Snow walked around the table in her kitchen as Emma took a sip of the hot chocolate topped with cinnamon in front of her. She sat down and continued to fill out invitations for the baby shower.
"We still need to pick out games." Snow said, eyes on the papers in front of her. "But I think everything else should be set. We'll have it at Granny's, and the invitations are almost finished."
"What sort of games do you play at these kinds of things?" Killian asked, looking over a completed invitation.
"You know, guess the baby food, guess the size of mom's belly, stuff like that." Snow responded.
"Sounds like bloody good time." Killian said sarcastically.
"Well, what if we spice it up?" Emma offered.
"What do you mean?" Snow asked hesitantly.
Emma reached into her pocket and retrieved the pendant Snow had given her.
"What about one of those gender reveal parties? Where the balloons pop out of the boxes?" She suggested and shrugged with a smile.
Snow clapped her hands excitedly. "Really?"
"Well, yeah, I'm okay with it, if Killian is." Emma looked at her husband.
"Whatever you want, Emma. Your heart's desire." Killian slipped an arm around her.
"Oh yay!" Snow stood excitedly. "How do we want to do this?"
"Well I was thinking you could handle that part. I'll let you use the pendant and we won't look, and then you can do the balloon thing or whatever. But you can't tell Killian or me or anyone. Not even Dad. It will be a surprise." Emma passed the pendant to her mother.
"It matters not, luv, I already told you. I know what we'll be having." Killian smirked.
"Okay, Killian, go in the other room. Emma, I'm going to blindfold you." Snow jumped up and rummaged through a drawer, retrieving a bandana.
"I'll go see if David needs any help in the yard." Killian gave Emma a soft kiss on the head and walked out the front door and off the porch, completely out of sight. Snow tied the bandana tightly around Emma's eyes.
"Here goes." Snow sighed and Emma heard the jangling of the chain as Snow dangled it in front of her. The jangling sound grew rhythmic and Emma knew it was swinging. The noise slowed to a stop and then resumed again.
"Okay," Snow sniffed, clearly crying. "You can take off your blindfold." Emma heard the pendant clunk onto the table gently as she removed the bandana. Snow's tear streaked face was smiling brightly at her. "You didn't peek?"
Emma shook her head. "Nope. No peeking."
"Oh, good. Emma, I'm so thrilled for you. This is going to be great." Snow stood and hugged Emma.
"May I return?" Killian poked his head in the door, his eyes on the floor.
"Yes, we're all done." Snow called back.
"Excellent, because we have an appointment to make. Ready, luv?" Killian held out a hand to help Emma to her feet.
The eight month checkup went perfectly. Killian was unusually silent the car ride home.
"I'm so ready for these babies to be here already. I'd like to see my feet again. I'm sure you're ready, too, right?" Emma asked. Killian stared straight ahead, not hearing her, lost in thought. Emma glanced at him and it was clear he wasn't listening.
"And I'm pretty sure I saw a tentacle in the ultrasound." She said a little louder, pulling up to the house and looking at him directly. Killian blinked away from his thoughts and looked at her.
"Ah, sorry about that, luv. Just lost in thought for a moment." Killian flashed her a small smile.
"You okay?" Emma put her hand on his shoulder.
"Aye, luv, never better." He smiled brighter.
"Hmm." Emma narrowed her eyes, studying him.
"Don't overanalyze, Swan. I'm fine. Just thinking things over." He leaned over and kissed her cheek gently and got out of the car.
Emma got out and followed her husband inside. Killian walked to the refrigerator and poured them both a glass of lemonade.
As Emma sat at the counter and took her glass in hand, Killian took a long drink from his and stood up. He kissed Emma on top of the head and headed up the stairs, leaving Emma even more suspicious than before.
She went up the stairs after a moment as well and found Killian in the nursery. She watched him silently from the doorway as he walked around the room and pulled on the crib frames and opened drawers, softly running his hand over the clothing inside.
He looked up and saw Emma standing against the doorframe watching him.
"Just making sure everything's ship shape, luv." Killian gave a quick smile and absent-mindedly fiddled with a mobile above one of the cribs. His face was creased with concern and Emma moved towards him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly.
"It's going to be alright, Killian." She murmured. "It's okay to be nervous. I'm nervous as hell."
