A little less than seven months later, Katelyn was busy walking the streets of Greede's Merchant's Quarter, saying hello to all of her friends when she felt a pain in her abdomen. She brushed it off and continued walking, not paying much mind, for carrying twins always caused a slight bit of discomfort when they moved or kicked the wrong way with her so heavily pregnant. She started to walk down the stairs to the lower levels of the Merchant Quarter when she felt another small pain that she again brushed off. As she made her way around, she met up with the owner of the exotics shop that she met during her first days in Greede. "Mrs. Tatiana, it's good to see you. How are you today," Katelyn asked, walking over to the woman. As she took in the woman's outfit, Katelyn was once again reminded of the fortune tellers they used to have at the pier when she was younger. "Amazing, my child. Another blessed day. And how are you and the husband?" "Very good. Looking forward to these two being out of me very soon," she said, patting her stomach. Just then, she felt something unusual. Another sharp pain shot through her, this time causing her to double over. "You are in labor, dear," Tatiana said. Katelyn said, "Nonsense, it is probably just false contractions. My water has not broken. They are not due for two more weeks." Tatiana took Katelyn's hand and said, "Let's take the elevator and get you to the manor. We will have you looked at to make sure you aren't. It will make me feel much better." Katelyn nodded and said, "Okay. Let us go." Tatiana yelled towards her husband at the shop, "Take care of the shop while I escort the Countess back to the manor." Her husband gave her a thumbs up and blew her a kiss as the two walked away.
They made it to the elevator in time for Katelyn to feel another contraction. She said, "The pain is coming at a faster rate." As the elevator ascended to the ground level, the two quickly made their way through the train station and to the manor. As they approached the gates of the manor, Katelyn could see Rosa running towards them. "My dear, are you alright? You look like you've taken ill." Katelyn said, "I just need to be assured I'm not in labor. I'm having contractions, but they could be false." Rosa said, "Let's get you to the birthing chambers and I will check you out." Katelyn began to walk when she felt something wet drip down her leg. "Rosa, that won't be necessary. They are coming. Please, find Caesar and bring him to me. I'll go change." Rosa dashed off, announcing to everyone that the Countess was in labor. Katelyn turned towards Tatiana and said, "Thank you for noticing the signs of labor. I must go deliver these two now. I will see you in a few days, I'm sure." Tatiana said, "All the luck to you. Blessed be." Katelyn made her way inside to the birthing chambers to find the family doctor already inside sterilizing her tools. "Are you ready for delivery, Countess Katelyn?" "I am. But first, I need to get out of these wet undergarments. And please, call me by my first name." Katelyn walked behind the partition and stripped from her clothes, grabbing the robe that she had special made for this occasion from the drawer behind her. She wrapped it around her from to protect her modesty and made her way to the bed in the center of the room. She laid near the edge of the bed like she had practiced, propped up on a mountain of pillows, waiting for the doctor to exam her. A few minutes later, the doctor finished sterilizing her tools, washing her hands, and put on fresh gloves. She walked over and said, "Okay. Spread your legs for me so I can take a look at your progress." Katelyn pulled her knees up and spread them, letting the doctor take a look at her. "Wow. How long have the contractions been going on? Almost five centimeters dilated." "Less than hour. Maybe a little more, I think. Have they found Caesar yet?" The doctor took off her gloves, tossed them in the trash, and moved to the door. She opened it to speak to whoever was closest.
After a few minutes, the doctor said, "It's alright, dear. He was in the underground working on repairs. They said that Amir went to fetch him." "Oh no! Not Amir! He is afraid of everything," Katelyn said with a shake of her head. Lena came into the room, followed by Kara. Lena bounced over and asked, "They are coming today?" "They are. How are you both doing?" "Better than you," Kara joked. "It's been over six months since you chose to stay with us and somehow you always know when to make a sarcastic joke," Katelyn said to Kara. "Do you take offense, sister dearest," she asked with a sarcastic tone. "Never. Please, come sit. You are family." Kara sat on the plush couch near the head of the bed and talked to Katelyn for a while. Setti knocked on the door and peeked his head in next. He asked, "Is everyone decent?" "Yes, Setti. You can come in?" Setti came in and asked, "How is my sister doing on this fine day?" "Birthing two children. Thanks for asking. How is yours going?" He laughed and took a seat next to Kara. "Well sister. Your parents are freaking out after hearing the news. Our younger brother is outside pacing the hall, but doesn't want to intrude. And it seems they sent Amir to fetch your husband." "Tell my brother to come say hello before the babies are here. He won't get much of a chance to afterward. And please, can you all send someone else to fetch Caesar. I want him to be here for the delivery." "I'll fetch your brother. Don't worry," Lena said, running out to the hall.
