A Fresh Start
Chapter Two Hundred Seventy Seven
Shortly before lights out, a guard walks up to Edmund's cell. Pushing the tiny door open so that he can see inside the cell he says. "You wanted to see me."
"Officer O'Rourke." Edmund says, sitting up.
"Singletary said you wanted to see me." O'Rourke says.
"Yes." Edmund says, standing up. He walks to the line and stands with his hands behind his back. "I know to whom you work for. I know why you were placed here and by whom it was ordered." Edmund stares at the man in front of him. "You have connections that I need you to use."
"To do what?"
"To get me out of this cell." O'Rourke turns to leave. "Your boss can pressure the new prince to revoke the segregation order."
O'Rourke stops and turns back to the cell. "You are exactly where you deserve to be, prisoner 293838."
"I deserve to be locked away. Confined to staring that these four walls and that ceiling with only an hour a day to breath fresh air. I deserve that for the rest of my life." Edmund demands. "I'm only in segregation because my brothers are or were too weak to…."
"Put you to death, maybe that is correct. You deserve to be dead for the things you did to your family and this country. Any other government would've tried and convicted you of treason and executed you immediately. Your brothers showed mercy allowing you to live, be grateful of that."
"I wonder what the press will say about our new prince allowing your government to place one of their agents in our prisons. I mean you are a foreign agent. I can easily advice my attorney of this and he will feel obligated to report this breach to the press as well as the courts. Does the new prince even know about the arrangements made by my brothers with your agency?"
"Are you blackmailing me?" O'Rourke asks, stepping up to the cell.
"I'm simply stating that the citizens of this country should be informed of the arrangements being made by their government." For a moment there's silence, before O'Rourke taps his fist on the door to Edmund's cell and then nods once before he turns to leave. As he walks away, Edmund smiles.
After the twins are finished eating, Jeffrey settles into the chair beside Sam's bed. "J, maybe you should go home." Sam says, still holding Aj.
"I'm fine." He says, glancing up from watching HB.
"You're not going to be able to sleep in that chair."
"I'll be fine." He says again.
"J."
"Sam, I'm not going home." He says, looking up. "I'll be fine in the chair for one night."
"You're going to be stiff. And we'll be okay here with the nurses."
"I'm not leaving you, okay." He says, still looking at her. She watches him for a moment before she nods and he turns his attention back to HB.
When Richard and Cassie get home, they send Ms. Chitwood home before getting the boys settled for bed. Richard is standing by the window in the living room when Cassie comes downstairs. She walks over to him and slips her arms around him. "What are you thinking about?"
"I was thinking about Jeffrey and Sam and how terrified they must've been earlier and I was remembering how I felt when you went into labor with Will. We were both so relieved when you were able to conceive. And then all that happened with Edmund and Rourke and I was stupid and then the coup, and the accident." He says, as she lightly kisses his shoulder. "I was so relieved that you seemed to be okay after the accident and Will was okay as well and then you went into labor.
"We were both terrified. I wanted to have a child with you so much. And it hurt so much when you thought I had cheated with Rourke."
"I don't think I ever told you this. But I didn't really believe that you cheated. I don't know what even possessed me to accuse you of that. I want to say that it was Edmund's doing and he started it, but you were right I didn't completely trust you and maybe I let my upbringing cloud the truth and influence my judgment."
"You're not your father, Richard. I never would've fell in love with you if you were."
"No, I'm not my father but I behaved as an upper class snob during that whole debacle. You never asked me what I felt when I found you at Teasers." She opens her mouth but he continues. "The majority of me was appalled that you felt you had to do that to make money. There was a small part of me that was furious at you for not coming to me and asking for help. I would've helped you but I understand why you didn't. I still think it was foolish pride and stubbornness but I understand. Dax tried to talk me out of rescuing you that night."
"He only ever looked at the face value of a situation. I'm glad you looked beneath that." Cassie says, tightening his arms around his waist.
"Did I, because I quickly allowed myself to be pulled into believing that you slept with Rourke just months after our wedding?" He pulls free of her arms and then turns around so that he can see her. Wrapping his arms around her waist again, he pulls her in closer to him.
"Everyone can be persuaded to believe something. I was persuaded into believing you were dead for five years…."
"There as evidence to prove to you that I was dead."
"There was evidence to prove that I had cheated on you back then as well."
