by Bria Marche
“Damn, it hurts to walk on these tree trunks. I can barely shuffle to the bathroom.” She groaned.
Tina jumped up from her chair and assisted Sasha indoors. Everyone took notice of how attentive Tina had become lately with Sasha. Mia smiled and looked around. Everyone else was smiling too.
“So, what’s that about?” Dan asked. “Since when has Tina been the mothering type?” His face lit up with delight.
“It seems like she changed right after we came back from France. Tina has really taken to Sasha’s pregnancy more than ever. We’re seeing a different side of her that none of us knew before, and it’s pretty darn sweet.”
***
Dan and Tina left at eight o’clock, heading for his house for the night. They’d have a lazy Sunday morning together and a bed picnic, their new ritual. They’d lie in bed, reading the newspaper, drinking coffee, and eating cranberry-nut muffins and a yogurt parfait. After that, lovemaking and a steamy shower together were in order.
Tina loved the routine she and Dan shared, and she’d finally realized “routine” wasn’t necessarily a bad or boring thing. I guess it all depends on what the routine is and who you share it with, she thought happily that Sunday morning as Dan lathered her shoulders in the shower.
“I’ve noticed something different about you lately, Tina. We all have, I guess,” Dan said as they dressed for the day.
“Really? What could that possibly be?” Tina popped her head through the V-neck opening of the green tee shirt and slipped on her jeans.
“You’re different. You seem happier, and a lot more attentive to a certain someone. You’ve changed in a wonderful way. The way you help take care of Sasha is really beautiful.”
“I like what I see—with the pregnancy, I mean. Sasha has had a tough time, but thinking about the changes she’s made in the last year almost overwhelms me to tears. I love that girl, and she’s taught me a lot without even realizing it. You asked me a few months ago if I would ever want kids. I didn’t have an answer for you then. I wasn’t ready to commit to such an important life change.” Tina talked as she made the bed. She sat down, patting the empty space next to her. Dan sat too and listened as she continued. “Seeing everything Sasha has gone through, with a lot more to come, gives me confidence. I’m going to be there for her when the babies are born. I want to know what it’s like to raise children—to feed them, change them, cuddle them when they’re crying, and smell their sweet scent after a bath. I think I’m ready to commit to that type of responsibility—after I’m married, that is.” She smiled at him, looking deep into his twinkling turquoise eyes. “I love you, Dan, and I’ve never been happier in my life.” Tina’s eyes welled with tears as he kissed her and wrapped his strong arms around her shoulders.
“That’s the best thing I’ve ever heard you say. You have a way of making me fall more in love with you every single day, honey. How about we take a drive to White Plains and buy some cute baby gifts for the twins? They’re going to be here in a few weeks. We can even find a fun place for lunch.”
“I’d love that. Thank you.”
***
A group text buzzed on everyone’s cell phone at the same time. Mia was in the middle of a photo shoot and had her phone turned off. Tina and Vic always had their phones locked in the desk in the back room when they had appointments although they did check for messages throughout the day. Karen was in Hunter with Mario, helping out for the week while one of his employees was on vacation. Her cell buzzed on the shelf behind the counter, but she was in the stock room pulling out tee shirts.
***
“Damn it, nobody is responding to my texts, Josh. Aren’t they excited to know when the babies are going to be born?” Sasha only had one more scheduled appointment with Doctor Adams before she would undergo the C-section, releasing her beautiful babies into the world. According to Doctor Adams, the babies would meet their mommy and daddy, and all their aunts and uncles, on the first of September.
“Honey, they’ll respond. Everyone is probably working right now. I know you’re excited. How about a club sandwich and a bowl of chicken soup at Amelia’s?”
“Okay, that sounds good. Can we pick up J. J. and take him along?”
“That’s a great idea, babe. I’ll call cuckoo Candy and see if we can pick him up early today.”
With J. J. along, they sat outside in the afternoon sunshine in the town square and had lunch.
“J. J., a few weeks from now you’ll have a baby brother and sister. Isn’t that exciting?” Sasha sipped her lemon water.
“I can’t wait. Will I be able to hold them? And what are their names going to be?”
“Yes, you can definitely hold them—carefully though. They’re going to be tiny, smaller than Kismet was when she was little.”
“Wow, that’s small.” J. J.’s eyes bulged as he took in the information.
“I think we’ll wait and surprise everyone with the names once the babies are born. Can you wait that long? I don’t know if you can. It’s tough to have patience.”
“I can wait—I promise.”
“Thank goodness!” Sasha wiped the imaginary relief from her brow and giggled at J. J. “C’mon, let’s finish our sandwiches and go home. I think Kismet needs brushing.”
The phone calls came in later. Everyone was excited to hear the birthdate of the babies.
