The double glass doors of the hospital emergency entrance burst open as paramedics wheeled the gurney down the hallway.
Ryan walked rapidly beside the gurney, holding Maya's hand firmly as nurses rushed around them.
Nurse: Patient is nine months pregnant, water broke fifteen minutes ago, contractions two minutes apart!
Doctor: Get room four ready immediately! What's her name?
Ryan: Maya Sterling. I'm her husband, Captain Ryan Sterling.
Maya: Ryan... don't leave my side, please!
Ryan: I'm right here, baby. I'm not going anywhere.
The gurney was pushed into the delivery room, the bright lights overhead reflecting off the medical equipment.
Outside in the waiting area, heavy heels clicked against the tile floor as two police officers walked up to the reception desk.
Officer Miller: Captain Sterling?
Ryan stepped out into the hallway for a brief second, his uniform sleeves rolled up as he looked at the officers.
Ryan: Yes, Officer. Did you take her into custody?
Officer Miller: We detained Victoria Sterling at your residence. She was trying to load three boxes of financial files into her trunk.
Ryan: She was trying to destroy my father's corporate audit records.
Officer Miller: We secured the documents in our evidence unit. She's at the station now demanding a lawyer.
Ryan: Press full charges. Unlawful entry, assault, and attempted fraud.
Officer Miller: Does your wife need a medical report for the assault charges?
Ryan: The ER doctor is writing up her evaluation right now. Her scalp has bruising where Victoria grabbed her hair.
Officer Miller: We'll make sure the prosecutor gets everything, Captain.
Ryan: Thank you, Officer.
A loud cry rang out from inside the delivery room, making Ryan turn on his heel instantly.
Nurse: Captain! She's ready to push!
Ryan rushed back into the room, gripping Maya's hand as she cried out in pain.
Doctor: One big push, Maya! You're doing great!
Maya: I can't... I'm so tired...
Ryan: Yes you can, Maya! Look at me! You are the strongest person I know!
Maya: Ryan...
Ryan: Push, baby! Push!
With one final cry, the tension in the room broke as the high-pitched sound of a newborn baby crying filled the delivery room.
Doctor: It's a healthy baby boy! Seven pounds, six ounces!
Tears spilled over Ryan's cheeks as the nurse wrapped the small infant in a warm blanket and placed him on Maya's chest.
Maya: Look at him, Ryan... he's safe.
Ryan: He's safe, Maya. Both of you are safe forever now.