A Fresh Start
Chapter Two Hundred Seventy Nine
The night of his return from Chicago they spent most of that night in bed with William rubbing her back. The next morning, she called her assistant and told her that she wasn't going to be able to come in until after her maternity leave was over. She would consult by phone but it was just too much for her to come into the office until after the baby was born.
Ava is in their bedroom resting while William is working on some contracts from his trip to Chicago. He needs to finish a few things before the next day. It's a couple hours after they woke up when William finishes his work and putting it away, he stretches before he walks towards the stairs. He's halfway up them when Ava appears at the top. "I was…." He notices Ava's face. "What is it? Is it the baby? Are you…?"
"I think it's time." She says, clinching onto the railing. For a moment he stands on the step, staring at her. "William!" She says, and that snaps him into the action.
"Okay, okay, we have to get your suitcase." He says, starting back down the stairs.
"William." She says, and he stops, turning back around him. "I need help… down… the stairs." She finishes, still clinging to the railing.
"Right help, we can get the bag as we walk out the door." He says, rushing up the stairs and slipping his arm around her and helping her down the stairs. Once they're down the stairs, he leads her over to the closet and opens it up. Pulling out the bag, he closes the door and turns to her and looks at her.
"It's a little cold outside." She says. He opens the door and brings her coat out and helps her into it before getting his own. "Now the hospital, we need…."
"Yes, yes, the hospital." He opens the front door and goes to help her out of the loft. He goes to close the door and then stops. "Wait, where are my keys? I need my…."
"The table by the door." Ava says, as she leans against the doorframe. He looks at her and smiles.
Reaching for the bowl, he grabs his keys and then closes the door behind him. He helps her down the stairs stopping once when a contraction comes on. She's clinging to his hand while he tries to help her with the Lamaze breathing they went to classes to learn. When it's over, he guides her down the rest of the stairs and to his car. Once she's settled into the car, he goes around to the other side, tossing the bag into the back, he gets in and starts the car. He goes to back up and feels the car slide a little bit from the fresh snow that fell last night. "Great." He mutters, clinging to the steering wheel with one hand and her hand with the other. They glance at each other. "It's okay." He says, gently squeezing her hand. A trip that would've taken them five to ten minutes takes ten to twenty. Her contractions are coming around six minutes apart when he pulls into the ER. "I'll be right back." He says, putting the car into to park and getting out. He carefully hurries around the car into to the hospital. Several seconds later, two nurses appear beside the car with William and a wheel chair.
William opens Ava's door, he reaches in and helps her from the car as one of the nurses says. "Ma'am, everything is going to be fine."
Ava clings to William's hand after he helps her into the wheel chair. The nurse wheels her into the ER as the other nurse starts asking questions. "How far apart are the contractions?"
"Around six minutes or so." Ava says, as they wheel her into the exam room.
"Sir, we need you wait…."
"I'm not leaving her."
"Sir, we'll work faster if…."
"He's staying with me." Ava says, clinging to him.
The nurses looks at both of them and then nod. "Do you need help to get up on the bed?"
"I can do it." Ava says, clinging to William as she stands. He helps her up onto the bed.
"How far along are you?" The other nurse asks.
"Right at forty weeks." Ava says, closing her eyes as another contraction takes over. William continues to breathe with her, helping her through the contraction.
"Who is your doctor?" The first nurse asks.
"Dr. Sedgwick." William says, brushing her hair back.
"Go call her." The nurse says, looking at the other nurse. Nodding she leaves while the other nurse begins attaching the fetal monitor around Ava's stomach.
William is sitting by her side, holding her hand and watching the nurse. Turning his head, he finds her with her head back and eyes closed. "Are you okay?" He asks.
She lifts her head and smiles at him. "I'm resting."
"Are you scared?'
She pauses for a moment before she answers. "I'm a little bit of everything." He nods as he lifts her hand to his lips and kisses it softly before they both look at the nurse.
