Suddenly, she felt a distinct, internal pop, followed by a warm gush of fluid down her legs. Her eyes widened in alarm.

“Mark,” she said, her voice tight with a sudden panic. “I think… I think my water just broke.”

He slammed on the brakes, the car screeching to a halt on the shoulder of the deserted highway. “What? Now? Are you serious?” His voice was laced not with concern, but with pure, unadulterated irritation.

Lena nodded, the first real contraction gripping her, sharp and intense. “The baby’s coming, Mark. We have to get to the hospital.”