A Queen's World

The persistent buzz of my phone pulled me from a fitful sleep. Monster’s name flashed on the screen, a familiar comfort in the dim light of my bedroom. I answered, my voice thick with sleep and a lingering ache in my lower back.
"What's wrong mamas?" he asked, his voice a steady rumble.
"Nothing, I'm just tired and I had some cramping." I shifted, trying to find a more comfortable position. These Braxton Hicks were getting more intense, a constant reminder of the impending arrival.
"You wanna go to the hospital or anything?"
"No! I'll be fine. My doctor said they're just practice contractions." I tried to sound nonchalant, but a tremor in my voice betrayed my underlying anxiety.
We talked for a while longer, his presence a comforting balm. He was about to board his flight, coming all this way just for me and the baby. It was more than Micah had ever done.
As soon as we hung up, the doorbell rang. My heart lurched. I pulled on my robe, the soft fabric a flimsy shield against the sudden rush of unease. Opening the door slowly, I found Micah standing there, a sheepish look on his face, rubbing the back of his neck. The sight of him, after all this time, was a shock.
