Chapter 118
Jack gently, and quickly as possible, walked Elizabeth to the truck. He helped her inside and placed her bag in the back seat. He ran around the front of the truck never taking his eyes off of Elizabeth. He sat behind the wheel and began looking for his keys. He was mumbling something under his breath. Elizabeth reached over and took his forearm and squeezed it enough to get his attention.
"Dimples, you never turned the truck off when you came home. It's still running."
He looked at her confused for a moment and looked at the dash of his truck. He then realized she was correct.
"Oh…I'm sorry." He bashfully said. After a moment, he stated. "I almost forgot…I'll be right back." He stated in a rushed voice.
Elizabeth sat completely confused as she watched her husband run back into the house. He disappeared for a couple of minutes and came running out as quickly as he ran in. "What is he up too?" She whispered under her breath. Then another contraction kick in. She bent forward with her hands on her belly. Her fingers began to tingle as she touched her tummy.
Jack sat down in the truck and saw his wife. He immediately began to rub her lower back and was telling her she was doing great. She shot him a look as the contraction was beginning to lessen.
"I think you need to get me to the hospital. Now!"
He nodded his head and placed the truck in reverse. When he stopped in the road to change gears, he reached over and lightly pinched Elizabeth on the forearm. "Just making sure you're here." He smirked.
As frustrated as she was at the moment from the pain of the contraction, she couldn't keep from smiling at her silly husband. He had the ability to always make her smile. It was one of many reasons why she loved him. She reached out her hand when he extended his hand with open fingers. He intertwined his fingers with hers as they began to drive toward the hospital.
When he took his first turn, he spoke to Siri and asked to call mom. Grace answered the phone.
"Hey mom. I'm taking Elizabeth to the hospital. It's time."
"Are you sure."
"Positive."
"Are her contractions coming regularly and she's not able to speak through them."
"Yes, but that's not it. Her fingers tingle when she touches her belly."
"I'm on my way."
Grace had reserved a private plane to be on standby for when the time would come. John, Adam's son, arranged it with his friend that made the arrangements to take the family to Hamilton during Elizabeth's emergency. It was also Grace's job to call Viola and Julie. This way Jack or Elizabeth had to make too many phone calls.
Next, Jack called his mother. "Ma, I'm on my way to the hospital with Elizabeth."
"Do you have her this time?" Smirked Charlette.
"Funny ma. Yes, I have her. It's time."
"I'll call Tom and let him know. Adam and I will leave now."
"Thanks ma."
Jack called Ms. Florence and Elizabeth spoke to her through blue tooth. She had to let her work know that she was beginning maternity leave. Ms. Florence was so excited that she yelled into the phone.
…
Instead of going out to eat, Tom and Julie decided to take their celebration home. They knew it would take some time for the birth control to leave Julie's system. So, today's afternoon delight was just for fun and celebration at all the hard work Julie has accomplished. They were laying in each other's arms when both of their cell phones buzzed.
"It's mother." Julie exclaimed.
"It's mom." Tom stated.
After listening to their mothers, they both hung up at the same time.
"Let's go. We need to get to the hospital so we can begin to spoil our niece and nephew."
Tom smiled at the thought of holding a baby. The feeling was so foreign to him, but he loved the idea.
…
Jack pulled into the maternity section of the hospital so fast the tires on the truck stretched. Elizabeth felt like she was going to be thrown out of the truck.
"Jack." She stated and waited until she had his attention. "Please calm down. I'm not having the baby at the moment. We're good on time."
Jack had driven so fast to the hospital that she was a little scared. She was never nervous with his driving, but today was really bad. He had blue lights and sirens installed on his truck for police purposes. Elizabeth still believed he did it just for the trip to the hospital.
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine Jack. Now, would you please help me out of the truck. I don't know if I can walk in the hospital. It's time for another contraction." She stated as she looked at her watch.
