Sat in the garden of the house they now shared, enjoying the late autumn sunshine, Laura found herself doodling a list of baby names. At length, she'd conceded to Robbie's begging and they'd learnt the gender of their babies, on the condition that they kept it to themselves. A boy and a girl. Laura could hardly believe her luck. She'd have been content with whatever their lot had been but she was rather thrilled at the idea of a daughter and a son. A pigeon pair. Robbie had challenged her to come up with a short list of names she liked, and so here she was, mulling over her ideas. Laura had rarely given much thought to what she might name a child, though over the course of her life she'd come across names she rather liked. She found herself thinking back over literary characters she'd grown attached to over the years, influential people in her life, and friends and family past and present. A noise at the door caused her to glance up and she smiled when she saw Robbie leaning against the doorframe, smiling at her. "Hello you," Laura said and Robbie flashed her a smile, before coming to sit next to her and slipping an arm around her shoulders. Laura tilted her chin up and he pressed a kiss to her lips before smiling at her. "You alright?" he enquired and Laura nodded, allowing her hand to rest on her bump. Robbie brought his hand to rest over hers and he squeezed her fingers. "They behaving?" he enquired and Laura nodded. "Both seem usually wriggly," she replied and they exchanged a smile. "I was trying to come up with some names, as per your request" Laura explained and Robbie nodded. "Any thoughts?" he wondered and Laura leant her head against his shoulder. "I want them both to have Hobson as a middle name," she said thoughtfully "I don't mind them being Lewis, but I think double barrelling is just unwieldy." Robbie smiled and kissed the side of her head. "Of course, that's a given" he murmured and Laura smiled. "I'd really love to name our little boy for my brother, as a middle name," Laura said, tilting her head to the side slightly, thoughtfully "he's been so good to me, always, and it would be a lovely tribute, if you'd be willing?" Robbie considered this and nodded. "So Samuel as a middle name, alright." Laura leant into Robbie a little and he smiled. "What about a first name?" Laura asked and Robbie shrugged. "I quite like names you can shorten, meself. Maybe Edward or Alexander or Benjamin?" he replied and Laura considered this. "I don't mind Edward. I quite like Benjamin. You could shorten either while they were little, maybe Teddy or Benjy, and then as they grew up become Ned or Ben," Laura said "though I did vaguely wonder about Max." Robbie considered this for a moment before he nodded. "Aye. I think Benjamin Lewis has a decent ring to it, but why Max? Oh, de Bruin?" he said and Laura smiled. "He taught me so much," she mused thoughtfully. Robbie rubbed his hand over her bump and one of the babies kicked out in response to his touch. "What about this wee girl of ours then?" Robbie asked and Laura chewed her lip. "I've always loved the name Constance," she owned "but I suppose it's rather old fashioned. Otherwise, I quite like Naomi, but Sam beat me to that name. Eleanor was one other name I wondered about." Robbie pondered this "Constance Hobson-Lewis," he mused and Laura smiled to herself. "Hearing you even say that out loud makes me feel ridiculously emotional," she owned and Robbie kissed the side of her head again. "I quite like Eleanor. What about Constance, though? Where's it from? It seems vaguely familiar" he asked and Laura shrugged. "I just like it. It's a bit unusual, but I just think it's pretty. And I think it would do for a very little girl as well as a grown woman" she replied and Robbie smiled. "Connie for short?" he enquired and Laura considered this. "Maybe Tansy? I suppose we need to meet her to be sure," Laura said and Robbie squeezed her shoulders. "I can't wait to meet them," he said cheerfully and Laura smiled broadly. "What about a middle name?" Robbie asked and Laura shrugged. "Not Laura," she said firmly and Robbie chuckled. "What are your choices?" Laura asked, squeezing his fingers and Robbie thought about it. "I quite like Rose," he said after a while and Laura nodded. "Constance Rose" she mused and Robbie grinned. "I like that," he said with great satisfaction "so, either Eleanor or Constance and Benjamin or Max, yeah. I reckon that'll do nicely. I guess we decide once they're here." Robbie squeezed her shoulders again and Laura leant her head back against his. "I can still barely believe how lucky we are, Robbie," Laura murmured, cradling her bump and Robbie smiled, intertwining his fingers with hers, over her bump and caressing the skin there gently. One of the babies kicked at his touch and Robbie grinned. "Hello you," he said softly and Laura smiled broadly, bringing her other hand to the other side of her bump and smoothing it over as the second baby reacted to her touch. "This baby," she mused "hates having their feet touched. I can feel their heel here, and if I run my finger over it, they kick back furiously." Robbie grinned. "You hate having your feet touched," he reminded her and Laura laughed. "That is true," she mused and Robbie nudged his nose against her head and kissed her hair.
