The worry reflected in her eyes made the knot in his gut cinch tighter. He didn’t believe what he was saying. He didn’t believe this was going to be all right. There was no way he could do this alone. He had to get help and fast.
“Who is on this island besides us?”
“I... I don’t know.” She stared down at her protruding abdomen.
“Popi.” When she didn’t look at him, he placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted her head until her gaze met his. “Popi, think. Who is on the island?”
“Um, just some goat herders. Everyone else is off on a Mediterranean cruise for the next couple of weeks.”
Apollo highly doubted goat herders would be any better at delivering a baby than him. So that idea was nixed. But he wasn’t giving up. Their cell phones might not work, but there had to be another way to contact the mainland.
“Popi, what is the island’s backup communication? You know, when the cell tower isn’t working. How else can you reach help?”
Popi worried her lip as another contraction seized her focus. He took her hand in his, hoping to lend her whatever comfort he could offer. She squeezed his hand as her face scrunched up. The seconds seemed to last for minutes before the pain subsided. He couldn’t even imagine what it must be like for Popi. If it were up to men to have the babies in this world, he’d been willing to bet there wouldn’t be a population problem.
Once Popi relaxed, Apollo tried again. “Popi, think. How can I reach the mainland?”
“Um...” There was a moment of silence. “There are satellite phones on the boats.”
That would work. He just had to make it through the storm that was raging outside. “Great. You did awesome.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry. I’m going to get you out of here.”
“Wait. What are you saying?” She clutched his hand tightly. “You aren’t going to leave me here. Are you?”
“I have to.” He really did hate leaving her alone. “But it won’t be long. I promise.”
“Please don’t go.”
Just then the kitten came bounding out of the bedroom. Without the thunder, the kitten must have decided it was safe to come out.
“Look,” Apollo said, “Shadow is here. He’ll keep you company.”
Apollo grabbed a couple of small objects from the countertop, a paper flower from the wedding and a foam ball. “Do you mind if I let the kitten play with these?”
Popi shook her head.
It didn’t take much to gain the kitten’s attention. When it rolled over on its back, Apollo noticed the small smile pulling at Popi’s lips. Thank goodness.
“Now, take care of Shadow while I’m gone.”
“Take care how?” The worry returned to her eyes.
“Just play with him. And in no time, I’ll be back.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I promise. And I never break my promises.”
And with that he headed for the door, having no idea what awaited him outside. But something told him it wouldn’t be nearly as scary as what awaited him inside.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
PAIN UNLIKE ANY other gripped her.
Popi breathed through the contraction like she’d learned to do at her prenatal class. All the while, frantic thoughts raced through her mind. One worrisome thought proceeded the next.
Her sweaty palms rubbed over the blanket. Nothing about this delivery was right. It was too soon. She wasn’t ready. Not even close. There was so much to do.
This wasn’t how any of this was supposed to be. Her sister was supposed to be here by her side. This was supposed to be a joyous occasion. Not frightening and tinged with sadness.
The pain rose like a wave increasing with each heartbeat. And then it crested. It felt like it would go on forever. And then it rolled away, subsiding into nothing. At last Popi could breathe easily again.
She leaned back against the pillows and savored this pain-free moment. Maybe if she relaxed and didn’t move, the contractions would stop. And then she remembered that her water had broken. There was no way out of this one. Birth was imminent.
But if it would slow down, that would be awesome. She needed off this island and quickly. Why did she insist on staying? Why?