Long Road Home
Chapter 16
"You're doing great, Christine. Just one more big push and the first baby will be here." Dr. Sanders said. Mike could tell Christine was exhausted. The labor had been long and painful and he was worried sick.
"So tired." Christine said.
"Just a little more. One…two…three…" Dr. Sanders encouraged. Christine began bearing down and Mike squeezed her hand. He didn't remember Hannah's birth taking so long. Of course; Christine was younger then. Suddenly, a baby's cry filled the room. "You have a beautiful baby boy." Dr. Sanders said with a smile.
A nurse placed the baby on Christine's chest for a moment before Christine had to start pushing again. He was taken away to be checked over while his sister was being born. It was really all the incentive Christine needed and five minutes later; both babies were placed back on her chest.
"Thank you. They've perfect." Mike said before giving Christine a long kiss.
"You're welcome. Are you going to call the girls?" Christine asked.
"Honey; you've lost track of time. It is two am. You were in labor for over twenty-four hours." Mike said.
"That's why I am so tired." Christine remarked with a laugh.
"Plus giving birth to full-term twins completely naturally." Mike pointed out.
"That too." Christine answered.
"So; Katie and Hannah did pick out the names and put them in these envelopes. I did reserve veto rights if they were ridiculous names but let's see…?" Mike asked as he pulled the envelopes out and Christine nodded. The first envelope was Katie's, judging by the very neat handwriting. Christine read the name on the paper and smiled.
"Emma Rylee. I like it." Christine said as she kissed the baby girl's head.
"And this is Hannah's suggestion for him. Aiden Michael. Emma and Aiden?" Mike asked. Hannah's handwriting was reflective of her personality. Hurried and a bit messy, but imperfectly perfect.
"Perfect." Christine answered. Mike gave her another kiss and smiled at the two perfect babies. Both were surprises but were already so loved.
"I may veto that middle name for Aiden." Mike remarked.
"Mike, don't do that. I…think it was a hidden message from Hannah. You've struggled a lot with her but she adores you. Using your first name as his middle name was a way of showing that love to you." Christine said.
"Or she just couldn't figure out a name she liked better." Mike said.
"Mike, leave the name alone." Christine said. Mike looked down at Aiden who was giving him the same brutal side eye that Hannah gave him. Mike just held his hands up in defeat.
Two days later, Mike helped Christine out of their new SUV. He wanted to help her up the steps but they had to get the babies out of the car seats. Thankfully, Katie appeared and smiled at Mike.
"Could you help your mom while I get the babies?" Mike asked.
"Of course." Katie answered. She helped Christine up the porch steps while Mike grabbed both car seats. Aiden gave him a dirty look, obviously preferring Christine. Just then, Hannah appeared.
"Can I help?" Hannah asked.
"If you think you can carry the car seat with him in it, you can carry Aiden. He might like you better." Mike remarked. The girls had visited at the hospital and Hannah adored her little brother already. She grabbed the car seat from Mike and Aiden immediately cooed. It made Mike roll his eyes.
"Mom said he couldn't see that far yet. How did he know it was me?" Hannah asked.
"Probably your voice." Mike said. They sat both car seats on the table while Katie was helping Christine change in the bedroom.
"Can I get him out of there?" Hannah asked.
"Let me help you." Mike said. He unbuckled the car seat and picked Aiden up while Hannah washed her hands. She sat down on the couch and Mike gave her the baby boy. "Don't forget to support his head." Mike reminded her.
"Yes, Dad." Hannah answered. Mike just chuckled before turning to get Emma out of her car seat.
Christine came out wearing her robe and a nightgown. She was tired and sore. She settled next to Mike while the girls cuddled their baby brother and sister and Mike kissed her head.
"This is perfect." Christine remarked.
"Absolutely perfect." Mike agreed. Hannah was sitting on his other side and he threw an arm around her shoulders and smiled down at her and Aiden.
Katie's health was still fragile but she was doing well. Mike and Hannah were still developing a relationship. They still fought from time to time, but it was always quickly resolved. And Mike and Christine's marriage had never been better. Even despite Christine's exhaustion and Aiden's brutal side-eyes, everything was perfect.