Here's Chapter 7 at last. Things are going to be getting intense which will soon lead to Devlin's birth.

Bellwood Hospital (Kai's Room)

Few days have passed since Kenny was born. Kai didn't seem any better. She didn't talk very much either. Ben stayed right by her side every minute and wouldn't dare leave her. Now even though newborns had to stay in the nursery and would only be brought to their mothers now & then, Dr. Marie made a special arrangement to keep Kenny in the room with Kai. Whenever Kai wanted to see Kenny, Ben would pick him up and place him on her chest or by her side.

"I still can't believe it. He's here with us," Kai said weakly

"I know and I'm proud of you, both of you," said Ben

He leaned down and kissed Kai and then kissed Kenny. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Ben turned towards the door to see a nurse standing there.

"You two have visitors. Would you like to see them?" she asked

"Sure," said Ben

The nurse turned her attention to the visitors and signaled them to come in. To Ben's surprise, it was Gwen and Kevin.

"I'm surprised to see you guys," said Ben

"Who is it?" asked Kai

"It's Kevin and Gwen," said Ben turning his attention to Kai

"Ben, can we talk out here for a moment," asked Gwen

"Sure," he responded

"Ben, take Kenny with you," said Kai

Ben carefully took Kenny in his arms and walked outside Kai's room. Kevin and Gwen's eyes locked newborn Kenny. They both smiled at him as he looked up at them.

"He's so precious, what's his name?" asked Gwen

"Kenneth. Kai and I decided to name him after your brother," said Ben

Tears formed in Gwen's eyes and she hugged Ben. Afterwards she took newborn Kenny into her arms.

"Well, what do you want to talk about?" asked Ben

"Actually, Kevin wants to talk to you. I'll be with Kai and Kenny," said Gwen walking into Kai's room

Ben and Kevin stood silent for a moment. It had been months since they last spoke to each other.

"Well first off Ben, congratulations to you and Kai," began Kevin

"Thanks," said Ben

"And I'm sorry about what happened to Kai. How is she?"

"Still weak, but I'm hoping she regains strength soon."

"Gwen and I were shocked when we found out."

They became silent again. Ben felt somewhat better that his best friend was speaking to him, but also felt that things weren't all right.

"Well, I'm glad you dropped by. Kai has been asking about you guys," said Ben starting the conversation again

"Look Ben about what happened months ago, I'm sorry I hit you. I was just so upset when I heard that Gwen was in the hospital," said Kevin

"I'm sorry too. I should have taken Gwen and Kai to a safer place before I started fighting that alien."

"Well I was partially responsible. What Kai told me made me think and she was right. I was over protective of Gwen and that drove her to use her powers."

And with that, Ben and Kevin gave each other a hug. Their little silent treatment spat was over. Meanwhile, Kai and Gwen were having their own conversation. Kenny was back in his mother's arms while Gwen sat in the chair that was close to Kai. Gwen could only stand for so long.

"How are you feeling?" asked Kai

"Tired as usual and this little one likes to keep me awake at 2am," said Gwen rubbing her belly

"I remember when Kenny kept me awake. It wasn't easy getting back to sleep."

"It never is."

Gwen suddenly gasped in surprise which also surprised Kai.

"What is it?" asked Kai

"He's at it again," said Gwen

Gwen took Kai's hand and placed it on her stomach. Kai felt a strong kick under her hand.

"Wow, he seems pretty active," said Kai

"Well he gets that from his daddy," said Gwen

They both laughed. Kai laid Kenny down by her side as she shifted a bit trying to get more comfortable. She may have felt tired and weak, but she couldn't rest when Gwen was there visiting her.

"Kai, can I ask you something?" asked Gwen

"Sure," she responded

"When you were giving birth, did it hurt a lot?"

"Oh, you have no idea."

"How bad is it?"

"I can't even explain it. Let's just say you're not going to be happy or comfortable."

"As the day draws closer and closer, I can't help but feel scared."

"It's okay to feel scared Gwen. I was terrified."

"But what if I stop breathing during the birth process."

"Trust me, you won't. You're going to be busy screaming."

"I just hope Kevin makes it through this. He seems more scared than I am."

"Everything is going to be fine Gwen. You'll see."

Gwen smiled. Kai seems to know how to make her feel better. Suddenly Ben and Kevin walked in.

"So, what were you two talking about?" asked Ben

"Childbirth, what else?" said Gwen

Ben then picked up Kenny and approached Kevin.

