Chapter 75: Special Delivery

'The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.'

-Mark Twain

Joel didn't even let his horse stop all the way. He hopped off the horse mid stride as he ran up the steps and into the house. He found Becca sitting on the couch. She was holding her stomach, wincing in pain as she breathed in and out.

He walked over to her and fell down on his knees. He placed his one hand on her stomach and cupped her cheek,'Hey, honey girl. You okay?'

'Yeah.' She nodded and laughed gaspingly,'We're gonna have a baby, Joel.'

He laughed as tears filled his eyes and nodded,'Damn right we are.' He looked over her face and frowned,'It's not too soon? You're three weeks early.'

She shook her head and leaned back against the couch, wincing as another contraction tore through her body,'No, the baby's fine. Could've miscalculated. A lot of women give birth early. The contractions are six minutes apart. I still have some time.'

He nodded and sighed in relief. He was thankful she was a nurse and wasn't freaking out. He hated seeing her in pain, but he knew it was for a good reason.

The thought suddenly occurred to him he's never really had the opportunity to be apart of his child's birth. He missed Sarah being born because he got lost driving back from a job site. He was out patrolling when William was born. Tess didn't tell him until after she gave birth. It was almost like she didn't want him to be apart of it.

He wouldn't miss this one. This would be his last child born to him. He wanted to be there every step of the way.

She took a deep breath as she grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly,'I'm really scared, Joel.' She frowned as tears filled her eyes, whispering,'It hurts really bad and I'm old. What if something happens?'

His eyes widened slightly. He wasn't surprised she was afraid. It was natural for a woman to be afraid. He would support her through it all. He refused to leave her side. He wanted to see his baby being brought into this world.

They've been anxiously waiting, thinking it would never come. So much has happened and the truly didn't think they would get to this point, but they did. They made it through.

He sighed as he stroked her hair,'It won't. I can promise you it won't.' He cupped the back of her head and kissed her forehead,'I'm so in love with you, my beautiful wife. You're gonna do so good.' He let his lips linger against her skin, whispering,'I gotcha, baby girl. I ain't going anywhere.'

She closed her eyes and breathed in and out, just as Betsy taught her. She had been her birthing coach. Her expertise has been invaluable to her.

Becca stared up at him as he rubbed her belly soothingly,'Are Betsy and Maria coming?'

He nodded and smiled softly,'I told Ellie to get them. They should be on their way. Let's get you upstairs to bed and get comfortable.'

She nodded as he gently grabbed her arms and pulled her up,'You think you can walk?'

'Yes.' She shook her head and sighed,'I'm not crippled.'

He bit back a smirk as he kept his hand on her lower back to steady her. She was being sassy with him. He didn't want to laugh, but it was funny. He always thought women being cocky during childbirth was a myth.

He saw the wet spot on the couch. Her water must've broke. He had a wide smile on his face. This was really happening. They've talked about it, planned it and were anxious for this moment to get here. It didn't seem real.

She walked slowly over to the stairs with Joel keeping a firm hand on her lower back to steady her. She gripped the railing as he placed his hands on her hips, making sure to stay close behind her.

They took one step at a time as she slowly made her way up. Another contraction hit her and she swayed on her feet. Joel kept a grip on her to keep her from falling back.

He noticed her struggling and sighed. He bent down and hooked his arms underneath her legs. He picked her up and wordlessly carried her to their bedroom.

She didn't protest and he thought it was a good sign. She was too preoccupied to care. She seemed relieved.

He carefully set her down on the edge of their bed,'You wanna change and get comfortable?'

She nodded as she got up from the bed,'I want to change into a nightgown.'

'I can get it.' He shrugged,'Just tell me which one ya want.'

She pointed to her drawer and moaned slightly,'The green one. Thank you.'

He went into her top drawer and took out her green nightgown. It was thin and spaghetti strapped. She would be comfortable.

He placed her nightgown next to her as she got undressed. He thought about asking her if she needed help, but didn't want to catch her wrath again. He took off his flannel and just wore a t shirt, knowing he needed to be comfortable himself.