A few weeks later…
Laura grimaced as she considered the sleet falling in the garden. It was early December and she'd been on maternity leave for a fortnight now. She'd finished all her work now, sent off the final amends on the journal article she'd been trying to finish for the best part of a year, created extensive prep notes for the four cases she'd already been called to provide evidence for in the earlier part of her maternity leave, and the house veritably gleamed. "Nesting, are we?" Robbie had teased when he'd come home to find the kitchen so clean it risked damage to eyesight. Laura had thrown a cushion at him in irritation. It was already beginning to get dark as she glanced at the clock. It really was a horrible day and she felt vaguely sorry for Robbie, holed up in court. Oxford Crown Court was drafty and cold at the best of times and she reckoned it would be a thoroughly miserable experience waiting around to give evidence today. Her gaze fell on the dinner, a casserole she'd made earlier. She'd get some vegetables out of the freezer when Robbie got home. At least maternity leave had given her an opportunity to restock her freezer. Miriam had promised to keep them well supplied with hot meals once the twins were born, but since Laura could more or less reach the cooker, she was keen to do a spot of cooking while she could since she quite enjoyed it. She'd made a fruit cake earlier, and she quite fancied a piece, so she filled the kettle with some water and set it on to boil while she retrieved the tea bags and some milk, and a plate. One of the babies wriggled and she glanced down at her sizeable bump, rubbing the side of it. "Hello you," she said, grimacing slightly as the wriggling intensified. "Yes, and you too, baby," she murmured. Pregnancy had been fairly easy for Laura, but she couldn't deny that being so heavily pregnant with twins was taking its toll on her. Afternoon naps had become a necessity, and she was up at least twice most nights since the twins seemed keen to use her bladder as some kind of punching bag as a nocturnal hobby. The kettle boiled and clicked itself off, and Laura turned to it to make herself a cup of tea. As the bag stewed in the hot water, she added a splash of milk and then retrieved the bag, ditching it into the compost bin on the counter top. She cut a slice of fruitcake, set it on a plate and then took it and the mug of tea through to the living room so that she could sit on the sofa and relax while she ate her snack. She set it down on the coffee table, before settling down on the sofa and attempting to get comfortable. One of the babies kicked at her ribs, as though frustrated and Laura grimaced, pressing her hand over the offending spot. "Alright, baby," she murmured to her bump "I'm sorry my movement has caused you such affront." Not that it did a lot, she mused to herself. The rally of kicks and wriggling continued regardless and Laura sighed, rubbing the area of her bump in an attempt to placate whichever baby was responding. Her phone buzzed on the coffee table and she glanced at it quickly. Robbie. Recess called. Hope to get off soon. Rx Fine, she thought. If she was lucky, he'd be home in an hour or two. She supposed she ought to enjoy these last few days of relative quiet and solitude. She was supposed to be being induced on Monday, and come hell or high water, she was going to have two babies in her arms, God willing, within a few days. An early birthday present for her. A houseful of Sagittarians for Robbie. She cast her mind back to the Christmas previously, smiling to herself, when Robbie had murmured his desire to marry her and they'd agreed to see if she could get pregnant. This Christmas was going to look very different and she was looking forward to having their babies safely in their arms as they celebrated.
Later than evening, Laura was leaning against the door frame of the bathroom as Robbie brushed his teeth, waiting for him and he smiled as he turned to her. "Come to bed, Mr Lewis," Laura said softly, entwining her wrists at the nape of his neck as he ducked to kiss her. They kissed leisurely, affection flaring between them in this moment of familiarity. "You sure about this?" Robbie murmured, as Laura arched her neck, allowing him to press kisses there against her skin. "Mmhmm," she replied softly, and he trailed his lips across her collarbone before gently pressing further kisses over the curve of her breast. Laura ran her fingers into his hair as his tongue laved around her nipple, suckling on it gently. "Last ditch attempt to bring on labour?" he enquired, returning his attention to her neck and Laura laughed as Robbie eased the remainder of her dressing gown down. "I'm game if you are," she replied. "Oh, definitely, Mrs Lewis," he said, cupping her breasts and fondling them appreciatively, before ducking his head to bring his mouth to one, suckling it slowly and holding her waist with his free hand. Laura smirked as he brought his hand to her other breast, tweaking the nipple between his thumb and finger. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensations coursing through her as he nuzzled and nibbled at her skin. She could feel a growing ache between her legs, and as though Robbie could sense her thoughts, he pressed a kiss to her bump and shifted so he could kneel between her legs. "Sit back love," he urged, helping her move to the edge of the bed, and she ruffled his hair affectionately. He grinned at her, stroking his fingers along her thighs and parting her legs. Gently, he slid two fingers over her clit and Laura gripped the edge of the bed, closing her eyes in pleasure at his touch. As he parted her labia, and brought his tongue to her nub, Laura murmured in pleasure and he ran his tongue around it slowly. Gradually he coaxed her to the edge of an orgasm with his mouth before sliding two fingers inside her, then adding a third as she cried out in pleasure, sliding two fingers inside her and