Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

*37 Weeks*

As I watch Liam post the latest picture of my belly, I have no idea that it will be the last.

We finish our lunch, as I stand I feel a gush. Looking down, I see a puddle on the kitchen floor. “Liam, I think my water just broke.” I smell the sweet scent of amniotic fluid that the book described.
“No, Liz, it’s too early.”
The look of concern in Liam’s eyes hurts my heart. “It’s ok, Baby. Call the doctor, we’ll see what he says.”
Liam helps me to sit, holding my hand while he waits for the doctor’s office to answer. “You alright, Beautiful?”
I smile. “I’m fine, Liam.” Trying to hide the fact that I’m a bit nervous.
I listen as Liam answers all the doctor’s questions.
He squeezes my hand. “The doctor said we should go straight to the hospital, he’ll meet us there.”
I nod. “Ok.”
“Do you need anything?”
“Just my bag.”
I can see how nervous Liam is. As he turns to retrieve my bag, I pull him back to me. Putting my hand alongside his face, I kiss him. “Everything is going to be fine, Handsome. I love you.”
He smiles. “I love you more, Beautiful.”
Liam takes my bag out to the car, returning to help me out. With a wink, he says. “Come on you two.”

At the hospital, the doctor runs some tests. He says he wants to be sure the baby is physically ready.
Liam sits beside me, holding my hand. “I have to admit, Love, I’m pretty excited to be meeting our little one.”
My heart warms. “Me too.”

The contractions have started by the time the doctor returns to say “it’s a go”.
Liam’s family arrives first. Louis arrives next, followed by Harry, then Niall. As more friends arrive, the doctor insists that only two other people can be in my room at a time.
Louis tries to tease me, to distract from the pain of the contractions. It sort of works, until they get more intense, then I just want to punch him.
Liam is sweet and patient while helping me through contractions.
“I don’t like seeing you in pain, Beautiful.”
I squeeze his hand. “I know, it’s all worth it though.”
“It’s just crazy, I’m feeling such a mixture of emotions. I’m a bit scared and worried, yet I’m also happy and excited.” Liam says.
“That must be normal, Handsome, because that is exactly how I feel.”

The contractions become more intense. Then I have the sudden urge to push.
“Mr. and Mrs. Payne, it’s time.” The doctor says.

I have no idea how long the birth took, I’ve lost all concept of time. I’m also not sure, but I may have broke Liam’s hand. He’s a tough guy, yet I can see the pain on his face as I squeeze his hand.
I mutter “Sorry” during a rest time.
“Whatever it takes, Babe.” He replies.
Smart man.
As I begin to push again, the doctor tells Liam. “See that, Mr. Payne? That’s your baby’s head.”
Liam’s face lights up.
The excitement and love in his eyes gives me the energy I need for those final pushes.

“Liam, Liz, congratulations, you have a baby girl.” The doctor announces.
Liam and I meet eyes. We kiss before he moves to cut the cord. I watch as the nurse puts the baby in Liam’s arms. The look of absolute love in his eyes, makes my heart swell.
“My little girl.” He says as he stares at her, as though memorizing her face.
He reluctantly gives her to the nurse for a quick clean up. When it’s confirmed that she is healthy, the nurse brings her to me. I hold her to my chest, feeling so full of love for this miracle that Liam and I created.
I can feel the tears slip from my eyes. As I look up at Liam, he has the same tears.
“She’s so beautiful, just like her mum.” He kisses the top of my head, then does the same to her.
“I love my girls so much.”

Notes