Dave disappeared then reappeared minutes later.

"She wants you here, Alex. I don't know ... just don't look at her ... you know ... down there."

"Of course not," I nodded, still stunned over the entire situation.

The next few hours were loud and tense. Claire looked pale as cream and was drenched in sweat, her small hands gripping the bed as her labor intensified. I didn't know what to do or even if I should be there. But when she saw me, her eyes sparkled briefly. She reached for my hand, cracking my knuckles as another contraction began.

Four hours, a lot of blood, and some ear-piercing screams later,...