Before they left the hospital, Anthony made arrangements to admit Edith through emergency and hook her up to a glucose drip. Since she had been sick most of the day, he needed to get her electrolytes back in balance and hopefully get her body to settle down. Two hours later when the drip was finished he called Elsie and asked her if she would go into the house, turn on the lights and turn back the bed. He explained what had been taking place and was relieved when Elsie sighed and said, "Thank God! I have some fresh soup and bread waiting. I think you two will need it."

Edith cried all the way home. Having never had a pregnant wife, Anthony was at a lost as to how to make things better for her. He knew that her hormones were running amok and they would have to ride out these bouts of crying and hysteria together. She was a mess, even he had to admit that She was going on and on about how ugly she was; that her hair was stringy and her complextion grey and pasty, whatever that meant . He kept telling her that she had just had a bad day and that things would start to get better. He then made the mistake of telling her that woman never looked more beautiful than when they were pregnant. He realized that faux pas immediately when Edith turned to him, gave him a look that burned through to his backbone and then burst into tears again. He suddenly knew that from this moment forward he would have to be very careful about giving Edith compliments.

As they got out of the car he noticed how tired and weak she was, so scooping her up into his arms he carried her up the stairs to the front door. Elsie opened the door and followed Anthony into the bedroom where Edith immediately assumed the fetal position as he eased her down on the bed. Elsie was already helping Edith out of her coat and told Anthony to go into the kitchen and get something to eat ,she would see to Edith. Getting a hot washcloth from the bathroom she gently washed Edith's face, neck and hands. She brushed her hair and helped her into one of her warmer gowns and put her chenille bed jacket over it. Her feet were like ice so Elsie found a pair of heavy hospital socks and put them on Edith's feet. Then she helped her get in bed and covered her up with the warm comforter. The tears were starting again and Edith grabbed Elsie's hand and whispered through her tears, "He will hate me like this. How are we going to get through another seven or eight months ."

"You are carrying his baby, his first child," Elsie answered. " He will think you are more beautiful than ever, most men do. Don't sell Anthony short Edith. He's not your average man, he is a doctor and knows about all of this, but on top of that, the man is deeply in love with you. He will love you more than ever once the baby is born and knowing what kind of man he is, he will be an excellent father. Do you have any idea how lucky the two of you are. Two lost souls who found each other,it's true, you know it is. Until he came along you were floundering and he was running away. Call it fate, karma, destiny whatever you want, but the two of you are bound together hearts and souls for the rest of your life. Now, you haven't had anything to eat today so I am going to get you some soup and bread."

Anthony came in moments later with a cup of soup and some hot bread. Propping the pillows behind her he handed her the cup and spoon and said, "Darling, please don't get depressed. You are having a harder time than most, but we are going to get things set up here at home to take care of you and not let you get dehydrated. " Sitting next to her he kissed her cheek and whispered, "I have never been so happy in my life, unless you count the first day we spent together. I never thought that I would be a husband again let alone have the chance to be a father. I have just enough of an ego to think that I just might be a good one."

Edith looked at him and tears were forming in her eyes again. "Oh, Anthony, I know that you will be the best father ever. You have so much love in your heart and so much to give to a little boy or girl. I am the luckiest woman alive. You are my husband and the father of my child."

When Anthony got back to the bedroom after cleaning up the dishes, Edith was sleeping soundly. He went back to the kitchen and got some soda crackers and ginger ale and put them on the nightstand. Then changing into his sleeping boxers and tee shirt he climbed into bed and settled next to Edith. Instinct told her he was there because she wrapped her arms around him and snuggled next to him. It had been a tumultuous day .

As the next few weeks passed quietly as the first trimester neared. Edith's morning sickness seemed to level out. Instead of being sick every day, the bouts of nausea seemed to strike her one or two days a week. On the days she was up and around, the house of Broderick street hummed with painters and carpenters who were working on the spare room across the hall from the master bedroom and the small bedroom upstairs that would be used for the nanny if they felt they needed one. Edith was determined to take care of the baby herself, and along with Cora had started putting a layette together. While she felt much better she didn't want to chance getting sick in the car or a store so most of her purchases were made either online or from the numerous baby catalogs that now flooded their home.