"I'm just...I can't believe it's almost time." He spoke softly.
"You're going to be an amazing father, I promise." She leaned into his neck and he held her, swaying in silence.
"Dance with me." Killian said softly.
"What?" Emma looked up at him, surprised, and slid her hands down to his chest.
"Dance with me." He repeated and moved his hook from her hip to nudge her hand onto it and his hand onto the small of her back.
"Killian, I'm so huge and awkward-" Emma tried to step away from him.
"Dance with me, Emma." He insisted, his eyes like glowing sapphires gazing into hers. Emma thought for a second. He needed to get out of his head. Emma waved her hand and soft music began to play from the speaker on top of the dresser. Killian smiled and they began to move slowly around the room. Killian gazed intently down at her.
"...and I know, the scariest part is letting go..." The singer on the stereo crooned.
He twirled her away and back to him again, executing a flawless dip despite her off-balance physique.
"I love dancing with you. It's almost like I can dance." She giggled as he pulled her back to him and they continued to sway.
"You're a natural, Swan. Plus, you've got a devilishly handsome professional at your service." He smiled down at her.
The song ended and he kissed her briefly.
Emma gasped and her hands moved to her stomach, smiling.
"They're dancing, too." Emma laughed and placed his hand on her womb. Killian smiled a slow smile feeling the movement beneath the fabric of her shirt.
"I can't wait for this adventure with you." She murmured.
"Me, too, luv." He kissed her again.
The morning of the baby shower was finally there and they headed down to Granny's where the gathering was being held.
"Ready?" Emma blew a lock of hair from her face and smiled at Killian.
"As ever, Swan. Let's head in." They walked in arm in arm.
Cheers greeted them as they walked through the door and they were enveloped in hugs from each person they passed. A dozen hands covered Emma's belly, fussing over her.
Emma sat at a stool at the counter and Snow started passing her presents. Killian hung back at the other end of the counter, watching her pull different things from bags. Toys and books and clothes piled up on the counter next to her.
David sidled up next to Killian. "Having fun?"
"Immensely so." Killian smirked sarcastically.
"Yeah, these things get a little crazy I suppose." David chuckled.
"But look how happy Emma is." Killian felt himself smile at the sight of Emma laughing with their friends and family as Snow wrapped a measuring tape around her belly.
"38 inches!" Snow called out.
"Ooh! I won!" Zelena jumped from her seat clapping and Snow passed her a little gift bag.
"Makes it all worth it." David put a hand on Killian's back. "Are you guys ready?" He asked.
Killian nodded back at his father-in-law with a half hearted smile. "Aye."
"I'm so happy for you two." David clapped his hand on Killian's shoulder.
"It's time for the reveal!" Snow called over to Killian and waved her hand for him to come over.
"I suppose that's my cue, mate." Killian raised his eyebrows at David and walked to where Snow was setting up two large boxes, one with "Baby #1" and the other with "Baby #2" written in large black letters on the fronts. Emma beamed at him as she stood behind one box and he took his place beside her behind the other.
"Ready?" Emma looked at her husband with shining eyes.
"Aye, luv." He winked at her.
"One, two, THREE!" Snow called out and Killian and Emma opened their boxes, a cloud of pink balloons pouring out of each of them.
"Girls!" Everyone exclaimed, almost at once and laughter and cheering followed. Emma leaned over and kissed Killian soundly.
"Are you surprised?" Emma asked quietly.
"Not in the slightest, luv. I told you, I already knew." He kissed her softly again.
"Okay, lovebirds, we have one more surprise before we cut the cake." David spoke up over the commotion. "Come on outside." He motioned with his arm and headed out the door. Snow hurried out after him, the party following.
Parked out front of the diner was a brand new silver mini van with a big yellow bow on top.
"Surprise!" Snow exclaimed and Emma and Killian's mouths dropped open.
"Mom, you got us a car?" Emma moved to her parents' side.
"Well, the bug is good, but you know, three kids, you really needed a bigger car." Snow shrugged.
They all checked out the van and the party went back inside and gathered around the pink and blue cake. Killian and Emma cut it together and it went quickly to their guests.
Emma sat in a booth and chatted with Snow, Regina, Zelena, and Henry.
David came and sat back by Killian at the counter again.
"I don't know about you, but I could use a drink." David sighed. "Want to head over to the White Rabbit for a beer?"
