“I’m happy to be back,” Diane admitted, realizing just how much she’d missed everyone. How had she ever thought leaving here, leaving them would be a good idea?
“Diane!” Tah’s bellow carried down the hall and had her hurrying faster toward the bedroom.
Orsai opened the door for her and smiled down at her. Before she could move past him, he had her wrapped in a hug. “Welcome to the family, little niece,” he said. He glanced past her. “Where is my nephew?”
“Outside,” she said.
He kissed her softly on the cheek. “Thank you. You are a blessing. Not just to my nephew, but to all of us.” He nodded toward the bed behind him. “I believe the child waits for the comfort of the one whose voice is known.”
“What?” she asked, making him laugh softly.
“You, Diane. I believe the child has decided none but you will help bring him into this world.” He nodded. “It is as it should be.”
“Diane!” Abby yelled and began moaning.
Diane moved quickly and headed to the bed. Tah sat beside his wife and mate, holding her hand. His eyes were wide, fingers shaking, as he inhaled and exhaled rapidly. It took her a moment to realize what it was. Fear. Tah was terrified. The Professor sat on the other side, looking anxious, as well. No one else was in the room.
“Diane,” Abby moaned again, panting.
“I’m here,” Diane said, walking toward them. “I’m right here.”
“Zane?” Abby asked between pants.
Diane smiled. “Fine. Outside right now.”
“Thank God,” Tah groaned. “And thank God, you’re back.”
“Go,” Abby said to her mate, but Tah shook his head.
“I’m not leaving you. Everything else can wait,” he informed his mate.
“How long?” Diane asked.
“Hours,” Tah answered. “She’s getting exhausted.”
“First babies can be stubborn,” the Professor said, and Diane got the feeling it wasn’t the first time he’d said that.
She glanced around. It looked as if they’d brought up all the equipment they might need from the labs to the bedroom. Abby going into labor had once scared Diane, but now she felt calm and in control. It was apparent to her just how much Zane being gone had affected her.
“Dilated?” she asked.
“She was at seven when I checked ten minutes ago,” the Professor said.
“Has your water broken yet?” she asked.
Abby nodded. “Mucus plug is gone, too.”
“Well, then,” Diane said and turned toward the bathroom. “Let me wash my hands and grab a set of gloves, and we’ll see if you’ve dilated more.”
“Fuck!”
Diane heard Tah exclaim as she shut off the water and hurried back into the room.
“I’d say that’s a hell of a contraction,” the Professor said. He grabbed a towel and handed it to Diane to dry her hands before holding up a glove for her to stick in her hand.
“Grab me some fresh bedding,” she said. “Towels, too. As many as you can find.”
The Professor moved, but Tah stayed at Abby’s side. Their gazes were locked on one another. Diane knelt at the bottom of the bed and lifted the sheet up to check on Abby. She had her knees bent already with her legs open.
“You’re fully dilated,” Diane said, moving fast. “And I see a head of hair. You’re baby’s almost here.”
She glanced up at Abby.
“I think we were both waiting for you,” Abby grunted. “We’re ready, now.” She moaned and bit down on her bottom lip.
“Professor!” Diane yelled. “I need those towels!”
“I’m here,” the Professor said, handing her several thick towels before heading toward the equipment.
She didn’t have to ask to know he was getting everything she’d need to suction and cut and clamp the cord. She shoved one towel under Abby, then placed another one on top to catch the baby.
“Next contraction I want you to push,” she told Abby. She’d witnessed so many births, but all of them were cats. This wasn’t the same. But now, in the moment, Diane felt confident in her ability to bring this child into the world.
Abby cried out, and Diane watched the baby’s head crown. As the head cleared, Diane began suctioning the mouth. Thankfully, there was no cord around the neck. She cleared the nose as Abby gave one final push. She tapped the sole of the baby’s foot, and a loud wail filled the air. The Professor stepped in to help, clamping the cord off in two places while Diane took in the flailing fists and red face.
“Tah,” she said, glancing up. “Would you like to cut the cord?”