The next week flew by and before they knew it, it was the day before Carina's scans. Both of them were working because they had both taken the following day off to just spend time together after Carina's appointments. Maya had been doing pretty well with her nausea, only getting sick a handful of times and never more than one time per day which felt like a step in the right direction.
Carina was in her office working on files when there was a knock at her door and in walked Amelia.
"Hey," the Italian said, setting aside her work for a minute, "What's up?"
"Well, a little birdie told me someone has their one-year scans coming up tomorrow," Amelia said.
"Andrea?" Carina asked, knowing that her brother was really the only person she had told about her scans.
"Yeah," Amelia nodded, "And I wanted to stop by and see how you were doing?"
"I am as good as I can be the day before my one-year post-cancer scans," Carina sighed, "I am anxious for it to be over. I know it will probably be clear, but still, I just want it to be over."
"I'm sure," Amelia nodded, "Well, I have a little something that might help make things after a bit more relaxing."
"Cosa?" Carina said, confused.
"Well, I found this little place when I was pregnant with Harper that does excellent prenatal and couple's massages," Amelia said, holding out a piece of paper for Carina, "And a few of us got together and book you and Maya appointments there tomorrow afternoon. I checked with Andrew to find out what time your scans were and then checked with Andy to see if Maya was off tomorrow so tomorrow at 2 pm, you are going to get a couple's massage and then facials after. Also, I know the twins have been having a hard time being away from you, but if you think they would be ok, I would be more than happy to pick them up after daycare and feed them dinner and let them play with Scout and Harper for a little while so the two of you can have an extended date."
"Amelia," Carina said, tears welling up in her eyes, "I…I don't…you guys didn't have to do that."
"I know," Amelia shrugged, "But you two have been through a lot and you have always been there for us when we need you so I wanted to. You both deserve a little pampering. And it wasn't just me. Maggie, Teddy, and Bailey all pitched in."
"Grazie," Carina said, getting up and giving her friend a hug, "I…just…thank you so much."
"Of course," Amelia said, "And just let me know about the twins. I completely understand if it's too much for them, but I wanted to offer because I know Maya has been doing better recently."
"Si," Carina nodded, "It has been a long time since she has been in the hospital. Rowan is doing so much better, and Nora is too. She is finally not getting sick before daycare every day, thank god. I will talk to Maya and talk to the twins and let you know. I think maybe if we talk to them tonight and let them know we are both ok and just going out on a date and they are prepared, it might help, but I'm not sure."
"Just let me know," Amelia said, "And tell them I won't serve them square pizza again. I learned my lesson. You have created pizza snobs."
"Sorry," Carina said, laughing, "Though, our youngest does not seem to be a pizza snob. Maya has been eating pineapple and tomato pizza almost every day for the last week because it is now one of her safe foods which I am happy she has another thing she can eat without feeling sick, but having that monstrosity in our house…"
"Wow, I know you were in love with her, but that really tells me how much," Amelia laughed, "The fact that you are allowing pineapple pizza through your front door…That is true love right there Carina."
"I just keep telling myself it's only temporary," Carina said, "Just like her obsession with mixing fruit and nuts with cottage cheese and eating it on pickle spears. But whatever will keep her and the baby healthy, that is fine with me."
"You said she looks like she's getting bigger right?" Amelia said, "I mean, her bump at least."
"Si," Carina nodded, "Just in the past week and a half you can actually tell she is pregnant. And she has also been able to be in the kitchen when I am cooking some foods again which is another good sign. Meat is still a no, but pretty much everything else that used to make her sick just at the smell isn't anymore. I am hoping that means she will eventually be able to eat a few more things."
"That's really great Carina," Amelia smiled, just as her pager went off, "Oh, I have an MVC coming into the pit. I'll see you later. Let me know about tomorrow with the twins."
"I will," Carina nodded, "And thank you for this. It means a lot."
Amelia just smiled before leaving Carina's office.
The Italian smiled as she went back to her desk, looking down at the paper Amelia had given her. She was truly so grateful that her friend had done this for them. Everyone had been so incredibly kind to them over the past few years. They always had been, but the Bishop-Deluca's had had a lot going on in the past few years and every time they turned around, there was some there with food or hugs or childcare or a shoulder to cry on or whatever else they needed and it had been so incredible.
Carina took a deep breath, setting the paper aside for now so she didn't start crying because she had things to get done. She worked for another few hours before going to pick up the twins.
"Mamma," Rowan said, running out of the daycare, "Ciao."
"Ciao Patatina," Carina said, scooping her up into her arms, "Did you have a good day?"
"Si," Rowan said, "I pwayed wif Harpa and Noa and we yet Dohnny and Sam sit wif us for lunch tetause they are nice."
"Oh good," Carina said, "Where is Nora?"
"She was making a pitcha," Rowan shrugged as Carina set her down.
Just then, Nicole came out with the twins' bags.
"Nora is just finishing up a drawing she is making," Nicole said, "I can go get her if you are in a hurry."
"No," Carina said, "We can wait."
"Mamma, can we go see Mommy at the work?" Rowan asked, "And pway in the wee woo?"
"Let me text Mommy and see," Carina said, "The trucks might not even be there."
"But I want to see them," Rowan frowned.
"I know Patatina," Carina said, pulling out her phone, "But sometimes, the trucks have to go out to help other people who are hurt or in trouble. And Mommy might have meetings tonight. I'm not sure."
"Meeting are not fun," Rowan sighed.
"That, I will agree with you on," Carina laughed, "But meetings are important. Let's see what Mommy says, ok?"
Carina texted her wife, finishing just as Nora came out of the daycare with Nicole.
"There you are Piccola," Carina smiled, "What were you doing?"
"I was making pitcha for you and Mommy and Owan and Totoino," Nora said, holding up her papers to Carina.
"Wow," Carina said, taking the papers, "Look at these. They are so nice. Grazie."
"And dis one is for you Owan," Nora said, taking one of the papers from Carina, handing it to her sister, "And dis one is for Mommy and dis one is for Totoino and dis one is for you Mamma."
Just then, Carina's phone went off, Maya telling her that they could stop by and that she would love to see all of them.
"Do you want to go give these to Mommy and Trottolino right now?" Carina asked, looking down at the little girl.
"Si," Nora nodded, "Right now?" "Si," Carina nodded, "Mommy said we can go see her right now if we want to."
"Si, si, si," the twins chanted, starting to run down the hall.
"Bambine," Carina said firmly, "Come back here please. Right now."
The twins running, coming back to Carina.
"What is the rule in the hospital and at the station?" Carina asked, crouching down in front of them.
"No running or being youd," Rowan said.
"Si," Carina nodded, "And why can we not run or be loud?"
"Tetause dis is where people work and if we run, we tould det hurt," Nora said.
"Esattamente," Carina nodded, "Now, I am going to have both of you hold my hands while we walk out because I need you to not run away."
The twins both nodded as Carina adjusted things so she could hold both of their hands as they walked out of the hospital. Carina got them in the car, Rowan getting most of her buckles on herself while Nora still wanted Carina to do them for her.
They then headed to the station, both girls chatting happily in the back about. They got there, Carina helping with the parts of the buckles the twins couldn't do before helping them out of the car, holding their hands as they walked into the station.
"Unca T," Nora exclaimed as soon as they were through the door.
"Hi Bean," Travis said, scooping her up, "What are you doing here?"
"We are seeing Mommy and my baby Totoino and the wee woos," Rowan said as she also ran over to him, laughing as Travis picked her up too.
"Oh, I see," Travis said, "Do you want me to take you to see the engines now?"
"No," Nora said, "First, we have to go see Mommy."
"I think she is up in her office," Travis said, setting the twins down, "Hey Carina."
"Ciao Travis," the Italian said, smiling at him, "How are you?"
"Good," Travis said, nodding, "How are you?"
"I'm fine," Carina said as the twins headed toward the stairs, "Ready to see my wife."
"Well, I won't keep you," he said, "Let me know if you need any help with the twins."
"Grazie Travis," Carina said as she followed the girls up to Maya's office.
"Mommy," Rowan and Nora both cried as they burst into the office, finding Andy also standing there talking to Maya.
"Sorry, did we interrupt?" Carina asked as she followed the twins in.