Jack stepped beside the truck after he opened the door. She accepted his hand. When they turned around, they noticed a nurse walking out with a wheelchair.
"Thank you." They both stated together.
"Now Mrs. Thorton, let's see what's going on." The nurse turned her attention toward Jack. "Mr. Thorton, please check your wife in at the admission table. They will tell you what room we are in."
"Thank you. I'll bring her bag."
"Please hand it to me. We may need to get her changed before you get back to the room."
Jack walked to the admission table and gave them his wife's name and birthday. He smiled at the nice lady as she pulled up Elizabeth's file. When it was done, she told Jack that she is in room fifteen.
Elizabeth looked up when the door opened. She smiled at the older nurse she had three days ago.
"I guess you were right." Smiled Elizabeth.
"I was just lucky. Let's get you changed before the doctor comes. It looks like it is time."
"I believe it is." At that statement, a contraction began. The nurse encouraged Elizabeth through the contraction. She quickly knew Elizabeth wasn't going to be sent home.
Jack knocked on the door and opened it as Elizabeth's contraction was ending. Jack stopped in the doorway once again just like the previous night a couple of days ago. The sight of his wife lying in a hospital bed was just too much for him. Even if this time it was a good thing. The memories haunted him to this day.
"Sweetheart, would you please help the nurse with my bag. We need to get changed." Elizabeth stated hoping to break Jack from his memories.
Jack gave her a smile and nodded.
"Come on Jack. We need to get her ready. Your babies are coming soon."
"Are you sure?" He asked as he began walking toward the bed.
"Oh yes. I would say later tonight or tomorrow at the latest. I think your babies are eager to see you two."
…
"William, Elizabeth is in labor. Jack is taking her to the hospital now. I will be leaving in five minutes."
"Would you bring my suitcase, dear. It's sitting beside yours. I will meet you at the airport."
"That's fine. We don't want to waste too much time. I'm not missing my grandbabies being born or my daughter giving birth."
"I'm walking toward the car now, dear."
…
"Come on, Adam. We need to get going."
"Sweetheart, I'm at the door. Let's go."
"Oh…when did you get there?"
"When you were still looking for you keys. You didn't hear me laugh when you noticed they were in your hand."
"Don't sass me right now, whippersnapper." She stated in her teacher's voice.
"Come on Cougar. We need to get going. We have grandbabies to meet and spoil!"
…
The doctor smiled as she took her rubber gloves off. "You are five centimeters dilated. The babies have decided today or tomorrow will be a great time to meet you two."
"So, I'm not going home?" Questioned Elizabeth.
"Not today dear. You will be staying with us for a couple to three days." The doctor reassured Elziabeth. She turned to Jack. "You need to call your family. You will be introducing them to your babies soon."
Jack's smile continued to grow. "We have already called our families. They are calling the rest of them for us."
"Great. Now, in about an hour, the anesthesiologist will come in and administer the epidural. That will quickly become your best friend. Once that is in place and takes effect, you won't feel pain, just pressure."
"Why not now?"
"Given too early and it may wear off before the delivery. I'm not sure how long labor will be, but I don't think it will be too long. I just saw Elizabeth this past Friday and I can see a difference in the position of the babies. They have dropped even more. It will be somewhat soon. Again, they will decide when to come."
Jack pulled over a chair as close to the bed as he could. The machine that was recording her contractions was right in front of him. He took her hand that she extended.
"Me and you."
"Me and you."
They said at the same time to each other.
Other than the issue just before the ladies weekend away, Jack and Elizabeth were as close as ever and continued to grow closer each day. They determined each day to walk this life together. They didn't always agree on everything, but that didn't matter. They loved each other and their love was greater than anything this world could throw at them. There was times Elizabeth agreed to go with Jack on something she disagreed with and there was times Jack agreed to go with Elizabeth on something he disagreed with. They didn't have to get their way. It was what was best for them as a couple not as individuals.