"You're in the early stage of labor according to the fetal monitor. We'll know exactly how far your cervix has dilated when Dr. Sedgwick comes. Right now, you need to do exactly what you're doing, resting and relaxing. I'm going to speak to labor and delivery and advise them that we'll be admitting you and then we'll transfer you to them as soon as possible. Do you have any questions?"
"My water broke before we came. Will that be a problem?"
"No, it can happen during the early stages of labor. Did you happen to notice the color or if there was an odor to it?"
"I couldn't tell the color. It broke while I was using the bathroom, but there wasn't an odor at all. Is that normal?"
"Yes, that's normal. Do you have any more questions?" The nurse asks. They both shake their heads no. "Then I will be back as soon as I've spoken with labor and delivery."
"Thank you." William says, as the nurse nods and then turns to leave.
When the door closes, William turns to her. "I think maybe you need to call my dad." Ava says, shifting positions.
"Is it another contraction?" He asks, taking her hand and falling into the breathing pattern they learned together.
When it eases up, she says. "And you need to call Richard too."
"I'll call them once you're settled in labor and delivery."
Over the next few days, Jeffrey and Sam fall into a routine of sorts. There are still the two, four and six am feedings for the boys which is leaving both of them slightly sleep deprived but both of them are enjoying being with their boys. During the day, Jeffrey spends a few hours, usually when the boys are down for their afternoon nap to handle Springfield business. He's had three conference calls with councilmen today and Richard is planning on stopping by after work to talk to him about continuing the work of his office with someone else now that his campaign for mayor is getting into high gear. Sam has just finished changing Aj when Jeffrey comes out of his office. "Hey." He says, settling into the chair next to the couch.
"Hi." She says, looking up with a smile.
"Is HB still sleeping?"
"No, he woke up about ten minutes ago." Sam says, nodding towards the play pen. Jeffrey gets up and goes to the play pen. HB is laying on his back, staring up at the ceiling. Waving his arms as Jeffrey reaches down to pick him up.
"Hi." Jeffrey says, pulling him into his chest and softly kissing his head. "Did you have a good nap?" He asks, as he walks back over to the couch. Sitting down next to Sam and Aj.
"I think they both had good naps." Sam says as she gets up to throw Aj's diaper away. When she comes back, she asks. "What did the councilmen need?"
"Nothing too important. Richard is supposes to come by after work to discuss finding someone to run his office now that his campaign is taking off."
"That's good." She sits down beside them. "Are you needed back…?"
Jeffrey's phone begins ringing cutting Sam off. Shifting the baby to his other arm he pulls his phone from his pocket. Looking down, he's surprised to see William's number on his phone. "It's William." He says, answering the phone. "Hello."
"Jeffrey, its William."
"I know. Is everything alright?" He asks.
"I'm at the hospital with Ava. She's gone into labor. And right now everything is normal but she wanted me…."
"Of course, thank you for calling." He moves to get up. "I'll … the boys… "He looks at Sam. She holds her hand out and he gives her the phone. "William, its Sam. She's gone into labor?"
"Yes."
"How far is she dilated?"
"She's just at 3cm, according to Dr. Sedgwick."
"Okay, she's got some time. We'll be there as soon as we can find someone to watch the boys for us." She pauses. "Don't worry about it. I've been expecting her to go into labor." Sam laughs. "I was a little busy myself." She says, grinning as she listens to William. "Go be with Ava, we'll be there as soon as we can." She pauses again. "Okay, I'll tell Jeffrey. Good-bye." She says, before hanging up and handing the phone back to Jeffrey.
"What did she say?"
"She's in labor, like he told you. She's dilated to about 3cm."
"So we need to go." He says, getting up and walking towards the door.
"J, it's going to be a little bit before she delivers."
"But Dr. Sedgwick said every delivery is different."
"It is, but usually it's not instantaneous for her to deliver, especially with a first time pregnancy. What I'm saying is we have time to find someone to watch the boys so we can go."
"We can…."
"We're not taking them over to the hospital. One it's too cold out and second I'm not exposing them to any germs that will likely be there."
"So you're admitting that a hospital has germs."