"What are you doing?" asked Kevin

"Here, hold him," said Ben

"No, that's okay."

"Kevin, you should," said Gwen

"But I don't know how to hold a baby," said Kevin

"Well then you're going to learn," said Ben

Afraid of dropping him, Kevin sat down as Ben handed him Kenny. Gwen helped by showing Kevin how to support Kenny in his arms. For awhile, Kevin felt good about it until Kenny started to fuss.

"Uh, oh no," said Kevin nervously

"Just relax Kevin," said Gwen

Kenny then let out a small burp. Kevin began to laugh along with everyone else.

"That's my boy!" said Ben proudly

Suddenly Kai let out a gasp and fell back on her pillow. Ben rushed over to her.

"Are you okay?" he asked

"Yeah, I just felt dizzy," said Kai

"Well, maybe we should go," said Gwen

"It was good to see you guys," said Kevin getting up and handing Kenny back to Ben carefully.

"Kai, when you get out of the hospital, we'll have a girls day out," said Gwen

"I'd love that," she responded

"Call us if you need anything," said Kevin

"We will," said Ben

Kevin and Gwen left as Ben sat down next to Kai with Kenny in his arms.

"Don't tire yourself out like that," said Ben

"I'm sorry," said Kai

"Don't be, just rest. I'll watch Kenny for awhile."

The Funeral

Weeks went by. Newborn Kenny was able to go home, but Ben refused to leave the hospital without Kai. When Ben's parents found out that Kai was getting worse, they offered to watch Kenny. Ben agreed and let them care for him. A few days later, Sandra and Carl received a phone call. Carl answered. It was his father, Max. His face changed from happy to a horror shock.

"Oh no," said Carl

Sandra looked up at her husband. A feeling grew inside of her that something bad has happened. He hung up the phone and sat down next to her.

"What happened?" asked Sandra

"Kai passed away this morning," said Carl

"No!" she said covering her mouth

Carl took Sandra into his arms. She began to cry. Just the thought of Ben losing the love of his life and Kenny growing up without a mother was horrid.

"Ben needs us more than ever," cried Sandra

"I know, but right now he probably needs some time to himself," said Carl

"Does anyone else know?"

"My dad called us first, but he'll share the news with everyone else."

They continued to hug until they heard Kenny starting to cry in the other room. Sandra got up to get him. When she picked him up, his crying began to cease, but was still fussy. Sandra hugged him.

"It'll be okay Kenny. We're here for you," she said

Meanwhile, Kevin and Gwen had rushed over to the hospital to see Ben when the news reached them. When Kevin and Gwen reached Kai's room, they saw Ben leaning on the wall by the window. His head rested on his arm. Gwen looked around and had a feeling flow through her. She looked at the bed where Kai used to be. It was now empty.

"Ben?" said Gwen

He stayed in place for a few moments and then turned around to see Gwen and Kevin standing in the doorway. He had the saddest eyes in the world along with a face that clearly reads "I've lost something important." As Ben and Gwen approached each other, Ben suddenly fell to his knees. Gwen knelt down and pulled him into a hug for comfort. Kevin could only watch. He didn't know what to do and felt that there was nothing he can do.

"I can't believe it, she's gone," Ben sobbed

"I know Ben. I miss her too," Gwen said tearing up

A week has passed and family members stood together at the Bellwood Cemetery to say goodbye to Kai. Nobody could get through this funeral without crying. Ben held Kenny through the service. He sighed with depression as more tears streamed down his face. Max put his hand on Ben's shoulder to insure him that he was there for him. Sandra, Natalie, and Gwen cried together. Soon, everyone was placing a rose on Kai's coffin. By the afternoon, the funeral was over, but Ben couldn't leave. He just stood there with Kenny in his arms and watched them lower the coffin into the ground and bury Kai. Ben hoped that this was all a bad dream and that he would wake up. Kenny then started to fuss. Ben hugged him and kissed him.

"Don't worry Kenny, I'm here. We'll be okay," he said

Devlin's Birth

2 more months have passed. Ben was still depressed and missing Kai. Every week, he'd visit her grave and place roses by her tombstone. Ben's parents, Max, Kevin & Gwen gave him as much support as he needed and even offered to watch Kenny. Gwen usually babysat Kenny because the time to have her baby was getting close and she wanted to make sure that Kevin was also prepared. Gwen was now due at anytime and Kevin began watching over her, but when he had to leave for work, he made sure that she had a way to contact him. If he ever got that call from Gwen, he would rush home in a heartbeat. It was a Friday morning and Kevin had to head off to work. Not only for the Plumbers, but also at the garage.