Jack was trying to calm his wife by rubbing her hand. He was watching the little gauge on the machine in front of him. When it would begin to move upward, her knew her contraction was about to begin.
"Oh Elizabeth. I think this one is going to be a big one. It's climbing fast."
He looked over to see his wife's eyes closed. She was already in pain. She began to squeeze his hand. For such a petite woman, she had the strength of ten men. He grimaced at the pain but didn't say anything.
When the contraction was over, she just stared at her husband. In a voice that was a little curt and with narrowed eyes. "Do you really have to look at that silly contraption and tell me that I'm having a contraction? If you haven't noticed, I can most certainly tell when I am having one."
Jack was a little taken back by her tone and her words. Instead of saying something, he offered her a smile. After a few moments, he asked her. "Would you like some ice chips?"
She nodded her head, and he took the spoon and picked up a few ice chips. She thanked him with a smile. It wasn't long before she had another contraction. They were about twelve minutes apart now. Jack learned fast enough not to say anything about the contractions and the machine. That didn't keep him from looking at it, however. He was interested in it.
Their nurse walked into the room to check on her patient. "How are you doing dear?"
"Better now that my husband isn't telling me that I'm having a contraction." She stated in a deadpan voice. Jack took the hit knowing that Elizabeth was in considerable pain.
The nurse smiled at Elizabeth and then gave Jack a sympathetic look.
"Let me get you some more ice chips dear. Jack, try rubbing her back a little. That usually helps.
"Thank you." Jack stated as he began to gently rub Elizabeth's back as she rolled in bed just a little.
"Thank you, Jack." Elizabeth stated without a smile.
The nurse came back in and handed the cup to Jack. She leaned in a little and whispered. "You're doing great."
Jack weakly nodded at her.
"Jack, I don't think you will ever touch me again." Elizabeth stated after another contraction. Her eyes were closed, and she was breathing heavily.
Jack looked up and right into the nurse's eyes. "It'll be alright." The nurse whispered. "Hang in there. You're doing good."
Jack nodded at the nurse and tried to give her a smile. He continued to rub his wife's hand. He slowly began to rub her forearm with his fingertips.
…
Adam and Charlette arrived at the same time as Tom and Julie. They walked into the maternity section of the hospital at the same time. They slowed their walk as they entered. There were about ten people already waiting in the family waiting area. Charlette recognized a few of the teens from the night at her son's house after the football game. The lady behind the admission desk spoke.
"You must be here for the Thortons?"
"Yes. I'm Jack's mom."
"Great. Jack and Elizabeth have asked that you go back. Jack will come and get you when they are ready for you."
"Thank you."
Charlette and Adam walked toward the group. Everyone said hello. They found their seats and waited along with everyone else.
Adam leaned over to his wife. "Is it normal for them to be here?"
"I don't think so, but I'm not asking them to leave."
"Me either. It's great to see their love for our kids."
…
Grace and William landed and was walking toward the rental car booth. William completed the paperwork while Grace called Charlette to check on her middle daughter.
"I haven't really heard anything. When I first arrived, I was told that you and I are the only ones allowed to go back with her."
"We should be there in a little bit."
"Be careful. I believe the hospital is about thirty minutes from the airport.
…
Grace and William walked into the maternity section to a smiling Charlette and a larger group of individuals then they were expecting. Charlette jumped up and instantly walked to Grace and stepped into Grace's open arms. They hugged like they haven't seen each other in years. William felt like the third wheel. After the hug, everyone that was present walked up to Grace and gave her a hug. Grace kissed all of her boys on the cheek.
"The nurse said that when they are ready for us, Jack will come to get us."
"Well, I guess we wait."
…
The anesthesiologist stood after placing the epidural. "Now, this is going to take a few minutes to kick in. Once it does, you are not going to feel anything. However, the doctor is going to break your water. That will speed things up quite a bit. The pain from the labor will increase due to the water being broken. The epidural will solve your problems once it kicks in. Just be patient."
