A Fresh Start
Chapter Two Hundred Eighty One
The soft hazy sunlight of winter fills Ava's hospital room when she wakes up. William isn't lying beside her like she thought he would be. Turning her head, she finds the cot and William. For a while, she lays there watching him sleep before the soft whimpering coming from the bassinet draws her attention away. Slowly she sits up. She's sore but it's not as painful as she thought it would be. Maybe the drugs from the night before are still in my system she thinks as she pushes the covers back. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she sits up as William stirs. Rolling over, he feels the emptiness beneath him before he realizes what's happened and he sinks to the floor with a yelp, getting Ava's attention. She bursts out laughing even though it hurts. When he collects himself enough, he sits up and then looks at her while she continues to laugh. "Seriously, you're still laughing. I could be hurt."
She swallows and takes a breath, trying to calm herself down. "Are you?" She asks around soft chuckles while he looks at her but doesn't reply. "I think maybe your ego is what's hurt." She says with a grin.
"Is this how it's going to be now? You're going to laugh at my expense."
"I'm not laughing at you. I'm laughing at the situation."
"The situation where I fell out of bed and could be seriously hurt."
"Are you seriously hurt?" She asks, watching him.
"No, but that's not the point."
"What is the point, except that you've fallen and you can't get up?"
"I can get up." He says, moving to push himself up. Once he's sitting on the side of the cot. He looks at her and asks. "What are you doing?"
"Getting our son." She replies, as Wes's cries get both of their attention. Ava moves to get up.
"I'll get…."
"I'm fine. I need to get up and move." Ava says, standing slowly and walking towards the bassinet.
"You just had a baby." William says, pushing up from the cot.
"I'm aware of that." She says, leaning over the bassinet and lifting Wes. "I will likely be released sometime today. I need to be able to move around at least a little bit. And I think Sam would agree that staying in bed will only prolong the stiffness as well as the soreness."
"If you're sore I can bring him to you." He says, as she looks at him. "What, it's my job to take care of you." He says, as she walks back to the bed. He's there to take the baby as she climbs back into the bed.
Holding her arms out, she lets William place their son in her arms. "I know you want to take care of us, but what he needs, you can't give him." Ava says, reaching into her gown and freeing her breast.
He settles down beside her, watching as his boy latches on. After several moments, he says. "He's got a healthy appetite."
"He gets it from his grandpa." Ava says, watching Wes eat.
"I'm gonna tell him you said that."
"And I won't deny it. My Dad eats like he hasn't had a speck of food in months, maybe years."
"Maybe it's an O'Neill gene." He says, as Ava looks at him. "What?"
"Are you saying I eat too much?" She asks, lifting an eyebrow.
"No, no, of course not." He stammers, trying to think of something to say to get him out of this.
She watches him for a few seconds before she smiles. Looking down at Wes, she says. "Your Daddy is silly."
"And you mommy can be a cruel, cruel woman." William says, as the door is pushed open and two nurses come in.
"Good Morning." One of the nurses says, while the other stares at William. "How are you both doing?" The first nurse asks, turning to Ava and Wes.
"We're good, but you might want to check my husband out. He might be seriously hurt." Ava says, looking at the nurse.
Both women look at him. "Your Highness…."
"It's simply William or Mr. Winslow and my wife is trying to be funny and quite unsuccessfully I might add."
"I thought it was very funny. You should've seen your face."
"Wait, what happened?" The first nurse asks, looking at each of them.
"I had a small accident this morning, but it's nothing serious."
"That's not what you were saying a few moments ago, after you fell out of the bed."
"You fell out of the your wife's bed?" The second nurse asks.
"No." He looks at Ava and glares slightly while she smiles as she lifts Wes to burp him. "I was in the cot and I turned over. I didn't realize how close to the edge I was and I fell. I'm perfectly fine. I promise."
"That's not what…" Ava falls silent when he looks at her, even though she's still smiling.
The first nurse speaks up. "I'm sure that Dr. Sedgewick will be in later this morning to check you out as well as this little one. At that time it will be determined if you will need to stay another night or be released."
