Chapter 8
It Was Fine Until It Wasn't
At home, they walk up to the mud room door hand in hand. She put her key in the door to unlock it. He swoops her up in one quick motion. She screams, Jack you're going to hurt your back. Please put me down! Not a chance he says! He steps over the threshold and shuts the door with his foot. He kisses her as he sets her feet on the floor.
Babe, are you feeling alright? I know that you have had a very trying day since our wedding. Jack, truthfully I'm feeling pretty good. I needed to get that all off my chest. For 8 months I haven't heard from any of them except for my mother. She apologized when I was about 3 months along. So I just didn't bother going over there. Jack, I told them that I was not bringing my baby around the rudeness and attitudes. I wanted to show my child that kindness and love was enough.
Babe, I hope that I can be the kind of man and daddy that you all deserve. If I slack, please let me know because I never want to let you 3 down, ever. Babe, I truly believe that God put you in my path for a reason. You are these babies, daddy. They say that anyone can be a father but it takes a very special man to be a daddy. I truly believe you are that very special man, babe! I truly hope that I can live up to your expectations of me, he says.
She walks over to the security panel and punches in 0899 and pushes set. Jack, you need the code so remember 0899. Got it he said. He flipped the light switch at the base of the stairs off as they went upstairs hand in hand. They walk in their bedroom. She goes to the bathroom, looks at herself in the mirror for a few moments before she asked, babe, will you unzip my dress? Sure, just a minute, he said.
He finished taking his shoes off and walks to the bathroom door and just stares at her. She looks at him and asks, what are you looking at? You, he said. You are so beautiful in that dress. I truly don't believe that a fancy wedding dress would be more beautiful on you than you are right now! Thank you, she replied. Are you going to just stand there staring or are you going to come unzip my dress for me, she asked? He walked over and very carefully unzipped her dress.
He leans forward and slowly and gently kisses her bare shoulders as he slowly pushes the dress off her shoulders. I love you so much, you know, he said softly. She turns in his arms and kisses him slowly but passionately. He reciprocates her passion. She drops her dress and steps out of it. He backs her out while still kissing her. He backs her to the bed and gently lays her down. Elizabeth, we don't have to if you're not ready. She takes a deep breath and replies, Jack I truly want this, you! We won't be able to next week until after they are here.
After a night of blissful, wonderful night they both woke up in each other's arms. He opened his eyes and had to think of where he was for a moment then looked down at her and remembers! The smile on his face said it all. She stirred a few minutes later. She looked up at him and asked, I hope that smile is from last night because I don't think I could wipe the smile off my face if my life depended on it! He turned onto his side and said, that was the best night of my life Bella! She smiled at his new term of endearment! He asked, are you alright this morning? Babe, I'm more than ok! After a couple more hours of bliss, they fell back to sleep.
They both woke up about noon to her stomach growling. He asked, did that come from you and laughs? She rolled over to get up but was having a bit of trouble. He gets up and helps her up. She grabbed her robe and replied, yes, they are hungry. I've eaten at least twice by now. He grabs a pair of sleep pants from his drawer and slides them on and follows her downstairs. She put a decaf pod in the Keurig, put her cup under it and turned it on. She set his cup next to it to fix his next. She pulled her cup out and put regular pod in, put his cup under and pushed start. She poured her caramel creamer in and took a swallow, savoring it as she swallowed. She set her cup down and asked, babe, how do you take your coffee? Just black, Bella! She smiles and hands him his coffee. I love the new term of endearment! Me too, he says! It fits you!
She fixed them a grilled chicken salad for lunch. They sat at the bar and ate. Ooooh my, she says as she reaches for his hand and places it on her stomach! Can you fill that? I wonder which one it is, he asked. I don't know but they are definitely running out of room in there.
Oh, I forgot to tell you that I went ahead and added you to my insurance at work, he said. Babe, I have insurance through my job. I figured but I figured my insurance could pay all our co-pay payments. That way we don't have to pay out of pocket. Oh, good idea, I'll add you to mine then and we can do the same for you, she said. See we already think alike, he said. She shook her head as she chewed her salad.
What day do you want to go get you a new vehicle next week? I was thinking Monday after my doctor's appointment at 3:45. Ok, that sounds like a plan, he said. Have you thought about what you're going to get yet? I'm thinking of an SUV. I've read that they are a little safer and some come with booster seats for when they get old enough. That's true about the safer part. I was going to suggest one. What brand should I get? Well, I'm a GMC man but it's whatever you want, he said.
He had taken a week off for their honeymoon so he was able to drive her to her appointment. They walk in and sign in. Hey Emily, I need to change my last name on my chart and change the emergency contact. Sure Elizabeth, what is your new last name? Thornton and Jarrick Thornton is my new emergency contact, she said. Ok, thanks, Emily said.
