Her First Thought

Maverick’s POV

“Push!”

The doctor’s voice rose over the cries, firm but urgent, slicing through the chaos that had swallowed the room. Sweat poured down Valerie’s face, her hair damp and clinging to her temples as her body writhed with the waves of pain crashing through her. Her hands clutched at the sheets, her knuckles white, her breath ragged. I sat there, helpless, my heart beating so loud it