"I never claimed they didn't. Give him to me while you go get dressed." He looks at her. "I don't think you want to meet your grandson or daughter in sweats and a ratty faded out Beatles t-shirt. Go, I'm going to call Megan and see if she can come with her boys to watch them."
He gives her HB and then leans in and softly kisses her. "I love you."
"Go." She says, smiling as she steps back and goes over to the play pen. She lays the boys down before she turns to find her phone. It takes her a few moment before she locates it and quickly realizes that her battery is dead. Grabbing Jeffrey's phone, she dials Megan's number and then settles back into the couch.
On the third ring, Megan answers. "Hello."
"Hey Meg." Sam says, listening for the shower upstairs. She smiles when it comes on.
"Is everything okay? The boys?"
"We're all fine. But something has come up."
"Sam, are the boys… you said you were…."
"I promise we're all fine." Sam says, smiling.
"Okay, so what's up?"
"William just called. Ava's in labor. She's dilated to 3cm and we have some time but not a lot…."
"You need me to watch the boys?" Megan asks.
"Please. It's too cold to take them out and I don't want to expose them…."
"It's okay. I totally understand. Frank can watch the boys for me and I'll come watch your boys for you. And if it takes too long he can bring the boys to me if he needs to go into the station."
"You don't mind…."
"I'm their aunt. It's what I do."
"Thank you."
"I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Thank you again." They hang up as Sam settles back into the couch. Shortly after hanging up with Megan, Jeffrey comes downstairs.
"What did she say? Will she come…?"
"She'll be here as soon as she can." Sam says, getting up and walking towards the stairs.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm not meeting my grandchild like this."
"I like that look. You look…."
"Like a wreck." She says, lifting one eyebrow.
"You look like an incredibly beautiful and sexy mom." He says, slipping his arms around her and pulling her into him.
Laying her hand on his chest, she laughs softly. "I need to change so that we're ready when she gets here. We have some time but not a lot, okay." She says, as he nods and turns her loose.
"I'll be back down as soon as I change." She says, leaning up to lightly kiss him before she turns for the stairs. Ten minutes later, she comes down in loose pants and a t-shirt. "I think I'm going to have to go shopping for some clothes." She says, looking down at her outfit.
"You're beautiful." He says, turning away from the play pen after laying HB down.
"Is he okay?"
"They're both fine. He needed to be changed. What about you're feeding them?"
"I'll pump a few bottles for Megan." Sam says, going into the kitchen.
Just as she's finishing up with the last bottle for the boys, Megan knocks. Jeffrey gets up to answer the door. "Thank you so much for coming over." He says, holding the door open.
"It's not a problem. It's part of my auntly duties." Megan says, shrugging out of her coat. Jeffrey helps her as Sam comes from the kitchen.
"Thank you for coming." Sam says, coming over to hug Megan.
"Like I said, it's not a problem." She says, stepping back from Sam's hug. "We'll be fine. Won't we boys." Megan says, going over to the play pen.
"They've been changed, but will probably want to eat in about an hour. I pumped a few bottles for each of them and left them in the refrigerator. If you need more than that, call us, well call Jeffrey and I'll come home."
"What happened to your phone?" Jeffrey asks, looking at her.
"The battery is dead. With everything that's been going on, I forgot to put it on the charger. All of my patient calls are going to the hospital until I'm off maternity leave and you've been home with us so I forgot…."
"Don't worry about it Sam." Jeffrey says, stepping over to her. He looks back over his shoulder. "If you need more than those bottles, call me and we'll…."
"I'll come home." Sam says, as Jeffrey looks at her. "You're not going to want to leave the hospital, especially if she's in the active labor phase."
"She's not in active labor now?" He asks, looking at her.
"No, she is. She's just in the early phase of it. She's transitioning to the active labor phase now. She'll be in this stage for a bit but we do need to go."
"I have your number Jeffrey. If I need anything I'll call you but we're going to be fine. So go take care of your little girl." She says, moving out the way of Jeffrey.
He reaches for Sam's coat and helps her into it before he shrugs into his. "We'll let you know what is going on as soon as…."
