EYES WIDE OPEN
Ranger POV
Chapter 13
oOoOo
Déjà vu.
I've been here before.
Did I just dream this?
I didn't know how to explain it. All morning this unfamiliar sensation dogged me since the 0800 meeting. It was an uncanny feeling. Was there a lot of static in the air? Even the hairs on my arms were standing on end. I couldn't shake it. It was something tangible and I couldn't ascertain why. It was an uneasy feeling. Not a nauseous feeling. No. Different. Yes, definitely something hinkey. I chuckled to myself. Stephanie would liken it to her spidey sense. Or my ESP. Her spidey senses would be pinging. I smiled.
Uh oh.
Red flags.
Déjà vu?
Why?
Stephanie.
No.
Couldn't be.
Could it?
Too soon.
WHAT?!
Her panic button went off!
Shit!
"Where's Stephanie?" I called to anyone on the fifth floor as they all stood at alert.
Poised.
Ready for action.
Tank's large hand clamped onto my shoulder. "Easy, soldier. She's in the building."
We listened to all the reports coming in from the gym, the gun range, when suddenly the elevator doors opened and a little voice emerged, "Papa! Papa! Mama now! Tio Hector and Uncle Hal with Mama. Tia Ella too. At home," he called earnestly, pointing up, up to the seventh floor as his little hand grabbed mine and tugged.
I scooped him up as he pointed urgently to the elevator, Bobby and Tank joining us as Lester raced up the stairs.
"Mama! Splash!"
Splash? Maybe she was in the bath? Madre Dios. I hope she did not slip and hit her head. So many thoughts and possibilities and scenarios went whizzing through my mind. Before the door closed completely, Bobby pressed the door open button and dashed down the stairwell, to the infirmary of course.
The car couldn't go fast enough, even Ricky was urging it to go up faster, rocking in my arms. My heart was racing. Breathe, Manoso, breathe. Tank rubbed my back in support and encouragement. Keeping it together for Ricky was important. Lester was waiting and ushered us inside. Ella had everything under control while tending to a pale looking Hal who looked like he was recovering, sitting on the couch, looking a bit sheepish. Bobby rushed in with his medical bag surveying the scene for dangers and areas of greatest need. Ella smiled yet rolled her eyes as she looked at the four of us.
What the heck?
"Bathroom," was all Hal said.
We stepped over and around the wet towels on the floor before it dawned on me. Déjà vu? Of course. This was all too familiar. Tank and Lester discreetly waited by the bedroom door while Bobby stayed with Hal.
"Stephanie's waters broke," I said more as a statement. "But that's early."
Ella smiled. "That can happen, Carlos. Your little niña is keen and ready to come into the world."
Stephanie came out of the bathroom, glowing and freshly showered, dressed in soft comfy yoga pants and a loose top, walking more like a waddle. She smiled as Ricky squirmed to get to her, so I let him go. Her smile was radiant.
"Mama? Okay?" He patted her bump softly and talked to his little sister while I hugged them both. He gave her bump little kisses. "I go with Tia Ella now." With that he was off obviously part of the plan. Ella kissed Stephanie, with a heartfelt hug, pointing out her hospital bag by the door, which Tank grabbed.
Suddenly Steph flinched and buckled under as a contraction hit her hard. Oh yes. It's on. I coached her through it as best I could. Tank and Lester winced and grimaced with her, while Hector timed her. While Bobby had been checking Hal with his penlight and possible concussion, who was a bit embarrassed by his reaction. He'd hit his head as he went down with a nice goose egg bump to show for his tumble. Once Stephanie was steady again, Hal quickly grabbed their paperwork and bid farewell, "Hope all goes well, Steph. Sorry about … you know …"
"De nada, Hal. Thanks."
Bobby had summonsed Vince to keep an eye on Hal for the time being. Vince escorted him down to the fifth floor.
"Come and sit down, Babe. On the couch. Our little girl is a week early. I had this hinkey feeling all morning," I half chuckled. "Now I know why. How many contractions have you had?"
"I thought it was back pain, or those Braxton Hicks, all morning, some even during the night. I've dropped and she's engaged, ready in position. Back pain is not unusual in pregnancy, but this feels different. So, I sat with the heat pack in the small of my back. When I went to get up, my waters broke and poor Hal copped some of it as he got up to help me get out of the armchair.
