"Are you coming up," Nathan asked from the stair door.
"I don't really want to," Nikki said.
"Just come up," Nathan said, "see whats going on."
"It feels mean Nate," Nikki said, "why is Teddy who's due in a week throwing me a shower when she wouldn't let mom and I have one for her."
"Do you want Teddy," Nathan asked.
"Kind of," Nikki said.
"Get changed and I'll send her down," Nathan said.
"Is mom there," Nikki asked.
"She is," Nathan said, "mom two."
"Yes," Nikki replied.
"Change and I'll go," Nathan said.
"I'm going," Nikki said standing up from her couch.
In the living room Nathan whispered to Evelyn ,"she needs you I don't know if she wants to come up. I think its a mom thing."
"I'll go down," Evelyn said.
Evelyn went down the stairs and found Nikki dressed in a cute navy blue dress with white polka dots that fit her perfectly and skimmed over her bump. She felt good in it.
Evelyn took a seat on the bed, "why don't you want to come up darling?"
Nikki kept looking in her closet for the sweater she wanted, "because it's a pity party. Poor Nikki she's all alone."
"No darling," Evelyn said, "this is a celebration."
"He should be here," Nikki said, "for all of this."
"He should," Evelyn agreed.
"Why would Teddy want to do this for me if we couldn't do it for her," Nikki said.
"Because it's her third baby," Evelyn said, "she didn't want one for their son. She wants you to have the celebration and feel special. Teddy and I have talked about this, Nikki, this is your first baby. You should have all the celebration and joy and love. We want you to have this and it will be special for you. Your friends are coming because they love you and your baby. You have so many people coming that love you and want to be here. Your whole grade group and math department from school are coming, your group, your friends from GTEP. and not just the women, baby. The men are coming, people want to show you how loved you are. You go out of your way to make everyone else feel loved and special. Let them do this today for you."
"There's someone else who should be here," Nikki whispered.
"I know," Evelyn said, "I've thought that for all the big things. The morning of his wedding Owen said the same thing."
"She should be here," Nikki said, "she would have loved this both Teddy and I."
"She would have gone nuts," Evelyn agreed, "she knows and is happy for you I know that for sure."
"Teddy," Nikki asked.
"Wants to do this for you," Evelyn said.
"Are you sure," Nikki asked.
"She was really excited to do this for you," Evelyn promised, "you were excited yesterday. Fix your hair and make up and come up. Let us celebrate. We're all excited for this little one."
"Can I wait for them to stop moving," Nikki asked, "they've got their little feet up under my ribs."
"Let me try something," Evelyn said.
"Anything to calm them," Nikki said, "it's constant."
Evelyn put both hands on Nikki's stomach gently rubbing where the baby was, "there we go it's slowing down. It just needed someone calm."
"I'm not calm today," Nikki admitted.
"What do you need to be calm," Evelyn asked.
"I don't know," Nikki said, "I feel alone. I have a few weeks and I'm going to be alone with this tiny person and I don't have a clue what I'm doing. Mom I can't do this. I'm going to let this baby down the same way I let everyone else down. I don't know how to be a parent. I've already failed to give my baby a dad."
"You haven't failed," Evelyn said, "yes Jeff left but that's not you. You would have stayed in an unhealthy relationship for your baby. Sweetheart you are doing what is best for your baby. I did it when you were an infant. The best thing you can do for your baby is to have them in an environment where you are both physically, mentally and emotionally safe. As hard as it is to be on your own at the moment it's a for now. It's not forever baby, you will meet someone who loves you just as you are. You are doing what is best for your baby, they are going to have such a strong mom who will do what is right for them. I think you're actually happier and more content without Jeff. Nikki you have done what is best for this little one from the moment you found out. You've been a good mom the whole time. You will be great."
"Are you sure," Nikki asked.
"I am," Evelyn said, "you and I did it just the two of us for years."
"We did," Nikki said.
"You and this baby have me," Evelyn said, "however you need me."
"Thanks mom," Nikki said hugging her mom.
Owen came down, "squirt you coming up your friends are here."
"Makeup," Nikki replied.
"Go fast then come up," Owen said, "people are excited for you."
"I'm coming," Nikki said.
Owen noticed the tears on Nikki's cheeks, "you okay?"
"Maybe," Nikki admitted.
"You miss her," Owen said.
"A lot," Nikki admitted.
"The day I got married, when both girls were born you had no idea how much I wanted her to be there," Owen said, "it should have been the two of you fighting over holding the girls first."