suckling her nub until she came hard against his mouth, crying out his name as she did so. "Bloody hell," Laura said breathlessly, as Robbie wiped his mouth and grinned smugly. He stood up, and Laura brought her hands to his hips, undoing his pyjama bottoms and allowing them to drop to the floor. His cock bobbed in anticipation and Laura glanced up at her husband, an eyebrow quirked. He gazed at her, eyes heavy with lust as she took his length into his mouth, and he groaned her name as she sucked, working him with her hand. "God, Laura, please," he moaned and she swirled her tongue around the head. "I want you," he said urgently as Laura trailed her fingers along his skin. "How?" she enquired and he cupped her chin in his hand. "However you're comfy, darlin', but I need you," Robbie said and Laura smiled wickedly. She shifted back on the bed, before transferring onto her side. She moved so that Robbie could lie behind her, caressing her bottom gently and holding her hips so that he could thrust into her slowly. "Oh, Laura," he groaned as he slid into her. Laura pushed back against him so that he was more deeply within her and he cursed under his breath. She braced herself against her forearms, murmuring as he moved within her. "God, you feel amazing," Robbie muttered, thrusting slowly and deliberately into her. Something about the angle was mutually satisfying for them both, and soon Laura found herself on the cusp of another orgasm. She rolled her hips, and Robbie's thrusting grew more erratic as he neared climax. Bracing her gently against him, his chest against her back and his breath hot against her ear. "Laura, oh, god, Laura, Laura, I love you," he urged, and Laura cried out as her orgasm overcame her. "Robbie," she cried and he thrust hard into her again, spilling himself with a groan, and cradling her against him as they recovered on their bed. "God, I adore you," he murmured against her ear, stroking her skin and nuzzling at the nape of her neck. Laura smiled to herself, interlacing their hands over her bump and snuggling back into him more. "You are so beautiful," Robbie murmured "and this was an exceptional idea." Laura snorted with laughter as he pressed another kiss against her skin. She shivered slightly, and Robbie pulled the covers over them, cradling her close to him and nuzzling against the side of her face. "Can't have you getting cold," Robbie murmured and Laura smiled, stifling a yawn. "Stay with me," she said softly and Robbie kissed the nape of her neck again. "Always, my darling girl," he replied, more than content to settle into bed with her in his arms.
"Robbie?" The tone of Laura's shout made Robbie sit up in bed. "You alright?" he called back, glancing at the alarm clock as he waited for a response. Silence. On the landing, Laura gripped onto the bannister and closed her eyes, breathing slowly and deeply as pain shot through her lower back, and Robbie padded out onto the landing, his gaze falling onto his wife and he frowned. "Laura?" he asked and she shook her head, rocking her hips from side to side, focussing on her breathing until the pain passed and she could look up at him again. "I think," Laura said quietly "that we should get to the John Radcliffe, because I am reasonably sure I'm in labour." Robbie's eyes widened slightly. "I take it that wasn't your first contraction then?" he enquired and Laura shook her head. "I woke up about four, and they've been building up since then. So, unless I'm much mistaken, I won't be needing that induction on Monday," she said and Robbie held out his hands to her. "You alright?" he asked, drawing her close and rubbing his hands up and down her back affectionately. Laura nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay. So far I've got through it all just breathing my way through," she replied and he kissed the top of her head. "I'll get dressed," he told her and she nodded. "Get a shift on though, eh?" Laura said pointedly and he released her, turning back towards their bedroom. Laura made her way back downstairs, and glanced at her watch. Her contractions were coming every five minutes now and she knew they needed to get to the birth centre. A pain began to creep through her lower back and she inhaled deeply, digging her thumbs into her lower back and rocking her hips slowly. The movement seemed to help, and she was keen to avoid a medicalised birth if she possibly could. She was profoundly grateful for all that the NHS offered, but Laura really wanted to give birth naturally and somehow, it looked as though she just might since she had spontaneously gone into labour. Perhaps the previous night's antics had done the trick after all. She moaned quietly under her breath as the pain surged and she felt Robbie slip his fingers into hers, letting him take her weight as she worked her way through the contraction, until it ebbed away and she looked up at him. "Have you got everything you need?" he asked and Laura nodded. "I put a few bits into my hospital bag this morning," she said and Robbie smiled. "You eaten?" he asked and Laura nodded. "Yes, had some toast about an hour ago and a cup of coffee. But, Robbie, my contractions have gone from every ten minutes two hours ago to every five minutes, and I really don't want to wait much longer before we get to the hospital," Laura said and he nodded. "Come on then love," he said, ducking to kiss her cheek and she smiled. Robbie took Laura's overnight bag out to the car and then came back to lock up after Laura. She eased herself down onto the front seat, grimacing slightly as she realised sitting down was really quite uncomfortable. At almost 37 weeks pregnant with twins, this was hardly a surprise but still. At least it was early. Laura hoped Robbie was willing to put his foot down. She wished for a moment that he had his CID car still, but she rather suspected that even in her most sympathetic moments, Jean Innocent wouldn't countenance such a use of police resources.