"Nothing concrete, he had the diamonds from your garter. He could've gotten his hand on them someway besides you giving them to him. And that newspaper article, it's a glorified tabloid. I've dealt with those stories all of my life. I found both of you in our room with his shirt off. I'm sure you didn't ask him to do that, but maybe you did, either way if I had stopped and looked at the evidence those months before Will was born would've been much happier for both of us and I'm so sorry I ever accused you of ever doing anything remotely untrustworthy as it pertains…."
She lays a finger over his lips. "Shhh, I forgave you a long time ago. We've both said and done things to each other that unintentionally hurt one of us. After Edmund outed my past on TV I gave up on us and I know that hurt you. My own insecurities and worries put a lot of undo stress on us when we first got together. I didn't trust in you or what we had in the beginning and when that broadcast was played I assumed you would follow the advice of your staff and send me and the kids away." She pauses for a moment before she continues. "What I'm trying to say, is that we've both had preconceived notions as to what the other one will do. We've accepted those preconceptions and moved past them and we're stronger for the trials and problems we've overcome together and apart."
They stand there together for a few moments before he says. "I love you." He says, tightening his arms around her waist.
She lays her head on his chest and with a smile says. "I love you too."
"It's been a long evening. Are you and our baby ready for bed?"
She pulls back and looks up. "I'm ready for bed, but not sleep." She says, while he looks into her eyes.
He releases her by taking a step back and then takes her hand and leads her upstairs. They stop at the boys doorways, glancing in to see them both fast asleep. Smiling, he gently tugs her down the hallway to their room. He quietly closes the door after they enter the room. Turning to her, he steps closer and then pulls into him, kissing her.
Reaching up, she wraps her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss while he slow moves them over to their bed. He carefully lets her sit down and then follows her as she moves back and lays against their pillows. Reaching up as he leans over her, she lays her hand on his chest, hands laying over his heart and she smiles. "What?" He asks quietly.
"I love the feel of her heart beating against my hand."
He smiles as he leans down, kissing her while he settles against her side. Pulling her hands free, she wraps her arms around him, clinging to him while they kiss. Through practiced moves and loving devotion, it's not long before both of them are down to nothing between them. He lays his hand on her stomach. There is a swift kick. Smiling, she pulls away from his kiss while she lays her hand on top of his. "She's a little active."
"Think maybe we should calm her down?" He asks, gently rubbing his hand across her stomach.
"Maybe later." She whispers, slipping her hand down between them and gently caressing him.
He closes his eyes while sucking in a deep breath when he feels her hand moving over his body, caressing him. He's slow to follow suit but when he does it doesn't take him long to give to her everything he's been receiving from her. "Richard, I need you." She breathes against his neck, a deep shudder rolling over her.
"I know darling."
He helps her roll onto her side. Grabbing a pillow, he lays it under her stomach before he lifts her leg and moves in behind her, letting her feel exactly how much he wants her. "Please!" She whispers, reaching back to pull him closer.
Slowly he slides into place, filling them both with incredible relief for only a moment before the need to move surges up inside him and he rolls his hips into her. Setting a gentle but steady rhythm, he moves deep inside her while she tries to hold onto him. Reaching behind her, she clinches at his rolling hips. "Ah, please! Richard!" She mumbles, losing herself to the rhythm he's set.
He nips at her shoulder and then soothes it with a gentle kiss. Letting his tongue take away the sting of his bite. She shudders when she feels his lips and tongue moving over her upper shoulders, teasing and caressing her neck as he brings them closer to the end. Slipping his hand down her body, he caresses her until he feels her tense around him. Doubling his efforts, he moves back a little to get a better angle. That's all it takes, he feels her whole body tense up before the first surge breaks over her. He moves again and again, driving himself deep into her while she pushes her hips back against him involuntarily.
Heat surges up through his body. He buries himself as deeply as he can before letting go. Wrapping his arm around her, he clings to her while his release rushes though him, filling her as tiny waves sweep through her with each pulse of his release. It's only a matter of seconds before he sags against her back, sucking in deep breaths.
Small apartment, San Cristobel
Closing the door behind him, Agent O'Rourke goes immediately to his office. Opening the door, he goes in and presses a button after he closes the door behind him. Immediately the room is filled with a low buzzing sound. Walking over to his desk, he opens a drawer and pulls out a non-descript cell phone. Unlocking it, he pulls up an app and then inputs a number and code. After several seconds, the phone rings and he answers. "Clearance code." A voice asks.
