Gentle fingers touched her shoulder. Claire looked up at Cinda. “Are you ready to continue?”
“Yes.” She let go of Marcus long enough to wipe at her face. Then, taking his hand, she met another pair of green eyes. “I’m ready.”
“Friends, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of—”
“Oh, God.” Annie’s strangled voice cut over the minister. Claire looked at her—and saw the stain on her dress, the puddle of water at her feet. “I think—my water broke.”
Claire moved to her, took her small bouquet and handed it to Cinda. “Annie.”
“Claire—”
“It’s all right, honey. I’m right here.”
“Okay.” Tears filled Annie’s eyes. She gave Claire a shaky smile. “We’re having a baby.”
*
Before panic could erupt, Claire turned around and raised her hands.
“Everyone—thank you for being here. I’m afraid we are going to postpone the ceremony for the moment. I’m sure Annie and Eric would like for you to come by the hospital later, to welcome their baby.” She reached past Marcus, who stared at Annie, and caught Eric’s hand. “Eric. Eric.”
He jerked at her voice, looked at her. “I don’t—what do I do?”
Claire tried not to smile at his panic. “Bring the car up, park in the handicapped spot. We’ll bring Annie to you.” She cradled his cheek. “She will be fine, Eric. Now, go get the car.”
“Get the car. Right.”
He ran across the sand, a man on a mission.
“Zach.” He swung around, his face pale. “I need you to help Marcus take Annie to the car. Breathe, sweetheart.” She smiled, squeezed his hand. “This is perfectly natural.”
“Mom—don’t ever get pregnant.”
Shock widened her eyes. “Zach—”
“I mean it.”
“We’ll talk about this later, sweetheart. Now help me with Annie. Marcus—close your mouth and give me a hand.” Claire brushed windblown curls off Annie’s cheek. Her friend still stood in the puddle, staring down at the stain spreading over the front of her dress. “Annie—honey, it’s time to go.”
Annie’s head snapped up. “I ruined this beautiful dress. Oh, Claire—I ruined your wedding.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Claire framed her face. “You’re about to make me an honorary aunt, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Now, these two strong, albeit nervous men are going to help you to the car. Let them do the work, Annie. You focus on breathing.”
“What are you talking about? I can breathe just—God—” She clutched her stomach.
Claire was waiting for this, and caught her arm. Both Marcus and Zach jumped forward, supporting Annie until her contraction ended. They looked absolutely freaked out.
“Better?” Annie nodded. Claire used the edge of her veil to wipe the sweat trickling down Annie’s cheek. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”
Annie gripped Zach’s shoulder. Marcus took her other arm, and they half-carried her across the sand, where Eric nearly danced with impatience next to the open back door of the SUV.
“Hey, punk.” Annie smiled at Zach. “I’m okay. Thanks for keeping your cool.”
“I didn’t really—”
“You did great, Zach.” Claire gently moved him aside and slid her arm around Annie’s nonexistent waist. “You’re doing just fine, honey. Breathe like they taught you in class. Here comes Eric.”
He charged across the boardwalk, meeting them at the stairs. “Annie!”
“She’s fine, Eric.” Claire kept her voice calm. It seemed to have the same effect on Eric. He looked less frantic. “Good choice with the back door. She’s going to want to lie down.”
He reached out, taking charge of Annie. “Slow, sweetheart, just take a step at a time, and all the time you need—”
“I’m not two, Eric, I’m in pain.” She doubled over again. Claire stepped up her pace; the contractions were coming too fast.
She snatched the keys out of Eric’s hand. “We need to move. Zach—ride with Marcus. I’ll see you at the hospital.”
“Mom—”
“Go. Everything’s going to be fine. Now shoo.” He took off after Marcus, who was already running for the Jag.
“Claire, I’m so sorry.” Annie grabbed her hand. “This is your day, I don’t want to ruin—oh, damn—” She squeezed both Claire’s hand and the headrest of the passenger seat. “Too fast, Claire—God, I’m so scared.”