William perks up. "Is there a reason why they would have to stay?"
"No, no. It's only routine Mr. Winslow. I'm sure your wife and son will be fine. I would suggest that we take him back to the nursery for a while." The nurse holds up her hand to halt any objections that usually come from first time parents. "The nursery is secure and…." She turns to Ava. "We need to get you up and moving. Dr. Sedgewick will want to know how that is coming along when she evaluates you for your release." The first nurse says, as Ava nods. "How is your pain level?"
"It wasn't too bad this morning when I woke up, but I'm feeling a little more soreness." Ava says, as the nurse nods.
"Dr. Sedgewick left orders, if you felt any discomfort through the night. We can administer some of that, if you wish."
"I think I'll be alright. Maybe getting up will work some of the soreness out."
"It will help, but you don't need to stress yourself to much. There is nothing wrong with taking something to eliminate or lessen your discomfort."
"I understand but for now I want to stay away from the medications. I don't want to pass them onto Wes."
"These medications are safe for your baby." The second nurse replies.
"Still I would rather not take them. I'm not in that much pain." Ava says, as the first nurse nods.
"I need to update your vitals so if you can give your boy to…." William steps up and takes Wes.
After the nurse finishes updating Ava's chart with her current vitals. "As I said, I'm sure that Dr. Sedgwick will be in momentarily to give you a more thorough evaluation. Until that time, would you want us to bring him to the nursery for a while?"
"I think we'll keep him here with us." William says. "I'll make sure she gets up and walks around while I watch him." William says, as both nurses nod.
The nurses leave while William settles down on the bed beside Ava with Wes still in his arms.
The clear cries of their boys wakes both Jeffrey and Sam for the third time. After Megan left and Jeffrey's melt down about being both a grandfather and a father within less than a month. The boys were up about every three hours wanting to be fed or changed. Groggily Sam rolls to her side and sighs. As she sits up, Jeffrey mumbles as he reaches to stop her from getting up. "I'll get him. You were up the last time."
"He's probably going to want to be fed." Sam says, as Jeffrey pushes the covers back and stumbles as he gets out of the bed.
"Be careful." Sam murmurs, settling against the head board as Jeffrey catches himself and gets his balance before he goes to the bassinets sitting next to Sam's side of the bed. "Which one is it?"
"HB." Jeffrey replies, lifting him and carrying him to his mother while he whispers in his ear. He's just given him to Sam when Aj begins to cry.
"They're both hungry." Sam says, while moving HB in place before she looks at Jeffrey.
He's picking up Aj and then turns to her and makes a face. "Nope, I think he wants something else." Jeffrey says, as Sam smiles.
"You can take care of that, but I'm sure he's going to want to eat as soon as you're finished changing him. Just be careful that he doesn't pee on you again." She says, as Jeffrey looks at her.
"I think I've learned that lesson." He says, as she smiles
Sam watches while Jeffrey changes Aj. When he's finished, he turns for the bed. Settling down beside them. "What are you doing today?" Sam asks as she lifts HB, laying him against her shoulder. Lightly but firmly patting his back to help him burp.
"I need to check in with Stace for about an hour." Jeffrey says, as HB let's go with a loud burp.
"Good boy." Sam murmurs into his ear before bring him down to lie in her arms.
"After I'm finished with Stace, I've got nothing else planned but to be here with you and the boys." Jeffrey says, as Aj begins fussing. "I think he's ready now."
"Give him to me and you take HB." They switch babies and Sam settles in to give Aj his breakfast. "And maybe you should go ahead and change HB."
Cassie is finishing breakfast when Emma and the boys come downstairs. "Daddy said he'll be down in a minute." Rj says, sitting down at the table with Will and Emma.
Cassie brings them their breakfast. "Eat up, the bus will be here in about twenty minutes.
"Ms. Cassie." Emma asks.
"Yes sweetie." Cassie turns to her as Richard walks into the kitchen, going immediately for the coffee pot. It tortures Cassie every morning to make it, but she won't deny him, his morning coffee simply because she can't have any at the moment. Emma's voice pulls her back to reality. "Will Ava and William be home today?"