"No," Andy said, "We were just talking about some plans for our neighborhood cookout for the 4th of July. But we got most of it figured out."
"Just email me the finalized budget," Maya said as the twins both climbed into her lap, "Hi Bambine. How are you?"
"I makeded dis for you," Nora said, handing Maya her drawing, "And dis one is for Totoino."
"Oh, these are beautiful," Maya said, taking the pictures, "You know what, I bet we could get a frame and hang this up in Trottolino's room so they can see it once they are born."
"Yeah," Nora said, nodding.
"Are you guys just here to visit?" Andy asked, stepping closer to Carina as Maya talked to the twins about their day.
"Si," Carina nodded, "Rowan asked if we could, and Maya said she was almost done for the day. How have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you in a long time."
"I have been good," Andy said, "Luca has started playing soccer this summer which has been fun and a few of the kids on his team will be at the same school as him for kindergarten in the fall. And Ronnie has finally decided she wants to be potty trained so we are done with diapers forever. We are going to go to Disneyland with them after the 4th of July, and both of them are so excited about that. Ronnie is on a big princess kick right now so it should be fun. How are you? I think Amelia said you have scans coming up tomorrow. How are you feeling about that?"
"Si," Carina nodded, "My one-year scans. I am ready for them to be over. And as long as they are clear, I don't have to go for another 6 months which will be nice."
"How often have the scans been this year?" Andy asked.
"Every 3 months," Carina said, "It's standard for the first year at least after treatment is done just to make sure nothing comes back. Then, I will go every 6 months until I am 5 years out and then I get to go back to just regular yearly exams."
"That's a lot," Andy said, shaking her head.
"Si," Carina nodded, "It has been. I am very ready to have tomorrow's appointment over."
"I will be thinking about you guys tomorrow," Andy said, putting a hand on Carina's shoulder.
"Grazie," Carina said when suddenly, Rowan came running over to her.
"Mamma, Mommy said we can go pway on the wee woos if you come wif us," the little blonde said.
"Oh, Rowan," Andy said, "I have a surprise in my office for you and Nora too if you want to come with me to get it."
"Noa, Tia Dandy has a prize for us," Rowan said, running over to her sister, "Yet's go get it."
"Mommy, are you donna come too?" Nora asked, looking at Maya.
"I need to do two more things," Maya said, "I have so write an email really quickly to Zio Jack and then put some papers away and then I will come down. But I think that you and Rowan would have fun going with Tia Andy just for a little bit. I will be right up here."
"Mamma, are you donna come?" Nora asked, biting her lip.
"I need to talk to Mommy for a minute," Carina said, seeing a confused look on her wife's face, "Why don't you try to go with Tia Andy and Rowan? Mommy and I are up here and you will probably have fun. It might feel a little bit scary, and if you really don't want to, you don't have to, but do you think you are feeling brave enough to try right now?"
"I will hold your hand Noa," Rowan said, walking over to her sister, "We tan go togeda."
"That's so nice of you Rowan," Maya said, smiling at her.
"Otay," Nora said, taking Rowan's hand.
"Have fun you two," Maya said as the twins walked out of the office with Andy before turning to her wife, "What did you need to talk to me about?"
"Nothing really," Carina shrugged, walking over to Maya, "I mean, I have some things, but I also wanted to give Nora an opportunity to be away from us by choice. She's been doing a lot better at daycare so this felt like a good next step. I missed you today."
"I missed you too," Maya said as Carina bent down, pressing a kiss to her lips, "How was work?"
"It was good," Carina said, "I had surgeries this morning which were fairly routine. And then I had some appointments. It was a good day. How was your day?"
"The same as always," Maya sighed, "Paperwork. I took a nap earlier, but not for very long, and my stomach has been feeling pretty ok today."
"Good," Carina said, opening her purse and pulling the paper out that Amelia had given her earlier, handing it to her wife.
"What is this?" Maya asked, scanning the paper.
"This is a gift some of our friends at the hospital gave us," Carina said, "Tomorrow afternoon, after my appointment, they booked us for a couples massage and facials at a spa."
"What?" Maya said, confusion on her face, "Why?"
"Amelia said they wanted to," Carina shrugged, "Something for us to celebrate me being one year done with cancer treatment."
"Wow," Maya said, looking back at the paper, "That was…that was so nice of them."
"Si," Carina nodded, "Amelia also offered to pick up the twins for us and keep them for a while so we could go out on a date."
"That sounds amazing," Maya said, knowing it had been too long since they had been on a proper date, "But do you think the girls will be ok with that?"
"I don't know," Carina said, "But I thought we could talk to them about it tonight. See how they feel about it. I think it might go better if we are able to talk to them about it ahead of time and let them know that we are both ok, it might help. We are going to have to be able to leave them with other people again."
"I think that's a great idea," Maya nodded, "And if they aren't ready, that's ok. Or, if they need us to come pick them up from Amelia's early, we will be able to. I think it's a really good idea."
"Perfetto," Carina said, "We can talk to them tonight when we get home. Now, is there anything I can do to help you finish up your work?"
"I've got it," Maya said, "I just need to email Jack to approve his PTO for their adoption and then put these papers away."
"They finally had the adoption date?" Carina asked, having been hearing about Jack and Inara's journey to adopt their foster kids for the past several months.
"They did," Maya nodded as she typed, "It's in a few weeks. It will be good for the kids to have that stability. I mean, both of their biological parents are in prison for at least the next 20 years and they don't have any other family. Jack and Inara are giving them a stable home and love and providing for them."
"I think we might need to talk again about going through the adoption process with our kids," Carina said, causing Maya to stop what she was doing.
They had discussed doing second-parent adoption, a term they both despised, when the twins were born and a few times since, but the laws in Washington were solid and dictated that they were legally both the twins' parents, regardless of who carried them. It was also a little different because Maya was the one who had provided her egg, meaning that the twins had a biologically connection to her despite her having not carried them.
They had casually looked into it at one point, but because of how they had chosen to create their family, it was unclear as to who would have to be the one to do the second parent adoption and they hadn't felt it was necessary to pursue it at the time.
Now, though, the political climate in the country was more volatile than it had been when the twins were born. Also, this time around, Maya's egg was being used and she was the one carrying which meant that if anything happened, Carina's parental rights would be in question.
"Do you think we need to?" Maya asked, knowing the answer already.
She had been thinking the same thing lately but hadn't wanted to bring it up because it was something that simultaneously infuriated her and terrified her.
"Si," Carina nodded, "I do. I wish we didn't and I hate that we are having this conversation about our kids, but I also think we need to. We should have probably done it when the twins were born, but I think we should contact a lawyer and see what we need to do just to make sure that legally, we both have rights to our kids."
"It's so fucked up that we have to have this conversation," Maya said, shaking her head, "Andy and Robert never had to have this conversation about Luca. And neither did Amelia and Link about Scout and Harper. Or Teddy and Owen about Alison. We shouldn't have to pay money and go to court and sign papers just to prove we are both their parents."
"You are right, we shouldn't," Carina said, "But until the laws in this country are more secure, we have to make sure that they are protected and we are protected and our family is protected. Especially this time because I am not carrying and I did not provide the genetics so Trottolino and I…I need to know that if something happens, I will be seen as their mamma."
"Hey," Maya said, getting up as she saw the tears in her wife's eyes, "You are their mamma. Just as much as I am their mommy and just as much as we are both the twins' moms."
"I know," Carina said, wiping at her tears, "I am their mamma, but legally…I need everyone to acknowledge that I am no matter what."
"Ok," Maya said, wrapping her arms around her wife, "I agree with you that we probably should do this. I didn't realize you were feeling this strongly about it right now."
"I didn't either," Carina sighed, "I mean, I had been thinking about it. But then you mentioned Jack and Inara and…"
"It brought up those thoughts again," Maya said, tucking a piece of hair behind Carina's ear, "I think you are right. We do it and make sure that legally, everything is in line just in case things change with the laws. I know there are lawyers who specialize in this and that we will have to wait to start anything with Trottolino until after they are born, but we can be ready, ok?"
Carina nodded, just leaning her head on Maya's shoulder for a minute, needing that moment of comfort, having not realized how much she had needed to talk about this.