Heather came out and called her back. Jack follows. Elizabeth takes the cup and heads to the bathroom while Jack follows Heather to the exam room. He took a seat next to the exam table and waited for her. She came in a few minutes later. He helped her up on the exam table. Dr. Bowden came in a couple of minutes later. Hello, you 2. How are you doing? We are great, Elizabeth says with the biggest grin on her face. Ok, what's up, Dr. Bowden asked. We got married this past Friday! Congratulations!
Dr. Bowden looks at both of them and says, I hate to do this to you but there is to be no sexual intercourse until these babies are 6 weeks old. We know. We've already discussed this, Elizabeth says. Ok, you only have 3 weeks left so your feet and ankles are going to start to swell more so I want you off your feet as much as possible. No, you're not on bed rest. Just sit with your feet propped up when you sit. No lifting anything heavier than 2 pounds. Jack speaks up and says that he will see to it that she does. She made her appointment for the next Monday.
They drove to the GMC dealership. She just wanted to see what they had. The salesman came out and introduced himself, hello, I'm Eric Bellman. Jack introduced them to him and told him what they were looking for. He says, we just got a few in. He showed them a few but she fell in love with the GMC Yukon XL 1500 SLT. Are you sure Bella? I am babe. It seats up to 7 and I love that the middle row is bucket seats. Makes it easy to get to the back row when we need them and I love this Charcoal Gray! Ok. I guess we are getting this one. They go inside and sign the papers after they take it for a test drive. Babe, this has more bells and whistles than my car does.
Do you want to trade in your car, Mrs. Thornton? Yes, I do. I don't need 2 cars. She pulled out her title and signed it over. They signed all the paperwork. They walked out not owing anything because her car was worth enough.
Jack asked, do you want to get some take-out and take a drive? That sounds like a plan, she said! They went to 5 Guys Burgers and got a couple of burgers, French fries, a chocolate milkshake for her, and a Coke for him. He drives out of town toward the country. After 30 minutes he pulls down this long driveway.
Babe, are you trying to get me lost? No, I just want to show you something. He pulls up to this little cabin that sits next to a huge lake. He gets out and walks around to her side. Opens her door, and puts his hand out to help her out. She takes it and says, why thank you kind sir and they both laugh.
He takes her hand and they walk down to the lake. Babe, what is this place? This is my dad's place. He used to bring us out here during the summer. We had a lot of great times out here. There's even an outhouse out back. It is completely primitive. There's no electricity either. Babe, do you think we could bring the twins out here when they get older? I would love to bring you all out here and share the things that Dad taught me! Then it's a date then, she says.
They had finished decorating the entire house for Christmas. Jack had hung all the lights outside and put up all the yard decorations. It truly looked like a winter wonderland out there.
She went to the hall closet pulled out a box and took it back to the living room. She set it on the coffee table and opened it. She pulled out 4 antique stocking hangers. She placed them where she wanted them on the mantle. She opened another box and pulled out 4 stockings. Each one had a name on it. The first one said Daddy, the second one said Mommy, the third said Jarrick, and the fourth said Jaclyn.
Jack came back in just as she finished hanging the last stocking. Bella, when did you get those? I ordered them a couple of weeks ago. I knew you were going to be a part of our lives so I went ahead and ordered them. He walked up to her, kissed her, and said, thank you for this!
At her appointment, her induction was scheduled for that Friday at 7:00 am. They were sitting in their living room just holding each other. Babe? Yeah, Bella. Are you going to be able to handle everything if something goes wrong? Bella, I don't want to discuss this. I know what I have to do but I just don't want to think about it. I'm not being ugly or hard-hearted but I just want to enjoy this time with you, ok? Alright Babe.
4 days later, they wake up and head to the hospital. She couldn't have anything by mouth. He parks the SUV and helps her out. They walk into the hospital, hand in hand. She gave her name to the lady behind the desk. They tell her to go up to the 3rd floor. They ride up in the elevator in almost complete silence. He kisses her and says, I love you, Bella, with all my heart. I know Babe, I love you too. We've got this, he says. She just shakes her head yes.
The nurse takes them to her room and hands her a hospital gown and walks out. Jack helps her change. They sat on the side of the bed just holding each other. Jack asks, do you want to pray, Bella? Yes, please. They bow their heads and he says,
Kind Heavenly Father, we come to You today a little scared. We pray that You would keep Your hands on her and guide the doctor's hands. We ask that You give us the strength to get through this. We pray that You bring our babies into this world safe and healthy. Lord, I'm asking that You don't take her from me and our children. Lord, we need her. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thank you, Babe, I needed that. Please promise me that you won't leave me. I'm never leaving you, Bella! I'm right here. I needed you just as much, Bella.