"She would have pulled the age card," Nikki laughed.
"She would have got Allison first and you would have had Amber first," Owen said, "that would be fair. Why were you crying?"
"I'm not ready to be a mom," Nikki said.
"Neither were we when Allison was born," Owen said, "you'll learn as you go. You'll be great."
"Are you sure," Nikki asked.
"Positive," Owen said hugging her, "now go get ready."
Nikki got ready and went upstairs she smiled seeing the living room decorated for a baby shower in a bumblebee theme.
"Thank you," Nikki said hugging Teddy.
"Okay girls," Evelyn said," I need a picture of the two of you trying to hug again. "
Nikki and Teddy hugged giggling because they could hardly reach with their bumps in their way.
"Nikki," Julie shouted.
"Jules," Nikki said
"What do you think," Julie asked.
"It's adorable," Nikki agreed, "who did all this?"
"Mom, Teddy, Julie and I," Owen said.
"I love it, it's perfect," Nikki smiled.
Soon Nikki's friends and the few relatives in the area arrived to celebrate.
"This is too much," Nikki said seeing all the people.
"We want to celebrate with you," Kendra said.
"So another baby on Tuesday's in May," Bryn said.
"We'll come," Nikki agreed.
Nikki was surprised to see a tall black man standing with some of her coworkers.
"You invited Brett," Nikki whispered to Julie.
"Grade six and math," Julie replied, "I think he likes you."
"He's a friend," Nikki said, "I'm totally not dateable now."
"He's cute," Kendra pointed out, "is he single?"
"He is," Nikki said.
"I'll be back," Kendra smiled.
"She's not," Nikki laughed.
"It's Kendra," Bryn laughed.
"In another world I would try hanging out with him but it's me and baby now," Nikki said.
"Nicole," evelyn's sister said putting her hand on Nikkis shoulder.
"Auntie Dianne you made it," Nikki said.
"I wouldn't miss it," Dianne said, "which man is the father?"
"Jeff isn't here," Nikki said, "I'm sure mom told you."
"Before Christmas." Dianne said.
"Nothings changed," Nikki replied, "my reasons are still reasons."
"Auntie Dianne," Owen interrupted, "do you want tea?"
"Is this a joint thing with your wife," Dianne asked.
"Just for Nikki," Owen said, "Teddy didn't want anything for this one. It's our third."
"When did showers become coed," Dianne asked.
"Nikki's friends are a diverse group," Owen said, "it's the people that matter to her."
After they had opened gifts later that afternoon Owen found Teddy sitting on a bar stool at the island.
"Owen," Teddy whispered, "once this ends and people go I think we're going to the hospital."
"What's going on," Owen whispered leaning his forehead against hers.
"I've had a few contractions," Teddy whispered.
"Are you okay," Owen asked.
"It's early yet," Teddy said, "it's just a few and not strong. But it's the start. We have time."
"Let me know," Owen said, "what do you need?"
Teddy asked, "can you rub my lower back?"
Owen moved to stand behind her, "I can."
"Nikki looks happy but who is the guy that has her laughing," Teddy asked.
"Brett Wilson," Nathan said, "everything okay. Teddy you look stressed."
"Can you stay here with Nikki and the girls tonight,"
Owen asked.
"I will," Nathan agreed.
"That's work Brett," Teddy asked.
"It is," Nathan said, "I got to know him in Kenya. Nice guy closer to our age then hers I think. He's about 10 years older than her."
"She's smiling," Teddy said.
"You okay Teds," Owen asked.
"I'm fine," Teddy said leaning back against him, "don't say anything and ruin this for Nikki."
"When are you off," Brett asked.
"Another month," Nikki said, "the latest I can go is the Thursday before Easter, I'm going to try to get there."
"I'm going to miss you," Brett said.
"It's one quarter," Nikki replied, "I'll come visit once pumpkin is old enough to come for a visit."
"Course work," Brett asked.
"Summer semester is capstone work," Nikki said, "I'll work on it when I can and we have one online class that I'll work on when I can. My posts will get done when they get done."
"If you want to study together I'm happy to," Brett said.
"I'll let you know," Nikki said, "I don't want to commit to anything yet."
"Let me know," Brett said, "I can meet you wherever is easiest for you and your baby."
"Thanks Brett," Nikki smiled, "I will let you know."
"Do," Brett replied, "it'll be weird to teach with out you."
