10th and final part!
"What Friends Are For"
"Ooook, let's get you seated and I'll get Gil." Catherine helped Sara up and led her to the lazy boy. "Just breathe. Relax. There ya go. Gil!" Catherine called.
It took a few seconds for a response. "Yeah?"
"Sara's in labor!"
Sara could hear the pounding of feet. She looked up to see Gil panting and holding a phone. "What did you do to her Cath?"
"Nothing! We were doing some yoga when her water broke—"
"I was kidding."
Catherine looked shell-shocked. "Since when would you," She pointed at him, "be cracking jokes at a time like this?"
"Hey. Over here! Woman in labor!" Sara waved her arms in an attempt to get someone's attention.
"I'm sorry, Sara." Gil cupped her face. "Cath, can you call Dr. Williamson and tell her we're on our way?"
"Sure." She took the phone from his hand.
"I'll grab your bag."
Sara stood. "I'm going to change my pants. Give me one sec."
After putting on some clean sweats, Gil and Sara were off to the hospital. "Cath said she's going to run home then meet us there."
"Ok." Sara said. "But Gil...someone has to tell Nick. He's done so much—"
"I know, Sara. Once we get there I'll call him. Don't worry." He squeezed her hand. She smiled though temporarily. "Contraction?"
"Uh-huh." Sara breathed in and out. While holding her stomach she mused, "This is going to suck."
Once arriving at the hospital, Sara changed into a gown. She spent a few hours in bed then moved to the birthing tub. Gil stayed with her except for the times Cath forced him to eat and get some air in which case she took over. When she tried to leave, Sara refused. Catherine was asked to stay for the birth.
Apparently Sara dilated three centimeters at home, leaving six for the hospital. It took six or so hours. When it came time, Sara was exhausted. "You can do this honey," Gil encouraged. "I'm right here. Just breathe."
With ragged breaths, Sara clutched the tub's side. "Whoa. I feel a ton of pressure. Where's the doctor?"
"I'm right here." Dr. Williamson was applying gloves as she walked into the room. She knelt beside the tub and checked Sara's progress. "Fully dilated and ready to go. Just let me change and I'll be right back."
"Ughhh," Sara moaned. She fidgeted. Rolling her hips back and forth wasn't helping. "Where is he? You called him hours ago."
"He just texted me. He's on his way. You know, work." Gil kissed Sara's forehead. He used his fingers to de-tangle her curls.
"Good," Sara sighed. "He's so excited. I'd hate for him to miss it."
Gil checked his phone. He needs to get here. She's going to be more upset if he doesn't make it.
"Ok, Sara this is it. Get ready to give a big push. All your might."
"Uhhh." Sara breathed deeply. "Just a few more minutes."
"Sara, you're ready to go. Bear down as I count to ten, ok?"
"Dr," Sara tried standing up, "I can't until Nick gets here."
"Sara!" Catherine and Gil shouted.
"Easy Sara! Stay seated! Wouldn't want you falling."
Gil gave Sara pleading eyes. "Listen to the doctor. Do it for the babies. They need their mommy to listen."
With a humph, Sara agreed. She nodded her head and parted her legs. "I'm ready."
"That's a good girl." Catherine patted her arm.
In the middle of birthing the first baby Nick came.
"I'm here!" He knelt next to Sara and grabbed her hand. "I'm sorry, darlin, blame Ecklie."
Sara smiled. "Thank you. I...ughh—"
"Hard, Sara! The head's crowning. Bear down with everything you have, ok?"
Gil rubbed her shoulders while Nick let her squeeze his hand. Catherine stood back and marveled at the sight before her. The baby proved as stubborn as her parents. It took a few more grunts and moans, but Alyssa Catherine Grissom made herself known to the world by her wailing set of lungs. The couple, showing a mixture of happiness and awe on their faces, held their baby. Nick joined Catherine. Both deciding the parents needed their own space.
As quickly as Sara and Gil were given Alyssa, she was whisked away. Liam Nicholas Grissom was born just 20 minutes after his sister. Catherine joked about Sara being made for this, a pro at delivering babies.
She shook her head. "No way! Sorry Cath, but two is just perfect. Everything I could ask for and more. I couldn't have done it without you guys."
Gil coughed. "And Gil." Sara added, receiving chuckles out of Nick and Cath. She held Liam and Gil held Alyssa. "Want to hold your godchildren?"
Pure excitement showed on Nick's and Catherine's face. Catherine cradled Alyssa, and Nick did the same with Liam.
"Middle names and god kids? All in a day's work." Cath cocked a smile.
Nick agreed. "Yup. The most worthwhile work of all." He looked up from tending to Liam. Sara was watching him. When their eyes met, she grinned. He nodded his head in appreciation and went back to Liam.
Done!