"29434-2." Agent O'Rourke replies."
"Cleared." The voice says.
"The director's office please."
There's another short pause before the phone rings and a woman comes on the line. "The director's office."
"Is he in Matilda?'
"Who's calling?" She asks.
"Agent O'Rourke." He replies.
"Hold please."
There's silence before a couple clicks and then a deep voice says. "O'Rourke."
"He's made contact Sir."
"Are you in play?"
"Negative, sir. He's suggesting that he will mention my status to his attorney if we're unable to secure his release from segregation."
"Are you blown, Agent O'Rourke?"
"It depends Sir. Have you been able to speak with him?"
"We have spoken, but he's not inclined to listen to our suggestions."
"What do you want to do Sir?"
"I think it's time for plan B. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir. Plan B will be initiated."
"I have the rest in place."
"Yes Sir." The director hangs up and dials another number as O'Rourke places his phone back in his desk and press another button and the room is filled with silence. The moment the calls are disconnect, O'Rourke is up. Grabbing a small bag, he quickly places the few items he brought with him for this job. Closing up everything takes another few minutes. Walking over to the door, O'Rourke opens the door and walks out. Less than an hour later, he's on a transport and leaving the island.
Royal Palace:
"Sir, a decision must be made."
"I know Henry."
"Sir, we cannot release him to the general population and expect things to remain as they are." Another advisor says.
"He has no reason to pursue the throne now. His family is no longer the ruling family."
"He has a Machiavellian personality. He believes that he's entitled to everything he sees as being denied to him." Dr. Otis Oswald says.
"This is Dr. Otis Oswald. Renowned psychiatrist. I've allowed him to observe Prince Edmund. And he's consulted with me on his petition to be released from segregation." Prince Silas looks out the window for a moment before he turns his attention back to his advisors. "I trust his analysis and I'm inclined to keep Prince Edmund exactly where he is."
"Is that your decision Sir?"
"Yes, he stays in segregation." Prince Silas says, getting up from the throne.
"I will contact his lawyer, Sir." Henry says as Silas nods.
Around two am, the night nurse comes in to check on Sam. She's surprised to see both babies still in the bassinet and Jeffrey reclined back in the chair beside Sam's bed. She's moving around Sam's bed, checking on her as Jeffrey stirs. Opening his eyes, looks over and finds the nurse taking Sam's vitals. "Hi." He whispers. "Is she okay?"
"She is fine. However, visiting hours are..."
"I'm not leaving her." He says, looking at Sam.
"Sir, it's against hospital..."
"I'm sure you know who I am." Jeffrey says, looking at her.
"Yes sir. But I still cannot..."
He looks at the woman. "I appreciate the position you're in, but I'm not leaving them." He says, turning back to Sam.
Sighing the nurse recognizes a lost cause when she sees one. "Then I'll take the babies back..."
"They stay as well." Jeffrey says, smiling at her sigh of frustration. " As my wife pointed out, isn't easier for them to be with her since she is breast feeding them." Jeffrey says, as the nurse opens her mouth to reply. "I know you have bottles but she wants them with her and I'm inclined to do what my wife wants, so if you have any issues have your superiors come to me." Jeffrey says, as the nurse nods again.
"I'll be back in few hours to check on them again." The nurse says quietly.
As soon as the door closes behind her, Sam clears her throat. Jeffrey turns to her. "I love it when you take command." She whispers, smiling at him softly.
"Maybe I should do it more often." He says, leaning over and kissing her softly.
"I happen to think you're in command more often than not. She says, flirting with him.
"You realize this is what got us in this situation." He says, leaning back to look at her.
"I thought it was the excitement of being with each other again."
"Well that was an exciting weekend." He says, smiling at her.
"I love you too." She says before she glances at her babies. "Are they awake yet?"
"No, but I doubt it will..." He's silenced by soft whimpers. Getting up, he goes over to the bassinet and picks up Aj. "Hey my boy, what's wrong." He whispers, holding him close to his chest. Aj begins to root against his chest. "I think someone's hungry." Jeffrey whispers, walking over to the bed.
