Day 10 - No Matter What

A strong grip held fast to his arm. He woke with a start and heard a groan by his side. He snapped his attention to his wife. She was hunched over clutching her swollen stomach.

"Anna! Anna, what's wrong?"

"I-I think it's t-time!"

"What? Now!"

"Yes, now!"

Kristoff panicked. Of all times, it had to be now? The carriage was still a few miles away from the castle. What could they do?

"Do you think you'll make it to the castle?"

"I'm not sure. We can-" she groaned again.

He rubbed small circles on her back. This is my fault. I should have put my foot down. We didn't need to go on this trip. She should have stayed.

Anna smiled weakly, "I'll be okay. We need to keep going. The faster we get there, the better, right?"

"I guess so…"

How exactly did they get into this mess? It started when the dignitaries who visited Arendelle couldn't leave after the fjord started to freeze. Usually it didn't happen until later, but the chill came in early this year. Kristoff offered to guide them around the mountains so they could travel by land. He didn't expect for Anna to accompany them as well.

"Anna, you need to rest."

"That's all I ever do! I'm pregnant not broken! I want to go outside for a little while. Besides, we'll be in a carriage. I'll be safe and warm with you. Just a relaxing short trip together."

Well, so much for that plan.

He waited longer but it became harder to watch his wife in pain. Finally, Kristoff called out the window, "Stop the carriage!"

"What are you doing?" Anna cried.

"Anna, you're in labor. I need to know how far we are from the castle. If we can't make it, we need to find a safe place for you."

"But-" she inhaled sharply at the next contraction. "Please hurry."

He exited the carriage and approached the driver and the servant.

"What is the trouble?"

"Princess Anna is in labor."

"Oh no, is she alright?" the servant questioned.

"I assume but how long until we get back to the castle?"

"It might be another hour or so."

All three heard a sharp cry.

"I don't think she can wait that long." Kristoff glanced around the path, "I think I know where we can take her. I hope it's not too far."

The servant hopped down, "Why don't I assist the Princess and you direct us to a safer location."

"Perfect. Thank you …"

"Olina, Your Highness."

"Kristoff is fine. I'll take the reins."

He rushed through the forest as fast as possible without rocking carriage too much. Luckily, it only took a few minutes before they arrived.

"Oaken's Wandering Trading Post?"

Kristoff smiled, "And Sauna."

He instructed Olina and the driver to gather any supplies they needed which Oaken happily offered. He carried Anna into the nearby barn and laid her on the hay.

"Kristoff… I'm scared."

"Sh, it's okay."

"The baby is early."

"Only by two weeks. It happens."

"But everything we need is at the castle. What if something goes wrong? Plus, it's winter. The baby could get sick!"

"Anna, you'll be fine. We're getting blankets and Olina used to be a midwife."

She started to cry, "I'll never forgive myself if anything happens to our baby! He or she is not even born yet and I'm already a bad mother!"

"Hey! Don't say that." Kristoff held one hand and brushed away her tears, "You're going to be a great mom. Our baby will be safe and healthy. I mean sure we're in a barn but that's going to be great story to tell, right?"

She laughed and nodded.

"There we go. There's that smile I love. Look, I know this isn't how we picture this but I'm right here. No matter what, we're going to get through this together."

He kissed her forehead. Her smile only lasted a few seconds before she grunted again. She crushed his hand but it didn't matter. She needed him. The barn door creaked as the Olina entered. He learned that a man had to leave during the childbirth. As much as he didn't want to leave Anna, he had no choice.

"I'll be right outside," he whispered. One more kiss and he left.

The snow started to fall again. Kristoff sat by the window watching the barn. The conversation between Oaken and the driver were mere mumbles compared to the thoughts pounding in his head. He prayed for his wife and baby to be safe. He tried to fight his heavy eyes.

"Lutefisk?" Oaken offered.

Kristoff shook his head.

"Well I have carrots. Are you thirsty?"

"I'm good but thank you."

"You must be so excited for the little babe, ja? I have little clothes if you need anymore. That nice lady took some with her. Oh look, here she comes!"

"What?"

Kristoff raced out the door towards the woman.

"Oh, Your Highness, I was-"

"Are they okay?"

"Yes. Everything was successful. We need keep them warm until she's ready to move."

"Thank you!"

He poked a head through the crack of the door. Anna was curled up with a bundle in her arms. Her lips moved as whispered to the small bundle. Kristoff slipped through the door and closed it tightly behind him. She smiled at him

"How are you doing?"

"Exhausted beyond belief but it was worth it. Do you want to meet your daughter?"

"Daughter?"

Kristoff kneeled next to Anna. Carefully, she placed the baby into his arms. He stared down at the little pink face. He was a father. He couldn't believe it that this was his little girl.

"Did you name her?"

"Not yet. I wanted you to be here."

"You know I'm no good at these things. If it were up to me, she would be Anna, too."

"Well, I was thinking Joan."

"Joan? Anna? They're both nice."

"Hmm, they sound nice together. How does… Joanne sound? We can still call her Joan for short."

"Joanne… it's perfect."

Kristoff scooted closer to Anna so she could rest on his side. The new family huddled together as they smiled at their sleeping daughter.