(Back to Mary's POV)
As the months passed, the fear I had when I found out I was with child slowly evaporated. Much of that had to do with William, who's nurturing and supportive attitude assured me each day that everything would turn out all right, regardless of who the father of my child was.
Seven months had passed; I was one week away from my due date. It was only half past seven in the evening but I was too exhausted to stay awake so I went to bed right after supper. But sleep would not come.
William came in around half past nine.
"How are you feeling?"
"Exhausted, but I cannot sleep because of discomfort."
William smiled, lying down next to me.
"Your discomfort won't last much longer, my love." He said, placing a hand on my swollen belly.
I smiled, kissing him tenderly on the cheek and said, "Thank you for all that you have done for me."
Eventually I went to sleep, only to wake around midnight; something didn't feel right. However, after a few minutes the feeling began to dissolve, and I was just about to go back to sleep when I felt water running down my leg.
"William!" I said urgently. "Wake up!"
"What? What's going on?" Said William sleepily.
"William I'm.."
But William got the hint before I could finish and was out of bed in a flash. He quickly changed into breeches and a shirt and pulled on his boots.
"I'm getting the captain."
As quickly as he left William returned with Bordon, who still looked very tired and I if he didn't fully comprehend the situation.
"Bordon, stay with her; I'm getting Dr. O'Brien."
"Yes Sir."
Not long after William left, I began having contractions, which came in strong, painful waves.
After about twenty minutes, William returned with Dr. O'Brien.
"How is she doing?" Asked the doctor.
"Well, the contractions are causing her pain." Replied the captain, who was now looking more awake and alert.
The doctor nodded quickly.
"Thank you." He said. "I apologize, but it's standard procedure; I have to ask you two to please leave the room."
William nodded and replied, "As you wish."
He then walked over and kissed my forehead.
"Everything will be all right my love. I'm just outside if you need me." He said caressing the side of my face. "Come Bordon."
(William's POV)
I paced outside my door for several hours, Mary's agonised cries from inside torturing my mind.
"Relax Lady Tavington, you're doing just fine." Came the doctor's voice through the door.
Another three hours passed; I was still pacing.
"Colonel, you're sweating; relax, everything will be all right." Said Bordon who was standing next to the door.
"Damn it Bordon.."
Just then Dr. O'Brien came out of the room.
"I need to tell you something."
"Please Excuse me." Said Bordon politely, and he walked back to his quarters.
"Colonel, we have problems. The child is turned the wrong way and your wife will not stop bleeding."
My eyes went wide; I felt numb all over.
"May I see her?"
Dr. O'Brien nodded and ushered me inside.
Mary laid on the bed, sweating and pale, a look of pain upon her face. I took a seat in a chair next to her.
"William," She said weakly; "it hurts."
"I know. I'm here." I said, gently brushing a sweat dampened lock of hair from her face.
Suddenly, Mary let out an agonised cry and tears began streaming down her cheeks.
"I…can't.. do this!"
An hour passed. The blood flow did not stop and by this time Mary had lost a dangerous amount. I could tell her vision was starting to waver because her eyes were beginning to look glassy; her breathing was laboured.
"William….." Said Mary faintly.
"Shh." I said softly, kissing her forehead.
"Colonel, the child is stuck; I'm going to have to pull it out now or your wife will eventually bleed to death." Said Dr. O'Brien, looking rather pale and worn himself.
I went pale but managed to reply, "Do what you must."
I took Mary's hand and whispered, "Everything will be all right."
The next few minutes as the doctor tried to pull the baby out were hell. Mary screamed in pain and I myself could barely take what was going on. But the tension and pain were all instantly diffused by the sound of crying.
I looked over at Dr. O'Brien who smiled and said, "You have a son."
Dr. O'Brien carried the child over to Mary and I and placed him in my arms.
I stared in excitement and awe at him; he was definitely my son, for he looked just like me.
"I would have to say he is yours, for who can mistake such piercing icy blue eyes?" Said the doctor.
I smiled, placing my son in Mary's arms. She gave me a tired smile and said, "He's beautiful."
I kissed her tenderly and said, "Anything that comes from you is beautiful."
"Have you figured out what you're going to name him?" Asked Dr. O'Brien.
I glanced at Mary.
"Well Mary, didn't you say about a week ago that you had a boy's name picked out?"
"Yes." She replied. "How about Braden; Braden William Aric London Adair?"
I thought a moment.
"Hmm. That's a good strong name. Yes, Braden William Aric London Adair Tavington it shall be."