Sam reaches out for him after freeing her breast. Settling against him in her arms, he latches on immediately, suckling softly while Jeffrey watches them. Within five minutes, HB begins whimpering. Going back to the bassinet, Jeffrey picks him up and does the same as soon as he's laying against Jeffrey's chest. He gently rubs HB's back while Sam frees her other breast without upsetting Aj. When she's settled, he gives him to her and then settles down on the side of the bed to watch her feed them.
After several minutes, she looks up and finds his face full of awe. He looks into her eyes after a couple seconds. "I don't think I'll ever get my fill of watching you with them, like that." He says softly, while she smiles at him.
Another ten minutes pass with Sam watching her boys and Jeffrey watching them until Aj pulls away and stretches, kicking his brother in the butt while Jeffrey laughs. "And so the sibling rivalry begins." He says, taking his boy from Sam and getting up. He quickly finds a rag and throws it across his shoulder. Moving Aj into position, he walks around the room while he rubs and pats his back, waiting for him to burp. Sam is just finishing up with HB and he brings her a rag as well. It's not but few minutes later before Aj burps loudly and Sam giggles at him. "He's going to be like his Daddy." Sam says, still patting HB's back.
"Hey." Jeffrey says, turning to her. She giggles while Jeffrey tries to look offended.
"It's…." She cut off by and even louder burp from HB while Jeffrey laughs. She looks at him and he smiles at her.
"And so the competition begins." He murmurs, gently rocking Aj.
"Think we should change them while they are awake."
"It's probably a good idea." He says, reaching for the changing pad, diapers and wipes. He holds Aj, while he one handed puts in everything on Sam's bed and sets it up. "I'll change him and then put him in the bassinet..."
"Give him to me when you're done." Sam says, as Jeffrey looks at her. He nods once before he lays his son on the bed and quickly sets about changing his diaper. When he goes to open it, Sam says. "Be careful..." Sam says, just as Aj lets go with a stream of pee that hits Jeffrey on his chin. Sam bursts out laughing while Jeffrey glares at her. She sucks in a deep breath before she asks. "Are you going to glare at me or wipe it off and change him?" He glares at her for a few more seconds before he reaches for a wipe and wipes his face off. Tossing the wipe onto the bed, he carefully removes the diaper and then sets about changing Aj. When he's finished, he hands him to Sam. Once she has Aj, he takes HB and follows the same steps only this time being extremely careful when he takes the diaper off. HB is polite enough not to follow in his brother's footsteps that time, much to Jeffrey's relief.
When he's done, he tosses everything in the trash before he picks up HB and holds him to his chest, directly over his heart. He feels his boy sigh softly before settles deeper into Jeffrey's arms. "I love you too, little guy." He whispers, gently rubbing his back. He looks up and smiles a huge smile at Sam.
"I think he's going to have you wrapped around his little finger before he can even talk." Sam whispers, gently rubbing Aj's back.
"Are you saying that they don't already have you wrapped around their little fingers?" Jeffrey asks, settling into the chair beside the bed.
"Oh that happened even before they were born." Sam says softly, gently running her fingers over Aj's back.
"I know."
After several minutes, he looks up and notices that Sam's fighting to stay awake. Pushing the chair upright, he moves to get up and Sam looks at him. "What are you doing?" She whispers.
"You're about to go to sleep." He says, moving over to the bassinet and placing Aj inside.
He turns towards Sam's bed as she says. "I'm fine. I want to..."
Jeffrey leans over and kisses her forehead. "I know you want to hold him, but you need the rest too." He says, slowly taking HB from her. She really does what to hold him, but she can't really keep her eyes open anymore. Jeffrey kisses her forehead again as he whispers. "Go to sleep Beca."
She sinks down into the bed as she closes her eyes. Only meaning to rest them for a few moments. Two hours later, she and Jeffrey are both snatched from sleep by deep cries from both of their boys. "Hey, hey boys. What's wrong?" Jeffrey asks, getting up quickly and going to the bassinet. As soon as he gets close enough he steps back and looks at Sam with a terrible look on his face. She laughs watching him. "I think they need to be changed again. And this time I don't think it's just a wet one." He says, looking at her.
"Well, I guess you'll have to get everything ready for me." She says, taking pity on him. She won't force him to change their first dirty diaper. He looks at her. "J, the changing pad, please." She asks, snapping him out of his stupor. He gathers everything up while she moves to sit up. Her stomach muscles protesting a little bit as she moves. He hears the slight catch in her breathing and looks at her. "I'm fine, just a little sore." She says, as he moves over to the bed. Laying everything out, he goes back to the bassinet. Both babies are crying fully now. He picks up HB, but as soon as he does he quickly realizes that he's not the one with dirty diaper. Putting him down, he gets Aj, and brings him to Sam. Sam takes him while Jeffrey stands by the bed for a moment before he turns his attention to HB.
