Kate's POV
Elliot and I leave Cameron with Mia and Ethan so that we can go to the hospital. I know that my stubborn ass of a brother-in-law insisted we all stay and not follow them, but I was never one to follow his orders. Ana can do that all she wants, but not me.
"Faster, Elliot, you're losing them" I order my husband. We are trying to keep up with Taylor, who is driving like he is in a high speed chase.
"I'd like to get to the hospital in one piece Kate. We can't all drive like untouchable maniacs."
When we arrive, Elliot parks the car and we run into emergency just in time to see Ana being whisked away on a gurney. They don't allow Christian to follow. This will go over real well. Grace is trying to calm him down and stop him from ripping all of his hair out. It's amazing that the guy isn't bald by now. When he looks up and sees us he is not pleased.
"Sir, please fill this out" an orderly says as he hands some paperwork to Christian. He looks at it like it's written in another language.
"Here, make yourself useful" he barks at Elliot and slaps the paperwork against his chest.
"Are you fucking kidding me?"
"Give it to me" I yell as I rip the paperwork away from my husband. Men can be so helpless sometimes.
I manage to complete all of the sections but I leave the insurance part blank. I don't know what kind of coverage Mr Moneybags has set up for his family. I check everything over and calmly pass it back to Christian. Grace was able to get him to sit down while we wait to hear what is happening with Ana and the babies. He stares at the paperwork for a few minutes before he picks up the pen and pulls out his wallet.
We are all silent for a few minutes until Elliot offers to get everyone coffee. Before he leaves the waiting area however, the doctor comes in to talk to us. We all stand and listen.
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Teddy's POV
"Good job, Munchkin. You can play for a few minutes and then I'll get you out." I'm really worried about Mom. Dad hasn't called to give us any news. They went to the hospital hours ago, so you would think we would know something by now.
I had managed to coax Aunt Mia and Uncle Ethan into leaving after we wrapped up the party. I'm old enough now where I can take care of things here. I've also watched Mom and Dad take care of Natalie enough to know what to do. Right now I am giving her a bath.
"Teddy, can you please tell me what is going on? I'm really worried." That would be Phoebe. She's whining now. I hate it when she whines. She's been bugging me all afternoon about my relationship with Rebecca. First Mom, now Phoebe? I don't need this right now.
"Phoebe, Rebecca and I are fine."
"Then why did she leave?"
"She's been on the east coast all semester. She wants to spend time with her father."
"Are you sure that's all it is?"
Christ! What's it going to take to get her off my back? I take a deep breath and let it out. I need to be patient. Natalie doesn't deserve to see me lose it. She looks up at me with her big gray eyes as if she's waiting for me to lose my temper. I guess little kids really can pick up on our moods. I offer her a smile and gently splash some warm water onto her back. She goes back to playing.
"Can you please let this go Phoebe?" I ask her calmly. I take the towel and scoop my baby sister up into my arms, causing her to giggle. "Time to get ready for bed, Munchkin."
I can feel Phoebe following me. "So there is something going on."
"You have a paper due Tuesday. Have you started it yet?"
"Yes, wait…. how did you know that?"
I put Natalie down on the bed and ask her if she is to wear underwear or a diaper to bed. She points to the diaper.
"How I know is not the point. You should stop being so concerned about me and focus on your school work."
I put the diaper on Natalie and let her pick out her pajamas. She has a different favorite every week. This week's favorite seems to be Ariel. I look over at Phoebe and she has a pleading look on her face. I let out another sigh. "Phoebe, Rebecca and I live together at school. There is nothing wrong with us living apart while we are on winter break. We'll still see each other."
"I don't mean to be a pain. I just want you to know that I'm here for you, you know, like you've always been for me."
I know she's being sincere, not nosey. She's probably also really worried about Mom, and using my relationship problems with Rebecca to distract her. "Thank you Phoebe. But really, everything's fine. Would you like to stay and help me put her to bed?"
She smiles at me and climbs onto the bed with me and Natalie. I place Natalie on the floor and tell her to pick out a book. She comes back with two. "Natalie, I told you to pick out one book."
