Chapter 167

Friday, October 22, 2004

0200 EST

Chegwidden home

McLean, Virginia

It had been two months since the bone marrow transplant and although her doctor said she was doing well, there was still no definite word that it had been a success. Every two weeks since the procedure, Krista had a small amount of marrow drawn and tested, the first three tests had been inconclusive and yesterday she had been tested again. She would know the results some time today.

Even though she was now eight months pregnant, she would still go into her shop everyday. AJ had tried to get her to take the time off until the twins were born, but Krista felt great and wanted to remain active. So, AJ dropped her off every morning on his way to JAG and picked her up each evening when he was done for the day.

Her doctor and her midwife had said that as long as she felt well enough to work it wouldn't hurt her to do so. With the apartment upstairs she could go up and rest any time she wanted.

Krista's backache had started about two in the morning, or at least that was when it had become bad enough to wake her. She had gotten up and taken a bath in Rose, Neroli, Geranium, Lavender, Nutmeg and Clary Sage oils to relieve the pain and to encourage her body to be ready for the labor and delivery to come, because she knew that she was in the early stages of labor. She was able to go back to sleep for a while after that and got up again when AJ did. Because she knew that it could be hours until the babies came, she didn't even mention that she was in labor to her husband.

He dropped her at the shop as usual and went off to work not suspecting a thing. Later in the day, Krista called Amie to let her know that she was having a constant backache, but that she wasn't yet having contractions, nor had her water broken.

Meanwhile at JAG, Krystal was suffering sympathy backache pains, but had no idea of the reason for them. It wasn't until she was in a conference meeting with AJ and Harm that she had a hard stabbing pain in her abdomen and looked down at her feet expecting to see a puddle.

Krista had been preparing for delivery since her call to her midwife. She'd gone upstairs and gotten out her candles and oils she would need during her labor and delivery. On the bed, she laid out two beautiful gowns for the babies and one for herself. Making sure that there were matches and the electric teakettle in the bathroom, she was heading back downstairs when the first pain hit.

Her water broke at the same time and Krista found herself sinking to the step she was standing on so she didn't fall the rest of the way down them. Calling out to Serena to call Amie, and then bring her the phone, Krista began her breathing techniques. When she knew that her midwife was on the way, she dialed AJ's cell phone number.

"Commander? What is it?" AJ and Harm asked in unison. Harm just leaned towards her from his chair while AJ came around his desk to approach her chair.

Krystal looked up at AJ and said, "I think you're about to become a father, Admiral!"

He was about to question what she meant when his cell phone rang. Pulling it out of his pocket he saw that it was the number to Krista's shop. Comprehension dawned as he looked from his phone to Krystal who was still holding her tummy.

Flipping open the phone instead of 'hello' he said, "Krista, its time isn't it?"

AJ heard her aggravated chuckle, "Darn, Krystal! I wanted to tell you myself! Yes, Albert, we're about to be parents. How soon can you and Krystal be here?"

"We are on our way now, darling. Don't go having them before we get there!"

"I won't, Albert. Do you want me to call Tom or will you two do that?"

"I'll have Krystal call while I'm driving," AJ hung up the phone as he looked at Krystal who was already gathering up her things to go.

"Commander Rabb, you're in charge while I go and become a father."

"Congratulations, Sir! And don't worry about a thing here!" Harm told him.

To be continued…