Going back to the bassinet, he picks him up and brings him in close. As soon as he's close, HB begins rooting around trying to find something to eat. "Aw, so you're hungry." Jeffrey says, gently rubbing HB's back while he walks around the room, waiting for Sam to finish changing Aj.
As soon as she opens his diaper Sam turns her head away. "How, little man?" She asks, holding his legs up to wipe his bottom with the diaper before she reaches for a wipe. She cleans him up and then closes everything up in the dirty diaper and lays it to the side before she reaches for the clean diaper. Lifting his feet again, she puts the diaper in place and then sprinkles him with powder before she closes him up and then lifts him. "Is that all better?" She asks, as brings him into his chest. She looks at Jeffrey. He's still walking around the room, trying to calm HB down. "Here, take Aj, and I'll take HB." She says, as Jeffrey walks over to the bed. They exchange babies and it isn't long before the room is quiet again. HB has just finished burping when Aj begins crying. Jeffrey looks at her and then shakes his head as the follow the same process, switching babies. And as soon as Aj latches on, the room is quiet again.
Shortly after leaving the throne room, Henry goes back to his Majesty's office. Prince Silas had other business to attend to so he's alone in the office. Sitting down at his desk, Henry reaches for his phone as he finds the number for Mr. Roman's office. Sitting back, he dials the number and waits for an answer. "Offices of Blackwell, Stanley and Roman, how may I assist you?" A young woman says, answering on the second ring.
"Yes, I need to speak with Mr. Roman." Henry says.
"And may I ask who is calling?"
"Henry Wexler, on behalf of his Majesty." Henry replies, settling back in his chair.
"If you will hold one moment, I will connect you."
"Of course."
There is a few moments of silence before the call is picked up again. "Mr. Wexler, it's a pleasure to hear from you." Mr. Roman says.
Henry moves right in to the business at hand. "I'm calling on behalf of His Majesty Prince Silas. In regards to the petition you submitted on behalf of your client Edmund Winslow. His Majesty has reached a decision. After reviewing all avenues, his Majesty has decided to deny your clients request to be moved from segregation."
"Thank you, I'll be sure to inform my client." Mr. Roman says, before Henry hangs up. Mr. Roman sits there for a moment before he pushes the button for his assistant.
"Yes sir." She says, answering on the first buzz.
"I will be out of the office for the remainder of the day."
"Yes sir."
"I will resume normal hours tomorrow."
"Yes sir." She replies, and then Lee hangs up.
Getting up, he gathers up his paperwork and Edmund's file before he leaves the office. Nodding once to his assistant. It takes about an hour to drive from the capital to the Winslow prison. After being processed through, a guard escorts him to a room. It's not the same room he was in before when he came to visit Edmund the first time, but the rooms are all set up the same so there's no way of telling the difference between this one and the one he was in before, except that this one opens on the right and the other room was on his left. The guard opens the door and then steps back, allowing Mr. Roman to enter the room. "I will have a guard bring your client down." The guard says, as Lee nods and pulls out the chair facing the other door in the room.
Not even five minutes later, that other door opens and Edmund is escorted into the room. He's shackled much the same way he was before. The guard helps him into the chair. He removes the hand cuffs but leaves him chained to the floor by one of the cuffs that was around his legs. Once he's settled the guard leaves, and Edmund focuses his attention on Lee. "If you're here then I can assume that his Majesty has reached a decision and judging from your expression it's not a positive one." Edmund says, his tone coming across bored.
"His majesty's assistant contacted me about an hour ago. The Prince has denied your request to be moved to the general population. And as you know, we have no other options open to us. I'm sorry." Lee replies, while Edmund stares at him.
"I have other options."
"I'm afraid we don't. His Majesty's ruling is…."
"Guard." Edmund calls. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Roman." Edmund says, as the door opens and the guard comes in.
"Mr. Winslow, I'm afraid you don't realize..."
"I'll be in touch, Mr. Roman." Edmund says, letting the guard help him up. He shuffles out while Mr. Roman stares after him.
