Inside Out - Lauren Dane [105]
Like the line of her back, the trunk was sturdy but inherently feminine. He’d seen it multiple times now, and each time he loved it more. And was convinced Brody understood Ella better than most, maybe almost as much as Cope did.
22
“Come now.”
Ella recognized Ben’s voice on the phone when she picked up. Dread filled her. “Erin? Is she all right? Is the baby all right? Where are you?”
“We’re back at the hospital. In the L and D unit. A floor below where we were before. Everyone’s okay, but—” He broke off with a curse.
“I’m on my way right now,” she assured him as she stood, grabbing her things and heading to the doors to the parking lot. “Family emergency,” she called out to the receptionist as she rushed by. Fear chilled her. It had only been a few weeks since the last scare. She’d hoped that Erin would be fine.
In the car she ruthlessly tamped down the panic and fear, focusing on her friends, knowing they’d need her to be clearheaded and in control so they didn’t have to be. Still, she was thankful the hospital wasn’t that far away and it was early enough in the afternoon she didn’t have to battle her way through the unholy mess of Seattle traffic to get there.
Once inside, she rushed to the labor and delivery unit. There was a waiting room just outside, where Brody stood in front of closed glass doors. She went straight to him, hugging him.
“Tell me.”
He kept her hand in his, the worry etched into the skin next to his eyes. “The swelling is back; her blood pressure is bad. They’re running tests to see how her kidneys are doing. She’s freaked out.” His eyes shone with unshed tears.
“How is the baby?”
“He’s kicking like a champ,” Ben said as he entered the room. She rose to hug him and noted the blond ponytail whip past, toward Brody, as Elise entered. The noise level rose as Rennie plopped herself down next to Brody and began talking.
“He?” Brody asked and they all turned.
“Surprise. I think I’d have preferred to find out another way, but we’re having a boy.” Ben’s smile was sweet, genuine and totally worried.
She stood straighter. “I’m here to help. Tell me what you need, and I’ll make it happen.”
Todd came in. “You’re a good friend.” He smiled at her before turning to everyone else. That’s when Cope flew in the door.
“What’s going on?”
“They’re checking her out to see if the cervix is thinning. She’s at thirty-five weeks, so they’d like to wait even just a week or two if they can, just to give him some more time to bake in there. But if her other tests come back and the numbers indicate danger, they’ll need to induce and get him out of there for both their sakes. She made me leave for this part.” He snorted. “It’s not like I haven’t seen the goods before.”
“No one wants their cervix probed with their husband in the room. Um, well not like this.” Elise reddened, and it lightened the mood a little.
“Hey, Red.” Cope put his arms around her, kissing her soundly. “I was gonna call you once I’d gotten the scoop. Glad you’re here.”
They settled in on the uncomfortable couches to wait. Rennie didn’t want to leave to go to her grandparents’ house. She was so very worried and upset about Erin and the baby that Brody and Elise had allowed her to stay. But Ella knew Elise must have wanted to focus on Brody to get him centered.
“Rennie, you want to come with me to grab some coffee for everyone? Hot chocolate for you, my treat.”
Rennie nodded seriously, but it was impossible to miss the calculated gleam in her eyes. Ella just waited for it.
“I sure am hungry. Do you think they have slices of punkin bread like you guys have at the café?”
Brody laughed, leaning over to kiss the top of Rennie’s head. “Work it, kid.”
“I promise to bring some back for you too. But not punkin, ’cause I know you don’t like it as much as the lemon.”
“Always thinking of others,” Elise murmured with a smile.
Ella stood. “Got your walking shoes on? Zip your coat up, and we’ll walk. Just a few blocks away. Near a bakery too, you know, just in case they don’t have any