*** thank you all for reading and following this story! we've had so much fun on this journey. as a heads up, we only have a couple more chapters left in this story. on the bright side, we may have another story up our sleeves coming soon! - the michimontgirls (Kksaunt1 & Km802) ***
Two weeks later, Rosie sat in their new glider rocking chair in the nursery. She was doing her best to relax as she watched Lee put the finishing touches on their daughter's room. It was really coming together.
After much discussion, they had decided on a daisy flower theme in white, grey and pink. Above the white finished crib was a mobile of little daisy flowers. The crib was in place, as well as the changing table, dresses and hamper. Lee was folding the last of the laundry and putting it away. He sat back against the wall when he'd finished and smiled.
"What do you think, Rosie? You think our baby girl will like her room?"
"It all looks fine, Lee." There was a sadness in her voice.
"Fine?" He looked at his wife with concern. "What's going on, Rosie? You look all bummed out."
"I know. I'm just moody. I want to have this baby!"
"You're due date is coming up. Everything is going as it should. We just need to be patient."
"Easy for you to say. You don't look like a blimp."
"Rosie…"
"Fine, I don't look like a blimp. But have you seen Elizabeth? She looks like she could give birth any day now! It's not fair! I got pregnant first!"
Lee tried not to laugh, but it was impossible. "Every woman is different, besides, Elizabeth has two babies in there, that alone means she might deliver early."
"She's huge!"
"I think she looks pretty good for twins too."
"Oh, and I don't look good for having one? Is that what you are saying, Lee Coulter?"
"I… wait… what? How am I in trouble now?"
"You just are!" Rosie tried to make a dramatic exit but couldn't even get out of the chair. "Enough! Come out, baby! Please! I can't take this anymore!"
"Okay, okay, let's take a moment here." Lee walked over and helped Rosie from the chair.
"Where are we going?" she asked as she was led out of the nursery.
"To our room." Lee laid down on their bed and encouraged her to join him. With his arms wrapped around her, he could finally feel her start to relax. "Better?"
"Hmmm, yes."
"Good. Everything is happening as it should. Trust that, babe."
"I'm trying. I just can't help but want to meet this little one."
"I feel the same way. Maybe we should work on our names list some more."
"I thought we wanted to wait till we see her face to decide on a name?"
"We talked about that but I wonder if coming up with ideas will help us feel closer to her."
"Alright. I like Cosette."
"Is that from the depressing French musical you made me watch?"
"Maybe… Oh fine. How about Georgia?"
"That could work. What about Gibby?"
"Gibby? Lee, are you trying to relax me, or give me a stroke?
"Okay fine. I have one I really like but I'm afraid you'll shoot it down."
"I'll do my best to be good. As long as it's not like Gibby. Where did you even come up with that?"
"It was my grandmothers name, remember?"
"Oh dear, this is awkward now." Lee laughed. "Okay, let's just forget I did that. Now tell me the other name you like."
"Okay, I was thinking Noelle."
"Noelle…." Rosie smiled. A real smile. "Lee, I think that's it."
"What?"
"Noelle. Our daughter's name is Noelle. I just know it."
"Noelle Coulter. Perfect."
"Thank you, Lee. I feel like I know her more now."
"I'm glad." He kissed her cheek and they both drifted off for a nice afternoon nap.
…..
In the city Tom, Jack, Thomas and William stood in the Bahdeebahdu gallery where the wedding would be taking place the very next day. The Bahdeebahdu contemporary art and design that focused on unique interiors and sculptures was perfect for small but stylish weddings, which was exactly what Julie was going for. Tom's boss was able to pull a few strings to get them the space at a good deal, not that it mattered. William insisted on covering the whole thing.
"So," Tom gestured around the room where the ceremony would be held. "What do you think?"
"I think this place suits you," William smiled.
"Great! Now all I need is my bride to be." Julie, and her sisters and mother were spending the day at a spa. Even Charlotte went along.
"I can't believe those women convinced my Char to go to that spa place. I can't wait to hear what she thought of it all."
"You and me both, Dad!" Jack said with a laugh. Hunter was spending the afternoon with his cousins. Viola's husband would be bringing them all to the rehearsal in just a bit.
A photographer friend of Tom's came and Tom began showing him around the venue so he could test the lighting and get a better feel for what Tom was looking for. Being a professional award winning photographer, it was hard for Tom to relinquish control on his and Julie's big day. He trusted his friend and that helped significantly.
While Tom and the photographer wandered, Jack stayed with his father and father-in-law in the room where the reception would be held.
"What do you make of that?" Jack's father asked as he pointed up to the stylish chandelier. "It looks like someone glued their recycling together, spray painted it gold and said, "Look, I made art.""
Jack laughed, "There's more to it than that, Dad. I assure you."