"Ironically, Hal was just asking how I was feeling, and when this little baby girl," patting her bump lovingly, "was going to come into the world. Before I could answer, as I got up, "SPLASH!", and I said "Now!" Poor Hal went down. He just suddenly blacked out hitting his head on the coffee table on the way down. Ricky saw the "splash" and I had to reassure him that I was okay. Hector was such a huge help and that made Ricky feel calmer. He's such a good boy, going down to tell you. Hector called Ella, while keeping cool, and comforting me, which helped me get through the contractions. He called Dr Phillips already who's on his way to the hospital."
"Wow. It's really happening. I thought we had at least another three weeks." I smiled, kissing her forehead. Suddenly another contraction rocked her. "Breathe, Babe. Breathe." Madre Dios. She is so strong. Dios. I love this woman.
Hector slipped a pair of socks on her feet and kissed her forehead. He texted a message and it was to me, with her contraction times. I nodded and knuckle-bumped him before he left summoning the elevator to come up to seven. Five minutes duration, over the last hour and now four minutes apart. Okay. It's all systems GO.
"Let's go."
Tank led the way with Stephanie's hospital bag. After a hurried hug and a kiss for Stephanie, Bobby and Lester went down the stairs indicating they will catch up with us later.
"I'll drive," Tank announced.
Déjà vu alright. Ricky had done the same, catching us by surprise. I smile, shaking my head. However, it seems that his little sister is eager to join the family, a week early than her due date, obviously curious and wanting in on the action early. That's three weeks earlier than her big brother! This was a surprise. We expected her to come later, like follow suit, just like her big brother did. All was going to plan, but, as you know, with Stephanie, anything can happen. Never assume or take things for granted where Stephanie is concerned. No malice intended, of course. Just like her mother, our baby girl was making her own mark from an early stage, just to press the point home.
Dr Phillips has a private hospital in Princeton, with a maternity wing and fully specialised birthing suites. It was outside of Trenton, say no more. We were very impressed with everything with the arrival of Ricky.
On the drive over the contractions were getting closer together, lasting for a good minute. I rubbed her back and talked her through the breathing. Oh, how I wish I could take some of the pain away. She pointed to her hospital bag. In the bag was a bottle of water and a face washer, so I could freshen up her face and wipe the perspiration. She held it at the back of her neck after taking some tiny sips, and then held it to her forehead and relaxed. Tank was watching the road but, like me, I think he felt the pain as he winced with each contraction.
"You've got this Little Girl," he said encouragingly, "we're nearly there."
Less than four minutes apart now. I kept rubbing her back and shoulders comfortingly while her hands were rubbing her bump, soothing our little one within. A minute doesn't sound very long. But, Madre Dios, when you see your beloved enduring each contraction, they feel like fifteen minutes long. She didn't complain at all, just gave a relieved sigh as each one finished.
As we arrived at the special private entrance, Hector emerged from the sliding doors with a wheelchair for Stephanie. It was a Rangeman secured facility, so we knew the safety parameters and the discretionary procedures upon entrance. Privacy was ultimately how we chose this facility with Dr Phillips. He takes great pride in his state of the art facility and hand chosen staff, all of whom have been vetted by our best researcher. Essentially, she didn't want to discover any hidden Burg connections, in addition to checking their work history, while validating their credentials, as well as their integrity and more.
Stephanie was remarkably relaxed, like she had entered a Zen zone. I was encouraged to sit on a gurney with Stephanie between my legs. Then the next contraction arrived. "Three minutes," I informed the nurse. Once that seemingly endless contraction had passed, they transferred her the birthing suite on the third floor, never stopping en route. In prepping her, they gowned her, checked her dilation and confirmed all was going according to plan.
Thankfully, last week at 37.5 weeks, they were able to manually turn our little girl, who had been in the breech position. "That's quite ironic," I chuckled. "Just like you, Babe, wanting to jump into the world feet first!" Stephanie smiled and nudged me as finally her head engaged in the optimal downward position. Stephanie sighed with the more comfortable sensation, confirming the feel of little feet kicking up high now where the head had been before.
Stephanie had her music playing, from her yoga, sitting on the gym ball and alternately walking around. The gym ball was her go to equipment when she had back pain and it was here for in between her contractions. Sucking on ice shavings helped keep her throat from feeling too dry as she felt each contraction getting closer.
Amazingly, our beautiful little Leticia Sofia Manoso was born two hours later, a much quicker delivery time than her brother. Stephanie only had to make three pushes and it was done. We were so very happy, ecstatic and filled with joy. I kissed my Babe. "So, so very proud of you, Babe. Here's our beautiful Tisha. She looks like you. Look at her cute nose. Hello, Mama."