"I don't know for sure, but it's likely."
"With my brother…."
"He's not your brother. He's your nephew, silly" Rj says, shaking his head.
"Rj, stop. If she want to call the baby her brother, she can." Cassie says, looking at him.
"Yes ma'am." He mumbles.
"Finish your breakfast." Cassie says before turning her attention to Emma. "If Ava and William come home today they will bring Wes with them."
"So, I'll get to see him and hold him."
"You'll be able to see him. But being able to hold him will be up to Ava and William. Newborn babies are very small and fragile and you have to be careful with them. But you'll get you hold him plenty of times. Now eat your breakfast, okay."
"Yes ma'am."
Cassie turns towards the stove and catches Richard watching her. She walks over to him. He pulls her into him and kisses her sweetly. "What was that for?" She asks, leaning back.
"I like watching you with the kids." He says, laying his hand on her stomach while he nuzzles her neck. "And I can't wait till this one is here so we can hold it and love it and let the boys be its big brothers."
"I think you're getting sappy in your old age."
"Old age, I thought I proved that…." She leans up to kiss him, cutting him off as he laughs.
"You proved your young age last night." She whispers, leaning back.
"I'd be happy to prove it again before work."
"I've got the boys to get out the door and you have meetings you have to get to, rain check." She says, leaning up to kiss him softly.
"I'm holding you to that." He says, releasing her and taking his cup to the sink. Rinsing it out, he puts it in the dishwasher before he turns back to her. "Go get ready for work, I'll get the kids to the bus."
"You haven't eaten yet."
"I'll get something at Company before my first meeting."
"I can fix…."
"Go, Cassie. You got the kids ready. Now you get ready. I'll handle getting them to the bus." He says, turning her towards the living room.
"Alright." She says, but her tone says that she doesn't like not finishing her job.
"I'll survive on Company's food for breakfast. You know Buzz. And it's not going to hurt me to eat out this morning." He says, kissing her neck. "Go get ready."
"Let me tell the kids bye." She says, turning for the table. She gives each one a hug and kiss before she heads for the living room and upstairs. She's just leaving the bathroom when Richard walks back in. "What are you doing here?"
"I thought we could spend the morning together."
"You're meetings and the campaign."
"My first meeting isn't until eleven. And all of my campaign stuff is later this afternoon. So I can spend the morning with my gloriously beautiful wife and our unborn child." He says, slipping his arms around her. "Unless you don't want…."
"Reva can handle the Beacon." Cassie says, slipping her arms around him.
"Good." He says, slipping off he shoes before tugging his tie loose before he sits down on the bed and moves back towards the headboard.
Megan walks into Company just before eight. She's just dropped the boys off at school and has some time to kill before he first class for the day. Buzz is coming in from the back when she walks in. "Good morning." He says, as Megan slips onto a bar stool.
"Morning Buzz." She says, as he sets up a coffee cup and pours her a cup. "How did you know I needed that?"
"Well, given that I haven't seen much of my son the past few days, or you for that matter. I'm thinking the need for coffee is great." Buzz says, pushing the cup towards her.
"I'm not sure what you're getting at." Megan says, taking a couple sugars and the cream.
"If I need to explain….."
"I get it, I do." She says, looking at him with a smile. "Frank and I are good friends."
"Ummm hum, is that why he leaves the station at night and he doesn't come here."
"We're feeling things out." Megan says after sipping her coffee.
"Only feeling things out." Buzz asks, as Harley walks in.
"Dad, stop interrogating her." She says, sitting down next to Megan. "That's my job." Harley says, turning to Megan. "Neither of you have been around much lately."
"Your dad was just pointing that out. I've had other things going on besides Frank."
"So, you and Frank are…."
"We're friends, good friends."
"And what about more?"
"We… we haven't talked about it. We've both been busy since the holidays."
"So you haven't gone out yet?" Harley says with a smile as Megan looks away. "It's okay. But have you considered asking him out."