"Now you're speaking my language." Killian grinned.
They bid their wives farewell and headed out.
Four hours later, David was nursing his second beer and Killian was still on his third and they were well into a game of pool.
"Lucky shot." David smirked as Killian sunk his third solid and lined up the 8 ball.
"Pool is a game of skill and exact calculations, mate. But I'm sure luck is on my side as well." Killian grinned.
"Yeah, yeah, just name your pocket." David took another drink of the nearly empty mug in front of him.
"Top left." Killian nodded towards the end of the table and took his shot but it skirted wide.
"Another beer?" David chuckled.
"Get your blows in now, Charming. An epic comeback is at hand." Killian downed the rest of his drink as David quickly caught up to him.
"Side left." David took his shot and the 8 ball teetered on the edge of the hole but did not go in.
"Skill and calculations, mate." Killian chuckled, pouring himself another glass from the beer pitcher on the table.
"A foolish endeavor on my part, to be certain." Charming bowed as he moved away from the table. Killian lined up his shot, called his pocket and tipped the black ball into the void.
"Darts next?" Killian asked, grinning.
"No, Snow has been texting me to pick up milk on my way home. I think that's code for 'call it a night'." David chuckled. "Thanks for a good night, mate." Killian smiled at his father-in-law's borrowed terminology.
"I'd better check in with Emma as well. Safe travels, mate." Killian pulled his phone from his pocket. A text from Emma was waiting for him.
'Hope you're having fun. No hurry. I love you. XO'
He smiled and went to his contacts and pushed call on Emma's name.
"Hey, babe." Emma answered the phone exuberantly.
"Hello, luv. I just wanted to let you know that your father just left. I'm finishing this round and I'll be home as well." Killian replied.
"Do you need me to pick you up? I have a fancy new set of wheels I can try out." He could hear Emma smile.
"No, luv, I'll just call for a taxi. You relax. I'll see you soon."
"Okay, see you soon." She echoed and the call ended.
Killian gathered some darts in his hand and his final drink and headed to the dart board.
He threw a couple darts, perfect bullseyes, and heard a familiar and unwelcome voice behind him.
"Hook, my old chum!" Blackbeard bellowed. "Let me but you a round. To celebrate your impending fatherhood and all."
Killian let out a disbelieving laugh. "I think not, mate."
"Come on, lad, no hard feelings. At least take a drink with me from something stronger than that swill." Blackbeard picked up Killian's mug and swished around it's contents. "The boys and I have a bottle of rum at the table over yonder. Come. Just one quick drink. Bury the hatchet."
Killian held a dart in his hand, suspended in air, thinking. Things were hard enough without holding a grudge.
He let out a deep sigh and let the final dart fly. "One drink." He turned and held up a single finger.
"That's me boy!" Blackbeard slung an arm around Killian, walking back to the table.
Four drinks in, Blackbeard slammed his fist on the table and laughed uproariously.
"And I'm not sure how, when they had you thrown in the dungeon, you thought you were going to woo your way out of that one and keep the bounty to boot." He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.
"That's why I'm a better pirate than you, mate. Not only did she let me out of the dungeon, but she was in my bed that very night. And I did keep the riches." Killian tossed his head back, downing another drink and grinning.
"Ah, let's take this gathering to a less reputable establishment, one fit for a pirate of your standards, then, mate." Blackbeard tossed a few dubloons on the table to pay for their drinks.
"Nah, mate. I have to be getting home." Killian protested, feeling a little fuzzy.
"Don't go soft on me now, Hook! The night is still young! There's more debauchery to be had!" Blackbeard enticed.
"My wife is waiting on me. Trust me, mate, you do not want to anger a pregnant woman." Killian pointed in front of him for emphasis.
"Aye, you heard him, lads. Captain Hook has a curfew. He has to run off to the little woman. A true pirate, indeed." Blackbeard antagonized.
Killian clenched his jaw. "One more stop, and that's it. Seems you've forgotten who you're talking about."
"Well aren't you full of surprises. Let's go. All ahead to The Cave of Wonders!" Blackbeard declared and his men hurrahed in agreement.
"What the devil is The Cave of Wonders?" Killian asked, walking side by side out the door with Blackbeard.
