“Early in, early out. That’s what I’m hoping for.” Jax left the bedroom and rushed up the stairs. She threw the envelopes on the bed and stared at them. She started to pace, dread building heavily in her gut like a boulder. She wanted to tear into them and read every word, but they weren’t hers, not technically anyway. She considered her options carefully as she pulled clothes from the closet. She could open the envelopes with Gretchen, but there was the slight chance that Gretchen already knew about them. Despite the anxiety she felt, she knew she didn’t have to open them right away. She could think this through and consider what the smartest move would be. She checked the time on her phone and saw several messages from Wyatt.

Carly’s water broke! What do I do?

Dude, where are you?

We’re heading to the hospital.

She won’t stop yelling at me.

We’re at the hospital. Please respond ASAP.

Jax could feel his panic through the phone. She felt for Wyatt, but she still laughed a little. Stay calm. She’s going to do a lot of yelling, but you’ll be okay. The doctors and nurses will take over, and all you’ll have to do is help Carly. She sent her reply and started getting ready for the day. When she came back from the bathroom, she had a new message.

Good to know. Also, where the hell have you been?

She tilted her back in thought, unsure of how to answer. Her possible reconciliation with Gretchen was pretty big news, but a baby was even bigger. Jax decided to split the difference and sent an underwhelming answer. Gretchen and I spent some time talking last night. Sorry I missed all this. I’m here now, so please keep me updated.

You’re not coming here?!?

Trust me when I say Carly does not want any company right now. I will be there the moment the baby’s born. Promise. Jax picked up the envelopes and stuffed them into her work bag. She didn’t need to tell Wyatt how she had more than enough on her plate as it was. She pulled on a sweater and her favorite pair of Timberlands. She normally dressed more professionally, with at least a collar or oxfords, but today Jax really didn’t care.

The door creaked open and Gretchen poked her head in. “Our child is demanding chicken nuggets for breakfast. He is now crying because I told him no.”

Jax chortled. “Sounds like his teacher’s problem to me. What did he eat?”

“A waffle with peanut butter.”

“Good,” she said, zipping up her bag.

“I’m going to ask Amanda to pick him up later, so this way if you do get off early, we can get off early.” Gretchen wrapped her arms around Jax from behind.