Everything that happened after the first wave of pain, which Eve later realized was a contraction, felt blurred and fast. Like a dream Eve would have when she had a fever or was exhausted.

Gloria stayed with her while Lucas contacted his people, and Brandon asked a waiter for towels. Not long after, one of Lucas’s men entered the restaurant carrying a wheelchair, and Eve felt dizzy when all eyes in the room turned toward her.

Eve had read enough about pregnancy and childbirth. She had also watched educational videos, done exercises, and breathing techniques to prepare for a natural delivery. But even with all that, it turned out she...