As he walked out the door, the doctor came in and broke Elizabeht's water. She almost instantly felt the increase of pain the anesthesiologist described. She turned to look at Jack.
"Give me a few minutes until the epidural kicks in before you get our mothers back here."
"Mom just arrived."
"I don't mind if they stay here for a while, but I don't want them in here when it's time."
"I understand. Just remember the code word and I will escort them back to the waiting room."
Jack noticed Elizabeth began to clinch her teeth. She closed her eyes and began to moan. Jack took her hand and began to rub her back a little since she was laying on her side. When the pain began to ease, she turned her head and looked at Jack in his eyes. He noticed something in her eyes that he has never seen before. The tone in her words was something he has never heard before either. The best way he could describe it was that Elizabeth was using her best satanic voice when she spoke.
"Jack…please don't touch me."
Jack could have sworn her head spun around in a complete circle. He instantly removed both of his hands and held them up like he was surrendering. He was completely shocked in that moment. He wanted to say something, but he was too scared to say or do anything. Jack has faced down notorious criminals. He has looked down the barrels of too many guns that he could count. He's faced murderers and drug lords along with every other criminal you could think of. Yet, he has never been so frightened then he was at this moment. The only thing he could think of was to offer her a spoonful of ice chips. Elizabeth simply stared at him without saying a word or taking the ice chips.
They sat silently for ten minutes. Elizabeth was in too much pain to speak, and Jack was too frightened to say anything. He did offer Elizabeth some ice on two other occasions. She took some on the second attempt. Finally, Jack was able to see a little bit of difference in her demeanor.
"Jack, would you please send for mother and mom?"
Jack stepped to the door frame and noticed a nurse. He didn't want to leave his wife, so he asked if the nurse could go for them.
…
Grace and Charlette stepped into the hospital room to a smiling Elizabeth. The epidural was working perfectly. She was holding Jack's hand. He was still a little hesitate to say too much. Jack stepped back so Grace could come to one side of the hospital bed while Charlette stepped to the other side. Each lady took a hand and leaned down to kiss her cheek.
"How are you holding up, dear?"
"I'm fine mother. The epidural finally kicked in. I'm seven centimeters dilated. They expect me to give birth tonight or early morning."
Grace started to cry. "I can't believe my baby is having her babies."
When Grace began to cry, Elizabeth and Charlette quickly followed. "The doctors are happy with the progression so far. They broke her water when they gave her the epidural. Things got a little intense there for a few minutes." Jack hesitantly chuckled.
"Jack." Elizabeth began while reaching for his hand. "I am so sorry about earlier."
"It's ok. Remember our deal? I won't hold anything against you until the epidural kicks in."
All three ladies laughed.
"I'm still sorry. And yes, at some point I will want you to touch me again." Elizabeth's face turned a little red.
Jack squeezed her hand lightly and then he leaned down to kiss his wife's hand. "I promise, we are good. I love you. You are doing so great. I am proud of you."
Before Elizabeth was able to respond, there was a knock on the door. The nurse stepped in.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but Jack…I need to speak to you. You need to step into the waiting room and see the crowd."
"The crowd?" Asked Elizabeth and Jack.
"When I came in, there was about fifteen people or so."
"Fifteen people?" Asked Elizabeth.
"Oh, it's grown since then."
"It hasn't been that long."
"Yes." The nurse replied. "I would say the crowd has greatly grown."
"Go Jack. See who is here and then quickly come back to me."
Jack hesitated until he saw Elizabeth nod toward the door. "I promise."
…
Jack walked into the waiting room to a very large group of people. His and Elizabeth's twelve football boys were there. They were sitting in front on the floor. Along with them, there were other football players and several of the cheerleaders were present too. Everyone that would come over after the football game was present. Then Tom and Julie, along with James and Viola were present. Frank and Abagail were there along with Henry and Emily. He noticed Adam and William.
