The delivery room was a whirlwind of activity. Nurses moved quickly, preparing the room as Ever lay on the bed, her face flushed with pain. Nathaniel, dressed in his doctor's scrubs, stood by her side, his medical expertise now outweighing any of the personal emotions that had been swirling just moments before.
"Ever, listen to me," Nathaniel said, his voice steady despite the anxiety creeping into his eyes. "We're going to get through this. I need you to breathe deeply, okay? Focus on your breathing."
"How are you doing?" he asked gently, brushing a lock of hair from her forehead.
"I'm... I'm okay, Nat," she whispered, her hand tightening around his. Her eyes were filled with exhaustion, but there was a flicker of the determination she was known for. "Just... keep me calm."
Nathaniel nodded and looked over his shoulder, signaling to the nurse to adjust the IV. "You're doing great. Just a few more pushes, and this baby will be here."