"Trottolino is kicking," Maya said as she hugged her wife, "They want you to know that they love you Mamma."
"I love you too Trottolino," Carina said, lifting Maya's shirt, Maya guiding her hands to where the baby was kicking, "Wow, those are getting stronger. The bambine are going to be able to feel them soon."
"I know," Maya said, "And they kick all the time. This baby is going to give us a run for our money, I can almost guarantee it. We are going to have to re-babyproof the house sooner rather than later."
"Bambina, they aren't going to come out walking," Carina laughed, drying some of the tears from her eyes.
"I'm not convinced," Maya said, pressing a small kiss to her wife's lips, "They move so much."
"Rowan was like that when I was pregnant with them," Carina said as Maya went back over to her desk, getting her papers filed quickly.
"And she still never stops moving," Maya said, laughing, "She is three and she broke her arm climbing."
"That is true," Carina nodded, "We will still have some time before Trottolino is moving though. We can babyproof once they are born."
"We do need to work on the nursery," Maya said, "We now have artwork for it so we kinda have to."
"Ok," Carina said, "We will find time to do it. We have had a lot going on lately. And if we don't have time before they are born, Trottolino is going to be in our room for a while so we will have time."
Maya nodded, knowing her wife was right. She knew that she was just throwing out things that she could control because she felt overwhelmed with Carina's appointment tomorrow and then talking about going through legal processes to make sure their family was safe.
Maya quickly finished up with what she was doing, packing up her bag before going over to her wife.
"Ready to go find the bambine?" Carina asked, looking at Maya.
"Wait," Maya said, stopping her from opening the door, turning her a little bit and then cradling her face in her hands, "Are you ok?"
"Si," Carina nodded, leaning her head a little bit onto Maya's hand, "Are you?"
"Si," Maya answered back, gently bringing her lips to her wife's, "I love you."
"I love you too," Carina said, smiling a little.
"You are an amazing Mamma to our kids and they are so lucky to have you," Maya said.
"And they are lucky to have you too," Carina said, resting a hand on Maya's belly.
"Mommy Mamma," they both heard coming from somewhere outside the office just then. "And that is our cue," Carina said.
"Let's go find our girls," Maya said, going to grab her bag, seeing Carina holding out her hand for it, not insisting on carrying it, but rather giving Maya the opportunity to give it to her if she wanted or needed to.
"I think I've got it today," Maya said, slinging her bag on her back.
"Ok," Carina nodded, smiling as Maya instead slipped her hand into her wife's hand as they walked downstairs.
"Mommy, Mamma, yook," Rowan said, running around in the lobby.
"Patatina, remember, no running please," Carina said, reminding the little girl for the second time that day.
"Okay," Rowan said, slowing down, walking over to Maya and Carina as they got to the bottom of the steps, "Yook at my shirt. I match you Mommy."
"What?" Maya said, noticing Rowan had on a Station 19 t-shirt, "Where did that come from?"
"Yook Mommy," Nora said, coming out of Andy's office as Rowan ran back inside.
"Where did you two get these shirts?" Maya asked, setting her bag down on the floor by the desk.
"Tia Dandy," Nora said, "It's just yike you."
"It is," Maya nodded as Nora hugged her leg.
Maya desperately wanted to scoop her into her arms, but with how achy her pelvis was and just how not like herself she was feeling, she settled on just rubbing Nora's back. Maya normally wore button down shirts always since becoming battalion chief, but the past month, she had only been in old Station 19 t-shirts that she found in storage because she had ordered one button down that would fit over her bump for meeting and such, but she didn't want to order a bunch to just wear for a few months so she had settled on just wearing t-shirts while she was in the station. She hadn't love it because it felt less professional than she wanted, but she did love that she now matched the twins.
"Mommy, yook, for my baby Totoino," Rowan said, running out of Andy's office with a onesie in her hands.
"Andy, what did you do?" Maya asked as Rowan handed her the onesie.
"We were ordering more shirts for the station, as you know," Andy said, "And I might have put in some kid's shirts and a onesie for the baby. I know you technically aren't 19 anymore, but you all are still family here. And I know the girls had them when they were little, but I figured all the kids needed new ones. I know Luca and Ronnie both do."
"Thank you," Maya said, trying not to cry as she looked at the little onesie in her hands, "God, it's crazy that in like four months, we will have a baby wearing this."
"My baby Totoino," Rowan said, pulling up Maya's shirt and kissing her belly faster than Maya could stop her.
"Ok, that is adorable," Andy said, laughing as Maya pulled her shirt back down.
"Patatina, you cannot pull up my shirt when we are not at home, ok?" Maya said.
"Why?" Rowan asked.
"Because we have to wear clothes when we are out in public," Maya said, "Especially when I am at work."
"But I want to kiss by baby Totoino," Rowan said, frowning.
"I know," Maya said, "And you can kiss them through my shirt, but you can only lift my shirt up at home, ok?"
"But I yike too," Rowan said.
"I know you do," Maya said, squatting down to get eye level with her daughter despite every part of her body screaming at her to stop, "And I like it when you do too, but when we are at the station or the hospital or even at the store or the park, I want my stomach to be covered by my shirt, ok? And remember that we always talk about how we respect other people's bodies and don't touch them when they ask us not to? Well, you can still touch Trottolino when we aren't at home, but I don't want you to lift my shirt, ok?"
"But at home, I tan," Rowan said, needing reassurance.
"At home, you can all you want to, ok?" Maya said, "And when we aren't at home, you can hug and kiss and touch Trottolino through my shirt."
"Otay Mommy," Rowan said, giving Maya's bump a kiss, "Tan we do play on the wee woo now?"
"Sure," Maya said, looking at her wife, "Carina, a little help."
"Come here Bambina," Carina said, reaching down and pulling Maya up, the blonde groaning a little bit as her body stood, "Are you ok?"
"Just achy," Maya said, "Come on Bambine. Let's go."
Carina hung back to thank Andy again for the shirts while Maya went into the barn with the twins, both girls holding her hands because that was the rules they had in the barn just to prevent them from getting hurt in the busy area.
"Hey," Vic said as Maya turned the corner with the twins, "My favorite twins."
"Auntie Bic," Rowan and Nora both called, Maya walking them over to Vic before letting go of their hands so they could hug her.
"Yook at our shirts," Rowan said, showing Vic her t-shirt.
"Wow, are you two the newest Probies at Station 19?" Vic asked.
"No, we are too yittle," Nora said, smiling.
"And yook Auntie Bic," Rowan said, going back to Maya, "Mommy, where it my baby Totoino's shirt?"
"I put it in my bag," Maya said, "I can go…"
"Here," Carina said, walking up to them with the baby onesie in her hands, Rowan taking it before running back over to Vic.
"I heard her asking for it," Carina said when Maya gave her a confused look.
"She is never going to leave this baby alone," Maya said, shaking her head.
"That is probably true," Carina said, chuckling as she watched Rowan show the little onesie to Vic, "Hopefully Trottolino is very patient."
"They are very demanding right now," Maya said, "I need to go to the bathroom."
"I'll keep an eye on the girls," Carina nodded as her wife turned to walk out of the barn.
"Mamma, where is Mommy?" Nora asked, walking over to her while Rowan and Vic were still deep in conversation about the baby.
"She had to go to the bathroom," Carina said, reaching down and lifting Nora into her arms, "She will be right back."
"Okay," Nora nodded, picking up a piece of Carina's hair.
"Hey, Vic have you finished…oh, hey guys," Travis said as he walked around the back of the engine.
"Unca T," Nora said, reaching out for him which made Carina smile.
"Hey Bean," Travis said, "Hey, look, we match."
"Yeah," Nora nodded, looking at his t-shirt.
"Ok," Maya said, coming back into the barn, "Girls, are you ready to go in the engine?"
"Wait, they aren't yet," Vic said, "I'll be right back."
"I want to go in the wee woo Mommy," Rowan said, coming back over to her.
"Well, let's see with Auntie Vic is doing," Maya said.
After a second, Vic came back around the corner with two plastic fire hats.
"One for you Firefighter Bishop-Deluca," Vic said, putting one on Nora's head before walking over to Rowan "And one for you Firefighter Bishop-Deluca."
