at the hospital yet?" Gage asks, going all concerned big brother on me.
"No, she only just told me she was actually in labor. We're leaving now. But you realize what this means right?" I pause, feeling guilty but knowing there's nothing I can do about it. "We're going to miss the wedding."
Thankfully, Gage doesn't even hesitate with his answer. "That's okay. We completely understand," he says, excitement lacing his voice. Just as I'd hoped, Gage is fine with our not making the wedding. How could he hold this against us? A baby was being born for Christ's sake. My baby. His sister's baby. His future niece or nephew. This is a big freaking deal, as is his marriage to Marina. And it's all going to happen on the same day. "Just make sure to call and keep us updated."
"We will but via text," I say. "Don't want to interrupt the ceremony, right?"
"Right," Gage confirms. "Good luck, man. Tell my sister I love her."
"I will. Promise." I end the call and contemplate what's about to happen.
Our lives are changing completely. It won't just be Ivy and me anymore. We'll have someone to take care of-someone who solely depends on us.
Scary.
"Oh, Archer," Ivy says, pulling me from my thoughts.
Turning to face her, I see that her eyes are filling with tears and her face looks ready to crumple. I go to her, grabbing hold of her hands and giving them a squeeze. "What's wrong, baby?"
"I feel bad." A little sob escapes her as she shakes her head. I tug her in as close as I can, slinging my arm around her waist. "I'm going to ruin Gage's wedding."
"No you're not. It's going to be one of the most memorable weddings ever. No one will forget this day," I say, smoothing my hand over her hair. I want her reassured, not worrying about wedding plans. Everything we know is going to change in mere hours.
"Exactly. It's supposed to be Gage and Marina's day and instead it's going to turn into our day. Our child's day. How selfish are we?"
"We're not selfish. We can't help it if you're going into labor right now. It's not like we did it on purpose." I shed the rest of my clothes quickly, throwing on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. "Speaking of labor, we need to get going. Are you ready? Get some shoes on, babe." I give her a gentle push out of my embrace and toward the closet door across our bedroom.
"We? Who's the one who's about to give birth?" Ivy mutters as she shuffles toward the closet. A little snort escapes her. "You won't have anything to do with this labor stuff, Archer. This is all on me."
"And I think you're going to do an amazing job. You're the strongest women I know," I say.
At those words, my wife promptly bursts into tears.
Gage
"YOU'RE NOT GOING to believe this," I say into the phone. I'm pacing the room, distracted by the news my best friend just gave me.
My sister is hours away from becoming a mom. I'm both excited and . . . nervous. She's my little sister, and I've always protected her. What if something happens? It's a helpless feeling, and I don't envy what Archer is experiencing at this very moment. He's expressed his worries before, but always glossed over them quickly, like they were no big deal.
They linger, though. I know it.
"What's going on now?" Marina sounds anxious, but that's nothing new. My fiancé has been on edge for weeks. Months even. I'm more than ready to get married and get this whole ceremony thing over with.
Moving on to the honeymoon is what I'm looking forward to. I haven't touched my almost-wife sexually-her choice, not mine-in weeks. I'm dying here.
"Archer called. Ivy went into labor." I keep my voice calm, but deep inside I'm a bundle of nerves. I'll admit it to no one. Not even Marina. This is the first baby in the family and even Archer's coldhearted parents are excited. Ivy won't tell us whether she's having a boy or a girl and it's making me nuts. It's making everyone nuts. "They're on their way to the hospital."