Penelope

All hell is breaking loose.

When Gemma calls, Jake lunges for his phone. He knocks over my mug of coffee. It soaks the papers and ruins my favourite blouse. Coffee drips from the table and stains my white pants. All I can hear in his voice is panic as he speaks. As he gathers his jacket, wallet, and keys.

"Okay, Gem," he replies frantically. "I'll meet you at the hospital. See you there. Love you, too. Yes, just take deep breaths, baby. I'm on my way."

He hangs up, tossing his phone to the table. "Gemma's water broke. I have to go."

Then he exchanges a glance with me before dashing out the door.

Well... he tries to dash out the door.

His foot catches the side and he stumbles to his knees. His wallet slips from his hand and skitters across the floor.  But Jake rebounds with great stamina. Soon, he's disappeared down the hallway

Jake returns seconds later, popping his head through the doorway. His cheeks are flushed pink and his chest is heaving. "Sorry, Pen. Sorry. Good luck with the rest of the meeting. It was nice meeting you all."

I bite my bottom lip, preventing a chuckle from escaping.

Poor Jake.

He's a hot mess.

His phone is still on the table.

I turn to our clients after picking up his phone. "Give me one second. Jake will need his phone."

They bless me with friendly smiles and words of encouragement. At least they're supportive and understanding. This would me a total shit-show if they believed Jake shouldn't be rushing out the door to experience the birth of his son. Besides, if they were raising a stink, I'd kick them out and drive Jake to the hospital myself. Family matters more than business.

Jake and I almost collide in the doorway.

His voice is breathless when he speaks. "I forgot my phone."

Chuckling, I hold his phone out to him. "Take a deep breath, Jake. Everything'll be okay."

He leans down and presses a small kiss to my cheek. "See you at the hospital later, Penelope. Good luck."

While Jake jogs down the hallway, I lean against the doorway and stare after him. A small chuckle escapes my lips. Seeing Jake so ruffled is comical, despite the seriousness of Gemma giving birth to their son.

Comedy aside, I wish I could be there. Not in the delivery room, but waiting outside with Cassian and Hanna, ready to meet little Callan Swift.

Smiling, I dip my head down and turn back to the meeting.

The sooner I get this over with, the sooner I can join them.