Fireproof (Book 4 in the No Control Series)

“Lizzie, are you alright?”
“I’m scared, Harry.”
He leans down, kissing her forehead. “There’s no reason to be scared, Darling. I’m here.”
A young nurse whispers to Liz, “Your husband is so sweet. It’s obvious how much he loves you.”
“He’s not my husband.” Liz says.
The nurse looks shocked, and embarrassed. “Oh, it’s just...um...I’m sorry.”
Liz blows out a breath. “It’s ok, it’s complicated.”
Another contraction hits Liz hard. Harry returns to her side, squeezing her hand and quietly encouraging her.
“Are you sure you don’t want something for the pain, Liz?” The doctor asks.
“No, no more medication.”
Harry looks adoringly at Liz. “You are incredibly strong, Lizzie.”
“Shall we get started?” The doctor asks.
Liz takes one more look at the door. “Yes.”

Harry is completely in awe of the whole experience. Every moment he is blown away by how brave Lizzie is. She squeezes his hand as she pushes.
“Damn, Lizzie, have you been working out?”
“Shut up, Harry.”
He smirks but doesn’t dare say a word.
He helps her to lay back and rest in between contractions. Kissing her sweaty forehead, he can’t help himself. “I love you, Lizzie.”
She smiles, clearly exhausted. “Still? After seeing me like this?”
Harry wipes her forehead, then whispers in her ear. “More than ever.”
Another contraction starts, and Liz begins pushing again.
“Harry.” The doctor says. “Come here.”
“Um, I’m not sure I’m supposed to.” He looks at Lizzie.
She clearly doesn’t care who looks down there at this point. She nods her go ahead.
Harry smiles, moving towards the doctor. “Oh my God.” He can distinctly see the top of the baby’s head. He returns to Lizzie’s side. “That is amazing.”
Liz is about to respond when the door flies open.
“Liz!”
“Liam!”
He runs to her side, not even noticing as Harry steps aside. Liz wraps her arms around his neck. “I’m so glad you made it.”
“I’m so sorry, Beautiful.”
Liz moans as another contraction starts.
Liam squeezes her hand, kissing her. “Let’s meet our baby.”
As Liz is getting ready to push, she notices Harry quietly sneaking out of the room. “Harry?!”
He turns back.
She holds up her hand. “I have two hands you know. Get your ass over here.”
He looks at Liam, receiving the the go ahead he was looking for.

Although it may not be the traditional way, Liz brought this beautiful baby into the world surrounded by the men who love her.

Harry sits quietly in a chair next to Liz’s bed. He watches as Liam holds the baby, still in a state of wonderment from what he just witnessed.
“You ok, H?” Liz asks.
“It was just all so incredible.”
Liz grins.
Liam puts their son in Liz’s arms. “Harry, do you mind giving us a minute?” He asks.
“Of course.” He moves to Liz first, touching the baby’s hand. “Hey, little man.” Then he leaves the room.

“What is it, Liam?” Liz asks.
“It’s about the baby’s name.”
“I thought we had it all figured out. You know, four letters just like you and Ella.”
“Not his first name, his middle name.”
“You don’t want him to have your middle name?” Liz asks.
“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but given the circumstances today...I think we should give him Harry’s middle name.”
Liz reaches out, taking Liam’s hand. “Really?”
“Yes. If it wasn’t for him…”
Liz smiles, squeezing Liam’s hand. “I'm so proud of you, Handsome. You never cease to amaze me with the size of your heart.”
Liam steps outside, asking Harry to return to the room, then sits on the bed beside Liz.
Harry stands in front of them. “What’s going on?”
Liz smiles. “We wanted to officially introduce you to our son...Olly Edward Payne.”

Notes