I couldn't leave you guys hanging… for too long.

Fang's POV

Everything seemed to blur together. Papers were shoved into my face, nurses asking for my consent. Doctors shouted to each other in technical terms while rushing Max into the elevator. I tried to follow, but was stopped by a nurse. I could see his lips move, but it was as if he made no sound.

"Sir, you need to stay here. Your wife will be fine, and we'll let you know as soon as she's out of surgery."

That last word, I didn't understand it. My brain just refused to recognize it as a word.

Whatever my expression was, it made the nurse a little uneasy. I was shown to a chair nearby, and he promised that everything would run smoothly.

I got up and wandered around, scarcely aware of everyone I almost rammed into along the way. Eventually, I found a pay phone and absently dialed Ella's number. My voice was a little shaky as I explained what was going on.

Ella couldn't contain her sobs of worry, which threatened to bring tears to my eyes as well. To avoid such a display of emotion, I asked Ella to bring the kids by at 6. 4 more hours of sleep would do them all good.

After agreeing, my sister in-law added, "Fang, do you need someone there with you? I can call Iggy or something; tell him to-"

"No, I'm fine." I sucked in a dangerously unstable breath. I knew Iggy would do anything for me, even at 2 in the morning. "I'll call him myself."

Within a few minutes, Iggy raced through the main doors. He made his way over to me and began panting for breath. When he finished, the first thing that he demanded was an explanation. I guess he was right to want the whole story. On the phone I had simply told him that things were going south, and that I needed someone here ASAP.

Together, we walked around the building, Iggy listening intently. When I stopped talking, I could literally feel myself shaking, from both emotional overload and lack of food.

Iggy laid a hand on my shoulder, apologizing for having to go through this.

After I made no reply, he noted, "Dude, your shaking. When was the last time you ate?"

My shrug made Iggy sigh in exasperation. We found the nearest vending machine, and I was urged to get something.

Knowing I was going to say that I wasn't hungry, Iggy pointed his finger at me. "I heard your stomach growling as soon as I stepped through the door. You're getting something from this machine."

I groaned, pressing the right buttons. I really didn't feel like eating, but Iggy's stare was starting to creep me out. Let me tell you though, as soon as I took the first bite, I couldn't get enough. I probably wasted a good $20 on junk food. At least the trembling stopped.

A nurse approached Iggy and I. She smiled and said, "Mr. Ride, your son is recovering quite well. Would you like to see him?"

We didn't have to be asked twice. As soon as I was close enough to see the light of the infant nursery, my eyes watered.

The blue fleece of my sons blanket was soft to touch, and the weight of his little body just felt right. His bright blue eyes were wide open, his slightly dark hair in a mess.

"He's got more hair than me," I joked, my voice breaking. In all reality, I was relieved to be cradling this little boy in my arms. He was perfect in every way.

I handed the baby over to Iggy, tears actually falling down my cheeks. The same nurse from earlier walked into the room, and I tried to wipe my eyes a little.

The nurse didn't seem to notice. He simply nodded, saying, "Max is out of surgery. She's asking for you, Mr. Ride."

I glanced at Iggy. Happily rocking the baby, my adoptive brother smiled and gave me a thumbs-up.

It took all of my energy not to push the nurse out of my way and run to Max. I don't know how I did it, but I walked steadily by the man's side. He directed me to the correct room, allowing me to walk alone.

Pushing open the door to the room, I heard Dr. Mare speaking with Max privately. "You'll be fine, Max. You bled just enough to scare all of us here, nothing we couldn't fix. The surgery went fine, and you'll be out of here in a few days."

"Where is my husband?" Max demanded, a little off subject. My heart soared, aware that I was the only one she wanted.

Taking my cue, I peered around the door. "Hey,"

"I'll leave you two alone," Dr. Mare announced, walking my way. I nodded a thank you as he left, and turned my attention to my wife.

"Fang, you're crying!"

I chuckled, "Yeah, I guess I am."

"Were you really that worried about me?"

"You scared me half to death,"

She nodded a little, "I'm sorry."

Neither of us spoke for a few minutes. Eventually, I couldn't take it. There was a large level of guilt pressing against my chest. I looked Max in those big brown eyes, and told her everything. It felt so good to get that all out in the open.

Max drew in a deep breath, and I tensed, ready to be yelled at. I deserved it.

"Hey, Max." Iggy announced, walking in the room. I have to admit, I was caught a little off guard. I had to smile, though, as soon as I saw the dark hair of my son. He was holding Iggy's finger in his little fist, and somehow I knew my son already had a favorite.

"Hey," Max said, staring at our boy, "How's Robin doing?"

"Robin?"

"Yeah, I kind of decided on a name without you… sorry. Robin Nicholas Ride, Robbie for short. What do you think?"

"Robbie. I like it."

My wife smiled. "Robbie it is."

I'm not really happy with the ending, but I kind of ran out of ideas, for this chapter at least. Sorry.

But, you know what, maybe, just maybe, you can make me feel better (or worse) about this chapter. Review? Pretty please?

! : )

~Faxisthegreatest123~