"Just go on and go. We'll be fine." Megan says with a soft chuckle.
He opens the door for Sam, holding it as she walks out of the house and he follows her. Closing the door behind them, he helps her down the steps and to the garage and his car. With the slick streets, what would've taken about five minutes to reach Cedars from their house, takes them ten extra minutes to arrive and then another twenty to get from their parking place to the labor and delivery floor. "It feels like we were just here." He says, as they step off the elevator.
Sam smiles as she looks at him. "We were about three days ago." She says, as they walk into the waiting room. "Do you mind waiting here and I'll see if I can get any information from the staff or maybe find William or Dr. Sedgwick?"
"Okay." He says, before settling into one of the chairs scattered around the room.
"I'll be back." She says, moving to find some information.
She returns to find Jeffrey pacing the waiting room floor. "Relax J." She says, as he turns to her.
"Did you find William or Dr. Sedgwick? Is she okay?"
"I didn't see William, but I ran into Dr. Sedgwick and she says that everything is progressing normally. The baby's heart beat is strong as is Ava's. William's with her and he's coaching her through the contractions. The only thing we can do is settle back and wait."
"I can't see…."
"She was on her way back in to check her again. I'm sure she'll tell them that we're here." Sam says, putting her hand on his arm.
"She's my little girl and I haven't been there for her for all the things..."
"That wasn't your fault and she knows how much you love her, whether you were there or not. I know you're anxious, but you know she's in the best hands." He pulls her in and hugs her, holding on for a few seconds before she steps back. "Let's set down. I'm sure William will come to us when he can." She takes her hand and leads him over to a couch. They sit down together. With his across her shoulders, she snuggles into him.
On the morning Agent Wallace and his partner decide to put the first part of their plan into play they arrive at the prison separately. For most of the day, Edmund has been in seclusion. You're probably thinking how can he be 'in seclusion' when he's locked in a room of roughly eighty square feet and completely alone. When I said he was in seclusion, I meant that the door that allows for food and other things to be slipped into his cell. That door has been closed. And while, he's not housed in a padded cell, the cell walls are made of two feet thick stone and concrete. About an hour before his yard time, he hears two guards standing by his door. He can't really make out what they are saying but he strains to hear anyway but he can't make out anything. And he resolves to leave the tiny door open in the future.
An hour after arriving for their shift, both Agent Wallace and his partner come to escort Edmund out of the prison for his daily hour of yard time. They are standing outside, Edmund's cell when Agent Wallace looks at his partner. Pushing the door open, Agent Wallace says, "Come forward." Getting up from his bed, Edmund walks over to the door. "Hands." Agent Wallace says. Sliding his hands through the opening, he allows the guards to slips handcuffs onto his wrists. He steps back, once the cuffs are secure and waits for the buzzing sound, indicating that the door has been unlocked. The door clicks open, and Edmund steps out. With the two guards walking behind him, they walk towards the yard.
The weather is clear except for a few high thin clouds. Agent Wallace walks around Edmund. Holding his hands out, Agent Wallace un-cuffs him and then returns to his partner. Edmund walks away but stays close enough to be able to overhear anything they say. "Is it true?" Officer Burundi asks.
"Is what true?" Officer MacKinley asks.
"The rumors. You were in the meeting with the warden."
Officer MacKinley looks at Edmund as though he's trying to see if he's listening to them. He decides that he is, which works for their plan, but he can't just openly discuss prison business with a prisoner just steps away from them. "You know we can lose our jobs if Wilson finds us discussing what we were told in that meeting."
Officer Burundi follows Officer MacKinley's line of sight. "Oh come on, like he's going to be able to do anything. He's in segregation for a reason."
"Still we shouldn't be discussing this now."
"You're seriously not going to tell me what was said in the meeting with the warden."
Sighing, Officer MacKinley looks away for a moment. "Alright, their might've been some suggestions that the new prince is concerned about the security here and he may have ordered and entire review of security measures for the entire prison." Officer MacKinley speaks loud enough for Edmund to hear, but still low enough to appear as though he's whispering to Officer Burundi."