"Well, you could have fooled me."
"I'm with Thomas here. Half of what's in this place baffles me. I hear this is one of the top Philadelphia wedding venues though and that the artists here are world class."
"You're pulling my leg!" Jack's dad laughed.
"Dad, come on now. Try to keep an open mind for Tom."
"For Tommy and Julie I have nothing but joy, son. Don't you worry."
"Great, then how about we put a hold on the venue criticism till after the happy couple are on their honeymoon?"
"Agreed," both fathers said in unison.
"Hey!" Tom ran over. "We're all set. Julie just texted that they'll be here soon."
"And the minister?"
"He's running a few minutes late but he's coming." Tom rubbed his hands together like a little boy. "It's gonna happen! We're getting married!"
William stepped forward and slapped Tom on the back. "You two are lucky. Like your siblings, you've found a perfect match."
"I promise I'll take care of her, sir."
"I trust you, Tom.
From the other room the men heard the sound of multiple feet coming towards them accompanied by lots of laughter.
"That must be the ladies," Jack chuckled.
Sure enough Elizabeth, Julie, Viola and the moms all came into the room together.
"We made it!" Julie sang.
Elizabeth waddled over towards Jack's waiting arms.
"How was it?" he whispered, kissing her lips softly.
"Nice and relaxing. Did you know there's such a thing as a pregnancy massage?"
"No, I had no idea."
"Well there is and its magical. I bought a gift card for Rosie to get one."
"Nice. She'll really appreciate that." Jack looked over at his parents. His dad was laughing hard as he wrapped his arm around Charlotte who was trying to explain something to him. "How'd my mom do?"
Elizabeth giggled. "She's a trooper. Though she told the woman at the spa that guacamole belonged in a bowl, and not her on face."
Now Jack laughed. "She also felt like she was cheating on your dad by getting a massage by the young man who was there so she and my mom switched. My mom didn't care."
"Young man, huh? Who'd you have?"
Elizabeth smiled. She liked Jack's little twinge of jealousy. "I had a nice woman from Hungary named Reka."
"Are you just saying that to make me happy?"
"Does it matter?" she teased.
"I guess not."
The pastor as well as Viola's husband, children and Hunter arrived a few minutes later. When asked how his day was, Hunter said he enjoyed his time with his cousins, but after spending the day with twin girls, he was now rooting for at least one of his twin siblings to be a boy.
"I just don't know if I can take that much talking and giggling every day of my life," he'd said.
After the rehearsal, there was much discussion how to get everyone from the venue to the restaurant for the rehearsal dinner. It was being held in the event room of an upper class pub in the old, classic part of the city.
Jack noticed Elizabeth sitting over to the side, her head leaning against the back of the chair.
"Love, you okay?"
"Just tired. The last few days I just feel different."
"How different?"
"I don't know. I've never done this before. Let's just say I wouldn't be surprised if these two arrive earlier than expected."
Jack kneeled in front of her and placed both hands on her bump. Looking deep into her eyes and said with confidence, "We're ready. We can do this."
"I know." She smiled. "I love you, Jack Thornton."
"I love you, Elizabeth Thornton."
On the other side of the room, Julie and Tom watched their siblings sharing a meaningful moment.
"I want what they have," Julie whispered.
"We'll have our own version of it. I promise." He kissed her deeply, ignoring the fact that the room was full of their family members.
"I can't wait," Julie grinned. "Our life is going to be wonderful."
….
Less than 24 hours later, in front of God and their friends and family, Tom and Julie promised to love, honor, and cherish one another till death do they part. It was a beautiful wedding. Hunter and his cousins did a wonderful job with the rings and flowers, walking down the aisle together with smiles.
As the pastor gave a brief message about the sanctity of marriage, Jack glanced from his position as best man to gaze at his wife. Even 8 months pregnant she was beyond beautiful. Days like this, he felt the need to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. In a few short years, his life had gone from devastating, to amazing.
When their eyes met, Jack noticed Elizabeth discreetly biting her bottom lip. Something was going on. He watched closer. Her breathing was regular and even, as if she was paying extra attention to it.
She looked up at him, seeing his eyes wide with questions.
"Labor?" he mouthed silently. She shrugged, then winced. Jack felt his whole body tighten. Elizabeth was clearly trying not to upstage her sisters big day. What could he do but honor that?
After the vows the pastor spoke with pride as he said, "Let me be the first to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Thornton!"
With another passionate, excitement filled kiss, Tom and Julie headed back down the aisle, their attendants in toe.
"Are you alright?" Jack whispered as they made their way down.
"I'm fine. I'm not even sure its labor yet."
"No?"
"Well I've been doing my best to time them but they aren't regular. So if nothing else, we have some time." Jack was squeezing her hand tightly. "Love, its okay."