"We're…."
"You going to say that you're friends. I think you're more than that." Harley says as Megan looks at her. "Company is a family business and the employee's, well they can gossip just as much as the officers down at the station."
"You know about him watching the boys for me yesterday."
"And about the kiss you both shared out in the parking lot before Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong, I like you and I like you with my brother, but some friendly advice. Time is short. If you don't believe me, ask my friends Cassie or Blake."
"I'll take that into consideration." Megan says, as Frank walks in.
Spying Harley sitting with Megan, he walks over to them. "Good morning ladies." He says, his tone full of suspicion as he looks at Harley.
"I'm not doing anything." She says. "Only giving friendly advice."
"About things we can handle ourselves, where's Gus?"
"He's working a case. You know that." Harley says.
"And I believe you were supposes to be at the station ten minutes ago."
"Actually I'm not due till nine, so I got time for some breakfast." Harley says, getting up from her stool. She turns to Megan. "It was good talking with you."
"You too." Megan says, trying hard not to smile as she walks away.
"Is something funny?"
"No, but you remind me of myself and Sam."
"Siblings always wants to be in each other's business."
"Oh, and like you haven't done the same thing to her and you were probably far worse because you played the big brother card."
"It's my duty to protect..."
"Somehow, I don't think she would be too willing to accept your brotherly protection when I'm sure she can take care of herself."
"Maybe she can, but I still have to vet anyone she's involved with."
"She's married."
"And I vetted him as well." Frank says, going behind the counter.
"What are you doing here? You were questioning her about her schedule but shouldn't you be at the station now?"
"I'm the chief of police. I can set my own hours. And I wanted to see you."
"And how did you know I would be here this morning?"
"I didn't. I drove by and saw your car in the parking lot." Frank says with slight shyness in his voice. She looks at him and smiles. "Do you have class today?" He asks, as he walks back around the counter and sits down beside her.
"Yes, it's mid-terms."
"Ahh so more studying?"
"Actually, I think I'm sitting pretty good. I don't think I'll have to study that much, why?"
"Well, if you don't have to study this weekend and the boys are feeling okay and Sam doesn't need you to watch…."
"The boys are fine and Sam was a one-time thing, at least for the next few months anyway."
"Then maybe we could all do something this weekend." He asks quietly
"We can do that." She says, leaning into kiss him quickly. Hoping that neither Harley nor Buzz would notice.
"Good." Frank says, sitting back with a smile. "Did you have breakfast yet?"
"No, I haven't got a chance to order." She says, as he stands up.
"I'll go fix us something." He says before she can ask where he's going. She shakes her head as he walks past her. As he walks towards the kitchen, he catches Buzz and Harley standing between the kitchen and dining room and he realizes they were in clear sight of the bar. As he walks by them, he whispers. "Not a word to her, or me." They looks at each other and grin but neither one says a word.
Winslow Prison: Two Days Later
In Admin Room one, all the guard tower guards gather for a mandatory meeting. As their commander calls the meeting together, Officer MacKinley slips in. Finding a semi-secluded spot, he settles into see what updates will be given. The new prince hadn't really ordered the review of the security measures of the prison. There truly wasn't any need, but to make sure their plan worked, Edmund needed to think that the review was ordered and that the guards on the north side of the prison would be off their towers for that review, leaving it clear for him to attempt to escape. Officer MacKinley is pulled from his review of his plan when the head guard says. "I've received orders from the new prince. He's ordered the review of all the security measures here at the prison, starting with the tower guards in two days' time. He wants the most vulnerable areas reviewed first. So the guards on the north tower will have their inspection and review at that time and the process will follow from there. Any questions." And that is Officer MacKinley's cue to leave. He slips out without any of the guards noticing him.
As he returns to the segregation floor, he finds Officer Burundi returning from the rec yard with one of the prisoners. He allows one look before he continues on. After Officer Burundi has her prisoner secured, she goes to find her partner. As she walks into the breakroom, she looks around. Finding Officer MacKinley sitting at a table alone, she looks around to ensure the room is free of other guards before she continues to the pot of coffee, waiting. Pouring herself a cup, she fixes it the way she likes it before she walks over to MacKinley's table. "You go?" She asks, after taking a sip of her coffee.