"Gwazie Auntie Bic," Rowan said, smiling before looking at Maya, "Now we can go in the wee woo?"
"Now we can go," Maya nodded, "How about I climb up and then Mamma or Auntie Vic or Uncle Travis picks you up and puts you in the engine?"
"Otay," Rowan nodded.
"Bambina, do you need help?" Carina asked as Maya opened the engine door.
"I think I've got it," Maya said, carefully pulling herself into the engine for the first time in a long time.
It wasn't often that Maya went in the engine in the last few years anyways because she was often driving the battalion chief truck, but because of her complicated pregnancy, this was probably the longest time in her career she has spent out of the engine. Getting back in it was a little bit strange, her belly not quite in the way yet, but she didn't feel quite right.
"Ready Mommy?" Rowan called, drawing Maya out of her thoughts.
"Ready," Maya nodded as Carina helped Rowan up into the engine, Maya making sure she was safe once she was up.
"I'll bring Nora up in the back," Travis said, knowing having two little kids in the front was sometimes hard and then Nora could climb through to the front later.
"Ok," Maya nodded as Vic pulled open the back door.
"Mommy," Rowan whispered, gesturing for Maya to come closer.
"Yes Rowan?" Maya whispered back.
"Can we do the wee woo now?" Rowan asked, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Let's ask your sister first," Maya said.
"Noa," Rowan called, "Ready for the wee woo?"
"Okay," Nora called back.
Maya pointed to the switch, Rowan covering her right ear as she reached out with her left hand, pressing the switch for the siren, quickly covering her other ear as the noise started. This wasn't the first time the twins had been in the engine, but they hadn't in a long time and even if they did it every day, Maya would never not love the look on Rowan's face as she covered her ears with the biggest smile on her face.
"Yet's turn it off now," Rowan said after a minute, Maya again directing her little hand to the switch which she quickly turned off.
"What did you think?" Maya asked, looking at the toddler sitting next to her.
"I yike it," Rowan smiled.
"Mommy, tan I do the yights?" Nora asked.
"Sure," Maya said, reaching back and carefully helping the toddler up to the front, "It's this one right here."
Nora concentrated carefully, flipping the switch.
"Wow," Nora said, watching as the strobing lights filled the barn, "It's cool."
"It is pretty cool, huh?" Maya said, smiling at her.
"I want to come here every time," Rowan said, sitting on one of Maya's knees pretending to drive.
They played for a while longer, Carina snapping some pictures as she watched, also chatting with Vic, Travis, and Ben who had come in to see what the noise was all about earlier.
"Ok," Maya said, eventually, "I think it's time for us to go home."
"But I yike the wee woo," Rowan frowned.
"I know," Maya said, "I do too, but we have to go eat dinner."
"And you too?" Nora asked, looking at her.
"Yes, me too," Maya nodded, "I'm all done working today and I will eat dinner with you all."
"How about we eat dinner here wif Unca T and Auntie Bic and Tia Dandy and everyone?" Rowan asked.
"Patatina, they aren't going to eat dinner here for a while," Maya said, brushing a piece of blonde hair off her face.
"Why?" Rowan asked.
"Because at the station, dinner time is later than at home," Maya said, "And don't you want to go home and maybe ride bikes or play outside for a little bit?"
"I want to ride my bike," Nora said, "I yike my bike."
"See, we should go home so you can ride bikes," Maya said, "We can have dinner at the station in a few weeks. There is going to be a party here and we can come for that and eat dinner here then."
"Ok," Rowan sighed.
"Tan we go home now and ride bikes?" Nora asked.
"No, I want to stay here," Rowan said, shaking her head.
"I want to ride my bike," Nora said back, crossing her arms.
"Ok, how about I set a timer on my phone for five minutes and when it's done, we will go home and ride bikes?" Maya suggested.
"I don't want to set a time," Rowan said, shaking her head, "I want to stay here for a yong time."
"Rowan, we can either set a five-minute time and go when it's over or we can go home right now," Maya said, "We have played here for a long time and we can come back and play another day, but we cannot stay here for a long time."
"A timer," Rowan said, pouting a little bit.
"Ok," Maya said, going to grab her phone only to realize she had left it in her bag.
"Hey babe?" Maya called, knowing Carina was standing right outside the engine.
"Si," Carina said, popping her head around the door.
"Can you set a 5-minute time?" Maya asked, "And then we are going to go home."
"Ok," Carina said, pulling up her timer on her phone, "Alright. Five minutes. Are you guys ok in there?"
"Girls, are you good?" Maya asked, having one toddler on each knee.
"Si," both girls said as Maya nodded, Carina smiling before going back to her conversation with Vic, Travis, and Ben who had come to see what all the commotion was about.
"Alright," Carina said, "I will let you know when the timer is done."
"Can we do the wee woo one more time?" Rowan asked, looking at Maya.
"Nora, did you want to push it this time?" Maya asked, not wanting her to feel left out.
"No, gwazie," Nora said, shaking her head, already covering her ears, "Owan tan do it."
Rowan once again covered her right ear, flipping the sirens with her left hand. It was so funny to Maya that both girls loved the sirens so much and yet covered their ears because they were too loud. Eventually, they turned off the sirens and Carina let them know the timer had gone off and Carina helped all three of them down from the engine.
After some goodbyes, they headed out to their cars, both girls insisting on going with Maya which the blonde felt bad about, but Carina assured her it was fine.
When they got home, Maya stayed outside with the twins while Carina went inside to start dinner which was going to be veggie enchiladas that Maya had actually made the night before.
They had figured out that Maya was able to handle food smells again by accident the week before when Maya had been late coming home from work and had walked in while Carina was making dinner, commenting on how good it smelled before both of them stopped in their tracks, realizing Maya hadn't said that in a long time. Sure, she didn't want to eat the food and that idea still made her feel nauseous, but smells weren't bothering her nearly as much anymore.
This had meant that she had been able to help with cooking again, glad that that burden wasn't falling solely on her wife anymore. She still wasn't eating much of it, but it felt like a step in the right direction. Once dinner was in the oven, Carina joined them all outside, enjoying the nice evening before they went inside for dinner.
"Bambine, we had something we wanted to ask you," Carina said as she sat down at the table.
"What Mamma?" Rowan asked.
"Well, tomorrow, how would you two feel about going over to Harper and Scout's after daycare?" Carina said.
"Why?" Rowan asked as Nora bit her lip.
"Well, Mamma and I were thinking maybe we would go on a date," Maya said, taking a bite of her yogurt, "And Zia Amelia offered to have you two come over and play with Harper and Scout while we did."
"But no piza?" Rowan said, looking at Carina.
"No, no pizza," Carina laughed.
"Do we have to sleep der?" Rowan asked.
"No, we would come pick you up after dinner time," Maya assured her.
"Okay," Rowan said, nodding.
"Nora, what do you think?" Maya asked, reaching over and rubbing her arm.
"Why tan't we go on a date wif you?" Nora asked.
"Well, sometimes, Mamma and I want to go out just the two of us," Maya said, "And it's not because we don't like being with you two, but just like sometimes you just spend time with me or just with Mamma, sometimes, we want to spend time just with each other."
"But I will miss you," Nora said.
"We will miss you too," Carina said, "We always miss you when we aren't with you, but sometimes, it is good for us to go out just with each other."
"But you will come back?" Nora said, "And no hospipal?"
"We will pick you up after dinner," Maya reassured her, "And if you need us before then, you can always tell Aunt Amelia or Uncle Link if he's home and they can call us, ok? And if you aren't ready to do this, that's ok too."
"And Rowan will be there with you," Carina said.
"Yeah," Rowan said, looking at her sister, "I will hold your hand and we tan pway wif Harpa and Scout. Renember they have Tandy Yand we tan pway? And Scout yikes dinos just yike you."
"And you can call us on the phone if you need us," Maya said, "Does that sound like something you want to try?"
Nora bit her lip, looking between Maya and Carina for a minute before slowly nodding.
"Ok Piccola," Carina said, smiling at her wife for half a second before looking back at their daughter, "And like we said, you can ask Auntie Amelia to call us any time and we will come pick you up after dinner time."
"Okay," Nora nodded, sniffling a little but smiling at both her moms.