Jack was taken back by the number of people. His best guess would be around forty to forty five people. Adam walked up to him. "How is Elizabeth? Is she doing ok?"
"Yeah. She's good now since she has had the epidural. The doctor is guessing sometime tonight or early morning."
The football players starting cheering. They were excited.
…
Grace and Charlette sat on either side of Elizabeth's bed. Each took a hand and gently rubbed the back of her hand.
"How are you doing dear?"
Elizabeth smiled at her mom and mother. "I'm doing well now mother. When they broke my water and gave me the epidural, the labor was pretty painful. However, the epidural has kicked in."
"Oh, yes. That's a life saver."
Elizabeth told them about after the epidural when she yelled at Jack for touching her. Both moms couldn't keep from laughing. They remember that pain all too well.
"Jack is a big boy. He'll be ok." Charlette stated.
"You should have seen his face." Laughed Elizabeth. "I think I scared him pretty good." All the ladies laughed.
"Would you want for us to stay in here with you?"
"For a little while. Once we get closer, I just want Jack with me."
Both ladies completely understood. They preferred to stay with her but knew this was her and Jack's time.
Elizabeth smiled when Jack knocked and then walked back into the room. Charlette stood and allowed Jack to sit on her side of the bed.
"You'll never guess how many people are in the waiting room." Jack stated as he took her hand. "There has to be around forty to forty five people." Jack told her all about it. Her eyes welled up with tears.
The nurse walked into the room. "Elizabeth, we would like to see how far along you are. Would that be ok?"
"We'll step out for a few minutes."
"Just hang out in the hall way. I'll come and get you." Jack stated.
After the mothers left, the nurse checked Elizabeth. "Well, you are progressing well. You are at eight centimeters. It won't be too much longer."
"Thank you."
After the nurse left, Jack smile at his beautiful wife. "Before I go and get mom and ma, I have something for you."
"For me?"
"Yes." Jack stood and walked to grab his coat. He pulled out a small decorative box. He sat back down on her bed.
"Elizabeth, I love you. I am so blessed that you will be the mother of my children. I couldn't give you the world, but I wanted to give you this." He handed her a small box.
She took her time unwrapping the ribbon. She knew that always frustrated him.
"You are never allowed to help Ig and Iggy unwrap their presents." He chuckled.
"You know, that may be the last time you will call them that."
"Yeah, it may be harder than I thought not calling them that."
She finally removed the ribbon and slowly opened the box. "Oh…Jack. It's gorgeous!"
Jack had purchased her a necklace on a thin gold chain. There were two hearts that was the 'O' of the word MOM. The hearts were intertwined together. On the upper portion of each heart was the birthstone of December, the stones were a Topaz. The bottom portion of the heart that went into the bottom point was formed was the name Elizabeth on one and Jack on the other. The names of their babies.
"Jack, this is perfect. I love it." She stated as she ran her finger over the word mom. Then she touched each Topaz stone and then her children's names. The gift was absolutely perfect in her eyes. "Would you please put it on me?"
He smiled. He hoped she would love it. "Turn it over." He stated.
Elizabeth turned the necklace so she would look at the back. She smiled when she saw Peanuts engraved on the heart with Elizabeth's name and saw Ig and Iggy on the heart with Jack's name.
…
"There is a lot of people here." Emily stated as she leaned toward Henry so he could hear her.
"I know. I didn't know what to expect, but this is kind of cool."
"Hey little man and little lady." Kyle stated as he and Reid sat down next to them on the floor.
"Hey fellas." Henry stated as he smiled. Emily and Henry loved it when the older, cool, and popular teenagers would always include them.
"So." Reid began. "I hear you two are dating."
"We are."
"Are you treating Emily like she is supposed to be treated?"
"He is. He has been great."
"You let me know if my little buddy is not doing right by you." Kyle stated as Reid shook his head.
