And love

Chap 58 More pregnancy stuff

A/N: As you might guess, the story will concentrate on the pregnancy until the boys are born and safely home. There will be one little arc of angst – a little fly in the ointment, so to speak. Also, another name to choose.

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CASEY NELSON'S OFFICE, AUGUST 24

"You guys are my lucky penny! I smile ear to ear when I see Eddie on the schedule. Oh, good morning by-the-way!" Debbie laughs out loud.

Eddie and Jamie chuckle in response. She certainly does her part to cheer them up. And they appreciate it.

"Let's get started. You know the drill by now." After checking vitals, she hands Eddie a lap sheet, grins and exits the room.

They do know the drill. Eddie strips from the waist down, hops up on the exam table and covers her lap with the sheet. Jamie stands by her side, holding her hand.

"You nervous?" He asks. He is a nervous Nelly! This is new ground for both of them. Each visit threatens to bring them new, dangerous findings.

The girls have asked to come along. Permission denied! Too many unknowns, too many questions.

"Hi, guys! How are the twins doing?" Dr. Casey Nelson greets the Reagan's with a smile.

"All's well." Eddie responds. "Some boxing matches that I could do w/o; but I can tell what brings them on. Usually,"

"What is that?" Casey wonders.

"Loud, angry voices. But there is a good side to that," Eddie admits.

"But I have a hard time imagining loud, angry voices in your home. You seem to be on such an even keel, the two of you," Casey voices.

"Yeah, but we have our moments." Jamie says, rather sheepishly.

"Yes, we all do. Well, let's see what's going on in the oven."

Dr. Nelson does the physical exam, including the portable doppler. "Everything is good so far. Let's get Debbie in here, with that infamous U/S machine."

Debbie enters with the needed device.

Casey starts the exam. As she moves the probe over Eddie's bulging abdomen she frowns; both parents immediately pick up on that.

"What's wrong?" Eddie whispers loudly. Jamie squeezes her hand in support.

"Nothing drastic, it's that problem placenta isn't cooperating. I'll take some pictures and we'll talk." She clicks, taking several pictures, then Debbie leaves with the equipment. Casey does some charting and Debbie soon sticks her head in the room, handing Casey the pictures. Dr. Nelson scoots on her stool so they all can see what she is talking about.

"You see the placenta here-

They nod.

"It now covers more of the cervix, I'm afraid. Given that progression, I think it's decision time on some things. FIRST, I think we should get a sub-specialist consult. If you agree, who would you like me to contact for that consultation?"

Eddie looks to Jamie. She speaks, "We haven't really talked about that specifically. I would prefer having someone you know and trust. Jamie?"

"I definitely agree, babe." They both look to Casey, trepidation in their eyes. Eddie is trembling, Jamie tightens his hold on her hand.

Casey buzzes for Debbie. When her nurse enters, she asks, "When is the next day either Dr. Young or Roberts are here for consultations?"

Debbie taps on her smart phone, "This next Monday, the 27th. That's good timing! There are 2 openings." Debbie stays.

"Indeed, it is." The doc turns to Eddie and Jamie. "Shall we put you in one of those slots?"

"What times are open?" Jamie inquires.

Debbie looks at her phone again. "Ah . . . 11 AM or 4 PM. Although they like to leave 4 PM open if possible. So they can be on the way back to Stony Brook."

"That's true, but we can use either slot," Casey adds. "So, your preference? You don't have to see either of those doctors; we can see about something at St. Victor's?" She looks to Eddie for guidance.

"I like 11 Am," Eddie looks to her husband.

"I agree, I can be here." Jamie nods.

"Good, I have that scheduled," Debbie comments. Before she exits Casey says "be sure they bring the internal U/S machine."

"I will call right now."

"Thanks, Debbie."

Casey turns back, "At that visit we will do an internal sonogram. The probe will be in your vagina, Eddie. We get much more detailed pictures. That is only necessary in more complicated cases, like yours. Any questions?"

There were none. Eddie and Jamie left and drove home.

"Are you sure you can make it Monday," Eddie softly asks.

"Yup, I'll work it out. I'm with you, and our boys through it all. Promise!"

"Thank you. I love you!"

"I love you, too!" *

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AUGUST 27, MONDAY. 30 weeks.

DR YOUNG CASEY NELSON'S OFFICE

Dr. Young is a tall 50ish gentleman. He is soft spoken, has an immaculate goatee with a touch of gray, and immediately puts Eddie at ease. Seeing and feeling that, Jamie quickly relaxes.

"It's a pleasure to meet you – Eddie and Jamie. Casey has filled me in completely on your case. Let's see how you and the boys are doing, then we will talk."