After the wedding, Katelyn's parents and brother moved to Greede. Her brother and Lena met the first day and within the first week had become thick as thieves. She knew that her brother was smitten with the girl who was only a few years younger, but knew he would only be her best friend until they were older. Her brother was a gentleman in that aspect at least. Her brother came in with Lena. "Hey sis. Are you alright," he asked as he walked towards the bed. "Fine and dandy for now. These contractions are a bitch, though." "Okay. Me and Lena are going to wait by the entrance to the manor for Caesar to arrive. I love you and I'll see you later after the twins are here." He quickly left the room with Lena, leaving Kara and Setti. "Those two are so going to get married in the future," Katelyn said. "Hey. You aren't allowed to say that. She is my sister and he is like my little brother too," Kara said with a swish of her hair. "Not by blood, and that's what counts," Katelyn said back. "Alright girls. No fighting on this day. Kara, let's go make sure that we get Caesar here," Setti said taking Kara by the hand and pulling her from the couch. "Please do. And tell him if he misses the twins' birth, he will be sleeping in a separate room for the next three months." Kara laughed and said, "That makes me want to fetch him even less. Let's take our time, Setti." They both left the room, leaving Katelyn with the doctor who was sat in a corner reading a book. She sat down the book and said, "Let's check on your progress now that everyone has left." The doctor examined Katelyn after she spread her legs and said, "You are dilating fairly quick. Just about seven centimeters now. Three more to go." "It's only been about two hours. Caesar needs to be here for the delivery." "It's alright, Mrs. Katelyn. I'm sure that he will be around shortly." The doctor walked towards the window, looking out towards the front of the manor. "You can go back to your book if you would like," Katelyn said. "You don't have to worry so much. I'm just a little overly emotional with the twins coming early." "How about I fetch Rosa for you? I'm sure she is dying to see you." Katelyn nodded, so the doctor left the room to track the older woman down.
A few minutes later, a familiar knock sounded at the door. Katelyn yelled out, "Come in!" Rosa came through the door and said, "I just heard that Caesar is nearing the train station. He is rushing to get here as quickly as possible. How are you doing, dearie?" "I'm terrified to be honest. The contractions are painful and I was worried Caesar wouldn't make it. I'm dilating quickly the doctor said. It's only been a little over two hours and I'm at seven centimeters." "Consider that a blessing. The faster you get through the pain, the better. I told you that I used to be a nurse. There were many women who would be in labor for over a day and would just feel completely defeated by the time it was over." "Gosh, that sounds awful. I wouldn't want that," Katelyn replied. Another contraction hit that made Katelyn hiss in pain. Rosa took her hand and said, "I'm here for you, dearie. I'm sure that in a little over an hour these two," Rosa said, placing her other hand on Katelyn's stomach, "will be out of there and ready to meet the world." Finally, Katelyn heard yelling and the sound of something falling in the hallway. An apology was yelled out as Caesar barreled into the room looking like a sweaty mess. "You are lucky that you got here when you did," Katelyn said. Caesar looked up and said, "I literally just ran for almost three miles to get here. I can assure you that I did my best to get here quickly." "Well, I'm already seven centimeters dilated. They say the labor is progressing quickly. Please, will you take my hand?" Caesar sat down on the opposite side of the bed from Rosa and took Katelyn's hand. The doctor came over and gave a quick greeting to Caesar. She took a look to see if the dilation had changed any and made the comment, "Almost at eight. These two will probably be here within the hour. Are all the preparations finished?" Katelyn pointed to the large bassinet in the corner and said, "Their temporary place for them to sleep after they get here. The miniature bath is ready over there for them to be washed after they are born. I'd say that we are as ready as we can be. You have vaccines to give them after they are born in your office as well, right?" "Yes, ma'am. Everything is ready, then. I will get back to my book and will check on you in about twenty minutes." With that, the doctor took her book and sat back down to read. Caesar said, "So, seeing as we will know the genders in a bit, have we decided on names?" "I don't know. Kara told me not to name the baby after her, so that idea is out. What about Carolina, like my home for a girl? And for a boy, Vincent? Named after your father. If there are two girls, we could name the second one Lily after my grandmother Lillian? I'm not sure about a second name for a boy." "We will wait and see then. I'm sure we can come up with one more name if need be." Caesar kept Katelyn busy talking to keep her distracted from the pain of the contractions that progressively worsened as they became closer in frequency. He let her squeeze his hand to the point it was almost painful as she yelled out curses when they hit.
