It was awkward but not impossible for Zac to see what was happening, a task made no easier by the dim light. There was a baby, but if he wasn’t mistaken it was coming bottom first. Were breech babies a Central Australian speciality? Not really statistically surprising, as thirty-three-week babies were often breech. At least this one wouldn’t fall anywhere dangerous except inside the baggy trouser legs, Zac thought wryly.

‘Not coming head first. Let’s meet the rest of your baby in a more comfortable place. What do you think?’

Hana gave a strangled laugh of relief as she agreed.

‘Good girl. Can you climb out backwards, maybe slither along on your bottom and I’ll lift you into the chair? We’ll get you inside so we can see what’s going on.’

‘I’m scared to move. Here comes another pain.’

Jock’s head poked around Zac’s. ‘Is she having it?’

‘Yes,’ Zac answered calmly. Then in an even softer tone, ‘That’s okay. Breathe through it. You’re doing fine. But we need to get you inside and the maternity staff are coming. I bet your baby would much prefer to be born on clean sheets.’ A fervent agreement came from behind his head and Hana grinned.

Something or someone kept chanting in his head, reminding him that if this was happening smoothly they’d be fine, and not to touch anything yet.

Zac turned his head and waved to someone behind him to push the wheelchair closer to the car. He gave Hana his arm and together they inched her along the seat. As soon as she was at the door and the contraction finished, he put his arms around Hana on one side and Jock took the other, and they lifted her into the wheelchair. She was inside and onto the waiting gurney before she’d barely taken a breath.

The nurses whipped a curtain around and Hana’s pants were swiftly pulled off. ‘Lying on my back’s no good,’ she gasped, and tried to shift on the narrow trolley.

‘Stay there. The doctor needs to see,’ the nurse said briskly, at the same time as Zac said, ‘That’s fine. Move where you need to.’ He shook his head apologetically at the nurse and gave his arm to Hana again to help her roll onto her knees. As soon as she knelt the baby began to descend in a smooth downward arc, and with a sudden flick that startled everyone except Zac, first one and then the other leg plopped out.

‘Good grief,’ said the nurse.