"You'll be fine," Nikki said, "I'm looking forward to being home with Pumpkin. The way it falls with summer I get 5 months with them. Do you have summer plans?"
"I'll go to Nebraska and see my niece and nephews," Brett said.
"I'd miss mine if I moved away from them," Nikki said, "we're all in the same house."
"The same house," Brett asked.
"I'm in the basement suite," Nikki said, "I have been since I was 19. It's my brother's house."
"Here," Brett clarified.
"Down stairs," Nikki replied, "family things are here or my moms. Teddy, my sister in law likes to host."
"Which one is Teddy," Brett asked.
"Over there," Nikki pointed, "on the stoll leaning against Owen."
"Auntie Nikki," Allison said, grabbing Nikki's hand.
"Yes Allison," Nikki asked.
"Can I have a cookie," Allison asked.
"That's a mom question," Nikki said.
"You're standing by the cookies," Allison said.
"I can pass you a cookie," Nikki agreed, passing the girl a cookie.
"What's your name," Allison asked looking at Brett.
"I'm Brett," Brett replied, "it's nice to meet you Allison."
"Mr. Brett how do you know Auntie Nikki," Allison asked.
"We work together," Brett said, "your auntie Nikki teaches next door to me."
"Do you teach math two," Allison asked.
"I do," Brett said, "do you like math?"
"I like when auntie Nikki plays math games," Allison said, "she's good at math games."
"What grade are you in Allison," Brett asked.
"First," Allison said, "when I'm big I can go to auntie Nikki's school."
"That will be exciting," Brett said, "maybe you can be in my class."
"She has to be in your class," Nikki smiled, "we can't teach family."
Brett smiled at Nikki, he really liked her, he had since they started their teacher program and that fall he had been hopeful when he heard she broke up with Jeff. He thought she was gorgeous, it was taking everything he had not to kiss her right there.
"I should go mingle," Nikki said, turning away from Brett. She liked him, she had since Kenya, and he kept flirting with her. She turned away hoping to hide the redness that was creeping into her cheeks, she liked Brett and she wanted to kiss him. She was declining his invitations for walks, coffee or dinner because she didn't trust herself. She needed to focus on her baby.
The rest of the afternoon went well, just before dinner time everyone left and the family cleaned up. Owen and Nathan carried the gifts down stairs for Nikki putting them on her coffee table and in her living room for her to put away when she was ready. Nikki was helping put things away in the kitchen.
"Teddy you're not okay," Nikki said.
"We're going to go to the hospital soon," Teddy said.
"Why didn't you say anything," Evelyn said.
"Owen knew," Teddy replied.
"Are you okay," Nikki asked.
"It's not bad yet," Teddy replied, "it's slowly getting stronger and more frequent. I have time."
"Why didn't you tell us," Nikki asked.
"I wanted you to have your shower," Teddy said.
"Thank you," Nikki said, "you relax I'll take over the dishes."
In the basement Owen turned to Nathan, "I need you to stay here tonight and help Nikki with the girls. Teddy is in labour."
"When is she due," Nathan asked.
"Six days," Owen said, "Allison was early as well."
"I'll stay," Nathan said, "you take Teddy and go upstairs or wherever she wants to relax. I have your kids and dinner."
"We probably won't eat," Owen said, "I might go take Teddy to our room."
Owen walked up stairs and guided Teddy up to their room letting her pace the room and massaging her back when she wanted him to.
"Mom we have this," Nikki said, "Nate and I will give the girls dinner and get them to bed don't worry. You are available for Owen and Teddy."
"I'll go home for a bit," Evelyn said.
"Thank you for doing that mom," Nikki said.
"Did you enjoy it," Evelyn asked.
"I did," Nikki replied.
Evelyn went home leaving Nikki and Nathan to look after the girls.
"Pizza," Nathan suggested.
"Sure," Nikki replied, "the girls like plain pepperoni."
"What do you like," Nathan asked.
"No olives and no mushrooms," Nikki said.
"I can do that," Nathan said.
"Where's mommy," Amber asked.
"She's not feeling good so her and your dad are going to stay upstairs," Nikki said, "go get a game and we can play."
"Candy land," Amber asked.
"Bring it here," Nikki replied, having a seat at the table.
Nikki played candy land with the girls while Nathan ordered pizza and found some veggies to cut up. They played their game and had dinner before taking the girls to play in the backyard.
Upstairs Teddy was sobbing into Owen's shoulder.
