Alicia's first labor had gone smoothly. It was uncomplicated, done at home, went perfectly the way she had envisioned. But the twins are different. She's already had complications, there are two of them, so ultimately she agrees to go to the hospital this time. She's not too concerned, but AJ and Ricardo both are keeping a close eye on her so when she starts to feel the contractions really settle in- clearly unable to lie to herself about them being Braxton Hicks when they start coming on in more and more painful bursts every fifteen minutes.

So she rests her head on Ricardo's shoulder and murmurs, "Don't worry, but it's time."

He exhales slowly and puts the remote down after turning the TV off and cradling her face in his hands. "Alright. What do you need?"

"Get AJ, get my bag, and help me to the car," she says, breathing steadily.

"Alright," he says softly. "I'll be right back." He kisses her quickly and then he's gone.

She breathes through the latest contraction, timing it to the best of her ability, and curls her fingers in the bedding. Getting to her feet, she closes her eyes and whimpers softly as she feels the familiar pressure and release of her water breaking.

AJ finds her like that, breathing intently through another contraction. She looks at her for a moment, then starts to move. "Ricardo's getting your things and telling Sofia what's happening, are you ready to go to the car?"

Alicia nods, unable to speak. AJ immediately grips her elbow and begins leading her to the car, a quiet steadiness to her movements. Ricardo joins them and AJ takes the keys from him. "I'm driving," she says, allowing Ricardo to sit in the back with Alicia and sooth her through the three contractions she breathes through on the ride to the hospital.

Once they get to the hospital, things move quickly. Alicia barely gets admitted, changed clothes and examined by a doctor before it's time to push, the first twin clearly eager to see the world. Alicia grits her teeth, digs her feet in and pushes. It's barely ten minutes before the first cry rents the air, and Ricardo strokes her hair, soothing her. "We're going to have Halloween twins," he says lovingly, kissing her forehead.

"Yeah," she breathes, sweat stinging her eyes until Ricardo gets a wash cloth from the nurse and gently wipes her face off. "Thank you."

He nuzzles her, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, before the old familiar pain tenses through her and she gasps into it, digging her fingers into the bedding.

"Second twin is in position," the doctor tells her. "When you feel the urge, push." It's all Alicia needs to hear, at the next contraction, she's digging down deep and pushing, gasping and desperate for it to conclude so she can properly get to know both of her children, and not have interrupted moments with the oldest twin between pushing.

"Please," she moans, panting between pushes.

"You're very close," the doctor says after another contraction. "I want you to push as hard as you can this time. Alright?"

Alicia nods wearily, gritting her teeth and whimpering. Ricardo kisses her forehead again. "Close," she tells him, blinking away some sweat that he wipes away diligently.

"I know," he says adoringly. "I love you so much. We make really beautiful children, you know?"

"We do," she pants. "It mostly makes it worth it. Andre is going to be such a beautiful big brother."

"He will," Ricardo agrees with a soft smile. "I can't wait."

She bears down after this, moaning softly as the pain crests, followed by slow relief as the second twin is born, Alicia blinking groggily at the wall as soft crying echoes around her, both babies settled gently on her chest. She stares down at them in awe, looking up with a shaky smile at Ricardo. "You're right," she breathes out. "We make really, really gorgeous children."

Ricardo nods, tearfully, leaning in to kiss her. "I love you all," he says softly.

"We love you just as much," she tells him.