"Yes."
"Anything interesting?"
"Marshall had the orders and advised the guards of the review."
"They believe it came from Prince?"
"Yes, Wilton did a good job of replicating the official orders from the palace."
"When is it happening?"
"Day after tomorrow." He says, looking up. "We'll discuss it more after our shift." He says, as another guard comes in.
"Who are you taking out next?"
"Inmate 733920."
"What some help?"
"I can handle him."
"Alright, I'll go to lunch then. Want anything?"
"Yeah, bring me back the special."
"Sure, but I don't know how you can eat that." Officer Burundi says, as she pushes her chair back and Officer MacKinley looks up with a smile. Shaking her head, she leaves while Officer MacKinley gets up and goes to pour out his coffee.
Shortly before noon, Dr. Sedgwick comes into Ava's room. "Good morning." She says, as she walks into the room.
Ava is in her bed with Wes laying in her lap. William is sitting on the side of the bed with them. "Good morning." They both reply, looking up.
"I can see things are going good." She says, as she walks up to the bed. Ava smiles, while Wes holds onto both of her fingers.
"We've been great."
"How did last night go?" Dr. Sedgwick asks, as she picks up Ava's chart. Going over the notes left by the night staff and this morning's nurse.
"Fine, he only woke up three times to be fed." Ava says.
"And we changed him then too." William says.
"No issues with the breast feeding."
"No, the nurse helped the first time and he's been fine since. I've fed him twice since he woke up. Actually we just finished feeding and burping him. We were going to get up and walk for a bit before you came."
"Have you gone to the bathroom?"
"I went this morning."
"That's good. How is your pain level?"
"It's manageable right now."
"Good. But I do want you to get up and move around. It will help with the stiffness and the pain. So when we're finished here, I need you to get up and take a walk. See if you can make it to the end of the hallway and back but don't over tax yourself. If it's too uncomfortable or painful come back to the room and let the nurse know. But I don't anticipate any problems. All of your test and his test results show that everything is fine. So once you've been up and moving around, I think we should be able to release you. Do you have everything you need to get him home safely?" Dr. Sedgwick asks, as Ava and William look at each other. "You've got time, but you will need to have the car seat installed and secure before we're able to let you leave."
"I could go back to the loft and get it."
"Or maybe we could get my Dad or someone to bring it to us. I don't want you to leave."
"You're Dad's probably busy with the twins and Sam but Richard is probably coming in this morning. I can call him and see if he'll stop by for the key to the loft and go get it for us." William says.
"He's probably got meetings this morning."
"He'll come." Williams says, reaching for his phone. "I'll text him." He says, pulling up his message app.
"I'll let you work that out. But as soon as you get up and move around we'll be able to release you. I'll do another exam on both of you before you're released." She says, putting down Ava's chart."
Dr. Sedgwick leaves as William is texting Richard. When he's finished, he looks at Ava. "Are you ready to take this guy for his first walk?"
"Sure." Ava says, William gets up.
"Let me take him to the bassinet and then I'll help you out of the bed." He says, taking Wes. Cradling him against his chest, he carries him to the bassinet and lays him down. "I'll be back, just let me help your mom." When he turns around, Ava has already pushed the cover back and she's swinging her legs over the side. "Let me help you." He says, coming to her.
"I've got it." Ava says, moving to the side of the bed. He stands beside her, ready to catch her if she falls. "Oomph." She grunts as she stands up.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Maybe a little more sore than I thought laying there."
"Do I need to get Dr..."
"No, I need to move around, work some of the stiffness out. Can you carry him? I don't think I can do that right now."
"Sure." He says, going back to the bassinet, he picks Wes up and holding him against his chest with one arm, he goes back to Ava and holds onto her elbow as they shuffle out of the room.
Twenty minutes later, they return to Ava's room. William settles Wes into his bassinet before he turns to Ava. She's already in her bed but he comes over to straighten the covers. "Is he still asleep?"