"I can't do this," Teddy sobbed.
"I'm going to carry you down and we're going to go," Owen said.
"I was fine until we came upstairs," Teddy said.
"Lets go," Owen said, "I've already texted Addison."
"I want an epidural," Teddy sobbed.
"I'll call ahead and get them to have someone ready," Owen promised.
Owen carried Teddy downstairs and into the truck they had the car seat base in both vehicles he quickly put her bag and the carseat in the back seat. Arriving at the hospital they went straight up to OB.
Hours passed with Teddy sobbing even with pain relief.
"I'm done Owen," Teddy sobbed, "I can't do this."
Owen paged the anesthesiologist who knowing both Owen and Teddy agreed to turn up the flow of medication. Owen sat on the bed beside Teddy stroking her hair and rubbing her back.
At the house Nathan said, "you should think about going to bed."
"I'll wait up to hear," Nikki said, "I like to be awake for the girls."
Seeing Nikki trying to massage her own feet and struggling with her bump in the way Nathan offered, "if were both going to sit here why don't I do that for you?"
"I'm fine Nate," Nikki argued.
"Give me your feet and get comfy it's going to be a long night," Nathan said.
"If I fall asleep wake me up," Nikki said.
"I'll wake you if we hear anything," Nathan agreed. Nikki was already in her pajamas and had switched her contacts to glasses. If she fell asleep Nathan was just going to cover her with a blanket and let her and her baby rest.
With her feet in her brothers lap Nikki admitted, "this is the first time some ones offered."
"Mom," Nathan asked.
"I've begged a couple times and she's done it but I don't like asking," Nikki said, "this is why I've been getting the $15 pedicure the last few weeks so they massage my feet. "
"How are you feeling," Nathan asked.
"Tired and my back and hips are sore but it's what it is," Nikki said, "I've had worse."
"Can I do anything," Nathan offered.
"Just this and listen to my strange hormonal rants and cravings," Nikki said.
"What are you craving," Nathan asked.
"Peanut butter and chocolate chips on a banana," Nikki laughed.
"I'll go get it," Nathan said, "you find a movie."
"It's all on my kitchen counter," Nikki said.
"Going," Nathan said going to grab the snack for Nikki. She stood up and wandered upstairs to check on both sleeping girls. Seeing the door to Owen and Teddy's room open she decided to clean up the mess it was clear that they had been there a while and tried to make Teddy more comfortable. Nikki stripped the sheets and pillow cases off the bed and added them to the laundry basket putting it by the door.
"What are you doing," Nathan asked when he found her.
"Tidying," Nikki replied, "can you take that basket down and put it all in the wash. It's sheets and towels you don't need to sort it."
"Why," Nathan asked.
"Because it's nice to come home to a clean house," Nikki replied.
"I'll start this load but you need to come relax," Nathan said.
"I want to get their room done tonight," Nikki said, "tomorrow I'll do the bathrooms and wash all the floors."
"Stop nesting," Nathan scolded.
"I'm not," Nikki replied, "just helping."
"Finish in here then come watch a movie with me," Nathan said, "I'm making tea. What do you like?"
"Anything caffeine free but not citrusy," Nikki replied.
"Milk, sugar," Nathan asked.
"Milk," Nikki answered.
At the hospital Teddy continued to sob, "this hurts too much there's something wrong. Owen this isn't right."
"I'll call Addison," Owen said.
Addison came in and examined Teddy, "Teddy this is going slowly and it looks like a huge baby. We can give you a bit more medication or I can look at a c-section if you've really had enough."
"Medication," Teddy panted.
"I'll have it turned up as much as we can," Addison said, "I know you know what you're looking for Owen."
"I've got her," Owen said, "nothing you've done is taking the edge off the pain."
Sitting on the couch Nikki said, "I'm calling a sub for tomorrow?"
"Not feeling well," Nathan asked.
"The girls need me," Nikki said, "it's one am. I'm tired and will stay up until we hear from Owen."
"I'll stay up with the girls," Nathan said, "I'll come get you if anything happens. You should go to bed. Squirt go sleep."
"The girls will expect me," Nikki said, "Owen and Teddy told them I would be here."
"And they know you sleep in your room," Nathan said, "go get cozy in your pillow mountain."
"If they make a sound or Owen calls you'll come get me," Nikki asked.
"I will," Nathan promised, "go sleep."
Nikki hauled herself off the couch, her exhaustion evident.
"Good night Nate," Nikki said, giving him a hug.