As he got into the car, Robbie considered his wife for a moment and she smiled at him. "Come on then love," he said, sliding the key into the ignition and turning it. As he drove along, a couple of minutes later Robbie realised Laura had gone completely quiet, was breathing in a particularly focussed way that he was beginning to recognise as the way she coped with her contractions. She'd spent some time researching in the run up to this and he knew she wanted to try and avoid a caesarian if at all possible. Laura murmured under her breath, grimacing, and Robbie returned his attention to the road, speeding his way across Oxford. Laura had phoned ahead and the maternity unit were expecting them. As he pulled up outside the maternity unit, he parked up, stuck the hazards on, and came round to the passenger door. As he gave Laura his hand to pull her up to standing, she grabbed his spare hand and groaned under her breath again, leaning her forehead against his shoulder. Robbie let her lean on him, pressing a kiss to her cheek and murmuring words of encouragement to her as she worked through the contraction. When she raised her head, he smiled at her and closed the door behind her, locking the car quickly so that he could walk her into the maternity unit. Robbie hadn't been timing that closely but he reckoned her pains were coming more often since they'd left home. The receptionist waved them into the building and Laura gratefully took Robbie's hand as they waited for a midwife. To Laura's tremendous relief, the consultant she'd known since medical school was on call, and Kate appeared at the end of the corridor. "Hello Laura," she said cheerfully "I see you've pre-empted our appointment." Laura smiled broadly. "Yeah, something like that," she said, wincing as another pain began to surge through her and Laura turned to Robbie, and he wrapped his arm around her, murmuring to her as she worked her way through the contraction. Over the top of Laura's head, Robbie met Kate's gaze. "How frequent are her contractions?" Kate asked and Robbie considered his answer. "About every three minutes now," he replied and Laura leant her forehead against his chest wearily. As Laura raised her head, Robbie kissed her cheek. "You're amazing," he murmured to her quietly and she smiled, eyes downcast. "Come on Laura," Kate said cheerfully "let's get you down to Delivery and get you examined." They walked to the suite together and Kate held the door for Laura and Robbie. Kate settled Laura so that she was as comfortable as possible, and Robbie went back out to park the car and retrieve Laura's bag, and to inhale a cereal bar so that he had something pertaining to sugar in his blood. He guessed it was probably going to be a long day, not least for Laura. "Well, Laura, it looks as though you're going to get your wish to birth these babies naturally," Kate observed as she completed her examination and Laura exhaled shakily. "You are almost seven centimetres dilated, and I am going to start getting the team and equipment in here for when your babies arrive. Laura nodded and as another pain began she gripped the side of the bed, tucking her chin in and breathing slowly though the contraction, moaning quietly to herself. Kate watched Laura, her clinical eye assessing the woman in front of her as she laboured. Laura's labour seemed to be progressing fairly rapidly and Kate was calculating how long it might be before Laura delivered the first baby. As Laura lifted her head, and tucked a stray curl behind her ear, Kate smiled at her encouragingly. "You're doing brilliantly. Laura," she reassured her and Laura returned the smile. "I'm so ready to meet these two," she confided and Kate smiled. "I'm excited to meet them too," she replied cheerfully "and we are going to do everything in our power to help you deliver them safely." When Robbie reappeared Kate was chatting through Laura's wishes for labour with her and Laura looked relieved to see him. "You alright pet?" he asked and she rubbed her hand over her bump. "Yeah, just talking through options with Kate," she replied and then her forehead creased and she reached for his hand, crying out as an especially strong contraction surged through her and there was a splashing sound at her feet. Laura looked down and Kate flashed her a smile. "There are your waters then," Kate said and Laura moaned against Robbie's shoulder, keeping her eyes closed and rocking her hips to ease the intensity of the contraction. As it eased, Robbie pressed a kiss to her forehead and she looked up at him. "You comfy enough here?" he asked "want to walk? Do you want to change?" Laura considered this for a moment before she responded. "You'll want to strip your clothes off Laura, maybe just a nightgown, or your bra, whatever you're comfortable in" Kate advised and Laura nodded. Robbie helped her change and she laboured through a couple more contractions as she did so.