"Two books" she orders.
"Natalie"
"Pweease"
Phoebe and I look at each other and giggle. We are no match for our little sister. She is just too cute, and she knows it. I lift her back onto her bed and place her between me and Phoebe. "Fine, two books, and then you need to go to sleep."
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Christian's POV
My mind is in a fog. I'm standing and staring straight ahead with my mouth hanging open. I don't know how long I stand like this before my mother snaps me out of it. "Christian, Darling, we have some decisions to make."
The doctor had just talked to us, and the only thing that registered with me was that Ana could die. My Ana. No, that can't happen. I will not agree to something that will kill my wife. But the alternative isn't that great either. We could lose the babies. Our little miracles that Ana had struggled to carry could die. This is just too much.
"I don't know what to do" I say softly. Ana was in labor. The doctor said he was able to stop the labor, but Ana will be at risk if they don't deliver the babies soon. The babies however aren't ready to be born. They are at risk of having heart problems if they are removed from Ana now. The doctors prefer to have the babies stay inside of her for another week, but that could kill her.
"What would Ana do?" my mother asks me, which causes me to snort.
"She would put our babies' lives ahead of hers. She wouldn't give it a second thought." I know Ana would have no problem making this decision, but she's unconscious. I can't consult with her on this. They are leaving this up to me. This is so fucked up. I know what Ana would do, but I'm struggling to be on the same level as her. She would gladly sacrifice herself for our children, as would I. I would do anything for my kids. But it never occurred to me that the day would come where I would have to choose between Ana and our kids.
"I need to see her."
I stand and leave the room. I need to see my wife. I need to touch her, feel her, listen to her sleep. I eventually find her room and take a seat next to her bed. She looks like she is sleeping peacefully, oblivious to what is happening to her and our babies. I take her hand in both of mine and plant kisses on her knuckles.
"Ana, Baby. What should I do? How the hell am I supposed to make this decision?" I look around at the machines in the room. She is hooked up to a heart monitor and her heart is beating steadily. I guess that is a good sign. I reach up and wipe a tear that has escaped. I cannot live without this woman. She is my whole world. "You promised me that you would never leave me, and I'm going to hold you to that."
One of the machines starts to beep rapidly. I look around, not knowing what to do. Within a matter of seconds we are surrounded by doctors. "Ana!"
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Teddy's POV
Grandma called a few hours ago to let me know that they'd stopped Mom's labor, but that's all the news she could report. I wish the adults in this family would stop treating me like a child. I am in college for Christ's sakes. I can handle whatever is going on. But since I have no control over what is happening there, I am doing my best to take care of things here.
I am lying in bed awake just staring at the ceiling. Rebecca offered to come over and sleep with me, but I told her that it wasn't necessary. Rebecca and I have had our problems, which is why this winter break will be good for us. We need some time apart to find ourselves. We can't do that if we are together all of the time.
I hear a soft knock at the door. I know it isn't Rebecca because security would have alerted me. "Come in." Phoebe sheepishly enters my room and closes the door. I sit up and place my elbows on my knees. "Hey, everything okay?"
She climbs onto the bed and sits next to me. "I can't sleep. Have you heard from Dad?"
"No, not since Grandma called."
"I'm really worried, Teddy. What if it's bad news?"
I'm really worried too, but I try not to show it. I need to be here for my little sister. I wrap my arm around her and allow her to rest her head on my shoulder. "I'm sure everything's fine. I'll call Grandma first thing in the morning for an update."
"Why don't we call her now?"
"It's late. They are probably asleep. We should get some rest too. Do you think you can?"
She nods. I have her lie down under the covers, and I climb on top of the covers. I probably won't sleep much, but at least I'll know that she's sleeping.
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Christian's POV
I stand in the observation booth above the operation room, and I cannot believe what I am about to experience. It's like a blur for the first few minutes. I vaguely notice my mother standing beside me placing a supporting hand on my shoulder. I'm about to watch my babies be born, and at the same time their mother could die. This is just too much. They were able to stabilize Ana for this Caesarean section, but the doctors cannot guarantee that she will survive. Her prognosis has changed, and right now their focus is delivering the babies so that they have a chance to survive.
