“Promise me that you’ll call if anything happens,” I say, my voice firm yet laced with underlying nerves. “Contractions, pain, bleeding, water, anything. You call me. Okay?”

My hand rests on your tummy while my eyes search yours to make sure you’re taking me seriously. It still amazes me that our baby, half of me and half of you is in there.

You’re pregnant, very pregnant, with our first baby, a baby girl. She is so loved already. I’ve already been away more than I would’ve liked, due to work, and I’m especially irritated now that a business trip came up last minute when you could go into labor any day now. If I missed the labour, I’d never forgive myself. I’d take the guilt to the grave with me.

I’m only supposed to be gone maybe 2 days, but you never know.

“I already told Niall and Amelia to check in on you frequently, so let them know if you need anything.” I inform you, my eyes still watching you intently. “Please just relax the whole time I’m gone, don’t push yourself okay? And you better call me if literally anything happens.”