The next time Robbie glanced at the clock, it was an hour later and Laura was completely engrossed in her labour, breathing through her pains, gripping his hands tightly as the contractions surged through her body. Robbie marvelled at how she was managing it all. She was so calm, completely focussed on her breathing, allowing her body to labour. He was in awe of her, and he told her so quietly, murmuring words of encouragement to her. As the next pain began, something shifted in the way Laura moaned, causing both the midwives to look up. Laura grabbed at his hand, and he willingly gave it to her, rubbing her back with the other hand as she worked her way through the contraction. "Well done, Laura, you're doing brilliantly," Kate said encouragingly, though Laura wasn't really listening, so in her own zone was she. Robbie smiled up at Kate as Laura sagged against him in relief, her forehead resting on his shoulder. "All the pain's shifting down," she murmured "and it's relentless. I think I'm going to be sick." Kate hastily passed Robbie a bowl and he held Laura's hair back from her face as she vomited. "Alright pet," he murmured, gently wiping her face with a damp flannel and Laura grimaced. "I think you're not far off pushing now Laura," Kate told her, removing the bowl and Laura looked at her, her expression perplexed. "Really?" she said, and Kate smiled encouragingly. "You're showing all the classic signs of transition into the final stages of labour," Kate said and Laura nodded before grimacing as another contraction began to build. "That's it, go with it Laura," Kate said and Laura cried out. "Do you want some gas and air?" Kate asked and Laura blew out a breath, her face creased with exertion. "Makes me feel sick," Laura said grimly "so I'd rather not." Kate nodded, and Laura turned her face back to Robbie's shoulder, resting her forehead against it, seeking solace in his presence.
As the next contraction began to build, Laura moaned loudly again. "Oh, god, I want to push," she muttered and Robbie looked over at Kate who nodded. "Trust your body, Laura love," he murmured to her and Laura nodded, keeping her eyes closed and easing her hips from side to side. "I can literally feel the baby dropping down," she murmured "oh, god, this hurts. And I need something to brace on." Robbie looked around them. "Come and lean on the bed," he suggested "You can hold my hands still and lean on it, on your forearms." As Laura moved to the position he suggested, out of the corner of his eye, Robbie could see the midwives quietly beginning to get their equipment ready. "That's it lovey, well done," he murmured as Laura blew out a breath, moaning to herself and gripping his hands. A few minutes later she cried out loudly. "Oh, fuck, I can't do this. It hurts so much Robbie," Laura said urgently, and he cradled her closely. "You're incredible, Laura Hobson. You can do anything," he murmured to her and she smiled for a moment before grimacing again. "I know it hurts, pet, you're doing brilliantly," Robbie told her quietly, and Laura scowled. "You really really don't know, and this hurts like hell," she muttered, before whimpering and gripping his hands tightly. "Oh, ow, ow, ow," she cried and Robbie looked over her shoulder. Kate was crouching down behind them. "That's it, Laura" Kate said steadily and Laura shook her head "Oh, god, this hurts," Laura replied grimly, breathing out heavily. After a few more minutes of Kate coaching Laura through her breathing, Laura groaned loudly and Kate moved forward, keeping level with Laura's bump. Laura suddenly roared in pain, pushing as hard as she could and Kate lurched forward, gathering the baby into her arms. "Bravo Laura, you superstar," she said and Laura sagged against Robbie.
Robbie grinned inanely. "Darlin, turn round," he coaxed and Laura burst into tears, turning to take the baby from Kate, tears trickling down her cheeks as she cradled the baby against her chest. "Oh my god," she said and Robbie cradled her back against him, kissing her cheek. "You absolute hero," he told her and Laura pressed her lips to the baby's forehead. The baby wailed indignantly and Laura sobbed out a breath. "Alright my love, it's alright" she whispered, kissing the baby again. "Boy or girl?" Robbie asked and Laura looked up at him blankly. He smiled at her, amused. "Lift your arm, darlin'," he said, peering at the baby and Laura moved it slightly. "Hello young man," he said softly, and the baby blinked up at him. Laura sniffed, and Robbie smiled as she leant her head against him, before grimacing slightly as another contraction lurched through her. Kate smiled at the three of them. "Congratulations on your gorgeous boy. Well done Laura." Laura shuffled back on the bed a little, and Robbie cradled his wife and their son, cuddled up on Laura's chest in his arms. Robbie gazed at the baby and then kissed Laura's cheek again. "You were amazing," Robbie told her, as Laura stroked the baby's cheek and she gazed down at the baby. "Laura, do you mind if I examine you again? I know you know we've got to do this all again," Kate asked and Laura nodded, as Kate began to gently palpate her abdomen, and then ducked down to examine her. Laura winced slightly and Kate looked up at her. "All good here, Laura. No tears, which is brilliant, and baby girl still appears to be head down. You should get a few minutes of respite and then your contractions will probably ramp up again for this little lad's sister," Kate told her and Laura nodded. She grimaced as another contraction surged through her and the placenta delivered.