"Now Gwen, the minute you start hurting, I want you to call me," said Kevin

"I know. You've been telling me that for the past week," she responded

"And if something happens where I can't be reached, just go to one of our neighbors or call your parents."

"My parents went on vacation remember? Now just get going and stop worrying."

"I will once this baby arrives, if he ever comes."

"I know how you feel. Being late isn't what I had in mind."

"Well, just relax and I'll be home tonight."

Kevin kissed Gwen as he rubbed her belly and then he headed off to work. While working throughout his entire shift at Plumber's HQ, he kept checking his phone. No calls from Gwen. He put his phone away and continued working. Later at the garage, he fixed about 4 vehicles before calling it a day. It was good that he was making extra money. He could use it to help get things for the baby. On his way home, he got caught in bad traffic. There was a bad accident that would take hours to clean off the highway and off the exit ramp, there was construction.

"I can't believe it. It's Friday and I just want to get home," huffed Kevin

It took Kevin an extra 20 minutes to get home. When he pulled into the driveway and shut the car door. He looked around at the neighborhood. He found it rather odd that most of the neighbors on his block weren't out and about. He didn't bother to think of it. He approached the front door and unlocked it. As he entered, he expected to see Gwen sitting on the sofa watching TV or reading a book in the kitchen while sipping tea, but she wasn't around.

"Gwen?" he called in a confused tone

There was no response. This scared him.

"Gwen!" Kevin shouted a little louder

He then heard something coming from the bedroom. As he opened the door, he saw Gwen laying on her side in bed doing breathing patterns she learned from Lamaze. She was sweaty and her hair was a bit of a mess. Kevin eyes widened as he dropped everything he had in his hands and rushed over to her.

"Gwen! What happened?!" he asked

"I went into labor about 5 hours ago," she responded exhaling

"5 HOURS! Why didn't you call me?"

"Gee, why didn't I think of that? OF COURSE I CALLED YOU! I left you dozens of voicemails until your inbox was full."

"Gwen, I've been keeping an eye on my phone for your calls and..."

Kevin's sentence was cut off as he looked at his phone and discovered that the battery had died.

"OH SHIT! I forgot to charge it!" said Kevin while doing a face palm.

"Nice going, daddy," said Gwen sarcastically

"Now, why didn't you go to one of the neighbors?"

"I did! Everyone we know in this neighborhood isn't home!"

"WHAT!"

"They went to that boulevard weekend party. Unfortunately for me, it had to be this weekend!"

"Well that explains why nobody was around tonight. Alright, then let's get you to the hospital."

As Kevin went to pick her up to carry her, Gwen let out a horrific scream and he set her back down.

"What's wrong?!" Kevin asked worriedly

"It hurts more when you try to move me. Don't do that!" snapped Gwen

"Then how are we going to get you to the hospital?"

"I don't think I'm going to make it there in time."

Kevin went pale. He didn't like the sound of Gwen giving birth at home. He immediately grabbed the phone to call for an ambulance. Kevin figured that was the last option they had. Once he was done, he did everything he could to make Gwen comfortable and to help her relax. He hoped that the baby would wait to be born until they actually got to the hospital. Gwen let out a yell and she grasped Kevin's hand and began crushing it. Kevin whimpered a bit. It felt like his bones were about to break and be turned into dust. Once that painful contraction passed, Gwen released her grasp and suddenly there was a knock at the front door. Kevin rushed over thinking it was the paramedics. When he opened the door, he was surprised to see his mother standing there.

"Hi Kevin. I just came by to see how things are going. How's Gwen?" she asked

Suddenly, Gwen let out another yell which surprised her. Kevin rubbed the back of his head.

"It's happening mom," he said

"Kevin, why aren't you driving her to the hospital?" she asked rather shocked

"She's hurting too much mom."

"Oh, that baby is coming."

"WHAT!"

"If Gwen is hurting that much then she's about ready to give birth."

"Oh, I wish that ambulance would hurry up."

"It won't do any good with that traffic jam out there."

"SHIT! I forgot about that too!"

"Hey, watch your mouth!"

"Sorry mom."

"Alright, let's just start gathering some things. I know what to do."

"You do?"

"Yes. I used to work with midwives in the past before you were born."

"I didn't know that."

"Alright enough chitchat, let's get a move on!"