She had been writing down all the questions she wanted to ask Dr. Clarkson when she had her first trimester appointment and the first ultra sound. One of the things that concerned her was her weight gain and the fact that she actually had a small baby bump. She didn't think she should be showing so soon especially at three months. Well, she would ask him all about it at the appointment. The last time she had seen Clarkson, she had looked retched, so today she took special care in how she looked. Putting on her grey slacks was easy until she tried to button them. Taking a deep breath and sucking in her waist she managed to get them buttoned and then zipped. If this button flies off the velocity could put someone's eye out, she laughed to herself as she put on her black turtleneck sweater. Tying her hair back at the nape of her neck and putting on just some mascara, eye liner and lipstick she picked up her black jacket and headed outside where Elsie was waiting to drive her downtown.

"Thanks for driving", she said as she slid into the passenger seat. "Anthony and I are going to get a bite to eat after the appointment and hopefully celebrate the sex of this baby."

"So, you are actually going to find out the sex," Elsie asked turning and winking at Edith.

"Yes! After being so sick, I don't think I could wait another six months to find out. You know patience is not one of my virtues. Oh, Elsie these pants are killing me. They fit fine right after the holidays. Today I had a terrible time getting them buttoned. My waist has started to expand," Edith lamented as she squirmed around in the seat trying to get comfortable.

She had called Anthony when they left the house and he was waiting outside the medical building as Elsie pulled up in front. He was smiling ear to ear.

"Elsie, just look at him. He is so excited. I love him so much and I'm glad that I am the one to finally give him the family he so richly deserves," she chuckled as Anthony opened the car door and helped her out.

"See you two later," Elsie said as she waved and drove away

"Well darling, this is it. The day when we see our baby for the first time," he whispered as they headed inside toward the bank of elevators.

"Antony, is it normal for a woman to lose her waist in the first three months. I could hardly get these pants buttoned," she said as she took another shallow breath.

"I don't know sweetheart. I deal with mothers on the other side of their pregnancy when they are trying to take care of infants and get their bodies back in shape all at the same time," he laughed as they entered the elevator and headed for the fifth floor.

They didn't have to wait long when Clarkson's nurse ushered them into the room where they would have the ultrasound. Edith felt relieved when she could finally unbutton her slacks and put on a gown. Anthony helped her up onto the exam table as Dr. Clarkson entered the room.

"Well are you two ready to see your baby for the first time?" he said as he placed the blood pressure cuff around Edith's arm and began to pump. As he slowly released the pressure, she could feel her heart beat in her ears. "Slightly elevated," he said as he took the cuff off and made the notation. "Nothing to worry about, but we will keep a close eye on it."

"Now let's see what we have in here," he said as his nurse lifted up the gown and put the gel on Edith's stomach.

"YIKES," she said as she squirmed on the table. "Don't you ever heat this stuff up?"

"They all say that," he replied as he winked at Anthony.

Holding hands Anthony and Edith watched as Clarkson slowly moved the wand over Edith's abdomen. All Edith could see was a picture of nothing along with a hollow type noise. The image looked like a dirty windshield that had been smeared with the wiper.

"There is your baby," Clarkson said as he pointed out a small shape on the screen. Looking closely Edith could make out a small head and the beginning of what she assumed were arms. They could hear the small heartbeat and suddenly her eyes filled with tears. She looked at Anthony but he wasn't looking at her, he was looking at Clarkson.

"What, what is the matter?" Why are you two looking at each other like that? What is it? Is there something wrong?"

"No Edith, nothing is wrong," Clarkson said as he continued to move the wand over her stomach and watched the screen. "Anthony, did you hear the same thing I did?"

"Yes, I think I did," he said as he turned and smiled at Edith.

"Well are either one of you going to tell me what you heard or think you heard? My crystal ball is home in the hall closet," she said somewhat agitated.

Anthony moved closer to her and brought her hand to his chest.

"You and Anthony are going to have twins as far as I can determine. It is still a little soon, but all the indications are there. Your elevated blood pressure, your weight gain, your expanded waist, and your blood test. What we heard were two distinctive heart beats," he said smiling at Edith.

"Twins, but there is only one baby on the screen," Edith said as she squinted her eyes to get a better look at the image in front of her. " Where is the other one?"

"Twins often nestle like spoons. Hopefully as you progress, we will be able to see the other one as well," Clarkson said as he continued to look at the image.

"Can you tell what sex it is?" Edith asked calmly.

"The baby you see now is a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .boy" he said as he continued his examination. We don't know what the other one is yet and depending on it's position in your womb, may not know until it is born.