"Let me go and deal with this," Kate said as Laura returned her attention to her son, who was mouthing at her skin. "Oh, good lad," one of the midwives said approvingly, as the baby latched on and Laura inhaled sharply, relaxing as the baby began to suckle, stroking his head gently. "Laura, do you want to sit back?" Robbie asked, and she nodded. "At least for now," Laura said "but once the contractions start up again, I doubt it'll be very comfortable. Robbie helped her wriggle back, and adjusted the bed so that she was settled, before coming to perch next to her, gazing in admiration at his wife and their little boy. Benjamin had closed his eyes, content to be at Laura's breast and suckling hungrily, his tiny fingers splayed across her sternum. Robbie entwined his fingers with Laura's free hand and they smiled at each other, Laura still visibly tearful with emotion as her gaze shifted to the baby again. "He's beautiful," she murmured and Robbie grinned. "He's a smashing little lad," he told her and Laura smiled broadly before she inhaled sharply, breathing out slowly as another contraction surged through her. "Jesus," she muttered, gripping the side of the bed and Robbie frowned. "I am loathe to state the obvious, but if your baby boy is staying put, Laura, you're going to have to labour on the bed for this baby," Kate interjected and Laura nodded, eyes screwed shut and breathing hard. "What's the usual time gap between twins born, you know, vaginally?" Robbie asked, slightly uncomfortably and Kate glanced at the clock. "Somewhere around twenty minutes," she replied "so I'd say expect to meet your daughter in the next ten to fifteen minutes. Baby boy has paved the way and Laura's done a lot of the hard work already." A few minutes later, as the contractions rolled in, Laura blew out a breath and made a grab for Robbie's hand. The baby had suckled himself to sleep and one of the midwives gently took him from Laura. "I'll get him weighed and measured," she explained and Laura was already turning to bury her forehead against Robbie's shoulder, groaning against him and he rubbed her upper back reassuringly, murmuring to her.
"This is too uncomfortable," Laura said urgently "I can't be on my back." Kate considered the options in front on her quickly. "Come and sit here," she said, holding her hands out and guiding Laura to the birthing stool. "Robbie can come behind you, hold your shoulders," Kate suggested and Robbie did as he was told, cradling Laura against him so that their shoulders were level and she could grip his hands. "Fuck, she's dropping down," Laura said, blowing out a long breath and Kate squeezed her knee reassuringly. "That's it, well done Laura, just let your body guide you. Baby knows what to do," she told her and Laura tucked her chin in, breathing out hard. "You're amazing, Laura, the strongest woman I know," Robbie murmured against her ear as she cried out and bore down. "That's it, Laura," he murmured and Laura blew out a hard breath. "Whyever the fuck did I think this was a good idea?" she cried, squeezing his hands tightly and pushing again. Robbie barely restrained his smile, and Laura moaned loudly. "Tuck your chin in, Laura, that's it. Another strong push. Well done. Baby's nearly here." Kate told her, kneeling in front on Laura, but Laura was so engrossed in her labour that she wasn't responding. "Channel that pain into a good long push, good girl," Kate coaxed and Laura cried out loudly. "I can't, I can't," she cried and Robbie winced as she gripped his hands. "That's it, well done. One more big push, Laura, that's it, I can see her head. She's fairer, your little mini-me, I reckon" Kate told her and Laura gasped. "Big push, let's meet this wee girl of yours, there we go, good job Laura!" Kate said, cradling the baby against her and bringing her up to Laura, who promptly burst into floods of tears again, cradling the tiny girl against her and sobbing as the baby wailed furiously. "Well done," Kate cried and Robbie squeezed Laura's shoulders. "Oh, Laura, love, look at her. She's beautiful," he murmured and Laura turned her face into the crook of his neck and cried in relief. "You did so well," he told her as Laura wept and he squeezed her shoulders. The baby settled against Laura's collarbone and quietened, soothed by her mother's skin and Robbie gazed at her. "Kate's right, she's just like you," he murmured to Laura, curling his finger against her cheek and touching the baby softly. Laura shifted herself slightly and gazed down at her daughter who was looking up at her with big blue eyes. "Hello sweetheart," she murmured to her. Laura grimaced a few minutes later as the second placenta delivered and then Kate and Robbie helped her back to the bed and got both babies settled on Laura's chest. "Did you have names for your babies" Kate enquired as the baby mouthed at Laura's breast, her brother slumbering sweetly next to her. The baby latched on with satisfaction and Laura smiled down at her. "I think she looks like the name you liked, but our wee boy is definitely a Benjamin," Robbie said and Laura smiled at him affectionately before looking over at Kate. "Constance," she said "her name is Constance." Kate beamed. "That's very pretty, just like this wee girl. Congratulations! Now, Laura, you must be ravenous. I'm going to get you a mug of tea and a massive plate of toast, while my colleague Maria here sorts out the paperwork and then we can transfer you to a private room. Shall we get you back up on the bed?" Maria gave them a friendly wave and Laura smiled, before returning her gaze to the babies.