As Kevin's mom attended to Gwen, Kevin went around the house gathering the things he was ordered to retrieve: rubber gloves, some towels, warm water (he just filled in the bathroom sink), baby blanket, baby nasal cleaner, etc. Kevin was then ordered to tend to Gwen as Kevin's mother began preparing everything. Gwen let out a cry and gripped Kevin's hand.

"Honey, breathe!" coached Kevin

"SHUT UP!" yelled Gwen

It didn't take long for Kevin to realized that Gwen was pissed off. How could he blame her? He forgot to charge his phone while he was working at the garage. If only he had remembered, then they would have been at the hospital instead of having the baby at home.

"Gwen, I'm sorry but we have to scoot you over close to the edge of the bed," said Kevin's mom

"But It hurts if I move!" she replied whimpering

"I know that, but it'll be easier to deliver your baby if you moved closer over here."

"Here, I have an idea," said Kevin

Kevin climbed onto the bed behind Gwen and slowly moved her onto him. Her head rested on his chest. Kevin then moved her closer to the edge of the bed. Gwen moaned and winced as Kevin moved her forward. Once she was in position, Kevin stayed put for Gwen's support. She was able to relax a little better now that she could lean back on him and have better grips on his hands. Kevin tried giving Gwen a massage on her back and sides, but she groaned in pain from it.

"Kevin, that's not helping. Please stop!" she whimpered

"I'm sorry. I just hate seeing you in pain like this," he said

Gwen let out a cry as another contraction hit. She grasped Kevin's hands again, only harder this time. Kevin began coaching Gwen by starting the breathing pattern and she followed.

"Kevin?" his mother asked

"Yes," he responded

"I'm going to need your help with this part. Reach over and grab Gwen's legs from the back of her thighs and pull towards you. I need to see how far she is."

"Won't that hurt her mom?"

"Just do it Kevin!"

Kevin did as he was told, but was careful. He only pulled Gwen's legs up enough to where her feet where in the air and were away from his mother. Gwen lowered her position a bit. The back of her head now touched Kevin's gut.

"Are you okay?" Kevin asked looking down at her

"I just want this baby out of me now!" cried Gwen

"Well it won't be much longer. He's already crowning!" said Kevin's mom

"What does that mean?" asked Kevin

"That means the baby's head is emerging from the cervix."

"I'm sorry I asked."

"Kevin, just keep holding Gwen like that."

As Kevin's mother was spreading out a few of the towels and placing one underneath Gwen, Kevin could feel Gwen beginning to tremble.

"I'm so scared," Gwen cried

"Don't get scared. I'm right here," said Kevin

"Alright Gwen when that next contraction hits, I want you to bear down," said Kevin's mom

Gwen nodded and it wasn't long when another contraction struck her. She let out a yell and began to push. Gwen then grabbed the sides of Kevin's legs and dug her nails into them. Kevin thought that getting his hand crushed was bad, but having sharp nails digging into the sides of his legs was so much worse.

"Ow ow ow ow ow ow!" Kevin exclaimed

"SHUT UP!" Gwen screamed

"You're doing great Gwen, his head is free," said Kevin's mom

For a moment, Gwen felt relief and stopped pushing. She began taking big breaths of air, but Gwen knew that it wasn't over yet.

"Okay Gwen, I need you to bear down as hard as you can," said Kevin's mom

Gwen took a deep breath and pushed her hardest and then let out a scream.

"I WANT MY MOTHER!" Gwen screamed

"She's on vacation," said Kevin

"SHUT UP KEVIN!"

After a minute or two, Gwen fell back on Kevin's lap breathing hard. Kevin leaned down and kissed Gwen.

"You're doing great," he said

"Okay Gwen, just bear down one more time," said Kevin's mom

"I can't! I can't do it anymore!" Gwen cried

"Yes you can Gwen! The Gwen I know wouldn't give up," said Kevin

"He's just right there. I promise this is the last time," said Kevin's mom

Gwen leaned forward and began her final pushing. She grasped the sides of Kevin's legs which he didn't care about anymore. Soon, the room filled with a new sound of a baby cry. Kevin's mom lifted up the newborn so Gwen could see. Kevin and Gwen both locked their eyes on their son. Gwen began to cry with tears of joy as Kevin embraced her with a hug and kissed her.

