While Carson examined Fred, John hitched himself up on the bed next to her, holding her hand and running his fingers over her temple. He smiled down at her and nodded. "Very excited," he told her before kissing the top of her head.
Feeling that she was suffering through another contraction, he tightened his hold on her hand. He closed his eyes and did what he could to try to help her deal with it even though he knew it wouldn't be much.
"All right, Fred," Carson said, sitting back and looking up at her. "You're about ready. Just a little longer, and you should be ready to start pushing."
John looked down at her. "Do you want some ice?" he asked.