Chapter 48
"What took you guys so long?" Nadine asked anxiously. "You were due here almost two hours ago!"
"We missed our flight and got bumped to another one," Brian replied, giving Paul a look. "Any news yet?"
"Briana's having a C-section as we speak."
"What?!"
"I just told Tina the same thing; that one of the twins was going to be breech and it also looked like her birth canal was too narrow for her to give birth the regular way."
"Oh holy shit," Brian said, feeling anxious himself.
"Bri, don't worry about it. They're doing this so the twins can be delivered safely. They're all going to be fine. Dr. Edwards is one of the best."
"How long has it been?" Paul wondered.
"At least an hour or so," Nadine answered. "May as well get comfortable boys; we could be here awhile."
"In that case, I'm going to find us some coffee," Paul volunteered. "Daddy and I came here straight from the airport, and I think we could all use some."
"Thanks, man," Brian nodded. "I'd like that."
Later:
At some point, even after cafeteria coffee, the three of them must have dozed off because they had been jolted awake as Dr. Edwards came out.
"How is she?" Brian asked before the doctor had a chance to speak.
"Briana came through just beautifully," Dr. Edwards smiled. "You have two healthy, beautiful twins, both that are doing well. She's in the recovery room right now, but she should be in her room in a short while."
Brian sighed with relief, smiling and nodding. "Thanks, Doc."
"See?" Nadine smiled at him. "All that worry for nothing. I told you he was one of the best."
"The babies…"Brian started.
Dr. Edwards nodded. "They've been taken to the nursery downstairs. You may go see them if you like."
"Heck yeah," Paul grinned. "I want to see those two little beauties."
"This coming from a guy who acts like a scalded cat when someone make him hold one," Brian laughed.
"But these ones are different," Paul laughed back. "They're yours."
"Come on, guys," Nadine smiled, hooking her arms into each one of theirs, "let's go welcome the new arrivals, shall we? We can come back and see Briana later when she's up to it."
A short time later:
"Holy shit, how many are in there?" Paul asked, scanning over the rows of newborns. "Dude, are you sure it was just two babies and you weren't holding out on me while secretly planning to be father of your own country?"
"Very funny," Brian said as a nurse brought the twins toward the viewing window. "Actually, mine are headed this way right now."
"Oh gosh, just look at them!" Nadine exclaimed. "They are beautiful!"
Bella had been the smaller twin; only sixteen inches long, she had weighed five pounds, seven ounces, and was only minutes younger than her twin brother, Brett. He had been nineteen inches and weighed a little over eight pounds. Both had blond fuzz on their heads.
"No doubt they're yours, Spanky," Paul laughed as Brett let out a howl, "especially your son. He even got your big mouth."
"Shut up," Brian chuckled, giving Paul a playful punch in the arm. "or the first time they load a diaper, I'm making you change it."
"Now there would be a Kodak moment," Nadine giggled as she admired Bella, who slept contentedly.
"Right." Paul then patted Brian on the back. "In all seriousness, man, you did great."
"Well, it was Bree that did most of it," Brian smiled appreciatively, "but now is when the real work starts."