The door closes behind Edmund and the guard escorting him back to his cell. Perplexed, Mr. Roman stands and then walks over to the other door. He leaves the prison after stopping at the check in station to receive his personal belongs.
The boys are settled back in their bassinets with Jeffrey laying on the bed beside Sam. "You should get some more rest." He whispers as he leans over and kisses the top of her head.
"I can't sleep now. If I do that everything will get out of whack."
"I'm thinking it would be more beneficial if you are on the same sleep schedule as the boys. At least until they start sleeping through the night." Jeffrey says, as her door opens.
They both look up as Dr. Sedgwick looks in on them. "Good morning." She says, smiling as she walks over to the bed.
"Hi." They both reply.
"I see you've made it through your first night."
"Yes we did." Sam says, snuggling into Jeffrey.
"And I hear that a few rules were broken." Dr. Sedgwick says but neither one comments. "It's okay. Although I am impressed with your ability to get around the night nurse." She says, smiling.
"Have you got all the test results back on my boys?" Sam asks, ignoring Dr. Sedgwick's comment about the nurse.
"Yes, we've got all the results back. And for being born early for what was thought to be a singular pregnancy you boys are remarkably health and we've adjusted accordingly."
"What does that mean?" Jeffrey asks.
"Normally, with premature babies especially twins we would typically keep them in the hospital simply to monitor them for any complications that might've arise from the early delivery. However, your boys are showing no signs of the usual complications. They are breathing very well on their own. Everything seems to be working as it should be, according to the test results and the observations of the nurses.
"What about jaundice?" Sam asks
"They haven't shown any signs of it. It's appears that they are some very health boys." Dr. Sedgwick smiles.
"So what does that mean?" Jeffrey asks.
"As I said, normally with twin births we would keep them here for a couple days, just to be sure there are no hidden medical problems. But given that Sam is a doctor herself and because the boys seem to have no complications, we could release them and Sam as early as this morning."
"Would you recommend that?" Jeffrey asks
"I think that considering Sam's health and the babies, it would be okay to release them early." Dr. Sedgwick says, as Jeffrey looks to Sam.
"What do you want to do?" He asks her.
"I want them to be healthy and happy." Sam says, as he takes her hand.
"Sam, if you feel more comfortable waiting we don't have to release them this morning. It can wait till later today, this evening or tomorrow morning even."
"I want to make sure they are okay." Sam says, looking at Jeffrey
"We'll stay till later in the day and the re-evaluate the options then."
"Okay, then I'm going to have one of the nurses come in and take them to the nursery." Dr. Sedgwick says. She holds up her hands as Sam opens her mouth. "I know you want to keep them with you, but you need some uninterrupted rest before we decide about releasing all of you. And you need to go home Mr. O'Neill." She says, turning to Jeffrey.
"Yes ma'am." Jeffrey says, smiling as Dr. Sedgwick nods.
"I'll be back after lunch to see how you are doing."
"Thank you." Sam says.
"You get some rest." Dr. Sedgwick says, as Sam nods. She leaves.
Shortly after Dr. Sedgwick leaves, the nurse comes for the boys. "Don't worry Mrs. O'Neill. They will be right down the hall and once you've rested you can come down there. You need to get up and walk around a bit anyway."
"Thank you." Sam says, watching as the nurse wheels rolls them out of the room.
Once she's gone, Sam settles back against Jeffrey. "Close your eyes Beca." He says softly, holding her against him. "The boys will be okay while you rest." He says, gently caressing her hair.
"I've rested…."
"Sam, settle down and relax."
"You're going to do what Dr. Sedgwick said, about going home?" She asks, looking up at him.
"Don't worry about me, I'm fine."
"If you want me to rest, then you need to go home and rest yourself. Dr. Sedgwick will be back after lunch so there's no need for you to be here until then. Please J, go home and get some sleep."
He sighs. "I'll go to the office and..."
"No, go home and rest does not mean go to work and work. You've had less sleep than I have. You were up every time they cried and when the nurse came in. Besides that, you slept in that chair so I know you didn't sleep comfortably. So go home and take a nap."
"I'll stay until you fall asleep, okay." He says, leaning over again and kissing the top of her head.
Around noon, Jeffrey walks back into Sam's room. She's sitting up with both babies in her arms. He stops in the door way, watching her with them until she looks up and smiles at him. "Daddy's here." She whispers to the boys as he walks in, letting the door close behind him.