"I know…"
"Great, then can you let go of my hand? You're cutting off my circulation," she teased.
"Oh! Sorry."
The reception was underway with a small band playing off in the corner of the elegant reception hall. Once Elizabeth had a chance to sit down she felt much better. Jack and Hunter went to the five star buffet line together, bringing her back a full plate of food. Lee did the same for Rosie, giving the girls a chance to talk.
"Are you alright? You looked rather serious for a moment " Rosie asked.
"I'm fine. I think my body is getting ready for the babies. That's all."
"How ready?" Rosie whispered, hiding their conversation from Tom and Charlotte.
"Very ready…"
Rosie tried stifling her excitement. "This is crazy! Whatever you need, tell me okay?"
"Got it!"
Once Tom and Julie finished their meal, they began making the rounds from their private sweetheart table.
"Uncle Tom!" Hunter jumped up as they approached. "Awesome wedding. I like that there's ribs."
Tom laughed, "You and me are two peas in a pod, my friend. Thanks for taking care of the rings for us. There's no one I trusted more."
"No problem! I liked being a part of it."
"And you looked very handsome doing it," Julie added.
"Yeah? Hey Mom! Take a picture of me please? Aunt Julie says I look very handsome."
"And why do you want a picture of you looking handsome, may I ask?"
"For Opal! Why else?"
As the newlyweds moved on, Jack noticed Elizabeth calmly hold her belly and check her watch. He couldn't believe his wife was being so calm about this. Then again, she was a police officer, calm while under pressure was her thing.
"Beth, is it happening?"
She put her finger up asking him to wait while she kept time. A moment later she looked at him with a smile. "I think they're getting ready."
"How ready? Should we go? We put the hospital bag in the car right? We can leave from here!" Jacks heart was racing.
"No, I don't think we need to rush. My contractions are regular but not close enough that we need to bolt."
"Are you sure?"
"As sure as I can be for a woman that's never done this before." She laughed, Jack did not. "Relax, love. We've got this right?"
"Right… right…"
"Come on. Let's dance for a bit. It may be our last dance for a while."
Her radiant smile calmed his spirit. "You got it. Hey Pop, will you watch Hunter for us? I'm gonna take my wife for a spin on the dance floor."
"Enjoy yourself. Hunt and I can play a little game." Thomas pulled a deck of cards out of his wife's purse.
Jack and Elizabeth swayed back and forth on the dance floor whispering to one another. Elizabeth was right, this could very well be their last date-like night for quite some time. It would be wrong not to enjoy it while they could.
As the next song began, Jack looked over to the center of the dance floor where Julie and Tom now were. He smiled at the sight.
"You know, I still think its funny."
"What is?" Elizabeth asked.
"My brother, your sister."
"Ah that. I guess our families were destined to be together no matter what."
"I guess so."
Suddenly Jack felt Elizabeth rest her weight on him as they danced.
"Sweetie?"
"Okay, that hurt…"
"I think we should go."
"I don't want to create a scene."
"We won't. We'll just say you need to go lay down for a bit."
She breathed through her pain for a moment. "Few more minutes? I think they're going to cut the cake soon. Then we can leave."
"You promise?"
"Promise!"
Elizabeth stood with her family and Rosie as the cake was cut. Jack was busy tending to business. He asked Lee to take care of Bruce and Snow at the house and talked to his parents about keeping Hunter with them for the night. Charlotte and Tom said they'd come to the hospital and wait it out with Hunter. Jack agreed, knowing Hunter would want to be close by tonight too.
After making their families promise not to spoil the newlywed's evening with their news, Jack and Elizabeth kissed Hunter goodbye and headed for the hospital.
The hospital was only 5 miles away, but with city traffic if took almost 30 minutes.
"Jack, are you breathing?"
"Of course I'm breathing. Are you?"
"Yes, but you seem…"
"I'm fine. Everything's fine." He drummed on the steering wheel like a nervous wreck.
"You know, it's a good thing I'm the cop in the family."
"What do you mean by that?"
She smiled. "Nothing, love." She winced as another contraction hit hard. "Okay, these babies are coming with a vengeance now."
"Come on!" Jack yelled at the car in front of them. "Woman in labor here!"
….
Two hours later, Hunter sat in the waiting room with both of his grandparents. Tom and Charlotte left as soon as Julie and Tom left the reception. William and Grace stayed beyond to settle any last minutes details and change. Everyone changed into the clothes they had worn before the wedding and were much more comfortable that way.
"Why is it taking so long?" Hunter whined.
"These things take time, sweetie," Grace answered. Hunter walked over from where he'd been pacing and sat in his grandmother's lap. "Are you nervous, Hunter?"