…
"Jack, I would like a Dr. Pepper." Elizabeth stated as she snuggled her head down on her pillow. Jack was sitting beside her on the bed holding her hand. Grace and Charlette were sitting in a chair surrounding the bed.
"Ma, mom, would you please help me find a Dr. Pepper for Elizabeth?"
Both Charlette and Grace looked at him confused. "Why don't you just ask the nurse to help you?" Ask Jack's mother.
"I would like for you two to help me please." He stood after kissing Elizabeth on the tip of her nose.
Grace and Charlette nodded their head. As they stepped out of the room, Jack closed the door.
"What's going on?" Asked Grace.
Elizabeth is getting tired and probably uncomfortable. Asking for a Dr. Pepper was her code for me to clear out the room.
"Well, why didn't she just say something?"
"She didn't want to seem mean by asking you two to leave. You know she doesn't want to hurt your feelings."
Grace and Charlette smiled. "Yes, she has always been that way even as a child."
Grace and Charlette kissed Jack's cheek. "Please take care of my little girl." Grace stated as Charlette nodded her head in agreement.
…
Jack sat back down on the bed with his wife and took her hand. Elizabeth pulled him down so he was laying next to her. He was on his side and placed his hand on her belly. He smiled when his fingers tingled.
"How are you?" He asked with a voice full of concern.
"Better since the epidural. It was pretty bad before that. I'm sorry I was mean before."
He kissed her cheek. "I promise everything is ok. You told me not to hold anything against you before the epidural."
She laughed. "I guess I did." She rubbed her belly. "I can't wait to meet my Peanuts."
"Our babies." He stated with a grin.
"Jack, I do want you to touch me again."
"I'm grateful you said that." He grinned at her.
"Were my mother and mom ok?"
"At first they were a little disappointed, but they understood. They remember the process."
They laid in the bed for about twenty minutes just talking and enjoying each other's company. They needed this time together. The day has been hectic, and they knew that would only grow as the evening progress. He would gently rub her belly and she would lightly rub his forearm.
The doctor and nurse stood at the door watching the young couple. The nurse leaned in and whispered. "Have you ever seen anything so intimate?"
"No. We really need to check her, but let's give them a couple more minutes."
…
Five minutes later, the doctor and nurse knocked on the door. Jack jumped a little. "Are you always a scaredy cat?" Laughed Elizabeth.
"What do you mean?" He smirked at her. "Come in." Jack stated.
"Alright Elizabeth. Let's take a look and see how you are progressing. That means, Jack, that you must get up." The doctor teased him.
The doctor looked up with a smile on her face after examining her. Alright Elizabeth…are you ready to meet you babies?"
Elizabeth' face lit up with the biggest smile. "Are they ready?"
"You are ten centimeters, and the babies look to be in position. Let me notify my team and we will begin to push in the next five minutes."
After a couple of minutes, there were some nurses who pushed in two small bassinets that had warming lights on them into the corner of the room. Four more nurses stepped in and took the position beside the bassinets and along the wall facing the bed.
Jack took out his phone and texted his mother. "We are about to begin pushing. You should have grandbabies very soon. Please pass the word." He turned off his phone and placed it in his back pocket. He didn't want to be disrupted. He pulled the chair beside Elizabeth's head so he could whisper into her ear. He gave her a kiss and told her he loved her.
…
Charlette stood and got everyone's attention. "Jack just texted that Elizabeth is about to begin pushing. We should have babies soon."
Everyone cheered. Elizabeth laughed a little when she heard the cheering.
"I guess they know." Laughed Jack.
…
"Elizabeth, I hope you're ready to meet your first baby." The doctor stated.
"Sweetheart, you're a super star. You are doing great!" Jack stated as he put a damp cloth on her forehead. He kissed her on the cheek. "Your incredible." He whispered into her ear.
She offered him a quick smile until she felt the sudden urge to push.
"Alright, Elizabeth. On the count of three, I want you to push for ten seconds."
Elizabeth nodded her head.
