They started early in the morning. Campbell had been experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions for weeks so she thought it was more of the same. However, as she dozed before her alarm went off, a contraction that was stronger than any she'd had before jolted her awake. Her hand went to her stomach and she held her breath. Her doctors probably thought she was an absolute nightmare with the number of times she had gone in or called them about Braxton Hicks, throughout her whole pregnancy really. She panicked about everything after what happened last time.
After sitting there for a few minutes, nothing happened. Cam got up to start her day. Halfway to the bathroom, she was stopped by another contraction, followed by extra pressure. Suddenly, she was standing in water. A gasp stuttered out of her as she held onto her stomach, "Gray!" she cried out into the house, hoping he hadn't left for work yet, "It's happening!"
Despite herself, Campbell reached for an old towel to wipe up the floor. She did not need a slipping hazard right now. Then, she was getting dressed, pulling on something comfortable. Grayson was still home, thank goodness, and they were quickly in the car on the way to the hospital. Cam dialled Cassian's number, "Hey, she's coming," she said quickly as soon as he picked up. She timed it poorly as a contraction came on just as she said it and she groaned into the phone.
The conversation with her brother was short after that; he was on his way. She couldn't handle any other phone calls but texted into the family group chat just as they arrived at the hospital. She was actually a few days late but they were prepared. The first few hours were uneventful, waiting for her to be far enough along to push. As the time dragged on, Campbell became more nervous. It felt like an eternity and it gave her more time to think of everything that could go wrong.
Grayson was a godsend. Campbell wasn't sure she would have been able to do it without him. Not that she ever wanted to do this without him. He was like an anchor, keeping her grounded. She knew he had the same fears she did but he did not let them show. He was there for her more than she could express her gratitude for.
It wasn't until early evening that Campbell was finally pushing. This too felt like an eternity, of more pain and more nerves. She was sure she was going to break her husband's fingers from how tightly she was holding. After several hours, finally, finally, Campbell felt the release of pressure and a baby's cry.
Campbell was already a mess of sweat and tears but she let out a sob of relief when she heard that cry. She found Grayson, resting her forehead against his, "She's here," she somehow cried and laughed at the same time, "She's okay."
Her gaze soon turned away from Grayson's, landing on their baby as she was cleaned and wrapped up and finally placed in her arms. Campbell could only cry more, tears streaming down her face as she held the small bundle in her arms, "Hi, Cici..." she whispered, leaning down to press her nose against her daughter's.
"She's perfect."