"Good night squirt," Nathan said, giving her a hug.
Around six am Addison walked into Teddy's hospital room and checked her out.
"Teddy were going to turn the medication down," Addison said, "your at 10. You're ready to have this baby."
"Okay," Teddy nodded, "I'm ready."
"Lets sit up a bit," Owen said, he slipped behind her on the bed so she could lean back against him.
"Owww, owww, owww," Teddy screamed.
"That's it Teddy," Addison said, "give me another one."
"I am never doing this again," Teddy sobbed.
"Just a few more," Addison coached.
Teddy kept pushing and the room filled with a loud wail.
"Here you go mommy a beautiful and big baby boy," Addison said.
"Hello," Teddy said to the little boy in his arms, "hi Daniel Joseph Hunt."
"Hello Daniel," Owen said, "I'm your dad."
After they spent a few minutes cuddling with Daniel, Addison took him to weigh him.
"Nine pounds, exactly," Addison said, "both of you are perfectly healthy."
"Nine pounds," Teddy said, "that's two pounds heavier than either of the girls."
"He's a big boy," Owen said.
"He's perfect," Teddy sighed leaning into Owen.
"He is," Owen agreed, "thank you."
"Thank you for being here," Teddy said letting her head fall on Owen's shoulder.
Owen kissed the top of Teddy's head.
"What time is it," Teddy asked.
"Four am," Owen said.
"He needs to be fed then I want a shower and some sleep," Teddy said.
"I'm going to call mom and Nikki," Owen said.
"You do that I can feed this guy," Teddy said.
Owen stepped into the hall and called Evelyn first.
"Owen," Evelyn yawned, "is everything okay?"
"We have a son," Owen said.
"Name," Evelyn asked.
"Daniel Joseph Hunt," Owen said, "3:30am 9 pounds exactly and 22 inches."
"Thats a huge baby," Evelyn said.
"He's a big baby," Owen agreed, "Teddy is okay but exhausted. She's going to need some help and rest. Everyone is healthy."
"My first grandson," Evelyn smiled, "I'll come in a few hours give you two some time with him."
"Can you get the girls so Nikki can go to school," Owen asked.
"She called in sick," Evelyn replied, "I think she's had enough. I'll come with her to bring the girls."
"She has the van keys," Owen said.
"I'll bring them," Evelyn said, "you go give Teddy and Daniel a hug and kiss for me."
"I will," Owen replied, "maybe come this afternoon let Teddy rest that was way harder on her than either of the girls."
"Two pounds heavier it would be," Evelyn said, "we'll come by once Allison is out of school for the day."
"Thank's mom," Owen replied.
They hung up and Owen called Nikki.
"Hello," Nathan answered.
"Riggs why do you have Nikki's phone," Owen asked.
"She left it on the coffee table a couple hours ago when she went to bed," Nathan said, "I'll take it to her. How are Teddy and the baby?"
"Good," Owen said, "excellent."
Nathan walked down stairs and shook Nikki's shoulder to wake her up.
"Owen," Nikki said putting her phone on speaker beside her, "how's Teddy? How's the baby?"
"Great," Owen said.
"Name," Nikki asked, "how big?"
"Daniel Joseph Hunt," Owen replied, "9 pounds exactly 22 inches. 3:30 this morning."
"Pictures," Nikki asked.
"I'll send you some," Owen agreed.
"I'll bring the girls up after breakfast I wasn't sure how late you would need me so I called in a sub," Nikki replied.
"Bring them after Allison is out of school," Owen said, "Teddy is completely exhausted like can barely keep her eyes open I want her to rest and we need time with our son."
"I will," Nikki replied, "congratulations Owen. Hug Teddy and Daniel for me."
"I will," Owen said, "thanks for taking care of the girls."
"Any time," Nikki replied, "go give your wife and son a hug for me."
"I'm going," Owen said.
"Hunt," Nathan called, 'congratulations mate."
"Thanks Riggs," Owen said, "thank you for helping Nikki with the girls."
Owen said goodbye and hung up before going back into the room.
"They'll come afterschool," Owen told Teddy.
She nodded and smiled at Daniel in her arms. Their son, they had a son. He had been by far her hardest from the moment they found out. He had been demanding on her physically from the moment the two lines showed on the test until he was delivered. He was now calmly nursing his fists clenched against her and his eyes closed.
"How's he doing," Owen asked.
"Good," Teddy smiled, "we're good."