After another thirty-five minutes, the doctor checked Katelyn again and said, "It's time. Are you ready to get these twins out of you?" Katelyn let out another yell, gripping Caesar's hand tightly and said, "Yes. Please." The doctor said, "The first baby is crowning. When you feel the next contraction, I want you to push as hard as you can." Katelyn nodded, looking towards Caesar and said, "I am never doing this again!" Then, another contraction hit and she yelled as she pushed with all her might. The doctor said, "Almost there. One more push and the first will be out." Katelyn waited until she felt the contraction, then pushed with all her might. She heard crying and let out a sigh of relief. "We have a boy," she said, passing the first baby wrapped in a towel to Rosa. Rosa held the baby and worked to clamp and cut the umbilical cord while Katelyn felt the next wave of contractions hit. She then took the baby to the sink to start washing him. "The second is crowning. Give a push with the next contraction," the doctor said. Katelyn waited and pushed like she had the first time. After two contractions, the second baby came out. "We have a girl," the doctor said. Rosa came and placed the baby boy in Caesar's arms, saying. "Careful with his head." The doctor then handed the second baby to Rosa to wash. The doctor said, "We are almost done. Time for the afterbirth." The doctor pressed on Katelyn's abdomen and said, "I want you to push with the last contractions here as well." Katelyn continued until the placentas were out and then the doctor said, "Alright. Everything looks great. Let's get you cleaned up and get you your babies so that you can practice nursing." After a few minutes of cleaning and getting Katelyn situated comfortably, the doctor handed the baby girl to Katelyn. "So, what are their names?" "She is Carolina Lily Drisdall," Katelyn said, admiring the beautiful baby girl in her arms. Katelyn pulled down the top of the robe and held the baby to her chest. Caesar gave her their baby boy as she said, "He is Vincent Alexander Drisdall." "Beautiful names," the doctor said. "I will record the names and have an announcement made later this evening." The doctor left the room, saying, "Let me get those vaccines to give these two precious babies. I'll be back."
Caesar sat on the bed next to Katelyn and just took in his small family. Even tired and disheveled, Katelyn looked beautiful as she held the twins to her chest. Katelyn turned to Caesar and asked, "Would you hold Carolina for a moment?" Caesar took the small girl from Katelyn and watched as she held Vincent up to one of her breasts, whispering, "Please latch." After a few failed tries, Vincent finally opened his eyes long enough to notice and latched. Katelyn let out a sigh of relief as she watched the baby takes his first drink of her milk. Caesar watched fascinated and asked, "So soon after birth?" "Yes. It's best to start babies right away so that they get to drink the first milk. It's called colostrum. It has antibodies and vitamins in it to help them not get sick. Can you help me with Carolina, now?" Caesar lifted the baby girl and delicately put her on Katelyn's chest. He did the same as Katelyn had with Vincent. Carolina took notice after a second and latched. Katelyn held the babies to her and said, "Good. Everything is perfect. They are perfect. I love them so much already." "I love them both already, too. What was that statement earlier about never doing this again?" Katelyn glared at Caesar and said, "Contractions are painful. Imagine breaking all your major bones in your lower body. That's how bad the pain is." "Ouch. Well, two are good enough for me," he said. "I would punch you right now if I wasn't holding two babies." The doctor knocked on the door and said, "Oh. You got them to latch already. Amazing. I have those vaccines drawn up whenever you are done." "I think they are just about done. Vincent seems to be getting tired." Caesar sat with Katelyn for a few minutes, just watching the twins drink. After a few minutes, Vincent let go and let out a small yawn. Carolina let go and looked up at Katelyn with bright golden eyes. "She has your eyes," Katelyn said. "And Vincent has yours," he said, looking toward Vincent who had his brown eyes open, looking at his mother. "Doctor, I believe they are ready, now," Katelyn said. The doctor came over and took the first of the twins. Caesar took the second and walked with her. Katelyn decided to get up and put on a nightdress with buttons down the front and a pair of underwear. Rosa changed the sheets while Katelyn changed and asked, "Would you like me to invite everyone in to meet the babies?" "Who all is here," Katelyn asked, sitting down on the freshly made bed. "Your parents, brothers, sisters, Leonard, Yulie, Eldore, Sapphire, Queen Cisna, Archduchess Miu, and General Scardigne." "Wow. Everyone got here quickly," Katelyn noted. "They came as soon as they heard. They took a monoship here." Katelyn nodded and said, "Let me get the twins back, then we can invite everyone in." Katelyn covered herself with the sheets of the bedding and laid back, waiting for the doctor to finish up with the babies. After the doctor was finished her examination and giving the babies their first vaccines, Rosa brought the babies back to Katelyn, placing them delicately in her arms. Caesar scooted onto the bed beside her, allowing her to curl up next to him. "Alright. Let them in," Katelyn said, preparing for all her friends and family to come in.