"Ah, you have gone soft!" Blackbeard guffawed. "This world has many a hidden gem. This one is something called a 'strip club'." Blackbeard grinned widely.
After a short trip, they entered the dark establishment and Killian tensed. Several waitresses walked around serving, their bodies barely covered by scraps of material that could hardly be classified as clothing. There were several stages where there were even more scantily clad dancers, some of them even with no tops on at all.
Killian grew even more increasingly uncomfortable as Blackbeard grasped him by the shoulders and led him to another table and they all sat down. Blackbeard's crew were practically salivating over the women.
"I think I've made a mistake, mate." Killian said through his gritted teeth.
"Nonsense!" Blackbeard insisted and ordered another bottle of rum for the table. Even though he was already feeling quite tipsy, Killian decided he wasn't nearly drunk enough to endure this place. He pulled his flask from his pocket and filled it with the strong drink as soon it was placed on the table. He drained the flask and refilled it again.
"Slow down, mate! We've only just got here!" Blackbeard cautioned.
"What's the matter, old boy? Can't keep up?" Killian smiled darkly and took another swig from the flask.
"Now that's a bet I'm willing to take."
It wasn't long before the lights blurred together with the dancers and Killian began to really feel the effects of the alcohol. The music in the club thumped loudly in his ears. Suddenly, a sound cut through the haze.
"You're drunk, Theo. Go home." A female voice sounded distressed.
"C'mon, baby. Be my private dancer."
Killian turned his head and a young man who looked barely old enough to drink at all had his hands all over one of the dancers and she was trying to disentangle herself from his grip.
Killian took another sip from his flask and stood, walking towards the commotion.
He tapped the man on the shoulder. "I believe the lady asked you to leave."
"Shove off, man." The kid shrugged him off and Killian laughed softly, then grabbed him by the shirt, pressing the edge of his hook into his throat.
"Get out of here, mate, unless you want to know what your windpipe looks like." He growled.
"Alright, okay, I'm going." The boy's eyes were wide.
Killian released him with a shove. He turned back to check on the dancer and suddenly saw stars. The kid had sucker punched him right in the eye. Killian filled with rage and picked up a stool, spinning back around and breaking it upside the kid's head. The kid didn't stay down, though. He jumped back to his feet and Killian tackled him. They both rolled around on the floor, throwing blows until security came and broke it up.
They began to haul both of them to the door.
"Wait, toss Theo but this one can stay." The dancer that he had saved grabbed him by the shoulder and the bouncer released Killian.
"Thanks, luv." Killian shook his arms out.
"It was the least I could do for my savior." She kissed him soundly on the cheek.
Savior. Emma.
"Damn." He swore and pulled out his phone to call Emma and saw he had a few missed calls and texts of his own.
'Getting worried. Call me.''Killian why aren't you answering?''ARE YOU OK'
"Bloody hell." He cursed again. He headed towards the door to step outside and call Emma.
"Killian?" He heard Emma before he saw her as he stepped out into the night.
"Oh, luv, I was just about to call."
Her face was red with a fury he had never seen before as she stormed up to him, her father trailing behind.
"Are you kidding me right now? What the hell are you doing at a strip club?!" She crossed her arms above her large baby bump.
"I...well, I..." He stammered.
"This oughta be good." David stopped abruptly. "I thought you were going home?" He was angry as well, but not as angry as Emma.
"Emma. Let me explain." He staggered towards her.
"I've already heard it all over the police scanner. I'm guessing you're the pirate in the fight here?" She shouted at him, reaching up to grasp his chin, examining the shiner already forming on his eye. She turned his head to the side and saw a bright red lipstick print on his cheek.
"You son of a bitch." She slapped him hard across the face. He let his head hang to the side and he reached up to test his jaw. The slap had a sobering influence on him. "I'm at home, worried sick that something's happened to you and you're here doing who knows what with some little tramp?" She pushed him and he gritted his teeth.
"Emma." He said softly. Tears were streaming down her face and she shoved him hard again.
"Okay, okay, that's enough." David gently pulled his daughter away from Killian.
The doors to the club burst open.
"Hook! Defender of women!" Blackbeard and his lackeys emerged and saw the scene before them. "Well, hello, luv!" He greeted Emma warmly as she stormed towards him.
"I should have known you had something to do with this. Stay the hell away from my family." She pointed in Blackbeard's grinning face.