"Nora, are you proud of yourself for being brave?" Maya asked, rubbing her thumb on Nora's arm.
"Si," Nora said, nodding.
"We are proud of you too," Carina said, smiling at her.
The rest of the evening was calm, the girls playing a little more after dinner before their bath and bedtime routine. Once they were down, Maya and Carina went downstairs to get ready for the following day. "
What are we going to do on our date?" Carina asked as she worked on getting the dinner dishes clean while Maya started on lunches for the twins.
"I have no idea," Maya said, "I honestly didn't expect her to say yes so I had been trying not to get excited about it."
"I wasn't sure if she would either," Carina said, "But I am so proud of her for being willing to try."
"Me too," Maya said, "Hopefully we can work her up to being away from us overnight so when Trottolino is born, maybe you can stay with us in the hospital overnight?"
"Bambina, of course I am staying," Carina said, looking over at her, "I wouldn't leave you and Trottolino on their first night."
"Yeah, but if the girls need you, you are going to go to them," Maya said, "They cannot feel like they are getting replaced by this baby."
"They won't," Carina said, "We will make sure of it. But I also want to be there for you and Trottolino, especially those first few days."
"I want you there too," Maya said, stopping what she was doing for a second, putting a hand on her back.
"You ok?" Carina asked.
"Yeah, just back pain," Maya sighed, "It seems like with each passing week, more things hurt. The belly band helps some, but by the end of the day, I am just sore."
"I'm sorry," Carina frowned, "Why don't you go sit and relax?"
"No," Maya said, "I'm ok. I'll finish these first."
"Alright," Carina agreed.
They finished up in the kitchen before going to relax on the couch together.
"Your scans are at 9 tomorrow?" Maya asked. "Si," Carina nodded, "And then my appointment with Dr. Cho is at 11:30."
"You've got this," Maya said, pulling Carina close to her, "You are going to have the most perfect scans they have ever seen and they are going to say you never have to come back."
"You know that's not how this works," Carina chuckled, leaning her head on Maya's shoulder, "But it would be nice. It's been an entire year since my treatments finished and sometimes, it still doesn't feel real, like I ever had cancer at all."
"I know," Maya said, pressing a kiss into the top of her head.
The rest of their night was calm, Carina making them some tea, another liquid had recently added to her short list of drinks that were acceptable, before they headed up to bed for what ended up being, as they figured, a restless night. Both of them were anxious and struggling to sleep, though they did alright.
The morning started off a little less than stellar as well with Maya getting sick first thing, but that settled fairly quickly and she managed to keep down breakfast so neither of them were overly concerned.
They got the twins to daycare, Maya coming to drop off for the first time in a long time and other than a few stray tears, the girls did great, Maya and Carina making sure to leave car seats for Amelia with the daycare before they headed up to radiology for Carina's scans.
These scans were going to be a little longer than the previous ones, just to make sure things were still looking good. The scans took close to an hour and by the time she was done, it was almost 11.
The two of them decided to go sit outside while they waited for Carina's appointment, just enjoying the streak of nice weather Seattle was having this June. They discussed nursery colors and baby names and the things Maya wanted to include in her birth plan, anything to keep their minds off of the looming appointment and on happy thoughts.
Eventually, they made their way to the hematology/oncology floor, Carina checking in before they went to sit and wait together.
"I'm really glad you are here with me in person this time," Carina whispered into Maya's ear before laying her head on her wife's shoulder.
"I'm glad I am here too," Maya said, pressing a kiss to the top of Carina's head.
Eventually, they were called back, this appointment also longer, Dr. Cho taking a biopsy just to make sure everything was still clear and they would have to wait a few days for those results, but according to Dr. Cho, Carina's scans were beautiful and she was confident she was still in remission. There were a lot of tears and hugs upon hearing this.
Once Dr. Cho left the room, Carina grabbed her clothes, having to be undressed for this appointment.
"You are still in remission," Maya said, giving her wife a kiss.
"We technically still have to wait for the biopsy results," Carina said, biting her lip a little bit.
"You heard Dr. Cho though, your scans are clear and your exam was also clear," Maya said, "You are still in remission."
"Si," Carina nodded, pulling her pants back on, "I am. And, I don't have to come back here for six months. Bambina, by the time I have my next scans, it will be December and we will have a two-month-old."
"Woah," Maya said, eyes wide, "When you put it like that, it feels like it's lifetimes away."
"It will be here before we know it," Carina said, shaking her head, "This baby is growing fast."
"It feels like they have been growing a lot more the past few weeks," Maya said, "Which is good, but I am basically only able to fit in my leggings anymore."
"We could go get you some new clothes," Carina said, getting her shoes back on, "I mean, our massage appointment isn't until 2 and it's only 1 so we have a little time."
"I mean, I guess," Maya said, "Or maybe after the spa? I kinda think I need to eat something before we go."
"If you want to eat, we are going to go eat," Carina said, picking up her purse and slipping her hand into Maya's, "What would you like?"
"I don't know," Maya said, "Do you think we could maybe go get smoothies? I know I haven't tried them since my HG, but I eat fruit and yogurt all the time so as long as there isn't banana in it, I think it would probably be good. And it sounds amazing."
"I think smoothies are a great idea," Carina nodded, "Maybe I should have tried making them for you earlier."
"No," Maya said, "The thought of them used to make me sick. Cause I thought about asking you too, but something about them just made me feel gross before, but now it sounds good."
"The fact that food sounds good to you in any capacity makes me so happy," Carina said, smiling at her wife.
"It honestly feels nice," Maya said. Just then, Amelia walked up to them.
"So," the neurosurgeon said, "How were your appointments?"
"I had to have a biopsy taken so we won't know anything for sure until those results come back," Carina said, "But my scans and exams were clear and my oncologist is confident I am still in remission."
"Oh my god, that's great," Amelia said, giving her a hug.
"Si," Carina nodded, "We are pretty happy that the next time I have to have scans we will have a two-month-old."
"Talk about a mind trip, right?" Maya said, seeing the look on Amelia's face, "I can't believe it either, but it's true. This bump is going to be gone and there will be a baby instead."
"You are looking amazing Maya," Amelia said, "Like, I seriously do not understand how the two of you look so good pregnant. I looked like a puffy mess with all my kids."
"I am only 24 weeks," Maya said, "There's still time."
"How are you feeling?" Amelia asked.
"Better," Maya said, "I mean, I have my moments and other things are starting to bother me like my back and pelvis, but the HG is a lot more manageable."
"Good," Amelia said, "I'm glad. I can't even imagine how you dealt with that."
"Lots of help for my amazing wife," Maya said, squeezing Carina's hand, "And people like you. Thank you for the massages and facials and for taking the girls for us."
"No problem," Amelia said, "I mean, having your kids over means my kids won't be complaining they are bored or asking for their iPads all afternoon."
"We told Nora that if she needs us, to just tell you and that you would help her call us. And Rowan too, but she should be fine," Carina said, "I hope that's ok."
"Of course," Amelia said, "I will keep an extra eye on Nora."
"Thanks," Maya said, "Hopefully she will be ok. We tried to prepare her."
"I'm sure she will be great," Amelia said, "And if not, I've got her, ok? You two just go focus on relaxing and doing whatever it is you two are going to do after."
"Maternity clothes shopping," Carina said.
"Ah, so important," Amelia said, "Now get out of here. Go enjoy your afternoon. I will see you around 6:30?"
"Si," Carina nodded, "And like we said, if they need us, just call."
"We will be fine," Amelia said as she walked away, "Don't worry."
"Come on Bambina," Carina said, "Let's go. Where did you want to get smoothies?"
"We could go to that café around the corner so you can get that pesto sandwich you like," Maya suggested.
"Alright," Carina nodded as they got in the elevator.
After a quick lunch eaten outside because Maya discovered very quickly that her body didn't handle all the smells inside the café well at all, they headed to the spa.
"This place looks so nice," Maya said as they pulled up, "How did Amelia find this place?"
"She said she came here when she was pregnant with Harper," Carina said as Maya parked the car, "Non lo so. But it looks nice."
"I think this is going to be a great way to spend our afternoon," Maya said as they got out of the car, the two of them heading toward the entrance, hand in hand. When they got inside, they went to the desk, checking in.