"Yes. And maybe you should rest too."
"I am resting."
"I meant take a nap, while he's taking one."
"What about you?"
"I'll be fine."
She moves over. "Will you lay down beside me?"
Slipping his shoes off. He lays down beside her. She snuggles into his side and he wraps an arm around her shoulders. After several moments, she says. "I was thinking about having another baby."
"You want another baby, now?"
"No, not now. But I don't want to wait too long before we have another, if you want another baby." She says, looking up.
"I'm willing to have as many babies as you want. But I think having two in diapers and car seats is a bit much."
"Well, the car seats are going to be with us until he's at least five or six. But maybe two under two years of age is too much. It's just that we were both raised as only children. You have brothers but you didn't meet them until you were grown. I was an only child. It got really old playing by myself when I was little and I don't remember having a lot of play dates when I was growing up."
"My playdates were spent on a fishing boat with my Dad."
"You miss the ocean."
"I miss the peace and tranquility I would feel at sunrise and sunset. But I get those feelings when I wake up next to you, when I hold him, or when I help Emma with her homework." He says as he lightly kisses the top of her head and the door opens. One of the nurses walks in.
He moves to get up, but she holds up her hand. "I need to take him back to the nursey to do the exam before he's released." She says, as she goes to the bassinet. William is sitting on the side of the bed when she turns back around. "This is standard procedure." She says, as they both nod. "Do you want me to bring him back in here after the exam?"
"That will be fine." William replies. She nods as well before she leaves the room.
"I hope he's okay." Ava says.
"He'll be fine. It's standard procedure. The same as your exam will be when Dr. Sedgwick comes back."
"Maybe you should call the school and let them know that Emma should come home."
"Maybe we should let her go home with the boys and then we'll call Cassie to bring her home. It's almost one now and I don't know how long it will be before Dr. Sedgwick comes back."
"Maybe you're right. Let her go to the farm and then we'll call Cassie to bring her home. But you do need to call Richard for the car seat."
William reaches for his phone and finds that it's dead. "Crap."
"What?"
"My phone is dead."
"Check mine, I haven't been on mine, so it might have some battery left."
He finds her phone in the bag of personal belongs that the ER brought with her when she was admitted the day before. "Okay, you have life." He says, smiling as she rolls her eyes. Pulling up her contacts, he finds Richard's office number and presses send.
After a couple rings, Amelia picks up. "Richard Winslow's office."
"Hi Amelia, it's William."
"Oh hi, Mr. Winslow. How are you doing?"
"I'm good. Is Richard in his office or a meeting?"
"He's in a meeting but he should be wrapping up in a few moments. Do you want to leave…. Oh wait, he's coming out of his office now." She says, as Richard walks out of his office.
He stops in front of Amelia's desk and shakes the hand of the man he was meeting with before he says. "I'll be in touch."
"Thank you." The man replies and then turns to leave.
Once the office door closes, Amelia says. "Sir, your brother is on line one for you."
"Oh, I'll take it now." He says, turning back to his office as she returns to William.
"I'm going to place you on hold and he'll pick up in a moment, if that's okay."
"That's fine." William says.
She presses the hold button and not even a second later, Richard picks up. "William, is everything okay?"
"It's fine. We're supposes to be released today. But we need the car seat before we can go. I was wondering if you would mind coming to the hospital for the key to the loft and then getting it for us."
"I don't mind at all. I'm about to take my lunch break so I'll come now."
"Okay good and thank you so much."
"You're welcome. How are Ava and the baby?"
"Wonderful." William says, glancing at the bed and finding that Ava has fallen asleep. "She's sleeping right now and they just came to get Wes for his final exam before they're released."
"Any idea on when she'll be released?"
"Sometime today."
"Okay, I'm on my way out of the office as soon as we hang up. I'll come get the key and bring the car seat back to you."
"Thank you again." William says, as the nurse returns with Wes. He nods to her as she places him in the bassinet. "I'll see you then." He says, to Richard before he hangs up. "I was talking with my brother. Is everything okay?"
