Im going to wake everyone up. Olivia popped a kiss on Emilys cheek and another on Gavins head. They need to know little Noah Olivia Alexander Blake will be here soon. Eek! With that, she disappeared into the darkened hall.

Once again trying for the Im cool as a cat act, when he was truly freaked the fuck out, Gavin helped Emily out of her pajamas and into her clothes. By the time they made it downstairs, the kitchen was awake with excited friends and family. Emily took a steeling breath as she stared at their smiling faces, her nightmare rushing back with full force. She couldnt help it; she broke down, tears exploding from her eyes.

Gavin wrapped his arm around her shoulder. He had a pretty good idea why she was crying.

Frowning, Lillian pulled Emily into her embrace. You can get meds at the hospital for the pain, sweetie. She held her against her soft, black robe.

Taking in Lillians concerned but happy demeanor, given she was about to meet her third grandchild, Emily pulled herself from the nightmare and stopped crying.

How far apart are the contractions? Lillian asked. Youve been timing them, right?

Gavin shook his head, his throat suddenly dry. Damn. He was fucking this all up. He hadnt timed shit. He felt as if everything hed learned in the many Lamaze classes he and Emily attended had flown right out the window.

Just start timing them now, Fallon offered, pulling a chair from the table. She tossed her silver and green-streaked hair into a pony tail and sipped her coffee. I read if theyre closer than five minutes apart, the babys coming soon.

Olivia shot her and Trevor a look. You two are trying to have a kid, arent you?

Trevor smirked. Sis, you are and will always be a nut. Olivia rolled her eyes and Trevor walked over to Gavin, shaking his hand. Give us a few to wake up, and well meet you at the hospital. Born on the fifth of July. Cool birthday. Congratulations, bro.

Thanks. Gavin smiled and walked Emily to the door. After hugging everyone goodbye, she stepped out into the dewy night air, making her way toward Gavins car.

As Gavin went to rush after her, Colton caught his arm. Just remember, little man, do whatever she asks. Dont take her threats or name calling personally. She still loves you. She just wont like you for the next few hours. At all.

Chad chuckled, slapping Gavins back. I cant say I disagree with your brother. Linda Blair from The Exorcist comes to mind, but shell calm back down.

Lillian swatted Chads arm and pulled Gavin in for a hug. Ignore your father and brother. Everything will be fine. Love you, baby boy. Well be there soon.

Gavin kissed his mother goodbye and stepped from the house. Anticipating a full blown demon, he was surprised to find Emily casually leaning against his car. She still looked stressed, but he expected wicked. As if he had willed that demon into existence, he watched her face go from relaxed and loving to all-out pissed as she hunched over, grabbing her stomach.

Jesus, Gavin, can you just open the door already? she hissed, her fingers curling around the side mirror of his BMW.

Gavin nervously fumbled with his keys to unlock the door. He helped Emily into her seat, slammed the door, and shot around the vehicle. Once in, he looked at her, his heart sinking. Breathe, baby. Remember the breathing techniques they taught you. He watched her toss her head back, and he heard some kind of grunt rumble up her throat.

She whipped her head around, glaring daggers at him. I know how to breathe, Gavin. You just worry about getting me to the damn hospital so I dont give birth to your son on these leather seats. Got it?

Yep, she was scaring Gavin. Throwing the car into reverse, he figured hed speak only when spoken to for the remainder of the ride.

As lights along the darkened road came and went, so did the contraction possessing Emilys body. It left her feeling terrible, though. Sitting on her knees, she leaned over the console. Cupping Gavins face as he stared at the road, she started raining kisses along his temple, hair, and jaw. Anywhere she could kiss, she did. Im so sorry. She kissed his nose, neck, ear, cheeks, and lips. She cried again. You were dead. You were gone. I love you, Gavin. Youre my Yankees-obsessed, bottle cap-giving wiseass. Im so sorry. I love you so much.

Gavins mouth twitched into a nervous smile. This bottle cap-giving wiseass loves you, too. He paused and wiped a tear from her face, unsure whether or not he should say what he was about to. Her hands were tiny, but he knew his girl could throw a pretty powerful smack. Um, sweets, you need to sit back down, okay? Get your seatbelt on for me.

Emily nodded. As she reached for the belt, her belly started to ball in pain. As it simmered, anchoring through her muscles, she felt a little pop. Still on her knees, warm liquid trickled down her leg. She pulled in a fast, harsh breath. Oh my God, she cried out, her eyes wide with panic. My water just broke. You need to drive faster, Gavin. Now. She turned to him, her face twisted in pain as she held her stomach. Im not kidding. I know you know how not to drive like a grandfather. Get that big foot of yours to press harder on the gas. I. Am. Not. Kidding.

Gavin blinked, swallowed, and brought his eyes back to the road. With Linda Blairs twin sitting next to him, he didnt say a word as he gunned it. Though the love of his life was a bit scary, Gavin would never deny, when telling his grandchildren of this very night, he liked Emily giving him permission to drive like a bat out of hell.