"One…two…three…push Elizabeth…push…push."
"Push sweetheart." Jack tried to encourage her.
"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten…relax. Oh, Elizabeth, you're doing so well." The doctor cheered her on. "The next contraction, I want you to do that again. Then you will meet your baby. I can see the top her the baby's head."
"You're such a strong mother, Elizabeth. You're going a great job!" Jack peeked at the machine and noticed the next contraction was beginning to build. "One more, Bella, and you will have our first baby in your arms."
"My baby." Elizabeth let out a deep breath and gave Jack a smirk.
"Our baby." Jack matched her smirk.
"I'm doing all the work." She breathed.
"And you're doing great, but it's still our baby."
"One last one, Elizabeth. Give me a big push on the count of three and you will soon have your baby in your arms." The doctor smiled at the couple's banter.
Elizabeth nodded her head. She was exhausted. She noticed Jack's grin and her eyes met his eyes. Her heart was full at that moment. She squeezed his hand. She was drawing strength from her husband. Jack was willing every ounce of strength he had to his wife.
"One…two…three…push Elizabeth. Push to meet your baby."
Elizabeth grunted and pushed with all her and Jack's strength.
"There's the head. One more push…"
Before Elizabeth knew what was happening, the doctor placed a crying baby on Elizabeth's chest. For both Elizabeth and Jack, time stood still. Everything completely stopped. There was no noise in the hospital room. Elizabeth cried at the first touch of her baby. Jack held his breath when he placed his hand on his daughter's back.
The moment the baby was placed on Elizabeth's chest and Jack touched the baby's back, she stopped crying. She instantly settled into her mother's embrace. Elizabeth kissed the top of her daughter's head while Jack kissed her cheek.
"She looks just like you." Jack stated.
The baby had the same color hair as Elizabeth. Her eyes were the same as her mothers. Jack was grateful for that fact. He offered a prayer of thanks. He wanted her to be healthy and have her mother's eyes.
"She has your mouth and dimples." She prayed a prayer of thanks. That was the only thing she was praying for other than for a healthy baby.
The nurse stepped to the side of the bed. "Mommy, let me take your daughter and get her cleaned up for you. You're not quite done yet."
Elizabeth frowned at the nurse's statement that she had to give up her baby. "But I just got to hold her." She moaned.
"Yes, but you have one more that wants to meet his mother." The nurse offered.
With one last kiss by both Elizabeth and Jack, she relented and allowed the nurse to take her.
Jack leaned closer to Elizabeth's ear. "You're a rock star. You are doing so great."
"Alright Elizabeth, you have a son that is eager to join his sister and met his parents."
Elizabeth smiled.
"You know the drill." Elizabeth nodded her head. "One…two…three…push…push."
Elizabeth squeezed Jack's hand for all she had and bared down. She wanted her family together.
"There's the head. One more push."
Just like the first time, time stopped when a crying baby boy was placed on her chest. When Jack touched his son's back, the baby quit crying. He snuggled into his mother's embrace.
"He looks just like you." Elizabeth stated as she kissed the top of her son's head. She was grateful her son looked like his father.
"He has your eyes." Jack grinned. Once again, his prayer was answered.
"Let me get him cleaned off and checked out. While I do that, we will bring your daughter to you."
"Please wait and bring them both over at the same time."
The nurse nodded her head. "We'll do that."
Jack gave Elizabeth all of his attention. Their eyes met and they were the only ones in the room.
"Elizabeth…Thank you."
"Thank you, Jack."
"I…"
"Jack, I know." She stated as she reached up and ran her fingers over her new necklace.
Their non-verbal communication brought huge smiles to their faces. The words they wanted to say but couldn't, had no problem flowing between them with just a simple look.
One nurse came over and raised the bed just a little while two other nurses brought over the babies.
"They're perfect." The older nurse stated as they placed the babies on Elizabeth's chest.
