AN: Final chapter! I hope everyone has enjoyed the story thus far. Kinda sad to see it end.
I own only the story. French is self explanatory. Constructive comments & favs equal love!
"Francis. Francis, wake up! Something's wrong," Elizabeth said anxiously and shook her new husband's shoulder violently. The Frenchman stirred and flipped on the bedside lamp.
"What is it cher?" the blonde man asked groggily as he rolled over to face his new wife.
"I…I think my water may have broke. Look," the Brit said her green eyes full of fear as she pulled back the sheets to reveal a large moist spot on the mattress.
"But you are not due for another few weeks," the blue eyed man said as he sprang from the bed and hurriedly dressed.
"Oi, what's all the commotion for?" Alawn asked from the second bed and flipped on his own lamp.
"We need to get Elisabet to l'hopital. Something is wrong," Francis said as he quickly pulled on his tennis shoes.
"What? Is the baby okay? I'll wake Aaron and Alastair," Alawn said as he sprang from the bed and dashed out of the hotel room.
"Francis, I'm scared," Elizabeth said and hissed in pain as she tried to climb out of the bed.
"Don't move, mon lapin," the Frenchman said and was instantly at the Brit's side.
"Oi, let us in," Aaron said from the other side of the door. The blonde man rushed to the door and the three Kirkland brothers burst into the room.
"All right, Aaron you get Alfred. Alawn get your arse downstairs and get the car. Has anyone called an ambulance?" Alastair barked orders. When no one answered the eldest Kirkland cursed and grabbed the hotel phone violently.
While Alastair was on the phone with emergency dispatch, Alawn quickly dressed and went for the car.
"Here now boy'o. There's a good lad," Aaron said as he lifted the little blonde boy from his travel bed wrapped in a blanket. Seeing that his brother-in-laws had taken charge, Francis went to the bed and gingerly moved Elizabeth onto the dryer part of the bed and lay down beside her.
"It's too early, Francis," the Brit sobbed as she clung to the Frenchman.
"Shh…Hush, mon cher. Everything will be all right. 'elp is on it's way," the blonde man said soothingly and rubbed small circles on the blonde woman's back.
"Francis, sing me the song you were singing the day Alfred was born, please," the English woman requested her fear and anguish lacing her words. Francis ached for his love and wished he could do more for her.
"Oui, mon amour," the Frenchman said placing a kiss on the crown of the blonde's head before he quietly began singing.
"Beauty queen of only eighteen, She had some trouble with herself, He was always there to help her, She always belonged to someone else,"
One traumatic ambulance ride and quick ER stop later, Elizabeth found herself lying on a surgical bed being prepared for an emergency C-section. The ER doctor had found that Elizabeth was indeed in labor. Her body had not properly recovered from her previous pregnancy and could no longer take the strain of carrying a child. The scariest thing had been when the doctor had told her that the baby's heart rate was drastically low.
Angry, guilty tears were streaming from her eyes as she stared up at the white tiles on the roof.
"This is all my fault," the Brit whispered and clutched her eyes shut. The sudden touch of a hand caressing her face made the English woman open her eyes. She turned her head and looked into the loving face of her husband.
"Mon lapin, you 'ad no idea this would 'appen. Stop being so 'ard on yourself. The doctors are doing everything they can to 'elp you and the bebe. It will be all right az long az we 'ave love and faith," Francis said encouragingly.
"Mrs. Bonnefoy, we're starting the procedure now. You're going to feel a lot of pressure, but try to relax," the doctor said his eyes appearing over the small curtain that was between him and Elizabeth. Francis took hold of the Brit's hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze. The blonde woman suddenly felt things pressing and pulling on her abdomen and tensed in discomfort.
"We need to pick out a name," Francis said drawing Elizabeth's attention away from her distress.
"What did you have in mind?" the blonde girl asked thankful for the distraction.
"'ow do you feel about Francine if it is a girl?"
"We are not naming the baby after you. What about Victoria?"
"So stuffy. What about if it's a boy?"
"If I recall correctly you were partial to Matthew," the Brit said with a loving grin at the Frenchman. Francis smiled from ear to ear and placed a loving kiss on the English woman's hand that he held.
"Mathieu it is then," the blonde man said.
"It's a boy," the doctor suddenly exclaimed and the pair looked up to see a tiny face looking at them over the screen. Elizabeth felt her heart soar as she looked into the face of her newborn son.
"Hi, Matthew," the blonde said as fresh tears of joy streamed from her green eyes. The doctor quickly handed the tiny infant off to a nurse who took the babe over to the special preemie care bed. That was when Elizabeth noticed her baby wasn't crying.
"Francis, why isn't he crying?" the Brit asked as panic rose in her chest.
"Elisabet, be calm. The doctors are taking care of 'im. Give it a moment," the Frenchman tried to encourage, but his own anxiety shone through.
"Where is all this blood coming from?" Francis heard one of the doctors say with a hint of panic in his voice. The blonde man turned his head and looked at the doctors as they were sewing the English woman's abdomen back together. His heart shrank in horror when he saw the panic in their eyes.