"Emma, go wait in the cruiser." David delicately steered his daughter towards the police car waiting in front of the club. She walked quickly to the car and got in, slamming the door behind her. "The rest of you, get the hell out of here before I throw you all in jail for disorderly conduct." David snarled and Blackbeard put his hands up in front of him and began to back away.
"We're not intending any trouble. C'mon, lads, let's head back to camp." He and the other pirates began walking down the street.
Killian stepped towards his father-in-law. "David, I did not have relations with any other woman tonight. I would never do that to Emma. The fight was a mistake. This whole night since you left was a mistake. I wanted to leave the second I got here. You have to believe me, mate." David rubbed his hand over his face.
"I get it, Killian. I believe you. But right now, you have a very angry wife that you need to convince. Hop in the back and I'll take you two home." David patted Killian's arm and they headed towards the cruiser.
Killian climbed in the back and Emma furiously wiped the tears from her cheeks in the front seat. Killian's heart sank. How could he have been so foolish? He pressed his head against the metal grate seperating the front and back seats. David settled into the driver's seat and headed towards their house.
They pulled up and Emma stormed off wordlessly inside. David got out and let Killian out of the backseat.
"Good luck." David said tightly. Killian nodded back in thanks. "Oh, and hey," Killian looked back as David tossed him a handkerchief. "You might want to wipe that off your face before you head in."
"Aye, thanks, mate." Killian rubbed the material over his cheek, wiping away the kiss print from the dancer and headed inside.
Emma was angrily throwing pillows and blankets on the sofa as Killian closed the door behind him.
"What's this, then?" Killian gestured to the bedding with his hook.
"This is where you're sleeping. Be grateful it's under the same roof as me." Emma stalked off to the kitchen, rage pouring off of her in almost visual thickness.
"Emma, I need to explain."
"I don't want to hear it." She began rummaging through the freezer.
"I feel like I deserve a chance to defend myself. Can we please talk about this?" Killian took off his jacket and laid it over a chair back as he walked into the kitchen after her. Emma slammed the door to the freezer and turned on her heel, eyes blazing.
"Okay. How much money did you spend on naked girls tonight?" Emma raised her eyebrows.
"What? No, wait I didn't-"
"What about the girl you were letting kiss all over you? How much was she worth?" Emma spat the words at him and turned back to the freezer.
"Emma, I spent no money after your father left. I bought us a pitcher of beer and then I ran into Blackbeard." He continued on and recounted the night's events to her as best he could remember.
"It was all a selfish, foolhardy, pissing contest. I cannot tell you how sorry I am. My behavior this evening was nothing short of appalling." Killian stepped forward and took Emma's hand in his. She tried to pull it away halfheartedly and he tightened his grip slightly. He shut the freezer door with his hook and brought the curved edge of it under her chin to bring her face to look at him. "Emma, I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you, you have to believe me, luv." Her eyes softened against the honesty in his expression.
"I'm so tired of fighting with you." She sighed. "It seems like that's all we ever do anymore. I just want things to be normal. And maybe I acted a little... crazy tonight as well. I'm sorry I hit you." Tears tugged at the corner of her eyes.
"I'm not. I bloody well deserved it. You've got a mean right hook, Swan, and it isn't the first time you've hit me either. I'm sure it won't be the last, luv." Killian's eyes had a sparkle of laughter in their depths.
Emma hid a smile in another sigh. His fingers skirted over her knuckles.
"What am I going to do with you?" She whispered and pulled him into a kiss.
"Forgiveness is a good place to start." He murmured against her lips.
"Yeah, well, can we dial back the pirate shenanigans at least until the girls are sleeping through the night?" She chuckled.
"Aye, I believe I can oblige that. Now let's get you to bed." He pecked her lips once more and they went upstairs.
Killian woke with a pounding headache. Emma slept soundly next to him. He kissed her hair and got up in search of aspirin and coffee. He retrieved the paper from the front STOOP and David's truck pulled up.
"Good morning!" David called as he headed up the steps.
"Aye, that it is." Killian smirked. "Coffee?"
"Sure, sounds great."
The two came into the kitchen and Killian got David a mug of coffee.
"So, everything alright?" David asked, eyebrow raised.
"Aye, Emma and I talked everything out. I admitted what an ass I'd been, and she agreed to love me in spite of it." Killian smiled sheepishly.