Dr. Bowden came in and asked, are we ready, Elizabeth? As ready as I'll ever be, I guess. Ok, do you want the epidural? Yes, I do. Ok, the anesthetist will be in a few minutes. Then we will start with the induction. Thank you, Dr. Bowden.
At 4:30 the next afternoon, December 22, 2015, ok Elizabeth, when your next contraction comes I want you to push as hard as you can. Jack, you're going to have to help her. She's tired but she can not give up. I want you to climb up in bed with her and get behind her. When she starts to push you are going to have to help her. Jack did as he was told. Ok, Elizabeth here we go. 45 minutes later at 5:15 pm, Jarrick Alexander Thornton, Jr. was born screaming. Weighing 7 pounds and 15 ounces, and 23 inches long. Oh, Bella, you did it! He's beautiful!
All of a sudden the machines went off. The alarms blaring. Jack screams, doc whats going on? Get down, Jack. We have to work fast. Jack jumps down and screams Bella, you fight, you hear me, you fight. I love you, Bella! They wheel her bed out past him. He hits his knees and starts praying.
Kind Heavenly Father, please spare her and our daughter. Lord, I know you didn't bring us together just to rip her away from us. Please, Father, bring them back to us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Jack went to the nursery to see his son. He takes picture with his phone. He calls his mom. Jack, are they here yet? Mom, something went wrong after Jarrick was born. I need you here Mom, please? I'm on my way son, pray son, pray. I have been Mom. I can't lose her mom. You're not son. Mom, you don't know that. You're right but I choose to believe that the Lord isn't going to take her away from you.
Mrs. Thatcher, oh Jack, are they here yet? Jarrick is but something went wrong. They wheeled her out to get Jaclyn out. I'm scared we are going to lose them. We're on our way son.
William, let's go now. Our girl is in trouble. 20 minutes later Charlotte, William, and Priscilla came through the doors. Jack, we're here! Have you heard anything? He just shook his head no. Charlotte sat down next to him, put her arms around him and just held him. He puts his head on her shoulder and whispers, Mom, what am I going to do if I lose her? Son, I don't know but we will get you through whatever happens.
A few minutes later Dr. Bowden came out, sat down next to him, and said, Jack, you have a beautiful little girl! She weighed 8 pounds and was 20 inches long! Doc, how is Bella? She lost a lot of blood but we finally got it under control. She's in recovery and as soon as she wakes up, we'll bring her back up but your little girl is on her way up now. She came out screaming just like her brother. Jack, they are beautiful! Can I please see her, doc? In a few minutes. Wait for your little girl. Take a few pictures because she's going to want to see them when she wakes up. Thanks, doc! You're welcome, Jack! Congratulations! Thanks!
One of the nurses came out and asked, Mr. Thornton, would you like to see you're a little girl? Yes, please, he replied. He follows her into the nursery. He sits down in the rocker. She hands him his little girl. His heart melts immediately. Hey, baby girl, I'm you're daddy! I love you so very much! Daddy will protect you and your brother and your mommy for the rest of my life! She brings his son over. He switched her to one arm as she laid him in his other arm. She asked, would you like for me to take some pictures? Yes, please. My phone is in my shirt pocket. She pulled it out for him to unlock and to open the camera. She takes several pictures. She took close-ups of both babies. Jaclyn had on a pink hat and Jarrick had on a blue one.
After a few more minutes he handed them back and asked, can I see my wife now? Let me check for you. He goes back out to his mom and in-laws. He shows them the pictures. Priscilla and Charlotte both cry happy tears. William just stares at them in amazement! He couldn't believe he almost missed this.
The nurse came around the corner and said, Mr. Thornton, you can see her now but just know she's still asleep. That's ok, I just want to sit with her. Follow me, she said. They both go through the double doors and down to recovery.
The nurse pulls back the curtain and allows him to enter. He kissed her lips and said, Bella, I'm here. Both babies are beautiful and doing fine! I haven't seen their eyes yet but they both look just like me. Jaclyn has your hair color though. Jarrick's is just like mine. Thank you for giving me 2 of the most amazing gifts! Bella, you need to wake up for me. I need to see those beautiful ocean-blue eyes. He kisses her again but nothing. She didn't move or stir. He takes a seat in the chair next to her and held her hand and prayed.
Dr. Bowden came in an hour later to check on her. Jack, I'm going to have her moved back upstairs to her room. Doc, when is she going to wake up? Jack, she lost a lot of blood. Her body has to catch up. She'll wake up when her body is ready. I'm not going to lose her, am I? No, Jack. She's stable. All her vitals are where they are supposed to be. She just needs to build her blood back up. I'm checking it every 2 hours. How long before you move her? They are on their way to get her. Jack, she's going to be sore. We had to take your little girl. So that means I performed a c-section. Ok, thanks again Doc! She pats his shoulder and replies, you're welcome!