"So, how are my favorite mommies?" Dr. Wexler asked as she prepared Alice for an ultrasound.
"I feel like I've been pregnant for two years now," Alice groaned. Tracy kissed Alice's forehead.
"Only 34 weeks. Trust me I counted every one," Tracy said.
"Now everything looks fine. The babies are viable, so if you go into labor, I would feel comfortable delivering you, with few complications if any. Speaking of which, have you decide what you want to do about delivering?"
Tracy and Alice exchanged a look.
"There has been a debate," Tracy said.
"There's no debate. I'm delivering, so I get to decide, despite yours, Alan's and Monica's opinions. If you don't like my decision, there's a chance you won't see me deliver."
"What's the problem?" Wexler asked.
"Allie has this crazy idea about a home delivery. The rest of us would like a traditional one in a hospital with every medical advantage possible."
"Well, we have a birth suite here that is more homey. I know you want a natural birth and so far I see no problem with that. The babies, at this moment, are in the proper positions. You are in the time frame for Braxton Hicks. I wouldn't say no sex but if you get any contractions, stop and time them. Fifteen minutes apart and call me or come in."
"Lion, do you want to check out the birth suite?" Tracy asked.
"Oh, I guess."
After the tour, Dr. Wexler asked about the suite.
"I'm not saying I'm happy about it, but I'll do. For our Adrian and Morgan."
"Thank you."
They walked into the house to hear hammers sounds.
"Dillon, the last A is crooked," Ned complained.
"Do you want to do this?"
"What's going on?" Tracy asked.
"We decided on middle names and Dad and Dillon decided to paint and nail additional letters to the door. I told them to wait." Brook |Lyn as she folded clothes."
"What's the names?" Alice asked almost afraid.
"Adrian Lee and Morgan Ninian." Ned said, proudly.
"Ninian? Um, no." Tracy asked.
" But it means miracle. Oh, fine. Dillon, the back up name, please."
"Morgan James. They would both be named after Alan."
"Morgan James and Adrian Lee?" Tracy was confused.
"James' Alan's middle name and A.L. Quartermaine." Ned said, smirking.
"We also like Lee from Grandmother's Annalee," Brook Lyn piped up.
"I like it." Tracy said.
"Perfect." Alice closed her eyes. "I'm taking a warm bath and a nap."
Tracy frowned, and staring at her walking away.
"Mom, she's tired. Just let her sleep," Ned advised.
"She was a little off today, almost distant," Tracy said.
"Go check on her then but I think she's just tired. Lois practically didn't move for the last week."
Tracy walked into the darken room and slipped into bed next to Alice.
"Lion?"
"Hmmm?" Alice asked sleepily.
"Is everything o.k.? Did I do something wrong?"
"Mmm, no, Tiger, you've been perfect. I'm just getting a little nervous and I just don't feel good."
"Like you're labor?" Tracy was ready to jump up and get the ball rolling.
"No, like I'm tired and achy and oh, good God, my back hurts. Could you manage to rub it without getting turn on and pestering me for sex?"
"Yeah. I can," Tracy grabbed the lotion from the bathroom.
"Why are you using hand lotion?" Alice asked.
"The oil reminds me of sex."
"Ah…." Alice closed her eyes.
"So, how far apart are the contractions?" Tracy whispered.
"About four hours apart. Don't worry I'm not in labor. I'm having Braxton Hicks."
"Should we call someone?"
"I'm fine. If they get closer, I'll call. Just let me sleep." Alice rolled over and curled around the special pillow supporting her stomach.
"O.k." Tracy gently kissed Alice and plugged the baby monitor in.
Ned looked up from the shelves he was nailed.
"How's Allie?"
"She's having some labor pains," Tracy said calmly, setting down the portable monitor.
Brook Lyn's and Dillon's eyes popped open.
"Uh, shouldn't we be getting her to the hospital?" Dillon asked.
"Right now, the pains are a couple hours apart. So we wait until they're an half-hour apart."
"Oh. Good." Dillon nodded.
"Yeah. So, I guess I should put these cribs together," Tracy said, grabbing a screw driver.
Brook Lyn and Dillon exchanged looks.
"Oh, I'm so getting my camera for this."
An hour later, Ned finished the dresser, Brook Lyn the changing table and Dillon had hung a new shower curtain and placed rubber duckies decorate the adjourning bathroom. Tracy was still working on the first crib.
"Hey, you need help with that?" Alice stood in the doorway watching Tracy struggled while the boys worked on the second gilder and Brook on another shelf.
"No. I'm doing fine. How are the contractions?"
"I haven't had one for six hours. The nursery looks great. Um, why aren't the cribs done?"
"Because apparently a doctorate in business and economics doesn't apply to putting together pre-fabricated cribs," Tracy said, sarcastically.
"You have a PhD?" Brook Lyn asked, surprised.
"Yeah, she went to the London School of Economics when I was, what, twelve?" Ned said.
"Mmm-mmm. Alan used to teased me about being the most Quartermainian person. Had to be the best in the money business and a doctor to boot."
"I didn't know that," Dillon said.
"It never comes up," Tracy shrugged.
"Tracy, why don't you let Ned do that?"
"I got it."
"Mom, you have it backwards," Dillon pointed out.
"So what was the bet anyway?" Brook Lyn asked.
"It changed and it involves leather now," Alice said.
"Oh, you're getting a new coat or briefcase?" Dillon said.
Tracy and Alice exchanged looks.
"Ah, let's not go into details," Tracy said, tactfully.
They continued to assembled furniture until they were to bed.