Chapter 31
A/N A son is born
Suzanne and Benjamin were enjoying the fact that their family was growing. They were going to turn the spare room into a nursery. Benjamin was so happy he would be having a son. He loved Elizabeth with all his heart and the new baby would not change that but now with a son he would be able to continue his family name.
Suzanne was about 25 weeks and her baby bump had really swelled. She was twice the size she had been when pregnant with Lizzie. One of the side effects she didn't experience the first time was a rise in her sex drive. She was horny all the time and wearing poor Benjamin out. They were having sex anytime they were in a room alone together. She thought about this morning's sexcapades in her office and laughed to herself. Her Mom had come to collect Lizzie and Benjamin had surprised her with an early lunch and then they had "dessert".
They were upstairs in the spare room that would soon be the nursery. Benjamin was sitting on the floor with pieces of cherry wood all around him. Suzanne walked in with a snack and saw the frustration on his face. "What is wrong baby?"
Benjamin looked up from the directions he was holding and said, "There are 100 pieces to this thing."
"Okay, I will read and you can put it together," she told him. They had not had this issue with Lizzie due to her sleeping in the crib her parents had given them that was hers.
It took them a couple of hours, but it was finally done and sitting against the wall. Lizzie had wandered in about half way through the build and was snuggled into Suzanne's lap.
Emma and William were in town to try and find a place for her to stay once the baby was born. They were all going to dinner that night and Joe and Ellen would be joining them.
Ellen and Emma were sitting together and Emma had told her about her plans to stay in Charlottesville for 6 months. She was asking Ellen what a good area in town was to look for a place to rent.
Ellen looked at her questionally. "What do you mean a place to rent? You will be staying at the farm house with Joe and I. Suzanne and I talked about it on Monday. I thought she had already talked to you about it."
Emma looked at her shockingly. "I could never impose on you and Joe like that. I will just find a place in town."
"Nonsense, you will stay with us and that is final. You are family and we insist. Besides you can be out at the farm during the day and get to spend time with Lizzie. Joe or one of the farm hands can drive you into town if you need anything in town," Ellen said emphatically.
Emma gave in and hugged her. She then went to tell William the news.
Later that night, Benjamin and Suzanne were lying in bed. He rolled over to face her and rubbed his hand up and down her arm. "Sweetheart, we haven't talked about a name for this little one," he said as he moved his hand to her very pregnant belly.
"Hmmm, yes I guess we do need to give him a name since he will be carrying on the Adams family legacy. Do you have anything in mind?" she asked.
"If you agree, I would like to name him after our dad's. That way he can carry both families' legacies. What do you think?" he asked.
She rolled over and took his cheeks in her hands pulling him to her. She placed her lips on his and kissed him like there was no tomorrow. "That is a wonderful idea and I love you so much for thinking of it."
"Okay, what do you think of keeping it a secret until he is born? I know both our Moms will start asking in a few weeks and I think it would be great to torment them by not telling them," he said with a smirk on his face. Neither one of them were ever very devious, but this sounded like fun.
She smiled on his lips as she kissed him again. He rolled them over so that she was under him, but was not taking his full weight.
He kissed down her neck and pulled her night shirt to the side to continue his downward movements. Just as things were about to go further, they heard Lizzie crying from her room. Benjamin rolled over and blew out a frustrated breath. Suzanne laughed at him as she tried to get up. Benjamin laughed back at her attempt to get up and having the turtle on its back moments going on. She smacked him and told him to help her up.
"I will go get her, you just relax. Oh and this will be continued when I return," he said walking out of the room.
With some careful movements and pillows placed just right, Suzanne was finally able to get in a comfortable position.
Benjamin walked into Lizzie's room to find her sitting up on her knees at the rail of her bed. "What is wrong, baby girl? Daddy is here," he said, lifting her to his arms.
He changed her and then walked over and sat down in the rocker. He placed her on his shoulder and was rubbing her back trying to soothe her back to sleep. He loved these little daddy/daughter quiet moments. When she was born he was terrified of being a father. He had never been around small children and wasn't sure he would know what to do. Over time and her patience with him grew and soon he was comfortable with her. He now could soothe her when she cried. Soon there would be another baby in the mix so Suzanne would depend on him even more.