Rosa opened the door and ushered everyone in. Katelyn's mother took one look at the twins and had tears streaming down her face. "Gosh, I can still remember the day my baby was born. She's now a mother herself. She has grown so much," she said to Katelyn's father. Her mother said, "Remember the song that came on right after she was born. You sang it as you held her for the first time." "With arms wide open," her father said. Her parents approached the bed. Her mother asked, "Can I hold them?" Katelyn passed Vincent to her mother and said, "His name is Vincent Alexander." Her mother said, "A strong name. He looks so much like you." Katelyn passed her father Carolina, telling him, "Her name is Carolina Lily." Her father teared up as he held his granddaughter for the first time. Katelyn's father held the baby to his chest and walked to the window. He began to sing softly the same words he sang to Katelyn when she was born, a song that she had grown up hearing him sing, 'With Arms Wide Open' by Creed. Her mother joined him at the window with Vincent in her arms. He moved to hold him as well, singing to them both. Katelyn teared up at the sight of something that she had become so accustomed to in her childhood being passed onto her children. Katelyn's father finished the song and brought the babies back to her, "We are so happy to be grandparents. I really can't wait to show them everything. We are so proud of you baby girl." "Thanks, Dad," Katelyn said, taking the babies. "Who else wants to hold them?" The babies were then passed around for everyone to hold, everyone marveling at the tiny babies wrapped in bundles of blue and pink.
After a while, extra couches were pulled in for everyone to sit and talk. Cisna told everyone about wedding plans for her and Leonard. Yulie told about how she met someone and that things were going well, but they were taking it slow for now. Miu admitted that her and Scardigne were exploring their feelings that they had discovered. Eldore talked about his travels to different remote regions and about the people he met. Katelyn excitedly brought up a potion that she had been working to possibly reverse Eldore's age, telling him about how it was almost ready. Kara, Setti, Sapphire, and Lena were laughing and bantering like siblings, which was something Katelyn had found more normal over the past months. Everyone was happy, which was a big turn from how things had been when Katelyn had first arrived in their world. Everyone's wounds were healed, even some of the deeper ones, and piece by piece they were all finding their happily ever after. After a while, Katelyn said to Caesar, "It's so nice to have found a family so big and crazy." "Agreed," he said, as she placed a head on his shoulder. Her eyes were starting to droop as Caesar took the babies from her and placed them in the giant basinet for the first time. "Alright everyone. It's been a long day. We should probably let Katelyn feed the babies, then get some rest." Everyone agreed and started to leave the room, taking the extra couches with them. Caesar shut the door and asked, "You seem tired. Do you want to feed the babies then turn in early?" Katelyn nodded and mumbled in agreement. Caesar laughed and said, "Alright. I'm unbuttoning your dress. Hold still." Caesar gently undid the buttons at the top, exposing her breasts. He gently picked up Vincent and allowed Katelyn to hold him in her sleepy state while taking Carolina and holding her to her other breast. The babies suckled on Katelyn's breasts as she started to drift off. A few minutes later, the babies started to doze off as well. Caesar shook his head at the sight of the three as they began to fall asleep. "I think everyone is tired. We should let mommy rest," he said, taking the twins and moving them into their bassinet. He rolled the bassinet next to his side of the bed before gently giving both twins a kiss on their head. He sat on the edge of the bed, watching them sleep peacefully in their bassinet for a few minutes, whispering, "Hey you guys. Now that mommy is asleep, I wanted to say, I'm your dad. I'm so glad you are both here. I can't wait to raise you both, to teach you everything, to watch you run through the halls, to teach you all my secret hiding places around the manor. I love you both so much already." He picked up Carolina and held her to his chest, placing a kiss on her head. He placed her down and did the same with Vincent before whispering, "Sleep tight. I love you both." He then turned to Katelyn who was sleeping curled up on the bed beside him. He helped to button up her nightdress and laid beside her, so proud that she had been so strong while giving birth. "Goodnight, my love. Sweet dreams," he said, placing a soft kiss against her lips. He pulled her towards him and hugged her body to his, letting his eyes close as he drifted off to sleep beside her.