"Alright Mrs. and Mrs. Bishop-Deluca," the woman behind the desk said, "We have you scheduled for a couples massage and then facials and pedicures. Does that sound correct?"
"I didn't know about the pedicures, but yes," Maya said, looking at her wife who shrugged.
"Do you not want pedicures?" the woman asked.
"No, no, we do," Maya said as Carina nodded, "Our friend set this up for us and just didn't tell us that part."
"Oh, I see," the woman nodded, "Well, if you two would like to follow me, I will take you to the changing room where you can leave your stuff and put on robes. Have you been here before?"
"No," Carina said.
"Well, I hope you enjoy your first visit," the woman said, opening a private changing room with their names written on a white board on the door, "You can change in here. Your robes are hanging on the hooks just behind the door. We do ask that you take a quick shower before getting started just to make sure all the lotions are off your skin. And then when you are done, you can store your things in this locker across the hall here and then go down the hall. There is another area back there where they will get you to your scheduled treatments. And if you need anything, please just ask. We have a selection of complementary juices, teas, and water as well as some small snacks."
"Are we allowed to bring our own drinks in?" Carina asked, "My wife has been really struggling with morning sickness during her pregnancy and is only able to drink certain things."
"Of course," the woman nodded, "Feel free to bring your own with you. We want you to be comfortable."
"Oh, I also have a PICC line and a pump that is attached to me," Maya said, having almost forgotten about those two items because they had just become part of her life, "Is that ok?"
"It is," the woman nodded, "Just tell your masseuse and they will make sure to be careful."
"Thank you," Maya said as they walked into the room to change, closing the door behind them, "This place seems really nice."
"Si," Carina nodded, setting her purse down on the counter before pulling off her shirt.
"God, you are beautiful," Maya said, walking over to her wife.
"Bambina, we have an appointment to get to," Carina said as Maya kissed her.
"But you are just so hot," Maya said, pressing another kiss to Carina's lips, "And I think these pregnancy hormones are finally making me feel something other than sick and emotional."
"Maya," Carina groaned, pulling back, "We cannot do this right now."
"Why?" Maya said, moving her kisses from Carina's lips down her neck and onto her chest as her hands unclasped Carina's bra, "We have to shower anyway so why not make it a more enjoyable shower. Plus, we are early so we have time."
Carina held in a moan as Maya's mouth expertly made its way to her nipple, feeling her body giving in to her wife's request. Carina grabbed Maya's shirt, pulling it off, almost shocked at how much larger her wife's breasts looked, not remembering the last time she had seen Maya without a shirt, but knowing it hadn't been that long. Seeing how truly stunning her wife's changing body was only made Carina work faster to get her clothes off as they headed to the shower, never losing contact with each other.
They emerged from the changing room ten minutes later, both of them feeling very grateful that Carina had spent most of her professional career studying the female orgasm and that Maya had spent a lot of time as a student to the master.
They got their belongings tucked away, Maya keeping her water bottle filled with her lemonade with her as they walked down the hall to where they would get their massages.
Both of them thoroughly enjoyed their massages, Maya actually falling asleep for a little while during hers which made Carina smile, knowing her wife napped more often than not in the afternoons right now. It was a bit unnerving seeing the normally non-stop battalion chief sleeping in the middle of the day, but Carina was glad her wife was listening to her body and taking breaks when she needed it.
That had been something Carina was worried about when Maya got pregnant was her wife not listening to her own body. Maya had basically proved to her that those were valid fears when she tried to work through her HG early on, but Carina was pretty sure that all the trips to the hospital and the addition of a PICC line and Zofran pump had scared Maya enough to convince her that she was no longer able to just push through things like she had in the past. Carina always hated that Maya did that anyways, and while the blonde had gotten much better over the years, she still pushed herself more than Carina liked so any time she saw her resting, it made her happy.
Once the massages were over and Maya woke up, they were taken to get their facials.
"Ok, we might have to do this more often," Maya said as they finished up with that, "My face feels amazing."
"We should do this more often," Carina nodded.
Carina was someone who enjoyed coming to spas and before they had the twins, she used to come on days when Maya was working and she wasn't because Maya had always been indifferent about going .
After they had the twins, Carina went less because there just wasn't time, though she would still go get massages from time to time when she was extra stressed. However, she has basically stopped going when she had cancer, uncomfortable with how her body looked and also just uncomfortable in general and by the time she was healed enough, they were knee deep in fertility treatments and trying to conceive and she had simply forgotten about it. This was a good reminder of how much she missed it though.
They were then taken to get their pedicures, Carina enjoying some fresh orange pineapple juice while Maya sipped on her lemonade.
"We should take the twins to do this sometime," Carina said, looking over at her wife who looked incredibly relaxed, "I bet they would love it, especially Nora."
"Aren't they kinda young?" Maya asked.
"I mean, to bring here, si," Carina said, "You have to be 18 to come here. But we could find a place that does kids pedicures."
"It would be a much different experience," Maya said, relaxing back in her chair, "There would be no relaxation."
"That is true," Carina chuckled, "Maybe we wait until they are 4."
"I think that is a good idea," Maya nodded, letting her eyes close as she relaxed more.
By the time they were done with everything, it was 4:30 and both of them were extremely relaxed. "
That was exactly what I needed today," Carina sighed as she pulled her clothes back on, "I don't think I realized how stressed I was for my appointment today. I always think those appointments are going to get easier, and they never do."
"I'm sorry," Maya said, finishing strapping on her belly band before going over to her wife, pulling her into a hug. Carina just settled in the embrace for a minute before they pulled apart, Maya grabbing Carina's shirt and helping her put it on, brushing a piece of hair off her face before pressing a soft kiss to her lips.
"I love you," Carina said, smiling at her. "I love you too," Maya said, "I'm proud of you."
Carina blushed a little as they stayed there for one more second before Maya stepped away to finish getting dressed.
"Were you serious about maternity clothes shopping?" Maya asked as she grabbed her bra.
"Si," Carina nodded, "I didn't notice before, but you are in desperate need of new bras. Not that I don't enjoy this very full look, but you do not look comfortable in that."
"They were fine a few days ago," Maya sighed as she did the clasp on her bra, "But now…is that normal? For them to get bigger so fast?"
"Si," Carina nodded, "Perfectly normal. Your body is getting ready to feed Trottolino when they are born."
Maya nodded, pulling on her shirt before they both grabbed their bags, heading out.
"I feel like I could lay down and sleep for a week," Maya said, as she got in the driver's seat, "I haven't been this relaxed in a long time."
"We can just go home and take a nap if you want to," Carina said, "We can go shopping later."
"No," Maya said, "I want to go shopping. I just…between what we did before and then the massage…I feel so good."
"So do I," Carina said, smiling as she leaned over and gave Maya a small kiss.
"Alright," Maya said, "Now, on to shopping."
"Amelia is going to be picking up the bambine soon," Carina said, grabbing her phone, "I hope they are ok."
"Me too," Maya sighed, "I just wish there was an easy way to get them to understand that everything is ok and that they don't have to worry."
"We just have to keep showing them," Carina said, "That's the best way to make them feel safe and less anxious."
"I know," Maya said, "I just wish I could promise them I will always come home, but I know that that might not be true and I can't lie to them and sometimes, it makes me feel like such a bad mom that I have such a dangerous job."
"No one can promise that they will always come home," Carina said, "I don't even promise them that because accidents happen all the time and there is nothing we can do about it. But promising them that you will always try as hard as you can to come home to them is just as important and that is true. Having your job does not make you a bad mom, Bambina. It makes you such a good example to our bambine that they can do any job they want and that they do not have to let anyone tell them what they can or cannot do because of who they are. That is important for them to see."
"You show them that too," Maya said, brushing a tear off her cheek that had fallen without her permission, "You and your research that everyone told you was crazy or unimportant and yet you have changed people's lives with it and on top of all of that, you help people achieve their dreams."
"Our kids have pretty good role models, huh?" Carina said, chuckling, "Even if we don't always feel like we are."
Maya reached over, keeping her eyes on the road as Carina weaved their fingers together. The rest of the drive was pretty quiet, both of them just enjoying being with each other.