Jack laid down the best he could with his family. He placed his arm over his babies, and they cuddled together. The nurses and the doctors realized the intimate moment with the family. They decided to leave the equipment. They would come back in a few minutes to check in on the family and take the equipment out.
Jack and Elizabeth, along with their daughter, Elizabeth Marie, and their son Thomas Jack, laid quietly on the bed as a family. Elizabeth didn't take her eyes off of her babies and Jack couldn't take his eyes off his bride and his babies. They weren't too sure how long they stayed that way. They were just enjoying this first time together as a family.
The knock was loud enough of the door for them to notice but not too loud to scare the babies.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you, but we need to get the babies to the nursery so we can print them and get the necessary things done. It will take us about fifteen minutes. Then we will bring them back here."
Elizabeth nodded her head.
"But first, may I introduce my babies to their family? I would like for both of our mothers to come back before they go to the nursery."
The nurse nodded. Elizabeth smiled her agreement.
"I'll be right back."
…
Jack stepped out into the waiting room. The moment he was seen, the entire group rose to their feet. His smile was huge and only growing.
"Elizabeth Marie is six pounds and eighteen and a half inched long. Thomas Jack is six pounds eight ounces and twenty inches long. All babies are healthy and mommy is doing well."
There was a loud cheer from everyone. Once everyone calmed down, Jack walked up to his mother and Grace.
"Would you two please follow me?"
Grace and Charlette smiled and nodded their heads.
Grace walked in first and immediately a tear fell down her face. Charlette did the same thing. They noticed Elizabeth laying in bed with a baby in each arm. Elizabeth Marie was on her right and was wearing a pink top. Thomas Jack was on her left and wearing a blue top. Jack was behind them and slid two chairs close to the bed.
"Ma, I would like to introduce you to Thomas Jack." Jack stated as he took the baby from Elizabeth and handed his son to his mother.
Then he turned to Grace. "Mom, I would like to introduce you to Elizabeth Marie." He took the baby from her mother and handed his daughter to his mom.
Both ladies smiled and cried at the same time.
"Their absolutely perfect." Both ladies stated at the same time. The ladies never took their eyes off the baby they were holding. After a few minutes, they exchanged babies and was just in love as before.
…
The nurse stepped into the room ten minutes later. "I'm truly sorry to interrupt, but I really need to get the babies to the nursery. I promise we will bring them back as soon as possible."
Both grandmothers shot her a disturbed look. While they understood, they didn't like it. "Fine." Both ladies stated.
The nurse could only smile at the two ladies.
"May I carry them to the nursery?"
"Sure."
"Ma, mom, would you please stay here with Elizabeth until I get back?"
Both ladies nodded.
Jack picked up both babies in his arms. He kissed both of his children on their heads and gave his wife a huge smile. Elizabeth smiled at her family. In her opinion, Jack has never looked so handsome than holding her two children.
"I'll be right back."
…
On the way to the nursery, Jack turned to look at the nurse. "I know I'm pushing my limits here, but may we make one quick stop?"
"You want to go to the waiting room, don't you."
Jack smile. "Yes." He whispered.
"Fine, but we must do it quick. No passing the babies around."
Jack nodded his head. "I promise."
The nurse opened the door to the waiting room for Jack and his children. When Jack stepped into the room holding his two babies, the whole group jumped up. A few of the football players cheered. This caused the two babies to jump a little and whimper, but they didn't cry.
William stepped up along with Adam. Adam stood a little behind William. He didn't feel like he had the right to stand beside William.
"Mr. Thatcher." Then Jack looked toward Adam. "Grandpa, I would like to introduce you to your grandchildren."
Both Adam and William stepped forward to touch the babies' cheeks.
"I'm sorry, but I have to get them to the nursery. You can come back to see them in a little while."
Jack turned to walk through the open door the nurse didn't close. Franklin turned toward the seven lineman who made all the noise.
"What were you thinking yelling like that?" He shook his head. "Linemen."