"Jack, our parents will be home soon.."


My face was nuzzled in the crook of her neck, my arms pinned just a few inches above her head so I could support myself as I planted kisses along her flesh. The scent of her shampoo and the drops of water falling from her wet hair sent tingles down my spine. It didn't help that she was in nothing but a towel, her back arching off of the hallway wall.


"Fuck 'em," I breathed, kissing my way up to her cheek bone, "I'm sick of hiding everything."


"Yeah, but we're step-brother and sister," she giggled, moving her shoulder up to push my body off of her a tiny bit. "Seriously, Jack. Let me go get dressed."


"Give me five minutes," I begged, letting my left hand drop to her thigh, a smirk spreading on lips as I slid my way up to her hips. "Just five minutes and we can go back to being whatever the fuck we are."


"Jack..."


The buzzing and ringing of a cell phone pulled me out of a perfectly good dream, which involved a teenage Ember and my penis. Aside from the flashing of the screen, there was no movement around me. Nothing other than the semi I was rocking slowly fading away.


Squinting, I found my way to the phone and tried to make out the contact on the screen. No one should be calling me right now. They all knew I was back on the road and sleep was something I desperately needed. Still, the fact remained that I was getting a call and I'd only been out for about two hours.


"Hello?" I murmured, falling back against my pillow. My free hand moved to my eye, to rub some of the sleep away so I might actually be able to focus on the other voice.


"Jack?"


"Baby?" At the sound of Ember's voice, I propped myself up on my elbow. Most of the sleep was gone and worry filled my gut. We'd already talked tonight, for about an hour via video chat. Going home for those few days and finding out what we were having definitely brought us closer. The last few days I've been back on the road have been pure torture. "What's wrong? Is the baby okay?"


"Yeah, I think so. I just, I have these weird cramps in my back. I already called Joyce, she's coming to get me.. I just needed to hear from you."


"Oh shit. Is that normal? Are you guys okay?"


"Joyce said it might be early labor pains. Or maybe braxton hicks, I dunno. We both decided it'd be best if I went ahead and got it checked out."


Because of the panic filling my gut, I was already out of my bunk and shoving my clothes in the suitcase I'd recently unpacked. Early labor was not an option right now. She was only half way through the pregnancy!


"I'm flying home. The next flight, I'm there."


"No, I don't want you to do that. I'll call you as soon as the doctor tells me what's going on. Just don't freak out. I called you for support."


"But what if it is early labor? What are you going to do? I mean, can they even stop it? And if they do, you'll have to stay off your feet, won't you? Are you going to stay with my mom? Is someone going to come stay with you? Shit, Ember, I have to come home."


"Baby, calm down. If it's pre-term labor they can most likely stop it. I might be on bed rest, but I have people who can help me. Just relax."


"Relax? I can't relax! I'm a million hours away from you and- and-"
"And you're freaking out."


Sighing, I plopped back down on my bunk and exhaled a deep breath. This was one of my biggest fears, not being home for something serious. Biting my lip, I knew that Ember was right. Until something was confirmed, I should stay here.. But that didn't mean I was okay with it.


"Your mom is here and the pain is starting again. I'll call you as soon as I know something. I love you."


"I love you more, baby. Talk to you soon."


With that, Ember hung up and left me wide awake and scared to death. I buried my face in my hands and gave a loud grunt of frustration. When I felt the bed sink beside me, I already knew who it was.


"Everything okay?"


"I dunno, dude," I turned to look at Alex, who was wearing a frown to match mine. "She's going to the hospital. Says she's having pains."


"I'm sure everything is fine. There are any number of things it could be. Melody is probably just mad because she hasn't heard her daddy's voice in a few days."


"You think?"


"I know."


A small smile came to my lips. No, I didn't feel much better, but it was enough to get me through the next few hours of Hell.


"Want to go play video games till she calls back?"


"You gonna make coffee?"


"Damn straight."


Rolling my eyes, I got out of of the bunk and followed Alex through the bus. There was nothing more I could do but wish good things for my wife and daughter.

Notes

I'm sorry this took so long, but hey! Cliffhanger! lol.