"You can actually see its, its, private little part," Edith asked, now fascinated with her baby son.

"If you mean his penis, yes. Here it is," Clarkson said as he pointed to a very small microscopic appendage.

"How can you tell? I can't see anything,"

"Edith, I've been doing this for a very long time. What you see as hills and valleys, I see as a developing human being,"

Edith started to laugh as she squeezed Anthony's hand. "May we have a picture?"

"Absolutely?" and soon Anthony and Edith were holding the first picture of their son.

Sitting up on the edge of the exam table, Edith asked the questions that she had brought along. But now there were new ones as well. Yes, her weight gain was normal considering that now she was carrying twins. Yes, she would start to show more each week. Yes, high blood pressure was a concern, but Anthony would monitor her at home. Yes, she could call and talk to Clarkson any time she felt she needed to.

Her biggest question was whether she would be able to deliver the babies normally. On this point Clarkson was serious. He told her that each baby had to be in the right position in order to be born vaginally. He explained that many times the first baby comes out fine, but often the second baby because of being crowded in the womb, hasn't turned, or is in some distress. and that is when the decision is made to perform a Cesarean . Either way these two babies would be O.K. and he didn't want Edith worrying about this throughout her pregnancy. He explained that it was imperative that she walk daily, eat healthy and not get anxious or overwrought.

Their exam over, Anthony left with Clarkson while Edith got dressed. She looked at herself in the full length mirror and slowly rubbed her hands over her small baby bump. She was going to be the mother of twins. She and Anthony had made love the old fashioned way, no hormones, no nothing and they produced twins. She shook her head as she pulled on her trousers and squeezed into them again. She would ask Anthony if they could get take out and go home and relax together. She knew that that meant looking at this picture over and over again. She would also circle that small appendage in case anyone would question this baby's sex.


The next few weeks leading up to her next exam was full of changes. She completely lost her shape and her breasts and back ached like nothing she had ever experienced before. She ordered seven lounge caftan-like garments, one for each day of the week because none of her clothes fit. She started wearing brief panties instead of the bikini ones she favored because the bikini ones didn't fit either. It seemed that every two weeks she seemed to need new under ware. Her feet began to swell, especially after taking her daily walk. Anthony insisted that someone walk with her so either Elsie, Charles or Thomas took over the task. Her hands swelled so badly that she couldn't wear her wedding rings anymore.

At her fifth month check-up she and Anthony could see their other baby. On the screen it looked like a shadow of baby one, but Clarkson pointed out a small arm that was resting on the first one's shoulder. The sex was still unknown but Clarkson was pleased with her progress except for the high blood pressure. Edith was suspicious when she left the exam room and couldn't find Anthony. When she went into Clarkson's office and saw the two of them huddled looking at her chart, panic began to well up inside of her.

"What's the matter? Why are you looking at my chart and whispering like that," she stated with panic in her voice.

"Darling, calm down. There is nothing to get agitated about. We are just looking at the results of your tests, that's all," Anthony said as he eased her down into the office chair. "Everything is moving exactly as it should," Clarkson interjected. "We have some concerns but they are nothing to worry about. "

"What concerns? Please, I need to know"

"Edith, with a multiple pregnancy there are things that we monitor very closely. One is Preclampsia. High blood pressure can be a cause along with protein in your urine. Right now there is nothing in your urine and that is why we are monitoring your blood pressure. The other thing we want to monitor is called Gestational Diabetes. Right now you don't have any signs, but again we will be monitoring you closely. Your health is of the upmost importance and delivering two healthy babies our goal. Please don't fret over everything you see and hear. Anthony will be checking you daily for any changes," Clarkson said as he squeezed her arm.

Edith slowly learned to relax. The nursery was finished and being stocked with everything under the sun she could find that twins would need. Anthony often found her in there napping in the big gliding rocker holding a bundle of diapers wrapped in a blanket. She told him that she was practicing for the real thing. He was also careful not to give her any hint of worry or anxiety on his part.

Guilt on the other hand soon became Edith's constant companion. She and Anthony had shared a much too short love life. She knew that with a single pregnancy, love making was possible for as long as it was comfortable, usually up through the eighth month. With a multiple pregnancy like hers, it didn't exist. Any sexual desire she had was overridden by her pregnancy hormones. She had almost forgotton how wonderful it was to be with him, naked in bed, and loving each other until they fell asleep from total exhaustion. Would they ever be that way again? She loved him so much. Not being able to meet his physical needs tore her apart. But he was so loving with her. He seemed to love spreading lotion on her large belly and holding her and talking about their two little ones who were growing so fast within. She prayed nightly for a safe delivery and that she and Anthony would get back to the way they were nine months before.


