Sometimes I think she wishes that because the idea of childbirth scares the crap out of her. Other times, I know she’s ready to get this over with when she moans, “Get her out.”
I’m standing in front of a white backdrop, the camera flashing in my eyes again and again as the photographer snaps away, when one of the assistants runs up and whispers something in the photographer’s ear.
He pauses, standing straight. “Well, tell him, then.”
The assistant approaches me hesitantly, her demeanor shy and a little worried. “You had a call, Mr. Callahan, on your cell phone. I saw that it kept ringing with the same number and I finally answered it for you.”
Oh holy f**k. I’m the worst husband ever. I left my phone on the counter by the mirror where they did my hair and freaking makeup earlier. Yes, I’m this close to losing my man card and no way can I ever admit this to anyone, especially Owen. I’d lose respect points for sure.
“Who was it?” My heart starts to pound and I try to ignore it. It’s probably nothing important. Most likely it’s Owen griping to me about Fable or Fable griping to me about Owen. They’ve been getting in lots of arguments lately only because her patience level is zero and Owen is completely freaked out by the creature who was once his sister.
“Your wife. Well, it really wasn’t your wife. More like a message from her.” The assistant’s narrow face is solemn and I swear to f**king God, my heart goes from a full gallop to a dead stop in a matter of seconds.
“What’s wrong?” The words rush out of me and I rub the back of my neck, digging my nails into my skin as ice-cold shock washes over me. At the same time, it’s so damn hot in here. The sun is glaring down from the giant windows above us, making my head sweat.
Right now, though, I’m sweating for a purely different reason.
“Well, um, this is sort of weird for me to tell you since I don’t even know you, and I wanted the person on the phone to tell you this since he claimed he’s your brother-in-law, but …”
“Just spit it out,” I say, cutting her off.
“Right.” She nods multiple times, her head doing this weird little bobbing thing. “Your wife is in labor.”
Relief floods me at hearing the words. I’ve been on edge for months. Fable pregnant is a scary thing in itself, but it’s ten times worse when I’m not with her. She’s been by my side throughout most of her pregnancy, especially these last couple of months since the season ended. I’ve left for a few business things, including another endorsement deal I got and a team meeting we all were required to attend. She’s stayed mostly at home with Owen, who’s around quite a bit. He just finished his freshman year last week. He plans on taking a summer trip to Hawaii with his friends since he never went on a grad trip after his senior year of high school, but he’s not leaving until Fable has the baby. He’s sticking around for that because he’s a good brother.
And Fable would strangle him if he missed the birth of his niece.
“How long ago did the call come in?” I ask as I glance up at the clock on the opposite wall. I’ve been here for hours and now I’m more than eager to get home to my wife. I can’t miss her having this baby. She’d be devastated.
“A few minutes ago.” The assistant holds out her phone toward me. “Your brother-in-law asked that you call him back.”
Shit. I bet Owen is panicking right now. I know I would be if I were him. Fable wasn’t supposed to go into labor yet and she’s probably totally freaking him out. He’s still a teenager and the last thing he wants to deal with is his laboring sister, I’m sure.
Grabbing the phone, I dial Owen’s cell number, not surprised when he answers after the first ring. “Thank God you got the message.”
“Nice to hear your voice, too. Now let me talk to your sister,” I tell him.
“Dude.” Owen pauses for a moment and I can tell he’s walking. Exiting a room or something—I’m not sure, I can only imagine. “She’s been in labor for hours. I only just now convinced her to come to the hospital.”
“Wait a minute, hours?” I left the house only a few hours ago myself. What the hell? “Is she all right? Is she in pain?”
“She’s in labor. Of course she’s in f**king pain.” Owen blows out a harsh breath. “This shit is scary, man. You need to get back here quick. I think she’s going to have the baby soon. She’s screaming and yelling and cursing like you would never believe. I can’t handle it.”
“Well, get over yourself because you’re going to have to handle it until I get there.” I make a gesture at the photographer. “Hold on, Owen.” I place my hand over the phone. “I’m out of here. My wife is having a baby.”
Everyone starts clapping and whistling, and I go to the changing area to grab my bag. The assistant runs after me, calling my name and asking for the clothes I’m modeling, and I tell her I’ll pay for them as I exit the building.
“Sorry, dude, I had to get my stuff—I’ll be on the quickest flight home I can.” Fable’s at our Santa Clara house and so is Owen, awaiting the birth. “Are you at the hospital?”
“Hell yeah, we are. She wanted to stay at home until I finally convinced her I was going to freak if she gave birth on the carpet,” Owen mutters.
I can hear him telling her that, too. “Is her doctor there?”