The Frenchman snapped his head back to his wife just as her eyes rolled back in her head and her eyelids slid closed.
"Elisabet?" Francis said anxiously and caressed his beloved's face. When she didn't move terror took hold of him.
"Elisabet!" the Frenchman cried and all eyes were drawn to him.
"Damn! Get him out of here!" one of the doctors called and a pair of strong hands took hold of the Frenchman's shoulders.
"Non, let go of me! Elisabet!" the blonde man cried as he struggled against the hands that grasped him. Another set of hands soon took hold of Francis and began dragging him from the room. The Frenchman tried desperately to break free from his capturers to no avail. The two orderlies pulled the blonde man out of the surgical suite and into the hall.
"Mr. Bonnefoy, you need to stop. There is nothing you can do for her," the orderly who had hold of Francis right arm said in an attempt to calm the blonde man. Sadly, his words had the opposite effect.
"Non, she needs me," the panicked Frenchman growled and attempted again to break free.
"Sir, you need to calm down and go to the waiting area with the rest of your family. The doctors are doing all they can for your wife and son. If you keep this up we'll have no choice but to call the police. What good can you do for them if you are in a jail cell?" the other orderly said sternly.
Abruptly all of the fight went out of Francis. Angry tears streamed from the Frenchman's eyes. He was angry at himself for being so powerless. Two of the most important people in his life were in danger and there was nothing he could do to help.
"Come on, Mr. Bonnefoy. Let's go to the rest of your family," the first orderly said and led the blonde man to the waiting room.
"Oi, Frenchie. What's going on? Why are you out here? How are Elizabeth and the baby?" Alastair said springing to his feet as Francis entered the waiting room. The other two Kirkland brothers quickly rose to their feet as well when they saw the sad state the blonde man was in. The Frenchman staggered forward his face downcast and crestfallen.
"Francis? What's wrong? You look like someone died," Alawn said and immediately regretted the words when Francis' head snapped up his eyes wide with horror.
"Where's all this blood coming from? That is what the doctor said. Then Elisabet she…She closed 'er eyes. I called 'er name and she didn't move. My son, my Mathieu 'e wazn't crying. Why? Why didn't 'e cry?" Francis said as he crumpled to his hand and knees. Heart wrenching, anguished sobs tore from the blonde man's chest. The three Kirkland brothers looked on in stunned silence as realization reared its ugly head.
"No, not Elizabeth," Aaron said as tears formed at the corners of his eyes and he clutched Alfred tightly to his chest. Not understanding what was happening the little boy began to cry. Upon hearing the wails of his adopted son, Francis staggered to his feet and took shaky steps toward the child.
"Mon Alfred, it is all right come to papa," the Frenchman said as he took the crying babe from his uncle. The blonde man gently cradled the boy to his chest and whispered soothing words into his hair.
"Mama! Mama!" the little blonde boy wailed and rubbed furiously at his small eyes.
"Shh…I am sorry, mon petite lapin," Francis said sadly as he rocked the babe and softly hummed. Slowly, the child's cries ebbed into whimpering hiccups. A tomb like silence fell over the room as none present knew what to say or do. All they could do was wait.
It felt like an eternity had passed before a doctor appeared in the waiting room. He was a middle-aged handsome dark haired man with a grave countenance. He walked toward the four anxious men.
"Mr. Bonnefoy?" the doctor queried. Francis was instantly on his feet holding tightly to a sleeping Alfred.
"Elisabet and Mathieu, 'ow are they?" the Frenchman asked preparing himself for the worst.
"Your son appears to be completely healthy, but because he has not reached his full gestation we would like to keep him for observation," the older man said simply. A small wave of relief washed over the room, but it was short lived.
"What about Elizabeth?" Alastair asked as he stepped up beside Francis.
"We were able to stop the bleeding and she has stabilized. Unfortunately, she has yet to regain consciousness," the dark haired man said regrettably.
"Can we see her?" Alawn asked as he and Aaron joined the group.
"Yes, please follow me," the doctor said and turned back the way he came. The little group followed behind the older man down several hallways until they came to a stop in front of their destination. The dark haired doctor opened the door and the party entered the room. Francis' breathe caught in his throat when he saw his wife. Cords, wires, and tubes were connected to various parts of her body. Her skin was ashen and she looked so frail.
Francis moved quickly to his wife's side and took a seat in the chair beside her bed. Shifting Alfred so the babe rested safely in his crooked arm the Frenchman reached out and took hold of the English woman's hand.
The gentle jostling roused the small boy and he whimpered in displeasure.
"Here now, lad. Come to Uncle Alastair so your dad can be with your mum," the eldest Kirkland said as he took the boy from Francis. The Frenchman began to protest, but was cut off by the stern look Alastair gave him. The blonde man then turned back to his beloved and an odd chuckle escaped his lips.
"You look like Sleeping Beauty, mon amour," Francis said as he reached up and caressed the unconscious girl's cheek. "I wonder if I were to kiss you would you awaken like she did?"
The blonde rose from his seat and leaned over Elizabeth. He then placed a soft kiss on her lips and leaned back expectantly. Minutes went by and still the English girl did not wake. A bitter sigh issued from the Frenchman's lips.
