Page 69 of Safe at Home

“I got it, love.”

As they were walking away, I heard Olivia say, “Um, Molly, did you realize you're wearing two different colored flip flops?” I probably should have noticed that since she couldn’t see her feet anymore. Oops! I was sure that would be part of her labor and delivery story forever now.

I parked the car and headed up to the room carrying the items she asked for. As soon as I got to the nurses station, I realized I left my wallet in the car. The nurse at the nurse’s station just shook her head at me and said she would take Molly her bag and pillow. I liked that they were cautious about everyone who came to the labor and delivery floor, so I didn’tmind going back down to get it.

When I finally got back up to the room, Molly was already in the bed in a hospital gown, and an IV was already attached to her left arm.

“Livie got the IV in on the first try!” Molly exclaimed.

“Wow. That’s impressive!” My wife was known for not having the best veins, and whenever they had to draw blood, it usually took several attempts by several different nurses. “Livie, huh? You’re on a nickname basis already?”

The nurse just laughed and gave a shrug. “I guess so. Molls and I are now social media friends.”

“Of course, you are,” I said with a shake of my head.

“So the doctor will be in shortly to check you and see where we are at.” She turned to me and said, “Right now, the IV is just giving some antibiotics and hydrating her since her water most likely broke. The doctor will check to confirm that, too.”

“Thanks,” Molly told her.

I sat on the edge of Molly’s bed and took her right hand. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I’m ready to have a baby! They are almost 36 weeks, so I hope they should be okay. What date is today?”

“It’s October 16th,” I told her.

“It sounds like a good date to have our babies.”

I squeezed her hand as my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a message from Ivan.

Ivan: I heard Molly went into labor. Good luck! Camila says to just do what nurses say. Wish I was there, Ty. You’ll be a great dad!

“See, I told you the phone chain would go around quickly.” I showed Molly the text, and she gave me a huge grin.

Dr. Watkins came in about half an hour later and confirmed that Molly’s water had broken, and she was already 3 centimeters dilated and fully effaced. I wasn’t sure what all that meant, but the doctor said we would be having babies today or tomorrow at the latest.

“So, just relax and practice your breathing, and we’ll keep monitoring you.”

“What about an epidural?” Molly asked.

“I want to wait until you are at least 5 centimeters dilated before we do the epidural. If that is something you think you’ll want, I will let the anesthesiologist know.”

“I’m all about it, if possible.”

About an hour after the doctor left, Penelope, Dominic, and Emma came to visit. They were excited that the babies were officially on their way. Pen said that Camden and Peyton were both mad at her because she wouldn’t let them come but were excited to meet the babies soon.

“So, I have some news, but I don’t want to steal your moment, guys,” Dominic said.

“We’ve got some time, and I want to hear what your news is!” my wife exclaimed.

“Well, I signed with Silver Line Athletes last night,” he paused with a smile and then looked at me. “I have the paperwork in my car for you to sign if you still want to be my first client.”

“Hell, yeah, I’d love to be your first client!” I said and stood up to give him a hug.

“I’m so proud of you!” Molly said with a huge grin and then groaned as a contraction hit. I looked at the monitor to see that, based on the wavelengths on the screen, it was a big one. I walked back over to Molly and rubbed her back.

“Are you okay?” Dominic asked, suddenly pale.

“She’s fine. Just a labor contraction,” I assured him as I let her squeeze my hand.

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