The Gain

He wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her stomach, kissing the top of her head. "You sure you don't need me to do anything for you?"

"Unless you can make time go faster or have Peanut for me, then there's not much you can do." She chuckled a little. "Just being here like this is good for now."

"Let me know if you need me to run out and get you anything."

"Okay." She nodded and calmed herself down after the contraction passed. Some time had passed and now she was just uncomfortable and the contractions were becoming more frequent. "...I forgot how much this hurts." She muttered as she clutched the sheets tightly.

"Do you need me to get a doctor?"

She let it pass and calmed herself down until she felt another one come a few seconds later. "Mhm."

He got out of bed and went to go get Ellie's doctor. He found her a few moments later and brought her in. "I think you should check on her."

The doctor walked in further. "How are we feeling, Ellie?"

"Not too good." she said. "The contractions are more frequent and closer together."

She went to go check her. "Well, it doesn't look like you're fully dilated." she said. "Right at about 7 centimeters, so just a little while longer, okay?"

She let out a sigh but nodded. "Okay, looks like I don't have much of a choice anyway." she chuckled a bit.

"Unless you want a cesarian." she said. "But I know you don't."

She shook her head. "It's fine, I can wait."

"I'll come back and check you in another hour to see how you're doing." she said as he stood up and headed out.

She nodded and then looked back at Colt. "Well, Peanut is being mean." she joked. "Go nap babe." she told him. "At least for an hour until the doctor comes back."

"My wife is in labor. The last thing I'm gonna do is nap." he chuckled and went to sit in the chair next to her bed.

She snorted, but nodded. "Nervous?"

"Terrified." he chuckled. "But we're going to be alright."

"We will be." she nodded. "I'm anxious for the baby to come out already. I want to make sure it's healthy and everything."

He kissed her cheek. "Of course it will be."

"We shall see." she said. "Oh god, here comes another one." she frowned.

He offered her his hand. "Here."

"Sorry if it hurts." she chuckled a bit as she held his hand tightly and did her breathing exercises during the contractions.

Hurt like a bitch, but he coached her through it, pushing her hair all day.

Some more time had passed and she let out a low moan after another contraction passed, just happy she'd get a small break now. "Has it been an hour yet?" she asked as she tried to get her breathing in check. "It feels like it's been forever."

"Just about." he said. "You're doing great, El."