She was utterly bewitched by them, these little people that she'd carried and now birthed and she would be content never to move again, keep them snuggled up on her skin for as long as she could. "Oh, Laura," Robbie said softly and she looked up at him, registering the emotion wrought across his face. "You are my hero, you were so brave. And they are beautiful babies," he told her and Laura smiled broadly. "Do you want to cuddle Benjy?" she asked, and he nodded enthusiastically before carefully reaching to retrieve his son, gently transferring him into his hands and gazing down at his youngest son. "Oh Laura," he whispered, almost overcome by emotion and she smiled, touching Constance's cheek as she fed contentedly. A noise made them both look up and Laura smiled at the midwife. "When you've finished feeding your daughter, may I take her to be weighed and measured?" Maria asked kindly and Constance flared her fingers against Laura's skin possessively. "Of course," Laura replied. A minute or so later, the door was pushed open and Kate appeared with a tray of tea and toast. She grinned at Laura. "Provisions," she said cheerfully and Laura accepted a piece of toast gratefully. The midwives moved around them, tidying up the room, and filling Robbie and Laura in on the details of the babies. Benjamin was a few ounces bigger than Constance but both were in perfect health and after an hour or so, Kate pronounced Laura in remarkably good form. "No tears, not too much blood loss. What an absolute pro," she remarked, perched on the end of the bed. "Do you want me to go and get some more provisions?" Robbie asked, Benjamin snuggled against him contentedly and Laura eyed the empty plate wryly. "I am pretty hungry," she owned and he chuckled. "Is Tansy asleep now?" he asked, peering at their daughter and Laura looked down at the baby slumbering against her chest. "Very much so," she replied softly, gazing at her daughter happily. Robbie eased Benjamin back into Laura's arms, helping her settle the baby against her chest and Laura snuggled him within her arms contentedly, pressing a gentle kiss to the tops of both their heads. "I won't be too long," Robbie told her and Laura smiled broadly at him.
A quarter of an hour later, Robbie reappeared in the doorway and smiled at the sight of his wife and the babies. Their children. God, Robbie thought, there was a thought. Their children. How bloody wonderful was it that he and Laura had been blessed with these bonnie babies? Laura glanced up at him and smiled happily and he grinned back in response before setting two cups of tea down on the bedside table. "You look good with our babies in your arms," Robbie said, his voice slightly gruff with emotion and Laura smiled rubbing her fingertips over Constance and Benjamin's backs, regarding him affectionately. "Would you like some more tea?" he asked and Laura sighed. "Well, I would, but my hands are rather taken up," she lamented and Robbie smiled. "Well, I haven't had a cuddle with our wee girl yet, so how about I take her, and you can hold on to young Benjamin, and then we can both have some tea and a bairn to cuddle, eh?" he suggested. "Oh, god, sorry," Laura protested and Robbie shushed her, stopping to kiss her cheek. "It's fine, you needed to hold them and feed them, and I will get my cuddle with her now," he said kindly. "May I?" Robbie asked and Laura nodded, gently letting Robbie lift their daughter into his arms. "She is so tiny," he murmured, cradling her in the crook of his arm and settling down in the armchair next to Laura's bed. He gazed at the baby in his arms, touching a fingertip to her cheek and she pursed her lips in response, and then caressed her forehead before lifting her up to kiss her. There was a lump in his throat as he gazed at Constance, taking in all her features. Laura watched him, a smile on her face and he glanced at his wife. "She's so beautiful Laura," he murmured and Laura's smile broadened. "Aren't you like your Mam?" he said to the sleeping baby and Constance puckered her mouth. Robbie chuckled. "She's the image of you, Laura," he said happily and Laura smiled contentedly. "Benjy's got your colouring," she replied and Robbie grinned. Laura carefully sipped her tea before setting it down and allowed her hand to rest on her son's back. She tucked the blanket over him, and glanced over at her husband and daughter, smiling at the sight of Constance in her father's hands. "She warm enough?" Laura asked, and Robbie reached for a blanket from the hospital bag at his feet. He tucked it round the snoozing baby and grinned at his wife. "She's grand," he replied, thoroughly pleased with his lot in life.
Later, Robbie managed to persuade Laura to nap for a bit, tucking the babies up in their bassinet by the side of her bed so that they were right next to her. As Laura slept he studied the babies, learning their features and admiring these tiny lives that he and Laura had created. After an hour or so, Benjamin began to fuss and Laura awoke with a start. Robbie gently touched his hand to the baby's tummy and shushed him and the baby murmured in response. "Hello young man," he said gently, scooping him up and cuddling him up on his chest. The baby looked up, blinking at his father and Robbie's expression softened. "He is beautiful Laura, look at those eyes" he told his wife and Laura smiled sleepily. A knock at the door caused them both to glance round and the door opened to reveal Kate. "Hiya," she said cheerfully as she came into the room "I've come to see how you're doing. How are things?" Kate perched at the foot of Laura's bed, glancing over to see Constance slumbering sweetly and then over at Benjamin, cradled in his Dad's hands. Laura smiled wearily, her hand resting on the edge of the bassinet and Robbie grinned. "Laura slept for a bit, orders duly obeyed," he told Kate and Laura rolled her eyes. "How are you doing?" Kate asked Laura who shrugged. "A bit sore, but I expect I'll live," she replied and Kate nodded. "Well, I've brought you some painkillers. You can take these while you're feeding these little loves, so keep on top of the dose. It'll help in the long run, promise," Kate told Laura who nodded.