Eventually, they got to the store, heading inside.
"Alright, so what kind of clothes do you want to look at?" Carina asked as they headed to the maternity section.
"Well, I need pants I can wear to work," Maya said, "So something Navy blue. We get our regular ones a uniform supplier through SFD, but they don't make maternity pants. And bras. And I guess I am going to need some new shirts at some point but we don't have to get those today. My shirts are tight, but they still fit."
"We can look," Carina said, "If you want to, that is."
"I mean, I guess then I wouldn't have to come back another day," Maya said, feeling weirdly uncomfortable as they walked into the maternity clothing section, "I just have no idea how big I am going to get."
"Well, we can get some things today and then if we need more as you get further along, we can come back," Carina said.
"Ok," Maya agreed, walking over to the pants.
She grabbed a few pairs to try on, not totally sure what would fit because while her belly was growing, she still had lost a lot of weight during this pregnancy and none of her pre-pregnancy clothes fit her right. Carina helped her pick out a few different shirts before they went to find some bras before going to the fitting rooms. Maya stepped into one as Carina sat down to wait.
The blonde pulled off her shirt and pants, stopping to look at her body in the full-length mirror. It was so strange to see herself like this. She was so incredibly grateful for what her body was doing for their baby but seeing her entire body like this was strange and it felt like she was looking at a stranger.
Her legs, which had always been muscular from her running were less defined, her butt flatter than normal and her arms also much less muscular. Her face was thinner than it had been since she was young and yet her stomach protruded out and her boobs were so full.
Before she knew what was going on, there were tears running down her cheeks.
"Bambina, are any of those clothes working?" Carina asked through the door.
"Um," Maya said, "I…not yet…"
"Hey," Carina said softly, hearing the tears in her wife's voice, "Can I come in?"
"Yeah," Maya said, trying to get the tears to stop.
Carina walked into the room closing the door quickly behind her, finding her wife dressed only in her underwear, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Hey," Carina said, walking over to her, "What's wrong?"
"I…it's stupid," Maya said, not looking at her wife.
"If it is upsetting you, it's not stupid," Carina said, cupping her wife's face with her hands, "You can tell me. I promise."
"I just…I feel like I don't recognize my body anymore," Maya said, "And I love that Trottolino is growing, but I just…nothing feels like me anymore."
"Oh Bambina," Carina said, "Can I hug you?"
Maya nodded, leaning into Carina's arms as the Italian pulled her close.
"I know this is so hard," Carina said, rubbing her back, "What can I do?"
"I don't know," Maya said, tears still rolling down her cheeks, "I just…I knew my body didn't look like it did before and I expected that to happen, but I just…I don't know…I didn't think it would be this hard."
"It's ok," Carina said, rubbing her back, "It's gonna be ok."
Carina just held her, letting Maya cry as much as she needed to before the blonde pulled away.
"Do you want to leave?" Carina asked, tucking a piece of hair behind Maya's ear, "We don't have to do this today."
"I need new pants and bras," Maya said, wiping at her eyes.
"Ok," Carina said, "Do you want me to stay in here with you?"
"Yes please," Maya said as Carina went to her bag, grabbing out some tissues and giving them to her wife.
Maya cleaned herself up a little bit before grabbing a pair of pants, pulling them on. After trying a few different pants and some bras, they left the store, deciding to go down to the sound and find somewhere to maybe grab a snack or something and just enjoy the water.
As they were driving, Carina got a text from Amelia, worried for a second before she opened it, finding a picture of all four kids sitting out on the back patio eating dinner picnic style.
"Look," Carina said as Maya stopped at a red light.
"They look like they are having fun," Maya said, looking at the picture.
"Si," Carina said, "Amelia said they have been doing well."
"I'm so glad," Maya said, "I was really worried Nora was going to have a hard time."
"Me too," Carina agreed, "Amelia said she had a little bit of a hard time when they first got home, but that Scout brought her some dinosaurs and that helped."
"Good," Maya said, "Hopefully it keeps going well. I'm so proud of her, of both of them really, for how well they are doing."
Carina hummed, nodding as Maya found a parking spot. They got out of the car, walking around a little bit, finding a toy store that they went into, finding a little dinosaur that they knew Nora didn't have along with a small fire engine for Rowan, deciding the girls needed them.
They then found a little coffee place, Carina going in and getting herself a cappuccino and Maya some tea before they walked down to the Sound, finding a bench to sit on.
"I always forget how much I love being down here," Maya sighed as they sat down, "It is just so…peaceful."
"I feel the same way," Carina said as she wrapped her arm around her wife, "Would you maybe want to try going on a little trip? Just the two of us? Like we did before the bambine were born. I mean, we obviously would have to work the twins up to being away from us overnight, but would you want to do that? We could maybe go somewhere for your birthday or something?"
"Maybe," Maya said, nodding, "That might be kinda nice. Or maybe we could even just stay home and have the twins go spend the night with someone. Or we could get a hotel just in Seattle. I don't know. I have no idea how I will be feeling by then which makes me anxious because I know I have been doing better mostly, but still…"
"We don't have to go away," Carina said, "We can stay home and send the bambine to stay with someone. Or have someone come to the house and we can get a hotel. And we don't have to decide now. I just wanted to know if it was something you would want to do."
"I think we should do something," Maya nodded, "I just don't know what, but something."
"We can keep talking about it," Carina said, pressing a kiss to her wife's temple.
They just enjoyed the rest of their time together before getting ready to leave. They stopped at a café so Carina could grab a salad to eat when they got home before heading back to the car to go get the twins.
They pulled up to Amelia's house, hearing noise coming from around back so they decided to skip the front door and just go through the gate. They walked in, smiling when they saw all four kids running around the backyard, playing some game.
"Mommy, Mamma," Nora cried, immediately stopping the game as she ran over to them, Rowan right behind her.
"Ciao Piccola," Carina said, picking Nora up as Rowan grabbed Maya's legs.
"Hi Patatina," Maya smiled as Rowan hugged her and kissed her belly.
"Hi Mommy," Rowan said, "Hi my baby Totoino."
"I misseded you Mamma," Nora said, burying her head in Carina's neck before looking over at Maya, "And I misseded you too Mommy."
"We missed you both too," Carina said, setting Nora down and picking Rowan up as Nora went to give Maya a hug, "Did you have fun with Zia Amelia and Harper and Scout?"
"Si," Rowan said, "We eated outside and it wasn't piza."
"And we pwayed wif dinos and wif the ball and wif chalk," Nora said.
"Wow, you guys were busy," Maya said, laughing as they walked more into the yard, finding Amelia and Link sitting on the patio.
"Hey guys," Amelia said, "How was your afternoon?"
"It was so nice," Carina said, "Thank you. How did things go here?"
"It was great," Amelia said, "There was a lot of playing happening. And I think my dinner was Rowan approved this time?"
"Zia Amelia makeded chicken nuggets and dreen beans and tatoes," Rowan said, wiggling to get down from Carina's arms, "It was good."
Just then, Harper came over to them, looking at Maya.
"Auntie Maya, is there a baby in your tummy?" Harper asked.
"No," Rowan said before Maya could say anything, "My baby Totoino is in Mommy's utus tetause babies don't drow in tummies, they drow in utus."
"Oh," Harper said, "But you are going to have a baby Auntie Maya?"
"I am," Maya nodded.
"Is it a boy baby like Baby Maverick or a girl baby?" Harper asked.
"We don't know yet," Maya said, "We are gonna wait for them to be born to find out."
"It's gonna be a girl," Rowan said, looking at Harper.
"It also might be a boy," Carina reminded her, "And no matter what, we will love them."
"Harper, Nora, Rowan, come play," Scout called, kicking a ball around.
Rowan and Harper ran over to join him, but Nora just reached for Carina to pick her up again.
"Mommy and I aren't leaving without you guys tonight," Carina said, kissing her cheek, "If you want to go play, we will be right here."
"I want to hold you," Nora said, shaking her head.
"That's ok," Carina said, giving her a hug, "You can stay here."
"We probably should get going soon anyway," Maya said, holding in a small yawn, "It's almost their bedtime. I am going to go get the car seats back in the car."