Once he got her back to sleep he gently laid her back in her crib. He stood for a few minutes just watching her sleep. She had the same expressions on her face when she slept just like Suzanne and he found it very endearing. He walked out and left the door cracked.
Walking back into their bedroom, the sight that greeted him brought a smile to his face and tears to his eyes. Suzanne was laying on her side towards his side of the bed, propped up with pillows and a gentle smile on her face fast asleep. The same expression he had just witnessed on his daughter's face. He walked over and quietly slipped under the covers and scooted closely to his sleeping wife. He placed a loving hand on her tummy and snuggled in close to her without waking her. He knew she needed as much sleep as possible. Growing a baby took a lot out of her. He placed a loving kiss on her forehead and let sleep overtake him.
Suzanne's Dr's appointments were routine and she was now only 2 weeks from her due date. Dr. Mathis had not been concerned at all with her pregnancy.
Benjamin had traveled to Richmond to meet with a new rancher about him using Benjamin's finance business. He would be spending the night and returning late the next evening.
Dr. Mathis was examining Suzanne and he had a concerned look on his face. He walked over and called his nurse into the room. Just as he walked back over to her, Suzanne felt a wetness between her legs.
"Dr. Mathis, something is wrong. I think my water just broke. This can't be right," she said with fear in her voice.
"Suzanne, calm down. Everything will be alright. I am having an ambulance called to get you to the hospital. Your blood pressure is elevated, but not too extreme. I want you to remain as calm as possible and don't worry. You want someone to call Benjamin?" he asked.
"He is out of town on business, but call the farm and let my parents and Benjamin's mom know," she told him.
The ambulance arrived and she was bundled up into it. The Dr's nurse rode with her to get her settled into the hospital and wait with her until her family arrived.
The family arrived and when Joe was told that Benjamin was in Richmond, he went to try and get a hold of him to let him know to get back as soon as possible.
Ellen and Emma were trying to keep Suzanne calm and ease her through her contractions which had started hard and close together.
Benjamin was driving around the countryside looking at other ranches in the area. He had wanted to try and make more contacts while he was in the area. He spied a ranch in the distance and decided to drive up and talk to the owner. He pulled in and got out just as an older gentleman walked out of the barn.
Benjamin walked over, extended his hand and introduced himself to the man. "Benjamin Adams, do you have a few minutes to talk to me?"
"Thomas Winters, what did you want to talk to me about?" he asked, shaking Benjamin's hand.
"I am a ranching finance manager. My job is to manage your finances and try to increase your bottom line. I have a brochure in my car if you would like to look it over and learn more about what I can do for you," he explained.
Mr. Winters looked at him skeptically, but agreed to read his brochure and get back to him. The men shook hands and Benjamin got back in his car.
He made 2 more calls to ranchers and then decided to head back to Richmond. Once he arrived at the hotel, he decided to give Suzanne a call. She didn't answer at her office so he tried the house. That call too went unanswered. He then called the farm and didn't get an answer there either. He was starting to get worried. He decided to grab some dinner and then try calling again.
No one knew what hotel Benjamin was staying at so Joe called Evelyn to start calling all the hotels in Richmond to try and find Benjamin.
Suzanne's contractions were starting to really move alone. Dr. Mathis walked in to check her progress. "Looks like you are dilated to an 7, won't be long now."
"Oh no, I can't have this baby until Benjamin gets here. He is responsible for this and he has to be here when his son arrives," Suzanne told him between her gritted teeth, fighting off the pain of a contraction.
Dr. Mathis giggled and patted her hand. "We will hold off as long as we can, but I will not endanger you or this baby."
Suzanne rubbed her tummy and said, "Little one you need to stay where you are until Daddy gets here."
Evelyn had finally located which hotel Benjamin was in, but when she was connected to his room he didn't answer. She called back and explained the situation to the front desk clerk. He assured her that they would try and locate him and let him know what was going on.
Benjamin was in the hotel restaurant eating dinner, when the desk clerk came running in.