"Where's my phone?" Laura suddenly asked, and Robbie looked around for her bag. "Here," he replied, producing it and passing it over. "I want to let Sam know," she explained and Robbie nodded. "He'll worry if he doesn't hear from me…" Laura continued. "I took some photos of the three of you," Robbie told her, and Laura skimmed through her photos, smiling broadly as she took in one particular image, her head bent low over the babies cradled against her skin. "That's a lovely shot, Robbie," she said and he smiled at her as she composed a message to her brother. Long story short, your niece and nephew arrived this morning, rather earlier than anticipated. Meet Constance Rose (l) and Benjamin Samuel Hobson-Lewis (r). Speak soon? Laura added her sister in law into the chain of messages and hit send. Although Robbie and Laura had known the particulars of the babies, they'd opted to keep the details of their proposed names to themselves, feigning ignorance to the amusement and annoyance of their immediate family. The lengthy discussions about names had been a significant source of amusement, and Laura wondering if her nieces in particular actually thought that she might take up any of their various suggestions but she hoped they wouldn't be too upset that she'd ignored all of them. Her phone began to ping wildly and she glanced at it, smiling as her brother, sister-in-law and nieces began to text in response to her news. Robbie chuckled. "I take it they are excited?" he enquired and Laura laughed. "Oh yes," she replied, amused. "I should let Lynne and Pat know they've arrived," Robbie mused and Laura looked directly at him. "You very much should. And James and Jean," she told him. Robbie glanced down at the baby in his arms and wrinkled his nose. "They can hang on a few more hours. I've got this bairn to cuddle," he replied nonchalantly, and Laura smiled happily, .
"When we get home, I am going straight to bed, and taking the babies with me, and we are staying there for as long as we need to," Laura said emphatically and Robbie smiled. "Love, you do whatever you need to do," he replied easily, cuddling Benjamin who snuffled in his sleep, flailed his arm out and conked out again. Laura was feeding Constance and she winced slightly as Constance adjusted her latch. "You alright?" Robbie asked and Laura nodded. "Yeah, fine, just the way she latched hurts like hell for a moment or two, but it settles," Laura replied and Robbie made a sympathetic grimace. "We can always bottle feed them if you want," Robbie reminded her and Laura sighed, touching Constance's head. "I know, but I really want to try and feed them if I can," she replied and Robbie watched her, before squeezing her knee. "Alright, love," he said, recalling the discussions he and Laura had had about how on earth they were going to keep two small humans alive, and retain their sanity. "Benjy is snoozing," Robbie observed and Laura smiled, looking down at her daughter. "I think Constance has nodded off as well," she observed "she's certainly not feeding anymore. Might just leave her where she is for a little bit longer." Laura returned her gaze to the tiny baby, whose cheek rested contentedly against her skin and she smiled down at her. "God, it's been an age since I held such a tiny bairn," Robbie remarked and Laura chuckled. "Jack was nine pounds," she reminded him "that's twice the size and a bit more of Benjy." Robbie adjusted his grip on his baby son and then took a sip of his tea. "Nine pounds sounds horrific," Laura remarked and Robbie grimaced. "Aye," he replied, suspecting that he really had nothing valuable to contribute to this line of discussion, and returning his attention to taking in his youngest child. "She's a proper little beauty," he murmured, nodding at Constance and Laura smiled. "Definitely fairer than Benjy isn't she?" Laura replied and Robbie nodded. "Aye, so far at any rate. Just like her Mam," he said warmly and they exchanged an affectionate glance. "I still can't quite believe we're sat here with our babies in our arms," Laura said quietly and Robbie met her gaze for a few moments before nodding. "It's quite something, eh?" he replied happily and Laura nodded. "Thank you," she said softly and he frowned. "Whatever for?" he asked, perplexed and Laura tilted her head at him. "For taking a chance on us," she said and Robbie tutted. "And for being prepared to throw caution to the wind, and start a family with me, when you were well within your rights to want a quiet retirement," Laura finished and Robbie shifted himself, standing up with Benjamin still cradled safely in his arms before coming to sit next to Laura. He leant in and kissed her, rubbing his thumb over her cheek. "I love you more than life itself, Laura Lewis," he told her softly "and getting to do this with you is going to be the most exhausting, ridiculous, wonderful adventure. So thank you for giving me the opportunity to live my life again, and to be a dad to these two little beauties."