"You two make beautiful babies, Stephanie and Carlos. Well done, Stephanie. Your pregnancy and delivery, despite the breech concerns, went like a textbook best case scenario. Your preparation was instrumental, both physical and mental." Dr Phillips was pleased with us.
While they delivered the placenta, I counted Tisha's tiny fingers and toes, even though I was offered the option. We chose Leticia, meaning joy and happiness, which is a great name for our baby girl born on one of the happiest days of our lives, calling her Tisha in the diminutive. Ricky and Tisha. I couldn't stop smiling.
Once Steph and Tisha were cleaned up, we could take in visitors. Stephanie walking to the shower proved how fit and well she was, bouncing back after a harrowing experience. Now all the pain is seemingly forgotten, blessed with our beautiful little girl. She still looked radiant, but so beautifully serene. Motherhood becomes her.
Hector arrived with Frank, a very proud grandfather. Tio Hector held his little niece and formally introduced Tisha to her Nonno. Tank, Lester, Hal and Bobby were next, the honorary uncles. Tisha looked so tiny in Tank and Hal's large hands. They were now more experienced in Baby Holding 102. Ella arrived with our little Ricky who couldn't wait to meet his baby sister.
"I'm a big brother now," he said proudly, displaying truth in advertising as he showed his new Rangeman t-shirt with pride. Hector winked at us. After lots of Ricky hugs he went with his uncles and Tia Ella for a celebration dinner in lieu of his higher status. He was so excited.
As Stephanie tired, Tisha had a feed and latched on very quickly. After all their hard work, they both fell asleep in no time. The nurse placed Leticia in a mobile bassinet wheeling her to the nursery while Stephanie recovered. I crept in beside my beloved wife and hugged her. "Te amo, Babe." "Te amo, Carlos," she whispered back before she went lights out.
I was too excited to sleep, I was still so wired. Eighteen months ago, Ricky, our mini Rangeman was born ten days later than scheduled. Being a man accustomed to routine and adhering to tight schedules, this period of ten days past the due date was ridiculously disconcerting, and quite stressful. The waiting game. Sometimes I don't do patient. But, as Stephanie reminded me, I can sit still and wait out a perp like we do on surveillances without any issues. Tank reminded me of our many surveillance and reconnaissance missions, where we would have to be still in a disguised hiding spot, at times for up to three days. Instead, I channelled that mentality, focusing on Stephanie's needs whilst focusing on the Rangeman business and my staff. But this was different. Ten days! Each day I was full of expectancy, eager to meet our baby boy. Stephanie too. She was over being pregnant, but still looking fabulous and relaxed. She was amazing. She knew innately he wasn't ready as she talked to him soothingly while doing her yoga exercises sitting on her gym ball.
At 30 weeks, going to some antenatal classes was helpful, especially for me, well, for both of us, because I wanted to be able to give Stephanie as much support as I could. I wanted to be involved in any way she would let me. It was sad to see some women come alone, or with a mother or their sister, yet our class also included happily, a loved partner. For one couple the father was deployed at 32 weeks, before the birth of their baby. I hope he made it back to share the joy. The class was all about what to expect with all the stages of labour, preparation for birthing, and control with breathing and counting. However, with the unwelcome attention and constant, blatant flirting from the instructor, we decided to do the online version in the safety of our apartment. She was most unprofessional, wanting me to model the father's role with her as the expectant mother. Nope. I refused, suggesting she should model with one of the solo mothers. Stephanie patted my thigh as I was sitting behind her and easily soothed the beast within. This time around we didn't need those classes. I did report the antenatal instructor to the board of supervisors for birthing specialists. It was inappropriate and even embarrassed our class of clients.
This was a first for both of us, since I never had with this experience with Rachel and Julie, obviously. There were a lot of firsts throughout Ricky's pregnancy which we thoroughly enjoyed, feeling blessed with each milestone event. Seeing his little heart beating rapidly on the ultrasound was validating, seeing the sonogram images was so awesome with his development. But, being able to feel his movements and feel the kicks was truly amazing. After only a brief period of nausea, Stephanie breezed through the pregnancy, glowing and looking positively radiant. With Tisha's pregnancy, we shared each milestone with joy all over again. Ricky was so curious, especially when he felt her moving inside. He giggled when Stephanie teased him that his baby sister was saying hello with a kick.
Being her first pregnancy, Stephanie kept fit and healthy, walking every day and doing modified exercises and yoga daily. As the due date passed, she was closely monitored by the obstetrician. Ultrasounds confirmed he was safe and comfortable, his head down as expected, but not dropping down as yet. It was curious. Dr Phillips reassured us that all his vitals were fine and strong and Stephanie was doing all the right things. There was no need for alarm that this was not an extraordinary circumstance.