"I can't believe it. I'm a mommy," said Gwen

"I'm a daddy," said Kevin

"And I'm a grandma," said Kevin's mom

All their fears and worries faded away. As Kevin's mom cleaned off the crying infant with towels that were soaked in warm water and used the nasal cleaner to clear his trachea and nostrils, Kevin and Gwen shared a long kiss. Soon, they heard ambulance sirens in the distance. It was getting closer.

"Well, it's about time," said Kevin

"I'll go get them, but first congratulations you two," said Kevin's mom

She placed the newborn into Gwen's arms and his crying ceased. Kevin's mom went outside to meet up with the paramedics while Kevin and Gwen gazed down at the baby they brought into the world. He looked up at them curiously.

"Gwen?" asked Kevin

"Hmm," she responded tiredly

"We still haven't given him a name."

"Well, I've been thinking of a few this week and I think we should name him Devlin."

Devlin then made a happy noise and smiled. Gwen and Kevin just laughed.

"Then it's settled. Your name is Devlin," said Kevin looking down at his son

He then leaned down and kissed Devlin and then kissed Gwen. Suddenly, they heard noises coming from the living room. Kevin's mom entered the bedroom and following her in were the paramedics as they pulled in a bed stretcher. The paramedics attended to Gwen and Devlin. They had Kevin cut the cord and then they finished up by cleaning the mess of the placenta. Kevin held Devlin and wrapped him in his soft blanket while Gwen was helped onto the stretcher. He then placed Devlin back into Gwen's arms. Soon, Gwen & Devlin were in the ambulance. Kevin hugged his mother.

"Thanks mom. You were a big help. I wouldn't know what to do if you hadn't come by," said Kevin

"I'm just glad that everything turned out well," she said

"Mom, want to ride with Gwen in the ambulance?"

"Sure Kevin, but shouldn't you be with her?"

"Well, I have to drive the car along with the overnight bags and the baby seat. I don't think Gwen would want to walk back from the hospital."

Kevin and his mother hugged again and then she climbed into the ambulance with Gwen. The ambulance doors shut and it was about ready to take off. Quickly, Kevin loaded the car with overnight bags and setup the baby car seat in the back. He then got in the car and followed the ambulance to the hospital. On the way over, Gwen used her cell phone to make a call. The person she decided to call was her grandpa because she knew that Max can spread news around like wildfire.

"That's amazing Gwen! I'm glad everything went well," said Max

"Well I'm almost at the hospital now. Can you make sure my parents know as well as everyone else?" asked Gwen

"You know I'll let everyone know."

"Thanks grandpa."

"By the way, what's his name?"

"Devlin. Devlin Erin Levin."

"That's a perfect name Gwen."

"Well I have to go now. Bye grandpa."

"Bye."

Soon, Gwen was in her hospital room and Devlin got a complete check up. He was healthy which made Kevin and Gwen happy to hear. It also didn't take long for the news to spread either. Gwen's phone went off every 5 minutes. Natalie and Frank were happy as can be and wished they had taken their vacation sooner or a month later. Kevin held Devlin and watched him suck on his fingers. Devlin was also making a slurping sound. About 10 minutes later, Gwen and Kevin had a visitor and they were surprised to see that it was Ben & Kenny.

"Hey Ben, come see my boy," said Kevin escorting him over to Gwen

Ben approached Gwen and set his eyes on the newborn she held in her arms.

"Awe, he's adorable. Devlin looks like you Kevin," said Ben

"Hopefully he'll have my personality," said Gwen

Ben gazed down at Devlin who was still sucking on his fingers. Devlin then looked up at the new face that was staring at him. He wasn't sure what to make of Ben and continued to suck on his fingers. Ben then turned his attention to Gwen.

"How are you doing?" he asked

"Much better now," she said

"That's good. It must have been scary giving birth at home."

"Well it was at first, but it went well thanks to Kevin's mom."

Kenny then started squirming in his baby sling. He looked up at his dad while sucking on his pacifier. Ben picked him up, out of the sling, turned him around and placed him back in the sling and then leaned down a bit so Kenny was close to Devlin.

"Kenny, meet your cousin Devlin," said Ben

Kenny and Devlin stared at each other for a few moments. Kenny then reach out to touch Devlin. He patted his baby blanket and Devlin reached out and touched Kenny. They both smiled at each other and began to giggle. Ben smiled as Kevin & Gwen smiled by what was happening before their eyes.

"These two are going to get along just fine," said Ben

"They'll be best friends," said Gwen

"Yeah, but let's just hope that they don't get into trouble," said Kevin

End of Chapter 7 (and Ben's story). The last chapter will be posted soon.