Chapter Fourteen
Labor of Love
Part One
They were nearing the tree house when both heard anguished cries and glanced shockingly at each other before sprinting toward their home. They bounded onto the elevator as another screech stung their ears. Upon reaching the top, Roxton threw his hunting gear to the floor and raced to Marguerite's side. Her sweaty face was beat red from the strain and tears ran freely down her cheeks. Her hair was tussled and her fingers white as they gripped onto Malone's hands who was sitting behind her supporting her back.
He touched Malone's shoulder. "Thank you, Ned, but I'll take it from here." He slid behind Marguerite positioning her between his legs and allowing her back to rest against his chest. He offered his hands, which she gladly took and squeezed as she bared down once more. He kissed the top of her damp head before peering up at Veronica who was at the other end. "How is she doing?"
"I can answer for myself," snapped Marguerite. "I'm not an invalid! I am giving birth, damn it!" She howled as the baby pushed on her. "God damn you, Lord John Roxton! Why the bloody hell did you do this to me! I hate you, you son-of-a-bitch!"
Challenger stepped forward. "Don't loose your temper, John. She's just ranting and raving because of the pain." He pressed a wet cloth to the woman's face. "How are you, Marguerite? Would you like me to get a pain remedy for you?"
"YES!"
"Alright, but I can't administer it until after the baby is born. So, be real strong and give a few more powerful pushes." He joined Veronica and peered between the mother's legs. "I don't see the child's head, yet." He washed his hands in one of the buckets before placing a couple fingers inside her. "I feel the baby, Marguerite. He or she is right there. Give me a strong push when I say." He turned to Malone. "Get me a blanket to wrap the child in. And I'll need a pair of scissors to cut the cord." He looked back at Marguerite. "PUSH!"
Gritting her teeth, she pushed until her veins popped from around her eyes. She collapsed back against Roxton, sobbing. "I…I can't do this anymore. I can't…push our baby out."
"Yes you can," he soothed, placing soft kisses everywhere he could reach. "You're doing just great, Marguerite. You can do this."
"Oh yeah, why don't you try it! You push this watermelon out of a pea hole!" She sighed, exhaustion making her whisper. "I can't, John. I just can't do it. It's too much. I'm so…tired…and…weak. I've been at this for two hours now."
Two hours, the hunter thought disdainfully. She's been doing this two hours and I wasn't here to help her? Feeling guilty, he wrapped his arms around her and nestled his nose in her hair. "I'm sorry, darling, but you have to keep pushing. This baby can't just stay there. He or she needs to come out."
"I know," she murmured. "Ok, George, I'm ready."
"Then, push, Marguerite," he commanded gently.
She bore down again…and again…until finally Challenger exclaimed, "The head is out! One or two more great pushes and you'll have your baby!"
She screamed in agony and a few moments later the sound of a baby's cry filled the room. Challenger placed the infant into the towel that Malone had given Veronica. Veronica gently placed the squalling newborn on Marguerite's stomach as Challenger cut the chord. "You have a beautiful baby boy, Marguerite."
Marguerite felt another strain and stared in horror at Challenger. "George, what's happening?"
He chuckled softly. "It's ok, Marguerite. You're delivering the placenta. It'll hurt, but not nearly as much as giving birth." He gestured for Veronica to take the baby and clean him, which she did. "Just let it happen, Marguerite; you may have to push a couple times."
She nodded and began lightly pushing, but it wasn't working. Finally, she braced herself and pushed wholeheartedly, then gasped and cried out, "You're wrong, George! I think…I think…there's another one!"
Part Two
It was the middle of the night; Marguerite was fast asleep, worn out from labor. Roxton held William Malone George Roxton in his arms and gazed adoringly at his son. Who could imagine that such a tiny person would grow to be a full-grown adult? He stroked the baby's cheek with his thumb. "Hey, little fellow, welcome to the world." He slowly strolled over to the crib that the three men of the tree house had built months ago, placing the slumbering infant inside next to his sister, Lillian Veronica Roxton. "Sleep well my little angels."
End Chapter Fourteen
FINALLY! Ok, now the twisted stuff begins. HA-HA-HA!!!