"You are supposes to be resting." Jeffrey says, coming to the bed and leaning in. She lifts her face to his and he kisses her gently before bending down and softly kissing the tops of the boys' heads.
"I was until the nurse brought them in for the noon feeding. They weren't too happy about taking a bottle while I was asleep so as soon as I was awake they brought them back to me. We've been sitting here by ourselves, enjoying the peace and quiet."
"That means you've been telling them stories about us." He says, as she looks at him trying to appear innocent. "Don't even try to deny it."
"I gave them the G rated versions."
"Then there wasn't much you could've told them." Jeffrey says, smiling at her.
"Hey..." Sam falls quiet as the door opens and Dr. Sedgwick walks in and Jeffrey chuckles. She looks at him and glares causing him to smile even more.
"I see you both look more rested." Dr. Sedgwick says, looking at both of them.
"Yeah, I'm rested. But I missed them too." Sam says, holding the boys tighter to her. '
"Let me check them out and we'll determine whether you all need another day in here or if we can send you all home."
Sam reluctantly releases Aj, letting Dr. Sedgwick take him while Jeffrey settles in beside them. She quickly checks Aj out and then gives him back to Sam, taking HB. When she gives him back, Jeffrey asks. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes, they are healthy and I believe ready to go home. Let me check Sam over, and then we'll decide about when to release you. Jeffrey would you mind taking the babies for a walk around the ward?" Dr. Sedgwick asks, looking at him.
"Sure." He says, getting up. He takes Aj first and when he's settled he takes HB. "I'll be back in a few minutes." He says, walking towards the door.
Once he's gone, Dr. Sedgwick proceeds to give Sam an examination. When she's done, she raises the bed again, helping Sam to sit up. "Alright the incision seems to be healing. There's a little swelling which is to be expected. Have you been up walking?"
"No, not yet." Sam says before looking down at the bed.
"You know it's important to walk. It helps with recovery."
"I know." Sam says.
"Alright, when Jeffrey comes back with the boys I will have a nurse come with him and while he's watching the boys I want you up and walking the hallway. And I want you doing a full circuit at least twice before we make our final decision.
"Yes ma'am." Sam says.
"I'll be back in a couple hours to check on you then."
"Thanks, Dr. Sedgwick." Sam says, nodding she turns to leave.
Not even two minutes later, Jeffrey comes back with the boys followed by a nurse. "Mrs. O'Neill." The nurse says, walking into the room while Jeffrey moves over to the side of the bed. "Dr. Sedgwick wants you to make a complete circuit of the floor before we will consider releasing you.
"Yes, I know." Sam says, moving to sit up.
The nurse come over to the bed while Jeffrey moves out of the way, still holding the boys. "I'm going help you out of the bed." The nurse says, as Sam nods.
The nurse helps her up and once she's standing, Sam takes a breath. "Are you okay?" Jeffrey asks.
"I'm sore a little bit. Give me a minute." She says, as the nurse nods. After about a minute, Sam nods and they shuffle out of the room with the nurse beside Sam and Jeffrey following behind them with the boys.
"You're doing great." The nurse says, taking slow steps beside Sam. "Is anything pulling or hurting?"
"No, I'm sore but I'm not overly sore." Sam says, as the nurse nods.
They continue down the hall. They don't stop until they reach the windows of the nursery. Sam looks inside, watching all the little babies in the bassinets. "They're beautiful." She says, as Jeffrey moves in beside her.
"I know." He says, wanting to slip his arm around her but can't because both of them are filled with two little boys.
"Here, let me have one." Sam says turning to him.
"Mrs. O'Neill, I don't think you should..."
"My legs and stomach are sore, not my arms. I want to hold one of my boys." She says, taking HB from Jeffrey. They stand at the nursery window for a few more moments. Jeffrey has slipped his arm around Sam's waist and she's leaning against him.
"I think it's time we go back to the room." The nurse says.
"Dr. Sedgwick wants me to make a circuit." Sam says, turning away from the window. Jeffrey steps in beside her.
They begin again, walking down to the end of the hall before they turn the corner and start again, making the complete circle. When they reach Sam's room again, Jeffrey takes HB again, before the nurse helps Sam back into the bed. Once she's settled, the nurse says. "Rest for a while and I'll come back to help with the next walk."