"Yes, he's a little cranky because we woke him up from his nap. But he passed all the tests."
"Do you know when Dr. Sedgwick will be in?"
"I believe she's eating lunch now and once she's back from that, she's supposes to come by unless there is an emergency."
"Do you know how long until she's released?"
"I can't say. Some of it depends on whether Dr. Sedgwick gets pulled into a delivery or an emergency." The nurse replies as William nods. "I'll be back in when Dr. Sedgwick comes in to examine your wife."
William nods again as he walks over to the bassinet as the nurse leaves. When he looks down he can already tell that his boy isn't happy. Reaching into the bassinet, he picks him. "It's okay. That's the last one for a while, I promise." He says, holding him over his heart. Slowly he feels him relax. "Yeah, that's better, I know." He says softly, caressing his back.
"He's probably hungry too." Ava says quietly.
He turns around and smiles. "I thought you were sleeping."
"I woke up when she brought him in." Ava says, moving to set up in the bed. She holds her arms out for him. William brings Wes to her and laying him in his arms. "It's okay." She says, letting him settle into her arms. Turning his head, he nuzzles at her breast. "Yeah, he's hungry." She says freeing her breast and then moving him to the other side. He immediately latches on and begins to eat. "Oh, he is hungry." She says, gently caressing his cheek while he eats. William settles on the bed by her knees watching them.
Wes is finishing when Richard walks into Ava's room. "Hi." He says as he walks into the room.
"Hi." Ava says, as she firmly pats Wes's back. "He just finished eating." She says, as he nods.
"You look good." Richard says, as William comes to him and they shake hands.
Pulling his keys from his pocket, William hands them to Richard. "Thank you. I don't really want to…."
"You don't have to explain. I'll probably be the same way with Cassie when she has the baby, maybe worse considering the circumstances."
"Is she okay?"
"She's doing really good. These last few months have been nothing but a miracle. We're both so blessed to be together again." He says as William and Ava nod.
"Do you want to hold him?" Ava asks after Wes burps loudly.
"Yes, for a few moments." Richard says, walking over to the bed. He takes Wes from Ava and for a few moments Wes cries but Richard quickly calms him down.
"You're a natural." Ava says.
"Will was sometimes fussy and when the nannies couldn't get him to calm down Cassie or I could." Richard says, letting Wes cling to his little finger. "He's a beautiful little boy." Richard says, looking at both of them.
"I'm sure yours will be just as beautiful." Ava says.
Richard looks down and watches Wes for a few moments before he turns back to Ava. "I need to get going. I'll go to the loft and bring the car seat back."
"Thank you again. I wasn't thinking about that when…."
"Don't worry about it William. I'll probably be just as flustered when Cassie's time comes."
"How much longer?"
"A few more months, she's due in early May."
"Is Cassie still insisting on a baby girl?"
"Yes, but she won't find out the sex when we go to the doctor." Richard says, shaking her head as Ava smiles. "I'll be going." He says, turning to leave as Dr. Sedgwick comes in with one of the nurses.
"Hi." Richard says.
"Hello, Mr. Winslow." Dr. Sedgwick replies.
"I'll be back." Richard says, turning to William
"Thank you." William says, as Richard leaves and William turns his attention to Dr. Sedgwick.
"The nurse said that you made the entire floor with your walk." Dr. Sedgwick says, as William tunes into the conversation between Ava and Dr. Sedgwick.
"Yes, we did."
"And how do you feel?"
"Good, I took a nap after we come back and they took Wes to his exam." She says, as Dr. Sedgwick nods.
"The nurse is going to take Wes to the nursery for a few moments while I do your exam, so if you'll step outside Mr. Winslow we'll begin." William nods as the nurse picks up Wes. Ava watches as they leave. "She'll bring him back once we're finished with the exam. They're just going to clean him up and get him ready to go home. After we're finished a nurse will be in to help you get cleaned up and ready as well." Dr. Sedgwick says.
