Page 249 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

“Get out.” Matt shouted over his shoulder while taking up a supportive position.

“Let’s move her further down to the edge of the bed, Matt.” Stuart ordered with a forced cheeriness that grated on my nerves. “This will be fun. I can’t remember the last time I delivered a baby, and there are two inside you.”

Both Matt and I exchanged looks, terrified looks; before Matt glared daggers at his brother-in-law. “I swear to God,” he warned. “This is not the time to make jokes, Stuart.”

Stuart chuckled and winked at us as he and Matt carefully moved me lower down the bed. Everything was happening so fast, too fast. Matt was next to me, offering words of encouragement as my body sought to do what should be natural. It didn’t feel natural.

“My birth plan, this isn’t – urnghhh – what we planned.” I gulped in despair.

“Remember your breathing,” Matt started huffing and puffing.

I didn’t give a fuck about the breathing exercises. I was more concerned with my unexpected labour, also the undeniable fact my vagina was being torn apart. “It’s too soon, Matt.” I gasped. “It’s not 37 weeks yet.”

“Nonsense.” Stuart maintained his cheery tone, his eyes were worried though. “You’re 34 weeks, and Nichols gave you some steroid shots, he told me so when we chatted last week. Take a breath. Where was I? Yes, 37 weeks would have been ideal, but they’re coming now. I need a gentle push, Madi. Not too hard. Evidence shows there are no discernible medical issues in multiples born at 34 weeks if there’s any initial stay in hospital.”

I gritted my teeth and tried to follow his instructions while hearing the faint sirens of an ambulance. I hoped I wasn’t imagining thesirens.

“Matt,” I cried out and felt his hands tighten over my shoulders.

“I’m right here, poppet.” He kissed the side of my sweaty face. “You can do this.”

“I’m going to die,” I announced with remorseful surety. It felt like death was planning on taking me today, everything hurt and I couldn’t help the feeling of impending doom. They were earlier than I hoped, it was too soon. “I’m sorry – but – I’m going to die.”

“The fuck you are.” Matt growled in my ear. “There is no way you’re leaving me to raise two babies on my own. Stop talking out your arse and focus.”

“Rightly said,” Stuart agreed with Matt’s words. “No one’s dying on my watch. The wife might have a few words to say over the state of this bed but,” Stuart shrugged then his whole demeanour changed. “Let’s get these babies out.”

I had to do this. I was going to do this. The twins would be bummed they missed the excitement. Spa day my ass.

Enthralled. Smitten. Enchanted. Captivated. Mesmerized. Fascinated. Matt was absent-mindedly running through the possible words which could be used to describe how he felt about his new born twins.

They had only been here for twelve hours yet he loved them more than anything possible, more than life itself. Words couldn’t explain the emotions filling his frame as he held them close. The ward nurse had encouraged skin-to-skin contact despite his fear of hurting them. Amazing. They were amazing and doing so well despite coming sooner than either he or Madi had wanted. Luckily they were breathing on their own but they had spent nine of their first twelve hours in the Neonatal Unit under observation as there had been some concern over whether they were regulating their own temperatures. They were also able to feed on their own, something everyone feared they wouldn’t be able to do. Matt felt blessed, and carried the overwhelming urge to fall to his knees and thank God for everything in his life. He didn’t follow any organized faith, but the birth of his children made him think there must be more in this life.

The fragile high-pitched whimper was enough to make Madi stirfrom where she laid on her hospital bed.

“Shh,” Matt soothed his son. “You’ll wake your Mum. She’s done so well and needs her rest.” Matt glanced over just as her eyelids fluttered open. He knew the smile on his face was a goofy one but it couldn’t be helped.

“Are they ok?” she asked, struggling to sit up. “Do they need to feed?”

His gaze dropped to their new born babies in his arms. Ethan and Eva.

“Probably.” Matt confirmed with reluctance. He didn’t want to hand them over just yet.

Madi propped herself on the pillows, wincing with discomfort and emitting a low groan of pain. Then her tired eyes landed on the bundles in his arms. Matt observed her as she watched them. At first, all he saw shining from her eyes was what could only be described as regret, and it shocked him deeply. Instinctively he held them closer.

Then she smiled and held her hands out. “I wish they were here to meet them.”

Matt relaxed, knowing she referred to her deceased parents, and carefully twisted around in the chair to say, “They would have been very proud of you.”

She scrunched her face up. “For popping some kids out? Not so sure about that.”

“For being brave enough to end up where we are.” he replied in a sombre tone. “I’m certain they would be proud to see how much of a great woman you’ve become.”

“Stop stalling me with sweet talk and hand them over.” she demanded with a tired half-grin.

Gingerly he rose to his feet and took the few steps that brought him to the bed’s edge.

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