"Well, good." David smiled warmly back at him. "How's the hangover?"
"I think I've chased the last of it away." Killian raised a mug of coffee towards his father-in-law.
"Great. I thought I might teach you how to drive today." David grinned.
Killian looked puzzled for a moment. "Some father-son bonding, then?" He grinned back.
"Don't push it, pirate." David laughed. "Let's go." He nodded towards the door.
"Aye, I'll just leave Emma a note. I've caused enough worry for the poor woman." He scratched a brief message on a notepad on the counter and they headed out the door.
David and Killian took his truck out to an empty parking lot and switched seats.
"Now, this is your indicator. It lets other drivers know which way you're turning. Gas is on the right, brake is on the left. You use the same foot for both." David pointed out different areas.
"I've driven before, I know the basics. And I captained a ship for hundreds of years before that." Killian smirked.
"Emma told me about your driving experience and a ship is nothing like a vehicle." David raised an eyebrow.
"I was just in a hurry, and you are correct, sailing is much more complex." Killian grinned.
"Just start the car and put it in drive." David tugged on his seatbelt, testing it.
"Come on, Dad, have a little faith." Killian grinned mischieviously and turned the ignition. David helped put the car in drive and they lurched forward as Killian stomped on the gas.
"Slow down! Ease up on the pedal!" David yelled.
"I'm just getting the feel for it, mate." Killian gritted his teeth and lightly brought his foot off the pedal.
It went on like this for some time and finally Killian seemed to be getting the hang of things.
"Let's take this to the road now." David said, nervously.
"Come, now, David. What's to worry about?" Killian smirked again. David raised his eyebrows.
"Well, other cars, buildings, pedestrians, animals, mailboxes-"
"Okay, okay, I get your point." Killian set his jaw. He started the drive back to their house and actually made it safely the whole way.
"Well I'm impressed. At the rate we began at, I thought teaching Henry was a better driver." David chuckled as Killian put the truck in park. "And I thought the hook would definitely be a problem."
"I'm actually quite good with the hook, thank you very much. And I'm a fast learner, so there's that." He smiled again, turning the key back, the engine rumbling to a stop.
"You surprise me at every turn, Hook. I think you'll be just fine." David smiled and they both headed inside. Emma was walking gingerly through the kitchen, getting a glass of water. She stopped at the sink and arched her back with a grimace.
"We're back." David announced, walking through the front door.
"And in one piece, I see." Emma smirked and leaned on the counter.
"I'm quite the capable vehicle captain now, I'll have you know." Killian returned her smile and greeted her with a kiss.
"You guys hungry? I was just about to make lunch." Emma headed for the fridge a little more slowly than usual.
"Are you up to it, Emma?" David asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm fine. My back is just aching like crazy today." She started pulling out some food from the refrigerator. "You guys go put on the TV, I'll have something put together here shortly."
"Best not to argue, I've found, mate." Killian squeezed David's shoulder and gave a tight smile. The two headed in the living room and David put on a baseball game.
"What's the point of this?" Killian gestured to the TV.
"You hit the ball with a bat, then the other players try to catch it and the guy who hit it runs around the diamond. If he makes it all the way around to where he started, he gets a point." David gave a brief explanation.
"How do you hit a ball with a bat? I'd imagine it would be quite difficult with it flying around." Killian asked.
"Not that kind of bat, you see that stick? Well that's-"
"Dammit!" A crash came from the kitchen and both men were on their feet immediately, running into the next room. A pan lay on the floor next Emma's bare feet. The floor around her feet and the pan was covered in a puddle of water and Emma was clutching onto the counter with one hand and the other was fisted in the fabric of her dress at her stomach.
"Emma, what's going on?" David put his hand on Emma's back.
"The babies are coming." She gritted out through clenched teeth.
"What, now?" Killian's eyes widened with almost panic.
"Yes, now! Does it look like I'm making this up?!" She snapped.
"Killian, get the bags. I'll get Emma in the van and we'll head out." David began to lead his daughter towards the door and Killian retrieved the bags from the hall closet they had packed weeks ago for when the time had come.
"I'll drive." David finished helping Killian load up the car and slipped into the driver's seat. Killian slammed the sliding door to the backseat of the van and they raced off towards the hospital.