However, at thirty-two weeks, Clarkson after talking with Anthony, informed Edith that because of her high blood pressure it was necessary for her to be completely off her feet for the remainder of her pregnancy. And in order for him to monitor her that meant being in the hospital, under constant medical care. She cried and clung to Anthony telling him how sorry she was and babbled on about not being able to do anything right not even carry her babies without medical help. Anthony on the other hand assured her that he would have a hospital bed in her room and would stay with her each night. And so their vigil began.

Being confined to a hospital bed and hooked up to monitors was not something Edith enjoyed. She talked on the phone daily and texted Thomas constantly. Lizzie and Michael Gregson visited her regularly and he assured her that her Whispers column would be hers for as long as she wanted. Of course her family was there, her father bouncing in at least twice a day. Harriet Saunders was her day nurse and Edith called her "Nurse Ratchett" behind her back. She kept Edith on the straight and narrow making sure that she used her little wheelchair to go to the bathroom and that she sat in it when taking a shower and whenever she was out of bed. She was told in no uncertain terms that she was not under any circumstances to put weight on her feet.

One afternoon after being put back in bed after a round of tests and another ultra-sound, Clarkson followed by Anthony came into her room. Both were smiling like she had never seen them do before. Usually when they were together they had their doctor faces on, but not now.

"Do you want to tell her Anthony or do you want me to do it?" Clarkson laughed.

"You're the doctor, you do it," Anthony said as he winked at Edith.

"O.K. I'll bite, tell me what?" she sighed

"Well Edith, it seems that you and Anthony are going to have twin boys. We got a great picture this morning. Both of them smiling for the camera."

"Two boys! Oh Anthony, boys."

The look on her face brought joy to Anthony's heart. The last few weeks had been hard for both of them but now all of that seemed to fade away in the glow of this exciting news.

"Oh, there's one more thing," Clarkson said sitting down on the bed.

"Well or course there is," she shot back.

"You are at 34 weeks. The babies are outgrowing your womb. They can't get any bigger in here," he said as he patted her belly. I want to deliever you today. I know that you wanted a vaginal delivery, but with your high blood pressure I don't want to put your body through the stress of a prolonged labor. The babies are at a good birth weight, probably about five to six pounds each. Anthony will be with you through it all and by tonight the two of you will be holding your sons. So, what do you say?"

While Clarkson had been talking, Edith and Anthony kept watching each other. For the first time in 34 weeks she saw happiness not worry on his face. They had been through so much, and now they would be crossing the finish line, they would finally hold their children, almost eleven months after meeting. Who would have known, she thought.


Three hours later, the room was quiet. Edith was propped up holding baby #1 and Anthony was sitting next to her holding baby #2. Both had been fed formula while Edith waited for her milk to come in. All babies are beautiful to their parents and these two were no exception. Baby #1 had weighed in at 5 lbs. 8 oz., and his brother wasn't far behind at 5lbs. 5 oz. Both were 22 inches long. Neither one had much hair, but what little they had was a sandy color.

"Twenty two inches, that must mean that they are going to be tall like you," Edith smiled as she put her head on Anthony's shoulder.

Anthony smiled and leaned over and kissed her on her forehead. "Thank you darling for giving me such a wonderful happy life. Margaret told me that I would meet an American woman and everything would change for me. Of course I laughed her off, but she was right. You took a lonely man and gave him back his life."

"Oh Anthony, I was floundering when you found me, lonely and sad. You gave me a life, a wonderful life.

"I think it's time to put them down for a while. They will let us know when they are hungry. I checked their nappies, and they are still dry."

"Nappies, I don't think I will ever get used to diapers being called nappies," she smiled as she handed her baby to him and he placed it in the bassinette.

Rolling the two babies next to the bed, he climbed in next to her and held her tight. "We haven't been close like this in a very long time. Seems I remember a big bump between us."

"I know things won't be like they were before, what with the babies, but it is important to me that we make time for each other like this. I love you and need you very much, so very much," she said as she curled up next to him. They both knew that they would be interupted shortly by the nurses bringing in the feedings, but for now the four of them were alone together. Nothing in all the world was better than that.