"Really!"
"That's what he said."
"When does it start?"
"I suppose it already has. They are taking the prison by sections."
"Starting where?"
"He didn't say."
"Are we going to be advise beforehand when they're going to be reviewing segregation?"
"I don't know."
"If it was you, you wouldn't give advanced warning, would you?"
"It's not my decision to make."
"Uh Huh. So, what are you doing after shift?"
"Going home and sleeping, someone kept me up all night last night."
"I hope you enjoy it?" By this time Edmund has wandered away from them so they stop talking and simply watch him until it's time to bring him back inside. As they walk away from Edmund's cell, Officer Burundi says. "You think he overheard." Officer MacKinley looks at her. "And you're sure he bought it?" She says, smirking as they walk to the next cell and she steps up. "Come forward." She says.
Over the next couple hours, Ava's labor progresses at a steady rate. She and William are alone for a few moments before Dr. Sedgwick is due to come in to check her. "I know you called my dad when I was brought upstairs, but what about Richard and Cassie?"
"I called them both but Cassie's assistant said that she was in a meeting with clients and Richard was at a political breakfast for his campaign according to Amelia."
"Maybe you should try them again."
"I don't want to leave you."
"I'm fine. I can do the breathing exercises when a contraction hits. The nurses and Dr. Sedgwick will be here. Go call your brother and Cassie. I know they'll both want to be here."
"Are you sure?" William asks.
"Yes, I'll be fine."
"Okay, I'll be right back." He says, standing up. "Don't have this baby until I get back." He says, leaning in to kiss her.
"I be sure to explain that to them." She says when he pulls away.
"I'll be right back."
"Go." Ava says, smiling as he turns to leave.
He looks back once and she smiles at him before the door swings closed behind him. William walks down the hallway quickly. He's waiting for the elevator when Sam looks up and sees him. "William." She says. He turns around when he hears his name.
"Jeffrey, Sam. I didn't realize you had arrived."
"We thought you knew, we've been here a couple hours. I saw Dr. Sedgwick right after we arrived." Sam says.
William looks back towards Ava's room. "She didn't say anything, that's weird."
"She's probably focused on Ava's labor. How is she doing?"
"Oh, she's progressing quite well. Dr. Sedgwick was due back to examine her right before I left to come out here."
"Why are you out here?" Jeffrey asks.
William turns to him. "I was on my way to call Richard and Cassie. I tried right after I spoke with you and was told by both of their assistants that they were busy with clients. Richard is at a political breakfast…."
"The FOP political breakfast. Every election has that event." Jeffrey says knowingly.
"Yes, well Amelia didn't specify who was involved only that he wasn't at his office. I left a voice mail on his phone, but he hasn't called me back. And Cassie assistant said she is also in a meeting with a client. Ava wanted me to try to reach them again, so that's where I was headed. Are the boys here?"
"No, my sister is watching them." Sam says. Jeffrey hears something in her voice and he looks at her but she doesn't notice. "If you want to be with Ava. I can call Richard and Cassie for you." Sam says.
"You're sure."
"Of course."
"Thank you. I didn't want to leave. Not that I think something is going to happen." He says, quickly. "She and the baby are fine. Everything is fine. They are progressing..."
"William, it's fine. Go back to Ava and we'll call Richard and Cassie for you." Sam says with a smile. Nodding he turns to go back to Ava's room.
"Was I like that when you were…."
"It was just a couple days ago, J. You don't remember how you reacted when I told you call our family and friends?" She asks, pulling her phone from her pocket.
"Yeah, I guess I was that nervous too." She nods as she scrolls though her contacts for Cassie's number. He lays a hand on her arm forcing her to look up. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, of course I'm fine."
"Sam..."
She looks at him and give him a half smile as she walks over to him. "I miss them but I'm staying with you at least until Ava delivers."
He looks at her and then reaches for her and she steps closer. Lifting his left hand, he lays it against her cheek. "I miss them too."
"You need to be here and..."
"And if you want to go home, I'm sure Richard and Cassie would drop me off after Ava's delivered."