My heart is broken. Ana is my entire world. And right now that world is coming to an end, with the birth of our babies. I wish I could take these nine months back so that Ana wouldn't have had to be pregnant. I wish we were careful. We stopped using contraception because science told us she couldn't get pregnant again. But a miracle happened, and here we are. This miracle is costing her her life. I run both hands through my hair. This is my fault. I did this to her.
"Christian, look!" my mother says excitedly. They have delivered the first baby. A boy. I feel the tears running down my face but I don't do anything about them. I reach my hand up and gently place it on the window. That's my baby boy down there. A few minutes later they deliver the second baby. A girl. One of each. I place my other hand on the window and the tears continue to fall. My babies are down there, and they are screaming their lungs off. I can't help but chuckle at that. But I stop when I think of Ana. What happens now? Can they save her?
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Grace's POV
I accompany Christian down to NICU so that he can meet his babies. They have been cleaned, weighed, measured and examined. "The doctor said they are going to be fine, but he'd like for them to spend a day or two in here just as a precaution" I explain to my son.
We put on the gowns and gloves and we are ready to go in. As soon as we enter we are greeted by a nurse who is holding the baby boy. She happily hands him over to Christian. He sits down in the rocking chair and rocks while cradling him in his arms. I take a few pictures as he whispers some things to him. He kisses the top of his head and gives me a turn while he holds his little girl. He does the same with her and I'm able to get a few more pictures.
"Have you and Ana picked any names?" I ask him. I try to make my voice sound cheery. This should be a happy time for him, despite what it's costing him.
He looks at me puzzled for a moment. "Huh?…. no we haven't."
I know this is difficult for him, but we can't put this off for much longer. Teddy has already called a few times for an update.
"Christian, we need to tell the kids what is going on."
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Christian's POV
As I hold each of my newborn babies, I start to feel regret about the thoughts I had earlier. For a moment I had wished that we didn't get pregnant. But here they are and they are beautiful. I hate myself for having those thoughts for even a second. They deserve better than that. I promise each of them that I will always love and protect them, just as I had with my other three children.
My mother interrupts my thoughts to let me know that Teddy has been calling her for an update. I'm dreading this, but she's right. I can't put this off. I have Taylor and Gail bring the kids to the hospital. I need to explain everything to them. They need to hear it from me. Who knows what versions of the story will be leaked to the press?
I meet them in the waiting room. Natalie runs to me and I pick her up and hug her. "Hey Sweet Pea." I love her hugs, but right now I just want to break down and cry with what I am going to tell her. I look at Teddy and Phoebe and feel what's left of my heart break even more. "Let's sit down."
We sit so that we are close and facing each other. My mother is also with us. I have Natalie sit on my lap. She probably won't understand any of this, so I'll need to find a way to explain it to her.
"Dad, what's going on?" Teddy asks first.
I take in a deep breath and let it out. I can do this. I have to do this. "A lot's happened since yesterday. Um, your mother had the babies."
Phoebe and Teddy both gasp with excitement, but that fades fast when they look at me again. "Are they okay? Are the babies okay?"
I manage to smile lightly. The babies are beautiful, just like their mother. "Yes, the babies are fine. They're healthy. We had a boy and a girl."
"That's great, so what's wrong? Is Mom okay?" Phoebe asks.
My mother must notice that I'm struggling. She takes the seat next to mine and offers and explanation. "There were complications. The doctors weren't sure that the babies were ready to be born, but your mother's health was at risk. They waited to see if she could remain stable, but it came to a point where they needed to deliver the babies."
"Poor Mom" Teddy says. "So, can we see her, is she okay?"
I reach over and take Phoebe's hand, and Mom takes Teddy's. "We can see her, but there's something you need to know first."
"Dad, just tell us" Teddy says calmly.
"Yeah, you're scaring us" Phoebe adds.
I take a deep breath and clear my throat. "Mom's in a coma."
"A coma?" Phoebe asks loudly. "Oh my God!"
