“I’ve had a backache on and off for months but I had a fall a few days ago and the spasms started this morning.”

“We really should send you up the road but I think it might be too late. I want to examine you.”

Paula grabbed Claire’s arm. “It’s only a backache. It’s too early for the baby. It can’t come yet.”

Claire helped her lie on the bed. “Babies come in their own good time.”

Paula couldn’t help the moan that escaped her lips. The pain was far more intense in this position.

Claire popped back up from the other end of the bed. “And this one’s definitely on its way. Would you prefer to roll onto your side? You might be more comfortable.”

Paula nodded. Her lips tingled and once again she felt sick.

“Jill,” Paula could hear Claire through a haze of pain, “get Dr Hunter in here as soon as he’s out of theatre and ring the retrieval team. We’ve got a baby on the way.”

“She can’t have it here.”

“There’s not a spare ambulance crew in the district and I can’t put Paula in the back of the car. I don’t think there’s time.”

Claire closed the door and the sounds of the hospital disappeared.

Paula rocked back and forth in a cocoon of pain.

“I want you to relax.” Claire’s fingers massaged Paula’s back. “Try to flow with the pain and not fight it. Relax between the contractions.”

“Contractions! They can’t be. It’s too soon. Something must be wrong.”

Claire ran a damp cloth over Paula’s forehead and cheeks.

“Due dates are only estimates. In my experience, most labours start because the baby is ready to be born. You’ve got to concentrate on helping your body to do its work. Remember your birthing class exercises.”

“I only went to two classes,” Paula wailed. “We haven’t got up to the birth yet.”

“Where’s Dan? Is he on his way?”

“He’s fighting the fire somewhere.”

“We’ll try and get word to him. Is there anyone else?”

“No.” Paula put her hand to her mouth. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

Claire passed her a bowl but the nausea subsided. She gradually relaxed but there was no real release from the pain. Lachlan Hunter appeared by her side. Paula hadn’t even heard the door open.

“Hi, Paula. I hear you’re having the baby already.”

Paula groaned. If one more person told her that she’d hit them.

“Where’s Dan?”

“Off playing fireman. He’s never here when he’s need…” Her words turned into a deep groan as her muscles clenched together and she had an uncontrollable urge to bear down.

“Okay, Paula,” Claire took her arm. “I want you to find a position that’s comfortable. It’s time to help this baby out.”

* * *