Peaceful
Chapter 10
Christine paced the floor as she timed out the contractions, knowing she was in labor. When the contractions were consistently seven minutes apart, she gently woke Mike up. He called Russ and his wife and within a half hour, they were there to stay with the girls. She could tell that he was nervous, but it was her fourth child. She wasn't sure if it was just nerves or the fact that the baby wasn't his biologically.
She was admitted to the hospital and waited as Doctor Summers examined her. Mike was with her but standing away. She couldn't get a read on him, but it was different than how he had been during her previous labors. Everything was progressing fast and she was given an epidural. Finally, once everyone had left them alone for a few minutes, Christine spoke up.
"Mike, are you okay?" Christine asked.
"Yeah. Just not sure what my place is? Am…I allowed to stay in here with you?" Mike asked.
"Mike, I need you in here with me. I don't think I can do this without you here." Christine said as she patted the hospital bed. He hesitated for a moment, and finally sat down next to her. He took her hand and squeezed it just as another contraction hit. It was particularly painful and Mike helped her breathe through it.
From there, the labor began progressing rapidly and a little over an hour later, the nurse put a beautiful baby boy on Christine's chest. Mike had never left her and was worried about her being in pain and tired. Christine had to admit, the labor was a little rougher than her others had been. Rather it was that she was older or that she didn't have much in the way of reserves, she wasn't sure, but she was glad he was there. Once Doctor Summers had done what Christine needed to have done, and Jacob had been checked out again, Christine reached up and gave Mike a kiss.
"Thank you. Would you like to hold him?" Christine asked.
"Sure. I have to admit…I know its shallow, but I'm glad he looks like you." Mike said. He took the baby out of her arms and Jacob stretched, as if he knew he was safe with Mike.
"Me too. I think he likes you." Christine remarked.
"I guess. How do you feel?" Mike asked.
"Tired. Can you ask Russ to wait to bring the girls by? If I get to go home tomorrow, there isn't a lot of point in them coming here." Christine asked.
"Of course." Mike said.
"Hey, we're gonna be okay. It'll take some time, but we'll get there. The girls and I love you and Jacob is already learning to trust you. Love will come later for him. Once he's eaten and gone to sleep, I want you to get comfortable and nap here with me." Christine told him.
"Okay." Mike agreed before giving her a kiss on the forehead. As Jacob watched them, he gave them both something of a smile. It made both of them smile in response at 'their' new son.