Once the room is clear, Dr. Sedgwick starts her exam. She doesn't take long and when she's finished, she allows William back into the room. "Everything looks normal. I'm not seeing any signs of infection or complications from the delivery. Wes is healthy and all of his results came back normal as well as yours."
"So you're going to release them." William says.
"Yes, I'll have the nurses start the paper work to release them and as soon as you're ready with the car seat and ready to go we'll get the process going."
"My brother is on his way to the loft for the car seat and as soon as he gets here, I'll get it installed." William says, as Dr. Sedgwick nods.
"Then we should have you home within a few hours then."
"Thank you." William says, holding out his hand.
"You're welcome, William." Dr. Sedgwick replies, shaking his hand. "I'll be back in, in a few minutes to go over your paperwork and I'll have the nurse bring Wes back."
"Thank you." Ava says, as she nods before she leaves them alone.
"It's looks like we're going home, Mrs. Winslow."
"I know, Mr. Winslow. Are you ready?" She asks, as he leans over and kisses her.
"I can't wait."
"Good." She says, leaning up to kiss him again.
Twenty minutes later, Richard returns with the car seat. He taps on the door frame before he walks into the room. Ava is in the bathroom getting a shower with the help of one of the nurses. While William is holding Wes. "Everything okay?" Richard asks as he walks in. Sitting the car seat on the cot that William slept on the night before.
"He's fussy. I think he wants Ava and she's getting ready to go. So I'm holding him, trying to keep him from getting too upset." William says, as Richard nods.
"I remember that Will didn't like to be too far from Cassie when he was first born. Think we were the same way." Richard asks, as he watches William with his son.
"I have no idea." William replies, as the door opens and Ava comes into the room, freshly showered and dressed.
"Richard, hi." She says, coming to the bed. She settles down into it and immediately William brings the baby to her. When he places him in Ava's arms, he immediately quietens. Turning his head, he nuzzles against her breast. "Can you hand me a blanket." She asks William. Reaching for one, he lays it across her shoulder. Freeing her breast, she feels Wes latch on and begin to eat. "He's got his daddy's appetite."
"Thought we agreed it was your dad's appetite he has." William says, teasing her. She looks at him and sticks her tongue out while Richard laughs.
"I've seen Jeffrey eat." Richard says with a smiles.
Ignoring Richard's comment, she says. "Thank you for bring the car seat."
"Not a problem." He turns to William. "Do you need help getting it in the car? Between the two of us we should be able to figure it out." He says, as William looks at Ava.
"Go, we'll be fine." She says, smiling as he and Richard leave together.
Fifteen minutes later, they are back with the car seat secured in the car. "We're ready to go." William says, as Dr. Sedgwick comes in behind him.
"That's good because I have your discharge papers here for you to sign." Dr. Sedgwick says, laying the papers on the table "As I said before everything is looks good for both of you. I've prescribed a mild pain reliever, if you should need and it will not affect him. As we talked about before you will need to continue your prenatal vitamins as long as you're breast feeding. As well as watch what you eat and of course no alcohol or illicit drug use." Dr. Sedgwick says, as Ava nods. "Good, so if you'll sign these papers we can process you out."
"Guys, I've got a meeting." Richard says.
"Yes, go. And thank you again." William says, holding his hand out. They shake hands.
"Thank you." Ava says, as Richard nods before he turns to go.
Just a few minutes later, the orderly appears with the wheelchair for Ava and Wes. William takes the baby from her before the orderly helps her into the wheelchair. He gives the baby back to her before he checks the room to make sure they've gotten everything before he follows the orderly, who's pushing Ava and Wes out the door. Dr. Sedgwick is behind him. She follows them to the elevator, shaking both Ava and William's hand before they get on the elevator. William leaves her in the lobby with the baby and the orderly to bring the car around. Taking the baby, he secures him into the car seat before he helps Ava into her seat. Closing the door, he walks around the front of the car. Getting in he turns to her. "You ready, Mrs. Winslow?"
"Yes." She says, reaching for his hand. He takes it and squeezes it before he starts the car, puts it in gear and pulls away from the hospital.