They heard the door opening as Ellie called out to them.

'Up here!' Joel yelled out.

He gathered her clothes and placed them in the hamper. He pulled back the covers and helped her in bed. He situated the pillows behind her back to keep her comfortable and propped up. He was so envious and excited he was fit to burst. He had all this nervous energy he needed to burn off.

Ellie; Betsy and Maria came into the room. Betsy and Maria were changed and wearing scrubs. They both carried bags and he wondered what the hell was in them.

Betsy walked over to her bedside and smiled softly,'How are you feeling?'

'Like I'm about to have a baby.' She sighed as she looked over at Maria,'I'm glad you're both here with me though.' She looked over at Ellie and Joel,'And my family.'

Ellie's eyes widened and she shook her head in disbelief,'A baby is gonna cut outta you? Like right now.'

Maria laughed and shook her head as she listened with her stethoscope,'She's going to have a baby, but not for awhile.' She glanced back at Ellie and smirked,'Babies have been coming outta that since the dawning of time. Don't forget. You came out of that too.'

Ellie crossed her arms over her chest and sat on the windowsill,'Yet I'm still a lesbian.'

Becca snorted as Joel sat by her bedside and took her hand,'Can I get ya anything? You thirsty?'

'No liquids.' Betsy said sternly as she lit candles on her bedside,'She has to fast. Just ice chips.' She turned to Ellie,'Grab some towels and a cool rag for mama.'

Ellie's eyes widened and she nodded. She ran out of the bedroom and into the bathroom. She seemed eager to be of use.

Joel took Becca's hand and tangled their fingers together,'You're a badass. You know that?'

She laughed slightly as she kicked the covers off, feeling hot all of the sudden,'If you say so.' She looked up at Maria and frowned,'The contractions are five minutes apart.'

Maria nodded as she handed her the stop watch,'Keep this handy to monitor them.' She gently patted her belly and sighed,'Baby's deciding to take their sweet time?'

Joel looked up at her and sighed,'What do we do in the meantime?'

'We wait.' Maria shrugged,'Its her first baby. She could either deliver in the next fifteen minutes or the next fifteen hours.'

'Hours?' Becca's eyes widened,'I could deal with this shit for that long?'

Betsy exchanged a look with Maria and grinned,'You're a nurse. You know better than I do.' She patted her leg,'Babies come when they're ready. We just have to be patient.'

Ellie came back into the bedroom with a stack of towels. She placed them on top of the nightstand and sat on her bedside.

She wiped the sweat off her forehead as she looked over her,'Can I stay to watch the baby being born?'

Becca looked over at Joel, who had unshed tears in his eyes. She nodded as she took her hand,'Of course you can. I would love that.'

Joel couldn't contain his emotions. Maybe he was getting soft in his old age, but this was the most beautiful moment of his entire life.

When he first met Ellie he was bitter and angry. He had no one else but Tess. Now not only did he have a daughter, but a wife and a child about to be born. It's funny how life can change when you least expect it. What you find isn't necessarily what you're looking for, but he's realized he needed them. He's been bitter and alone for far too long.

It's been two hours and Becca still hasn't given birth yet. The contractions were four minutes apart. They were starting to get closer and closer. Betsy said it would only be a matter of time.

Betsy made dinner for everyone. Ellie stayed downstairs with Am, Betsy and Maria while Joel stayed upstairs with his wife. He didn't feel comfortable leaving her alone. He was afraid he would miss something.

He ate dinner upstairs with Becca. She couldn't eat, but she liked the company. It took her mind off things.

She laid on her side in bed as Joel sat up in the bed. She laid her head on his shoulder and he kissed the top of her head. He was glad to have this time with her. He knew once the baby is born they wouldn't have quiet time like this. He would relish in it while he could.

She closed her eyes momentarily and grunted as another contraction wrecked havoc on her body. She writhed in pain as he rubbed her back. He wished he could take the pain away.

'So if it's a boy. What should we name him?' He bent down and kissed her stomach, wanting to take her mind off the pain. Cause I'm telling ya it's a boy.'