"Yeah."
"Shall we pray for Mommy and the babies?"
"Okay."
The family gathered around and each took turns saying a few words. It was a gesture for Hunter, but it appeared to help everyone.
"So tell me, Hunt," Pop Tom began to ask. "What do you think? Boys or girls?"
"Hmmm," he thought deeply. "I don't know. I want at least one brother. But if they're both girls, I guess it will be okay. I still have Dad. We can do boy stuff together."
"That's true."
"If they're girls, I can still teach them about superheroes and stuff like that. But a brother might like that more. Whichever they are, I love them. They're my family."
His sweet innocent words warmed their hearts. Jack and Elizabeth had done a wonderful job with Hunter. Creating an environment where he felt safe, loved and secure. These babies were not a threat to him, they were simply more people to love and be loved by.
….
By the late night hour, Elizabeth had been laboring for several hours. She was make slow but steady progress. Her desire from the start had been to have the babies naturally. That was her goal.
Jack took a damp cloth and wiped the perspiration off her forehead. She was working so hard. It broke his heart with each painful contraction.
"You've got this, babe. You're doing it. You're bringing these babies into the world. I can't tell you how amazing this is."
"Yeah… it's precious…" She grunted through another contraction. Jack couldn't help but smile. She was laser focused. He himself had calmed down considerably once they had been admitted and things began progressing.
"How we doing in here?" The doctor said as she came in to check on Elizabeth's progress.
"We're doing…" Elizabeth said breathing steadily.
The doctor checked her then whispered something to the nurse that was with her. "Okay Elizabeth, you're still at 6 centimeters and the twins are not liking your contractions very much."
"What does that mean?"
"Well each time you contract, the twins heart rate is affected. Twin A also seems to have moved into a position that is very risky for a natural birth."
"What can we do?" Jack asked, placing a protective hand on his wife's belly.
"I'm recommending a C-section."
"A C-section?" Jack said, panic in his voice.
"It's ok, Jack," Elizabeth placed her hand over his. "We knew there was a good chance we'd have to have a C-section."
"You're right." He took a deep breath. "When does she go in?"
"Now."
A nurse came in and gave Jack a pair of scrubs to go over his clothes while another nurse began getting Elizabeth ready to move to the OR.
"Now?!" Jack could feel his chest tighten.
"Don't worry, Mr. Thornton. I have a good team. We'll take care of your family."
"It's going to be okay, love." Elizabeth squeezed his hand.
"I know. You okay?"
"I'm in good hands. I am scared though." Tears formed in her eyes. "Jack, I love them so much."
"I know. So do I." He kissed her forehead. "I love you, Beth. You and our family mean everything to me."
"You and our family mean everything to me too."
Jack smiled lovingly at her as the medical team whizzed by. "We can do this, babe. Let's meet our babies."
She took a deep breath, "Let's do this!"
…..
As the early morning sun rose in the clouds, Jack quietly stepped out to the waiting room. Only Hunter and Charlotte were awake. They were sitting around the little coffee table playing a game of Go Fish.
"Hey bud," he whispered.
"Dad!" Hunter jumped up and ran to his dad's arms. "Why are you in doctor clothes? Is Mom okay? What about the babies? Are they safe?"
"Your Mom is just fine, bud. Ready to meet your siblings?"
He nodded and followed his dad through the double doors.
"Jack?" Charlotte spoke softly. "Boys or girls?"
"Elizabeth wants to tell Hunter first. I'll be right back."
"But everything's okay?"
"Yeah. They had to do a C-section but everyone's fine."
That was all she needed to know. She let her son and grandson go to the rest of their family.
They slowly walked down the hall, Jack kept his hand on Hunter's shoulder.
"Now you should know, Mom's got an IV in her arm, and she can't move a lot right now. But she's okay. They had to cut her belly right here to delivery the babies."
"Ouch… And the babies? They're okay?"
"They're great. Mom wants to be the one to introduce you to them, okay?"
"Okay. Let's do this!"
They reached Elizabeth's room and Jack quietly opened the door. Hunter shyly entered.
"Hi, sweetie." Elizabeth was positioned upright some in her bed, with a baby in each arm. There was a nurse to the side, ready to help the new mama as needed.
"Hi, Mom. How are you feeling?"
"I'm doing great." Hunter walked over to the side of the bed. Jack lifted him up to sit on his lap in front of Elizabeth. "Hunter James, I'd like you to meet your brother, Matthew Thomas; and your sister, Delaney Grace."
Sweet Hunter took in the sight. He sniffed away a few tears. "Hi Matthew. Hi Delaney. I'm your big brother. I love you already."
Jack hugged Hunter. "You're already a great big bro, you know that?"
"They look perfect, Mom."
"Just like you, love."