"I'm okay to stay. From what William said she seems to progressing quickly."
"A couple of hours is quickly."
"When I did my OB rotation, I saw a woman only dilate about a half a centimeter per hour. Eventually she had to have a C-section. She couldn't deliver vaginally. That case confirmed my decision not to be an OB/GYN or a surgeon. I'm okay to wait till she delivers."
"Unless something happens, okay." He says, leaning in to kiss her.
"Nothing is going to happen, okay. Don't think that way." She says, as he smiles.
"I didn't mean something bad. I just meant if for some reason her labor slows down or stops then you can go home to the boys. I'll be fine here with Richard and Cassie and whomever else they want to know."
"Maybe you should call Stace, I now she's covering for you while you're with..."
"She's not covering for me. I'm allowed to be home with my wife and my new baby boy's for a little while."
"It's called maternity..."
"There's paternity leave as well." He says, smiling as she leans in and kisses him. "Aren't you supposed to be calling Richard or Cassie?"
She smiles as she pulls out her phone. Finding Cassie's cell phone number, she dials it while Jeffrey settles back into his chair.
After a couple rings, she picks up. "Hello, Cassie Winslow."
"Cassie, it's Sam."
"Oh, hi. How are you doing? Ava said you were at home now."
"We are. We were released a couple days ago."
"So how are the boys?"
"They're fine, with my Sister right now while Jeffrey and I are at the hospital."
"The hospital, are you okay? Did something happen to Jeffrey?"
"No, no, we're both fine. I should've been more clear. We're actually here with William and Ava."
"William and Ava, oh my… She went into labor."
"Yes, actually. Earlier this morning. William said he called right after they were brought up to labor and delivery but he said that he spoke to both yours and Richard's assistants."
"I was at a meeting with clients and since I'm on half days because of the pregnancy when the meeting wrapped I came straight home. I didn't go by my office to check in. And I know Richard's busy all day. But I think he's checking in periodically with Amelia throughout the day. I'll call him and then I'm on my way." Cassie says, getting up from the couch.
"I'll be sure to tell William as soon as I see him."
"And tell him that I'll call Richard and tell him. His campaign manager may try to intercept a call from Amelia, but he won't when I call. Not if he want to keep his job anyway." Cassie says, as Sam chuckles.
"I'll be sure to tell him."
"I'm coming as soon as I change into something more appropriate for the situation." Cassie says, looking down at her ratty sweats and one of Richard's shirts that she's taken over.
"I'm sure whatever you're wearing would be fine, but come whenever you can get here. I'm not sure about the road out your way, but it town it took a little longer for us to get to the hospital than it would usually."
"I'll be careful. Believe me, I know about the roads out here and how dangerous they can be." Cassie says, as Sam nods, knowing that she's thinking about Richard's accident. "We'll see you soon."
"Yes, I'll be there as soon as I can manage it." They are about to hang up when Cassie stops here. "Hey Sam, what about Emma?"
"I'm not sure. I'll ask William."
"Okay."
"Is Reva busy today?"
"Umm, I think she was at the Beacon until this afternoon. If William needs her to pick up Emma at school, I'm sure they could call the school and let them know. And I'll call her to pick up the boys, if you want to tell them that."
"Alright, I'll let them know."
"I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Okay, be careful and see you soon." They hang up.
Jeffrey is staring at the ticker tape scrolling across the news station playing in the TV in the waiting area when he sees Sam move to get up. "What's up? Is Cassie…."
"She's going to be on her way as soon as she changes clothes."
"Okay, so where are you going?"
"To ask William about Emma."
"I didn't think about here. Will they would let you back there."
"I'm a doctor." She says, shrugging her shoulders. "I'll be back as soon as I've talked to him."
"Okay, what about Richard?"
"Cassie's going to call him. She said that his campaign manager may try to intercept a call from Amelia but he wouldn't intercept her call if he wants to keep the job at least." Sam says, as Jeffrey smiles.
"Yes, Cassie a way about getting around aides and advisors." Jeffrey says, remembering times that she stepped around aides and advisors at the Palace.
