CHAPTER 191

Rack

Shelby moves a towel next to Beth’s hip. The woman appears unfazed. “There’s string and scissors in the bag. I’m going to drop them in the boiling water and I’ll be right back.” She leaves the room with one of the bags.

Beth’s cry fills the room. Her face is filled with exertion. Things are moving so fast, but I’ll never forget how beautiful she is at this moment as she brings a new life into the world. Death is cold and ugly. This is a miracle.

Shelby walks back in snapping directions like a drill sergeant.

“I can see the baby’s head,” Linc shouts. “Push with the next contraction and we’ll see if he’s ready to join us.”

“She,” Beth yells at him.

“Okay, she,” he replies with an exasperated huff.

Beth’s loud panting fills the room until her fingers relax on mine. I’m so damn proud of her for hanging on this long and keeping her cool. “Oh, God, oh, God,” she cries out.

“Push, Beth,” I tell her. Her response is unintelligible. Shelby runs out and returns with a bowl of steaming wate