She laughed softly as she buried her face in his neck, breathing harshly against his skin,'I already told you. If it's a boy we're naming him after your grandfather Mateo. Or your mother,Sofia.'

He smiled smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders,'Why my family's names and not yours?'

'My family is boring when it comes to names.' She rolled her eyes,'There's like a million Rebeccas in my family. I love your grandparents names. Mateo Joel Miller. Sofia Elizabeth Miller. Those are strong names.'

He felt tears pricking his eyes and rested his head on top of hers,'I can't wait to meet our baby. Boy or girl. I don't care. A healthy baby is all I care about.'

She nodded and gave him a small smile,'Me too.' She leaned up and kissed his cheek,'I'm in love with you. I love you so much. I'm so happy to have a baby with you. I didn't want kids with anyone but you. It's always been very specific to you.'

Joel felt his chest swell up with pride at her words. He knew she always wanted kids with him, but to know she actually trusted and had faith in him meant so much. He felt honored to be the one she chose to have children with.

'I won't let ya down, baby.' He swallowed harshly,'I'm gonna be the best father I can be. The best husband.' He shook his head,'I love this baby so much already.'

'Me too.' She gasped as another contraction hit her,'They're getting closer.'

He frowned as she gasped aloud in pain. He called out for the women to come upstairs.

A few moments later, Betsy, Maria and Ellie came running through the door.

Joel got off the bed as Betsy and Maria stood at her bedside. Maria checked her vitals as Betsy checked to see how fair dilated she is.

Betsy looked up at her and grinned,'Your contractions are two minutes apart?' She nodded as Betsy patted her legs,'You ready to have a baby?'

She took a deep breath and nodded. She looked over at Joel warily as he took her hand,'It's okay, baby girl. I'm here.'

'Me too.' Ellie sat at her bedside as she wiped her forehead with a rag,'Maybe I could get a science credit for this.'

Becca laughed despite her pain. Joel carefully slid her down to the edge of the bed. Maria stayed by her bedside to keep an eye on her vitals. She didn't feel afraid or uncomfortable. She was surrounded by her family. Their baby would be brought into a peaceful and loving environment.

Betsy gently pried her legs apart as she stood at the end of her bed,'When I tell you I'm gonna need you to start pushing. I need you to push as hard as you can, alright?'

Becca nodded as she gripped Joel's hand tightly. She cried out as she felt another contraction. They seemed to get stronger and stronger the closer together they got.

Betsy gently patted her legs and smiled,'I'm gonna need you to give me a big push okay? Can you do that for me?'

Becca took a deep breath and gritted her teeth, pushing as hard as she could. She screamed as tears fell down her cheeks. Her entire body was flushed with sweat. She felt as if she were being split in two.

Ellie continued to dab her forehead with a rag as she looked down. She peered over Becca's legs and eyes widened as she seen her vagina spread apart. She saw the fluid and blood, quickly turning away as she cringed. It was the grossest thing she's ever seen, but didn't want Becca to know that.

Becca pushed again and slumped back against the pillows to take a breather. Joel kissed her sweat slicked forehead, wincing as she squeezed his hand tightly,'You're doing so good, baby. I love you so much.'

Becca flared up at him and frowned,'You're never touching me again.'

Joel and Betsy shared a knowing smile. Maria handed Betsy a towel as she slid her hand inside Becca's body,'You're almost there. You're doing such a good job, honey. Can you push for me again?'

She tightly closed her eyes as she took a deep breath. She felt the pressure on her lower back. Without a epidural she felt everything. She's always wanted a natural birth. Without modern medicine being readily available, women were having babies wherever they could. She considered herself one of the lucky ones.

She screamed as she pushed as hard as she could. She felt the baby sliding down the birth canal. She gritted her teeth and squeezed Joel's hand so hard he thought she broke it.

'I see the head!' Betsy exclaimed as she smiled up at her,'Give me one good push.'

'Come on, baby.' Joel whispered encouragingly,'You can do it.'

Becca cried as she pushed as hard as she could. Betsy grabbed the baby's shoulder and pulled it out. She laid back against the pillows and sighed in relief when she heard the baby crying.

