For a second, none of us move. None of us breathe. Then, chaos erupts. “Jesus Christ!” Isaac exclaims, rushing toward Juniper. “I’ll call the hospital!” Desiree yells, already halfway to her phone, her fingers flying over the screen as she dials. And me? I just stand there, frozen, staring at the puddle forming on the floor, my brain trying to catch up with reality. Her water broke. In the middle of this nightmare of a night, her water broke. Before I know it, I’m moving, though I can’t quite remember deciding to do so. I reach Juniper just as Isaac gets to her, both of us hovering awkwardly around her as she clutches her belly, looking absolutely terrified. The anger from moments ago vanishes from her face, replaced by raw panic. “This isn’t happening,” she murmurs, her voice trembling. “This can’t be happening. I’m not ready. The baby isn’t ready.” “Hey, hey, breathe, okay? Just breathe.” Isaac’s voice is soft, almost tender, as he places a hand on her back. For a guy who was
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