"Thank you." Sam says, as she nods.
Jeffrey settles the boys into the bassinets before he goes to Sam. "Did you over do it?"
"No, I'm fine but I need to rest."
"Then rest and I'll watch the boys." He says, leaning in to kiss her.
An hour later, Sam wakes up when the boys start crying. Pushing herself up into the bed, as Jeffrey walks over to the bassinet. "They're hungry." She says, as he picks up one of the boys and brings him to her. Once she's ready, he places Aj in her arms and then goes back to HB. Aj immediately latches on, suckling at her breast while Jeffrey brings HB to her. Settling him into her arms, he latches on and everything is quiet while they eat. Jeffrey settles against the bed, watching Sam with the boys.
She looks up and smiles at him. He lays his hand on her knee, gently rubbing her thigh. "I don't think I'll ever tire of watching you with them." He says, as she looks at him and smiles.
"I think you've already said that."
It's another ten minutes before Aj's full. Getting up, Jeffrey grabs a burping cloth before he takes Aj and begins patting his back firmly. Within moments, Aj lets out a loud burp and Sam laughs. Jeffrey looks at her and smiles. Jeffrey's still holding Aj, rubbing his back when HB finishes eating. Getting the rag for her, he lays it on her shoulder before she lifts HB and begins patting his back firmly. Several moments later, he follows his brother. Laying him against her chest, Sam keeps the rhythm she set while she was burping him, it's just gentler. It's not long before HB is asleep. Jeffrey stops his pacing and looks at Sam and the baby. Smiling he walks over to them. "Do you want me to put him down?"
"Yeah, I think the nurse will be in to help me walk again and this time I think I need to do it without them."
"Alright." Jeffrey moves over to the bassinet and lays Aj down before he comes back for HB. He's just settled him into the bassinet when the nurse comes in.
"Are you ready for you next walk?"
"Sure." Sam says, pushing the covers back.
Once again the nurse is there to help her if she needs it but Sam manages on her own. By the time they return, Dr. Sedgwick is there. "I see you're up and walking. How did she do?" Dr. Sedgwick asks, looking at the nurse.
"Very well, doctor." The nurse replies, as Sam gets back into bed.
"That's good." Dr. Sedgwick says, turning to Sam. "How do you feel?"
"Good, I'm sore but it's not excruciating."
"Good, and you did both circuits?"
"Yes, this time was easier than the first but I think that's because that was the first time I've been up for any length of time besides going to the bathroom."
"Good. Then I think it's going to be okay to send you home with these three boys here." Dr. Sedgwick says, glancing at Jeffrey. He's standing beside the bassinet, smiling. "I'll have the nurses draw up the paper work and as soon as that's done, we'll get you out of here."
"Thank you Dr. Sedgwick." Jeffrey says, stepping forward and holding his hand out.
"You're very welcome, Mr. Mayor." She says smiling. "I'll be back as soon as I have the paper work to get you released.
"Thank you." Sam says, as she nods. Leaving a few moments later.
Jeffrey walks over to the bed, settling down beside Sam he leans over and kisses her lightly. "Are you ready for this?"
"Always, as long as you're with me." She says, looking at him with a smile on her face.
"I'm not going anywhere." Jeffrey says before pulling away and turning to the room. He quickly gathers up everything they brought with them.
Around thirty minutes later, Dr. Sedgwick returns with the papers for Sam's release. She goes over everything with them. Most of the things Sam knew without being told. "If you will sign where all the xs appear then I'll have one of the orderly's come with a wheelchair. "Jeffrey do you have car seats for them?"
"Yes, I stopped and got a second one when I left this morning. And I have another crib as well, but it won't be delivered until tomorrow morning." He says, looking at Sam. She nods as she signs the final documents before handing them back to Dr. Sedgwick.
"Then I'll be right back with the orderly and we'll help you get everything into the car." She says, as they both nod.
Once they're alone, Jeffrey asks. "Are you ready for this?"
"Yes." Sam replies, as he leans in to kiss her.
Five minutes later, there's a knock as an older man comes in with a wheelchair along with the nurse. They help Sam get settled with the boys in her arms while Jeffrey carries all of their things. When they reach the ground floor, Jeffrey leaves them to bring the car around. Once the boys are in their seats, and Sam is settled Jeffrey gets in. "Are you ready?" He asks, she nods as he pulls away.