Betsy lifted up their baby and smiled proudly,'It's a boy. I would say about eight pounds.'

Betsy placed her hand on her stomach to push out the afterbirth, advising Becca to push.

Ellie thought she was going to pass out as she saw the afterbirth coming out of her body. She always knew she didn't want kids, but this confirmed it. It was way too gross.

Joel had tears coming down his face as he stared at their baby in awe. They had a boy. He had a son. He couldn't believe it. He was so happy.

Maria handed him scissors and rubbed his back,'You wanna cut the umbilical cord?'

Joel blinked his eyes and nodded,'Sure.'

He watched as Betsy cleared out his tiny mouth and wiped him clean. He stood over his baby, staring at him. He counted all his fingers and toes. He had tufts of black hair. His eyes were blearily looking up at him.

Tears blurred his vision as he carefully cut the umbilical cord. He couldn't stop staring at him as Maria carried him over to Becca and placed him on her bare chest.

Becca gingerly grasped his tiny hand as tears fell down her cheeks. She looked over his small face, shaking her head in disbelief. She couldn't believe she had a son.

When she looked at him, she felt as she did whenever she looked at Ellie. She felt such an overwhelming sense of all encompassing love. She had a greater purpose that went beyond her.

Joel walked over to her bedside and sat down next to her. He cupped the back of his head; whispering,'He looks like you.'

'Yeah right.' Becca laughed,'He looks just like you and you know it.' She turned to Ellie and smiled tearfully,'Who do you think he looks like?'

Ellie pursed her lips as she looked over his face,'I think he looks like a raisin.'

Betsy laughed and shook her head,'He'll look like that for a bit, but he'll start coming into his own. He's a beautiful baby for sure though.'

Maria nodded as she gripped his tiny foot,'He's gorgeous. Any idea of a name?'

Becca smiled at Joel and nodded,'Mateo. After his grandfather.'

Betsy's eyes widened and she smiled gleefully,'I love it. A good strong Spanish name.'

'I love it.' Maria smiled softly,'Seb will be excited to have a cousin to play with.' She grinned as Ellie cleared her throat,'A cousin is age. What do to think about your little brother, El?'

'He's cool.' She shrugged,'He isn't doing anything yet.'

'Give it time.' Betsy laughed,'He'll be ruling the roost in no time. I'm gonna go get cleaned up and give you some time alone.'

Maria nodded as she bent down and kissed Becca's cheek,'Congratulations. I'll be back later. Okay?'

Becca nodded as she averted her eyes between Betsy and Maria,'Thank you both. For everything.'

Betsy snorted and waved her hand dismissively,'It's what family is for. I'll just be downstairs if you need me.'

Betsy and Maria left the room, giving the family some time to alone with the new baby.

Mateo started fussing and Becca pulled her breast out. She guided him to her nipple. It took him a few tries, but he finally latched on as he suckled from her. She winced slightly as his mouth sucked hard on her tender nipple.

Joel watched in awe as she breastfed their son. He was still in shock they had a baby. A son. He would be lying if he said he didn't want a son. He never got the chance to be a father to William. Tess took that choice away from him, but it was different this time. He could raise his son the right way. He could make sure he didn't make the same mistakes he did.

After Becca finished feeding him, she gave Joel the baby to hold. He took off his shirt, knowing skin to skin contact was good for the baby.

Becca had tears in her eyes as she watched Mateo's tiny body laying on Joel's bare chest. He was tenderly stroking his back. It was a beautiful sight to watch him with their son. It was like she fell in love with him all over again.

Joel bent down and kissed her lips, whispering,'Thank you. I love you so much.' He looked down at him and shook his head in disbelief, 'He's so beautiful.'

She smiled as she kissed his head,'He really is isn't he?' She wrapped her arm around Ellie's shoulders,'You happy?'

'Yeah.' Ellie nodded and smiled,'I'm happy to have a brother. I can't wait to teach him to shoot.'

Becca sighed exasperatingly as Joel smirked. These three would give her a run for her money.