CHAPTER 73

I sat up, jolting wide awake, a sharp ache ripping through my middle. For a second, I lay there, wondering if this was another false alarm. Then another wave of pain hit, even stronger, and I knew. It was happening.

“Xander,” I panted, waking my husband. “It's time.”

Xander's eyes flew open in a mix of terror and excitement. He launched himself out of bed, scurrying around the room to get dressed and to retrieve our hospital bag.

“Are you sure?” he asked in a somewhat shaky voice.

I nodded, teeth gritted as another wave hit. “Positive.”

It seemed as though the drive to the hospital happened instantly. Xander's hands were firm on the steering wheel, but I noticed the tension in his jaw, the fast, worried glances he cast my way. When we drew closer to the entrance of the hospital, I could see someone was waiting for us.

Zara, our healer and midwife, beamed at us with a reassuring smile. “Right on time,” she said, helping me out of the car. “I've set up a special room for you, ready for