"Remembering your time in San Cristobel?" Sam asks, leaning into him.
"Yes I was and she certainly has way of getting around people who tell her that she can't be in contact with Richard." She looks at him. "I only slept with her the one time, Sam. I promise. I only meant that she's not…."
"I know what you meant. I just forgot about your time as Richard would've allowed you to see how much they were connected to each other."
"Oh yes, Richard had standing orders that if Cassie needed him for any reason he was to be told immediately and if those orders were not carried out whomever disobeyed that order never did it a second time, I promise." He says, as she leans in and kisses him.
"I'll be back. Let me talk to William." Sam says, as she gets up and leaves.
Ava is laying on her bed with her eyes closed when William comes back into the room. Opening her eyes, she's surprised to see him. "You can't have called both of them that quickly." She says, sitting up a little bit.
"I didn't." He says, coming over to the stool by her bed.
"He needs to…."
"I ran into Sam and your dad in the waiting room."
"They're here."
"Yes, and Sam said that she would be happy to call both Richard and Cassie if I wanted to be with you, so that is why I'm back so quickly. How are you doing?"
"Dr. Sedgwick came just after you left. I've dilated to seven centimeters and have entered the transitional phase of the first stage of labor. I've got three centimeters to go and then I'll be in the final stage and can start to push." Ava says, feeling another contraction coming on. He grabs her hand, guiding her through the breathing exercises until the contraction passes. Once it's passes, she says. "They are coming quicker and they are lasting longer."
"When was the last one?"
"While Dr. Sedgwick was examining me." She says as he gently kisses the back of her hand.
"When did Dad and Sam get here?"
"Umm, a couple hours ago according to Sam." William says, as a nurse comes into the room.
"I don't know."
"Did they tell anyone they were here?"
"She said that she ran into Dr. Sedgwick when they arrived but I don't know why Dr. Sedgwick wouldn't've said anything to us." William says, as she grips his hand again. "It's okay, breathe." He says, mimicking their exercises. Ava never relaxes her grip and William looks at her. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"Ava?"
"It's different."
"How?"
"I can feel an intense pressure down there. I think I need to push." Ava says, catching the nurses attention.
"Mrs. Winslow." The nurse says, speaking up for the first time. Ava looks at her. "I'm going to go and find Dr. Sedgwick but it's important that you don't push until she gets back." The nurse says, as there's a light knock on Ava's door.
William looks up and is surprised to see Sam standing there. "Can I come in?" Sam asks as the nurse comes by her.
"Sure." Ava says, looking behind her.
"He's in the waiting room. He would've been in here, but we didn't know that Dr. Sedgwick hadn't told you that we were here. Do you want me to go get him?"
"I think it's a bit too late for your Dad to be in here." Dr. Sedgwick says, stepping into the room followed by the nurse. "And I'm sorry I didn't mention running into Sam after I saw here. I had a complicated delivery going on as well as Ava and it simply slipped my mind."
"I'm just glad to know that my Dad's here." Ava says, reaching for William's hand again. "The pressure…."
"Let me take a look." Dr. Sedgwick says, going to Ava.
William looks at Sam. "I'm sorry. I'll be quick." Sam says, realizing what's going on. "I talked to Cassie. She's on her way, but she asked about Emma?"
"Oh crap, I forgot about…."
"Don't worry about it, you've been busy?" William says, squeezing her hand lightly. "Can you call the school, and speak with the principal. We advised him of the situation and told him that if Ava went into labor while Emma was in school that she was supposes to go home with Cassie's boys."
"I'll call Cassie and tell her that. She said something about having Reva get the boys after school."
"If she can pick up Emma as well, that would be wonderful." Ava says, as Dr. Sedgwick back away from examining Ava.
"It looks like you're fully dilated." She says, as Ava grips William's hand and Dr. Sedgwick looks at the fetal monitor. "On you next contraction, I want you to push as hard as you can."
"Okay." Ava says, clinging to William's hand.
"You're going to be fine." It's the last thing Sam hears William say as she leaves the room.