"Ah, well it was worth a try," the blue eyed man said as he took his seat holding tightly to the blonde woman's hand. Defeated, Francis rested his head on the edge of the bed. A small grunt of discomfort instantly drew all eyes to Elizabeth. The four men watched joyously as emerald eyes fluttered open and looked around in confusion.
"Where? What happened? Francis?" Elizabeth rasped as her emerald eyes settled on the Frenchman.
"Oh, mon amour," Francis said as grateful tears welled in his eyes. The Frenchman quickly moved forward and hugged the English woman. "I thought I 'ad lost you!"
"Lost me? What are you on about? Why do I feel like a truck hit me? Where is Matthew? Will someone please answer me?" the Brit fired off as she tried to shove her blubbering husband off of her.
"Elizabeth, you almost died during the c-section," Alawn said instantly causing the blonde girl to freeze.
"What?" the green eyed girl asked in shock.
"You lost a lot of blood according to the doctors," Aaron explained. Elizabeth processed that for a moment and looked down at Francis. She could see from his body language that the Frenchman had been through Hell and back worrying about her.
"It's okay now, love. You can't be rid of me that easily," the Brit joked and leaned forward placing a kiss on the crown of the blonde man's head. The Frenchman's head snapped up instantly. His eyes full of anger, distress, and love.
"Don't even joke like that, mon lapin. You don't know how scared I was for you and Mathieu," Francis said clutching the English woman tighter.
"I'm sorry I scared you love," the blonde girl said as she managed to snake an arm out of the blue eyed man's grasp. She reached forward and caressed her husband's cheek. Francis smiled and pressed into her hand.
"Je t'aime, Elisabet," the Frenchman cooed.
"I love you, too. Now where is Matthew? Is he all right?" Elizabeth asked with some concern.
"He's fine, lass. Doctor's got him in…What's that place called again?" Alastair queried.
"I think the doctor called it a Nick-You. Not sure, but they say he's healthy. They just want him to stay for observation," Alawn added.
"Well what am I still doing here? Someone get a nurse in here now. I want to go see my son," Elizabeth said as she again tried to push Francis off of her so she could get out of the hospital bed. All four men chuckled and looked at each other knowingly.
"She's definitely a Kirkland," Aaron said.
"Stubborn as always," Francis said as he rose to do his wife's bidding.
Two weeks later….
"Mattie home! Mattie home!" Alfred cried excitedly as he held his mother's hand on the sidewalk in front of their town house. The boy bounced excitedly and watched as Francis took the baby carrier holding Matthew from the car.
"Yes, poppet. Mattie is home now," Elizabeth said lovingly to her eldest son.
"Mon petit lapin, is a very excited big brother," Francis said as the little family walked to their stoop.
"Well he has been waiting very patiently for his brother to come home. You're going to be a wonderful big brother, aren't you love," the English woman said as she quickly picked up the small boy.
"Yes!" the blonde boy exclaimed and stared contently at the baby carrier. Both parents smiled at the adorable display. Francis pulled out his keys and unlocked the door.
"After you, cher," the Frenchman said and gestured for the Brit to enter first.
"Merci, Monsieur Bonnefoy," Elizabeth said and gave him a coquettish look.
"Don't tease, Elisabet. You know what happens to me when you speak French," the blonde man said looking at the English woman with bedroom eyes.
As the family entered the town house the lights flicked on surprising Elizabeth.
"SURPRISE!" multiple voices cried at once. The Brit stared in shock at the crowd of people in the living room. On the far wall hung a banner that said 'Welcome home, Elizabeth and Matthew,' with a second sign saying 'Happy Birthday, Alfred,'. A hand written note saying 'late' was taped between 'Happy' and 'Birthday'. Red and white streamers hung around the room and a folding table set under the banner was covered in food.
"What in the world?" the blonde girl said quizzically as she looked at the faces in the room. Gilbert was there with his little brother Ludwig, who looked a bit uncomfortable. Elizaveta and Roderich were next to the brothers and the brunette was holding Feliciano. The boy's twin brother, Romano, held his brother's hand as he was held by Antonio. The three Kirkland brothers were there as well.
Suddenly, Francis leaned in and kissed his wife's cheek.
"Are you surprised, mon amour? I thought it would be wonderful to have our friends and family here to help celebrate our family becoming whole," the Frenchman said with a wide grin. Tears welled in the blonde girl's eyes and she pulled her husband into a hug.
"Thank you, Francis," the Brit said with a sniffle and then turned to the others. "Thank you, everyone for being here to celebrate our family,"
Words of love rang out from all present as the guests converged on the little family.
"And 'appy eva affer," Alfred said making his parents look at him in surprise. Elizabeth hugged her son tightly and showered him with kisses.
"Oui, mon petit," Francis said as he pulled his wife and son into another hug. "And they lived 'appily ever after,"
AN: Alfie is such a cutie. So there it is, but wait! Keep your eyes out for upcoming PruCan, USUK, and 'The Ties That Bind'. TTTB will be a collection of FACE family shorts focusing on the boys. Until next tale my lovlies!