"How did this happen?" Teddy asks as he shakes his head.
"I don't even want to tell you this but I think I have to. At first, the doctors didn't think that both your mother and the babies would survive. They wanted me to make a decision. But, before I could, your mother made that decision for herself. I was talking to her while she was unconscious, and her machines started to go off."
"Dad, what's going to happen to her?" Phoebe asks tearfully. I feel my own tears drip down my face. I reach up and wipe them away. Natalie is still in my lap, oblivious to what we are talking about.
"Daddy, aw you sad?"
"Yes, Baby" I say as I kiss her head. "But everything's going to be fine." I look at my other two kids and do my best to be strong for them. "Let's go see Mommy."
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Teddy's POV
We walk into Mom's room quietly and gather around her bed. She looks so peaceful. Dad is holding Natalie and he puts an arm around Phoebe. I take Mom's hand and squeeze it. "We're here Mom. Dad, Phoebe, Natalie and Teddy. And when you wake up you'll have two more to take care of. But right now you need to take care of yourself." I lean down and kiss her forehead. "You're going to be okay, Mom."
Phoebe is by her bedside next. She has tears in her eyes. "We love you Mom." She leans down and kisses her cheek. Dad brings Natalie over to her other side.
"Do you want to give Mommy a kiss?" he asks her.
She nods, so he dips her down far enough for her to kiss Mom's hair. "Feel bettah Mommy."
We stay a little longer and talk about the end of Natalie's party. She didn't get to open her presents. I was waiting to see if Mom and Dad were going to come home so that they could enjoy it with her. Dad instructs me and Phoebe to open them with her tonight and write everything down for him.
A nurse comes in and asks us to leave so that she can change the sheets. I don't want to leave Mom, and I know that Dad doesn't either, but we do as we're told. We each give her a kiss goodbye and leave Dad with her for a few minutes.
"Teddy, do you think Mom is going to be okay?" Phoebe asks me as we wait in the hallway for Dad.
"Yeah, I do. I think that her body needs to recover and then she'll come back to us." She nods as more tears escape her eyes. "Look, I know you're upset, and scared. I am too. But I think we need to be strong for Dad. You know, no crying in front of him. He needs our support."
She nods to let me know she understands as Dad joins us in the hallway. "Would you kids like to meet your brother and sister?"
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Christian's POV
After our visit with Ana, I take the kids to meet the babies. They are very excited about this. I'm glad. They need something positive right now. I carry Natalie as we arrive at NICU and look through the window. They don't allow kids in NICU so this is as far as we can go right now. The nurse wheels each baby toward us so that we can see them.
"Babies" Natalie says.
"Yes, Sweet Pea. Meet your little brother and sister."
"They're so little" Phoebe says. "What are their names?"
"Well, I was hoping that you guys could help me with that?"
"What?" Teddy asks surprised.
"Mom and I didn't pick out names. We didn't even know their genders. I think she would be pleased if you both help me pick out names for them. So, Phoebe, you can name the girl, and Teddy can name the boy."
"Dad, are you sure?" Phoebe asks.
"Yes, as long as the four of us like the names, I want you to pick them."
"How about….. Montgomery." Teddy suggests. "After my favorite poet Allen Montgomery."
"I like that" I tell him. "Phoebe, do you have a name for the girl?"
"I like the name Madeline, but not after anyone in particular."
I can't help but smile. "Montgomery and Madeline. Do we like these name?"
"Ariel" Natalie offers, and the three of us can't help but laugh.
"You like the name Ariel?" I ask her.
"Uh huh." She rests her head on my shoulder. I didn't mean to laugh at her. I rub my hand up and down her back to soothe her.
"Dad, she likes Ariel this week. What if she likes a different princess next week?" Phoebe asks.
"Good Point. But I think Natalie should have a say too. How do we feel about Montgomery Carrick and Madeline Ariel?"
The kids think it over for a moment and then give me their blessing.
"Do you think Mom will like those names?" Phoebe asks.
I reach over and put my arm around her, pulling her toward me. "Yes, I think she will. She'll be very proud of you guys for choosing the names.