I remember one time in the break room, a new sport was founded. The guys were enjoying lunch and shooting the breeze, watching Stephanie stroke her bump calmly and affectionately. All of a sudden, they froze. I grinned, nudging Tank who was in awe standing beside me.
"Did you see that?" Cal said in shock.
"Ah-ha. Sure did." Lester, less surprised but still amazed. He had already witnessed that remarkable phenomenon.
"Omigod!" yelled Cal. "Is that a foot?! I see a foot. There's another one! Omigod! That is so fucking awesome. Two feet! Does it hurt?" he asked Stephanie all concerned, who was smiling serenely. She shook her head in the negative with a radiant smile. For many of these men, this was a rare experience for them, an inaugural event. They sat there in awe and utter amazement, just like I have been doing this last month, in the privacy of our apartment. Stephanie would just be in her underwear while I was massaging her feet or her beautiful bump at the end of another busy day. I'll never forget the first time. It was like her skin glowed with a translucency. I could touch and kiss that little hand as I spoke Spanish endearments to him. Magical. Absolutely magical it was. Still is. The female body is a wondrous thing. I was in awe.
Hector giggled. They all did a double-take. Hector giggling is a rare sight. "Si. Baby has two feet," he grinned. With a glance at Stephanie, who nodded, he gently touched those little feet and we all watched in amazement as our baby did a complete tumble, then rolling again, showing perfectly shaped handprints through Stephanie's tight t-shirt. The smirk on Hector's face was one of pride and satisfaction. "Hola, el niño, from your Tio Hector." (Hello baby) (boy)
"That. Now that is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen," uttered Hal in wonder. Stephanie smiled in encouragement as Hal gently reached out. "Hey little buddy. I'm looking forward to meeting you." Hal sat back with a goofy grin. "He high-fived me." The pride was funny to see. Since he was Steph's partner, our baby was familiar with his voice. Hector as well.
Before resuming their work, each one said hello to our little baby, all in awe of Stephanie and the baby within. Some were happy just to say hello, respectful and appreciative in being able to share this magical moment. Surprisingly, Tank was the most awestruck of them all, with his goofy grin. "Such tiny little fingers." He sighed and walked to his office, holding his hand where he had made contact.
"Come on, Babe. Time to rest … if someone will let you." Someone, was our active little baby boy, of course. I traded a foot massage for her company in my office. She hummed and moaned appreciatively as she made herself comfortable on the couch and within minutes was silent. My little niño rolled over and settled as Stephanie soothed him with her gentle touch. I smile so much when I see that. I admire her so much. For someone who once said she didn't want children because she was scared if she would be good enough as a Mum, Stephanie has blossomed with motherhood.
I recalled another time, when Woody and Ram had just arrived back from a stateside training mission for new recruits, expecting to meet our baby. Much to their surprise Stephanie was still gloriously pregnant.
"What? Is he still in there?" Ram asked as he hugged Stephanie, then gently patting her bump.
"Maybe we should shake her and our little Range Dude might get the message. You're overdue, little buddy," Woody suggested as he picked Stephanie up, laughing at his antics as he shook her before gently setting her down. He made sure she was steady on her feet before knuckle bumping with the rest of us. The Rangeman family, as Stephanie calls them, are very excited for the impending birth. Knowing our baby was a little boy, they have been busy organising a baby shower of epic proportions.
Oh man. We've tried everything. Dr Phillips said he will come when he's ready. In the meantime, he did book a precautionary date for inducing Stephanie. "We don't want him overcooked."
He was not in a hurry to emerge and greet the world, a very chill baby in vitro, and as a baby and toddler now as well. But, when it was time, he was all systems go, that we just made it to the hospital on time. After a short five hour labour, Ricardo Francesco Manoso arrived into the world, fighting fit, strong and healthy. I was so proud of Stephanie. I think I loved her even more.
I snuggled with Stephanie, sighing, relishing the thought that I am now a father of three. When Stephanie wakes up, we will do a zoom call to Julie so she can see her new little sister, Tisha. Tomorrow we will see my family and share the joy. I'm sure Mama, now Abuela Sofia, will love to see her new granddaughter, her nieta, Papa too, who loves being Abuelo Ricardo.
All is right in my world. This parenthood experience has made me see things from a new perspective, with my eyes wide open. I feel blessed with my little family, the Manoso family, and our Rangeman family.
oOoOo
TBC