Dr. Young does the usual OB exam: abdominal measurements, physical exam, auscultation, portable doppler. Casey observes and comments or answers questions. Then Debbie brings in the special U/S machine. For this, Eddie is placed up in stirrups. Dr. Young then does the U/S exam; multiple pictures are taken. Debbie takes the equipment and the 2 doctors leave the room while Eddie puts herself back together.

Jamie, wisely, says nothing – being supportive if she asks.

"No comment, Reagan?" Eddie smirks.

"Nope!" He takes her in his arms, holding her tight.

She sighs, "I'm glad that's over. I hope we get some useful information."

"Me too!" The door opens.

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Dr. Young starts. "Everything looks very good. Except that one pesky placenta. Given it's history of covering more of your cervix over time, I can safely say that a c-section at 37 weeks is the safest course for you and the boys. Questions on that?"

Jamie and Eddie look to each other. They both nod. Jamie voices, "We're good so far."

"Ok. Next decision is WHO does the surgery, and WHERE do you want it performed? Remember that NICU services may be needed post-partum." He and Casey look on, expectantly.

Eddie reaches for Jamie's hand, and Casey's. "Dr. Young, this may seem strange, but may I have a few minutes with my husband and my doctor? To talk?"

He smiles, "That is a very understandable request. I have some charting to do; I will step out and do that. Casey will call me in when you are ready." HE shakes hands all around. He nods to Casey and exits.

Casey sits on a stool, scoots up close and asks. "So, what are you thinking?"

"Will you be there with us? Please?" Eddie is trembling noticeably. Jamie has one hand; Casey reaches out and grasps the other.

"Of course I will. Though it will help if this is done at a hospital where I have at least consult privileges. Other wise I'll just be a supporting friend. Which I, and Debbie, will be more than happy to be."

"You would prefer Stony Brook, I assume? We are ok with that." Jamie declares.

"Are you sure?"

Both nod in agreement.

"May I call Dr. Young back in?"

"Yes," Eddie nods.

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Casey begins, "We are ok to schedule the c-section at Stony Brook. How would you like to proceed?"

"Well, by the numbers you will be 37 weeks on October 12. That is a Wednesday; we usually do surgeries in W or F. Friday would be the 14th. Do you have a preference?"

Eddie looks to Jamie, "Friday, babe?"

He nods, "That would be a little easier for me. But whatever is best for you and our boys."

"It really makes no difference. Shall I schedule for Friday October 14?" Dr. Young asks.

They all agree.

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BAY RIDGE SUNDAY DINNER

"We've got news!" Cassie announces, as planned.

"Mom is having a . . . what is it?" Mal looks to her mother.

"C-section."

"You called it something else, mom!"

"Ok, cesarean section."

"Yeah that. October 12," Mal finishes her part.

"So, we'll be a family of 5!" Mary Rose finishes.

Jamie clears his throat.

"Plus, the old folks, you know," Cassie snickers.

Eddie laughs, Jamie glares.

Everyone chuckles.

"I declare October 14th a Reagan holiday," Frank proudly states. "Our first pair of twins!"

"Talk to my boss," Danny huffs.

"I just did!"

"And mine!" Erin adds.

"Will do. And Linda, Joe and Paula – I will put in a good word."

THE BOSS HAS SPOKEN – Pops declares.

Dinner proceeds.

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1 WEEK TO GO

Eddie's pregnancy is proceeding on schedule. She thought she was big as a house with Malina or Mary
Rose. This must be a duplex! OF COURSE, THERE ARE 2 BOYS!

Peeing at least every hour. Are my shoes on, hon? Winning the occasional bathroom dash. This is getting old!

TXT from hubby:

J: Big drug take-down today.

E: Be safe!

J: Probably late w clean-up.

E: Supper?

J: Save me a plate.

E: OK 1-4-3!

J: 1-4-3!

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8 PM EDDIE'S CELL RINGS

"Hello, dad?"

"Yes, Eddie? Did you get the emergency message alert?"

"Yes, I was in the barn. I just rushed in to look at my phone. What's up? GOD, IT'S JAMIE! WHAT HAPPENED?"

"Take it easy, he'll be okay."

"WHAT HAPPENED FRANK?"

"He was- shot, I am-

Eddie snaps her phone closed and screams, "GIRLS, GRAB YOUR GO BAGS, WE ARE LEAVING IN 2!"

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TBC

A/N: As part of safety training the girls are taught when one of their parents yells GRAB YOUR GO BAGS followed by a command – they are to obey INSTANTLY! Questions asked later.