That night, Ava and Liam lay in the massive four-poster bed. The sheets smelled fresh, and the pillows were softer than clouds.
“You okay?” Liam asked, gently stroking her arm.
Ava nodded.
“It’s a bit much, but… it feels good. Safe.”
They were drifting off to sleep when Ava suddenly sat upright.
“Ow!”
Liam jumped out of bed.
“What? What is it?”
Ava clutched her belly, her face tight with pain.
“I… I think it’s starting.”
Liam’s heart nearly stopped.
“The baby?”
Ava nodded, breathing heavily.
“Contractions. They’re real this time.”
He scrambled for the phone.
“James! Get the doctor! Now!”
Within minutes, the private Hamilton medical team was in the room, setting up equipment and monitoring Ava’s condition. Mrs. Hamilton burst in wearing a robe, clearly woken up.
“What’s happening?” she asked, her voice alarmed.
“She’s in labor,” Liam said.
Ava let out a low groan as another contraction hit. She was sweating, gripping Liam’s hand so tightly he thought his fingers might break.
“I’m