"Mr. Adams, I have an emergency message for you. Your wife has been rushed to the hospital and is in labor."
Benjamin jumped up and ran to his car, taking off for Charlottesville. The drive was an hour and a half away and he prayed he would make it in time.
Suzanne was breathing through another contraction and praying that Benjamin would get there in time.
Benjamin was speeding as fast as he could safely. He finally pulled into the hospital parking lot and pulled into a parking spot. He jumped out of the car and ran into the hospital. He was directed to the maternity ward. He sprinted down the hall once the elevator doors opened. Joe met him and directed him to Suzanne's room.
He ran into her room and over to her bedside. "Sweetheart, I am so sorry I wasn't here until now. I never should have left, please forgive me."
She grabbed his hand and was about to speak when a strong contraction hit. She squeezed his hand, cutting off his circulation. He refused to let her see the pain she was inflicting on his fingers. He leaned over and kissed her sweaty forehead.
Dr. Mathis entered the room and saw that Benjamin had finally arrived. "Well since Dad has arrived, think we can get on with delivering this little one?" he asked, chuckling to everyone in the room.
Benjamin had not been allowed to be in the room when Lizzie was born, but he would be this time. Dr. Mathis had gone over everything with him at Suzanne's last appointment so he would know what to expect.
His job would be to help her breathe through her contraction pain and keep her as calm as possible. Ellen had passed him a cool cloth before she left the room to wipe down her head and neck.
Dr. Mathis told her on the next contraction to push. She squeezed down on Benjamin's hand and pushed as hard as she could. The contraction stopped and she collapsed back into the bed. Benjamin wiped her brow and kissed her forehead.
"You are doing great my love, I am right here with you," he told her.
"One more good push and he should be out," Dr. Mathis said.
A big contraction hit and she pushed with all her might.
"We have a big baby boy," Dr. Mathis said, holding the baby up above the sheets. He handed the baby to the nurse, who took him to clean him up and get his birth vitals.
Benjamin was in awe of what had just happened and he collapsed back into the chair behind him. He reached over and grabbed her hand. He leaned forward and kissed it.
"Okay Mom and Dad, we have a 9lb 11oz 22 inch healthy baby boy," the nurse said. The baby let out a loud wail just as she said that. She bundled him up and walked him over and handed him to Suzanne.
"He is beautiful, Benjamin, look what we made, "Suzanne told him as tears were streaming down his face.
Benjamin leaned over and placed a kiss on his head and then kissed Suzanne. "Sweetheart, you did so good. He is perfect just like you."
"Let's get everyone settled and Mom cleaned up and then we can let the anxious family in. Dad, do you want to go out and let them know the good news while we do that?" The nurse asked.
Aunt Joan had moved back to the states recently and wanted to be called when the baby was born. William had stopped in Washington and picked her up on his flight down.
Joe, Ellen, and Emma were pacing in the waiting room waiting on news. Benjamin busted in and announced the baby was born.
The nurse told them they could all go in, just as William and Joan arrived.
Benjamin walked them down to Suzanne's room. Opening the door, he saw her sitting up in bed with the baby cuddled to her chest.
"Everyone welcome to the family, William Joseph Adams," Benjamin told them all.
Joe and William looked at each other and then at Benjamin. He was a mixture of both his grandfathers. Their smiles were 1000 watts and tears were forming in their eyes.
"We are going to call him Will, so there will be no confusion," Suzanne said.
She passed the baby over to Benjamin. He was so in awe of his son already and he was only a couple of hours old.
Will was passed around and lots of oohs and aahs were muttered. Everyone was ushered out when the nurse arrived to help Suzanne feed the baby.
William decided to take everyone to A`ime to celebrate. Toasts were made and the chef prepared for them a special meal. He joined them and even arranged to have a meal sent to the hospital for the new parents.
Three days later Suzanne and Will were released from the hospital. Benjamin took them home to begin their lives as a family of four. Lizzie was super excited to meet her new little brother.
They settled into a routine and Lizzie became the best big sister. She loved her little brother and helped her Mom as much as she could with him. Will was growing up and meeting all his milestones and benchmarks