She finds Jeffrey in the waiting room still. Pulling out her cell phone, she dials Cassie's cell number as she walks over to him. On the second ring, the call pickup. "Hi, it's me."
"I just spoke to William. He asked you to call the school and speak with principal, explain that Ava's gone into labor and to let her go home with your boys."
"I can do that." Jeffrey says, having been listening to Sam. "Ava added me to Emma's list after Olivia gave her custody." He says, as Sam looks at him.
"Cassie, Jeffrey is calling the school now." There's a pause. "Okay, I'll let them know." She says before hanging up. When Jeffrey wraps his call with the principal, she says. "Cassie's going to call Reva and have her meet them at the farm." She says, as Jeffrey nods.
"How is she?" He asks.
"Actually, I think you're going to be a grandpa pretty soon."
"She's delivering."
"She's fully dilated and is supposes to start pushing on the next contraction. It won't take long now." She says, leaning back and kissing him.
Meanwhile, Ava is in the process of pushing. Still sitting beside her, William is holding her hand while he quietly counts to ten. When he reaches ten, she relaxes. "I think this little guy or gal is anxious to see their mommy and daddy." Dr. Sedgwick says, as the contraction ends and she looks up. "I think in a few more pushes he or she will crown and I'll be able to help him or her come the rest of the way out. It won't be long now." She says, smiling as Ava relaxes against the pillows behind her.
Not thirty seconds later, another contraction starts. Sitting up, Ava bares down while William continues to count and at some point, she looks at him. "Would you please stop with the counting?" She snaps, glaring at him.
When the contraction ends, she sinks back against the bed. "That was good. On the next contraction he or she should begin to crown. I really need you to bear down this time."
"I am." She snaps, as William smiles and she notices. "I really hate you right now. Do you know that? This hurts like a son of a ***** and you're smiling. This is your… Owwww." She cries out as and even more intense contraction comes on.
"It's okay, sweetheart. Just…."
"It's not okay. This hurts and it's your fault. It's all your fault. I'm never letting you…."
"Ava." Dr. Sedgwick says, snapping her attention away from William. "I need you to push as hard as you can."
"I can't." Ava says, as she shakes her head no.
"Sweetheart, look at me." William says. Ava turns her attention to him. "It's only a few more and our baby will be here and you'll be able to hold them and love on them. And I love on both of you, I promise. But you've got to push. It's just for a little bit longer.
Sitting up, Ava bears down as hard as she can. "That's good. I can see the head." Dr. Sedgwick says, reaching in to guide the baby's head through the birth canal as Ava groans loudly. "You're doing great." Dr. Sedgwick says, looking up as the contraction ends and the baby's head is free. Immediately the room is filled with the baby's cries.
"Oh my… I can… Is it okay?" Ava asks, looking at Dr. Sedgwick.
"Everything is fine. On your next contraction, push like you did the last time and we'll likely free the shoulders and it will likely be only one or two more pushes and you'll have your baby girl or boy." Dr. Sedgwick replies with a smile. Ava is too exhausted to return the smile.
A few more contractions later, Dr. Sedgwick brings the baby free. And with a smile, she looks up and says. "Congratulations, you have a beautiful baby boy."
"Oh my…." Ava says, as William leans over and kisses her. After a few seconds, he pulls away and lays his head against her forehead.
"I love you, both of you." He says, moving to kiss her again.
Before they get too wrapped up in each other. "William, would you like to cut the cord?" Dr. Sedgwick asks. He pulls away from Ava and looks at her. "Go on, it's okay." She says, as he moves to stand up. He's not exactly sure about what he should do and Dr. Sedgwick notices. "Relax, William. The nurse is going to place two clamps on the cord and all you have to do is cut between the clamps."
"Okay." William says softly. It's only a couple seconds before the nurse is handing him the scissors and within seconds he's cutting through the umbilical cord.
Once the cord is cut, the nurse wraps him in a blanket and bring him to Ava. William is standing beside the bed, watching the awe come over her as their little boy is placed in her arms for the first time. He swallows hard as tears fill his eyes.