"I can help you," Link offered, "I mean, I know you are trained, but I can at least get them out of Amelia's car."
"Thanks," Maya said, nodding as the two of them headed back out front while Carina sat down to chat with Amelia a little bit.
"Was that place up to your standards?" Amelia asked.
"Si," Carina nodded, "It was so nice. Thank you again for putting that together for us. It was exactly what both of us needed after today, and honestly just after the past few months. And thank you for the pedicures too that you didn't tell us about."
"I figured you are on your feet all day and Maya is pregnant and both of those things result in achy feet," Amelia shrugged, "I'm glad you had a good time. Did you get the clothes shopping done?"
"Some, yes," Carina nodded, "And then we went down to the Sound and just enjoyed some time together out of the house. We haven't gotten to just go out on a date like that for a while, mostly because Maya hasn't really been up to it, but it was nice to just have that time."
"Nora," Harper shouted, "Come play. I need your help."
"I will be right here Piccola," Carina said, nodding as Nora looked at her before climbing down and going to play.
"They have been playing together so nicely this afternoon," Amelia said, "Scout and Harper are usually fighting over something or just playing by themselves, but all four of them have pretty much been together the whole time."
"So they really were ok today?" Carina asked, looking over at her friend.
"They were," Amelia nodded, "Nora was complaining she had a tummy ache when we got home, but Scout brought her some dinosaurs to help her feel better and before long, she was fine. And Rowan never left her side."
"Rowan is so protective of her sister," Carina said, "And of the baby actually."
"It's so funny because isn't Nora technically older?"
"Si," Carina nodded, "She is. But with twins, those things are so complicated."
"Are you excited it's only one this time?" Amelia asked.
"Part of me is," Carina nodded, "For Maya's sake because I cannot imagine how much harder a twin pregnancy would be on her and for the sake of our sanity because having two toddlers and one newborn already sounds like a lot so I cannot imagine if it were two again. Part of me is also a little bit sad it's only one because the twins always have each other and Trottolino won't have that special bond, but I am hoping the girls for a close bond with the bambino too and that all three of them have a good relationship."
"I'm sure they will," Amelia said, "I mean, Rowan is already in love with the baby. Also, the fact that she knows a baby grows in a uterus…I swear that is more than some adult men know."
"That is true," Carina nodded, "She also asked how babies were born the other day so now they both know that too."
"Man, I admire you so much," Amelia said, "I don't know how I would have that conversation with my kids if they asked."
"You just tell them what happens," Carina shrugged, "It isn't strange to them if you don't make it a big deal. Plus, now, I do not have to worry about reteaching them with correct information when they are older. Obviously, we will have more conversations about it as they get older and are able to understand more, but I want them to be empowered by their bodies not ashamed. I spent so long being ashamed of parts of my body and I don't want that for them. Also, Rowan is so curious and likes to know how things work and all the steps. She is so much like her mommy in that way. Nora is too, but in a different way."
"I guess that is a good point," Amelia said, "I have taught the kids the proper names for everything and we have conversations about their bodies and things like that, just not how babies are born yet."
"That is good," Carina said, "I mean, I was not planning on teaching my three-year-olds about how childbirth works, but Maya is pregnant so it just kinda naturally came up. They did not, however, ask how the baby got there yet which is a much more complicated conversation that I would be willing to have if they asked but I am glad they have not."
Just then, Maya and Link reappeared.
"The seats are back in the car," Maya said as Carina and Amelia stood up.
"Ready to go home?" Carina asked, seeing how tired Maya looked.
"Whenever you are," Maya said, nodding.
"Nora, Rowan, it's time to go home," Carina called.
All four kids came running up as Amelia slipped away from the group.
"Do you want to say goodbye?" Maya asked, looking at the twins.
"Ciao," Rowan and Nora both said as they went to hug their friends, only to have all four of them end up in a hug that ended up in them all falling over laughing.
"Here are their bags," Amelia said, coming back outside.
"Grazie," Carina said as she took them, "And thank you so much for everything today. It was perfect."
"Yes, thank you," Maya said, "And thank you so much for watching the twins."
"Any time," Amelia said, "We love having them."
"Ciao Zia Amelia, Ciao Zio Link," Rowan said, going and giving them hugs while Nora gave high fives.
The Bishop-Delucas headed to their car, quickly getting the twins buckled before they headed home.
On the drive home, Carina kept having to turn around to tickle or poke or otherwise jostle the twins to keep them awake, both of them trying to fall asleep.
"Did you two play too hard with Scout and Harper?" Maya asked, laughing a little bit as Carina tickled Nora's knee and the toddler's sleepy eyes popped back open as she pushed Carina's hand away.
"Sono stanco," Nora grumbled, looking at Carina.
"You two have to have a bath tonight," Carina said, "Because puzzi, you both stink."
"No we don't," Rowan said grumpily.
"Yes you do," Carina chuckled, "And that is ok because you had fun playing outside with Scout and Harper, but you have to have a bath tonight."
They made it home with two sleepy but awake girls in the back seat, getting them upstairs and into the bath, Maya tackling the bath while Carina went to get things out of the car. The bath was quick, both Rowan and Nora tired and a little cranky. By the time Carina came back upstairs after getting the bags and other things out of the car, Maya had both twins out of the tub and in their bedroom getting into pajamas. "Nora, are you ready for teeth?" Carina asked, seeing the little brunette was dressed in her pajamas. "Si," Nora nodded, going with Carina into the bathroom while Maya finished up helping Rowan with her pajamas, or rather, supervising her because Rowan was fiercely independent, even when she was sleepy. Soon enough, they were both ready for bed, Carina disappearing out of the room for a minute before coming back in with her hands behind her back.
"Mommy and I got you something today while we were out," Carina said, both toddlers curled up in Maya's lap in the rocking chair.
"What is it?" Rowan asked, not taking her head off Maya's belly where she had been giving Trottolino kisses.
"Well, I have a fire engine and a Spinosaurus," Carina said, "So I think the engine is for Nora and the Spinosaurus is for Rowan?"
"No," Nora said, pulling her fingers out of her mouth, "I want the spinsaursus."
"And I want the wee woo," Rowan said.
"Ah, ok, I guess you can do that," Carina laughed, handing them to the girls.
"Gwazie," both girls said, looking at their toys.
Rowan took her engine, running it on Maya's belly when suddenly, she looked up at Maya.
"What was that?" Rowan asked.
"What?" Maya asked.
"I don't know," Rowan said, "Right here."
"Oh," Maya said, realizing that Trottolino had been kicking, taking Rowan's hand and putting it over the spot as Trottolino kicked again, "That is Trottolino saying hi to you."
"Really?" Rowan said, eyes wide. "Really," Maya nodded, "They are kicking to say hi to you."
"Me too?" Nora asked.
"Here," Maya said, taking Nora's hand and moving it to where the baby was kicking, "Did you feel that?"
"That's Totoino?" Nora asked, looking up at Maya with big eyes.
"That's Trottolino," Maya nodded.
"Isn't it so cool to feel them kicking?" Carina asked, crouching down next to them.
"Si," Rowan said, eyes wide as she kept her hand on Maya's belly, "Why did my baby Totoino stop?"
"Well, they don't kick all the time," Maya said, rubbing Rowan's back, "Which is good for me because I don't want them kicking all the time, but you two can keep trying to feel them while we read a book?"
"Mamma reads tonight," Nora said, handing Carina the book she had picked out.
It was in Italian, of course, and Carina was happy to read it, sitting on the floor by the rocking chair, resting her back against her wife's legs as she held the book up so the twins could see as they continued to feel Maya's stomach, waiting patiently to feel another baby kick.
As Maya took in the scene in front of her, she couldn't help but smile, thinking about how in just a few months, instead of a bump, there would be a baby in her lap, joining in the beautiful chaos of their family.
What did you think? It's been kind fun to write them all doing a little better. Do we think it's gonna last? hahaha. Anyway, I am on break now from school, but I have 3 days of boards prep next week (not taking the boards for a few months but we have to prep for them now because...my school is actually terrible) so I'm not sure how much writing I will get done, but I'm shooting to get another chapter out next week at some point. I've got ideas so it might be able to happen. Thank you all so much for reading, commenting, and following and favoriting. It means so much to me.
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