Vic complained. “We didn’t even have a baby shower. What the hell?”
“Vic, the guess-the-baby’s-gender party was the same kind of thing. We got so many gifts I won’t have to buy the twins clothes until they’re teenagers.” Sasha chuckled. “Seriously, you guys have done enough for us. We’ll plan a get-together after I bring the kids home, I promise. I don’t know if I’m up to anything before that anyway.”
“Okay, you get a pass for now. Once you pop the kids, we’ll have an after-birth party for them.” Vic laughed, cracking herself up. “Did you get that?”
“Yeah, I got it. You’re gross and immature, but I love your weirdness. Gotta go. Dinner is on the table.”
***
Thursday night, Sasha tossed and turned in a fitful sleep. The cramps began in her dreams, but the pain woke her. She lay in the dark, waiting to see if they were real or just part of the dream. The illuminated French porcelain clock on the nightstand ticked away the minutes and told her it was 2:14 a.m. Sasha held her breath. She didn’t want to groan in pain and wake Josh if it was a false alarm. Perspiration dampened her forehead and her nightgown. Another sharp pain hit her, and suddenly she was soaked.
“Oh my God—my water broke. Josh, wake up.” Sasha couldn’t believe it was real. She was scared to death yet elated at the same time. Another sharp pain hit. She quickly looked at the clock. Three minutes had passed. “Josh!” she yelled more urgently this time.
“Huh… what did you say? What’s going on, honey?”
“My water just broke. Call an ambulance. I don’t know if we can get to the hospital in time. Damn it. I wasn’t ready for this. We have another week before the doctor was going to take the babies.”
“Holy shit, Sasha.” Josh leapt from the bed and called first an ambulance and then Doctor Adams, who he had on speed dial.
Josh helped Sasha out of her wet nightgown and slid a dry one over her head as she lay propped up in bed with dry towels under her. He grabbed her robe and wrapped it around her shoulders. Her slippers were at the foot of the bed, and her overnight bag was at the bedroom door. The sound of sirens getting closer gave them both the ability to breathe again.
“Thank God! We don’t want to have these babies at home—it’s too risky. Doctor Adams is on his way to the hospital, honey. He’s going to have the delivery room ready for us. Just hang on, please!” Josh paced, waiting for the ambulance to pull in the driveway. He watched out the front window of the bedroom nervously.
“Josh, we’re going to meet our babies soon.” Sasha grinned through tears and pain.
He ran back to the bed and kissed her through his o
wn smiles, holding her tightly. “I love you, and I’m so proud of you. Here they are. Stay put.” Josh looked at Sasha, she looked at him, and they both started laughing. “Shit, now I’m sounding like you. Sorry, hon. I’ll be right back. I’ve got to let them in.”
The last thing Sasha remembered was a needle pricking her skin and someone covering her with a warm blanket. She could barely hold her eyelids open anymore—they were so heavy. With one last look, she saw bright lights above her head. The glare stung her eyes. Doctor Adams was there, holding her hand. He said something Sasha couldn’t recall, then she drifted off to sleep.
She woke slowly, hours later, with no idea of the time. Groggy, but coherent enough, she looked around the room to see Josh, Tina, Mia, Vic, and Karen grouped around her on chairs, waiting for her to wake up.
“There you are, babe. It’s all over with. Look who’s here,” Josh said with love written across his face.
The girls stood, each one taking turns at Sasha’s bedside, kissing her and telling her how beautiful the babies were.
“I want to see them and hold them. Can somebody get the nurse?” Sasha’s voice cracked with joy and dryness.
Tina handed her a glass of water. “Here, drink this. It will help your throat. I’ll go find a nurse.”
Two nurses walked in behind Tina, each pushing a Plexiglas bassinet holding a sleeping baby.
Sasha held her arms out, reaching to embrace the tiny infants she was now caregiver and protector of. Tears of love streamed down her cheeks and everyone else’s too.
“They’re so small and perfect.” She gently touched each face and studied them closely. Their soft, down-like skin was almost translucent. They both had dark hair, favoring Sasha. “Did everything turn out okay? There aren’t any problems with the babies, right?”
Josh, the proud papa responded, “They’re fine, Sasha. Doctor Adams gave them both a clean bill of health. They’re even big enough to go home early next week. The boy weighed five pounds, three ounces, and the girl was five pounds on the dot. Doctor Adams was pleased. He didn’t think the babies could have fit in there much longer anyway. It’s all good, honey.”
“Do I stay here with the babies until they go home?”
“No, Doctor Adams will release you Sunday morning, but we’ll come back as often as you want. They’ll only be here for a few extra days.”
“You’re getting pretty good at this blindside stuff, girl. I hope you’re done for a while. You’re giving everyone gray hair,” Mia joked. “We’ll all have to go in for a dye job.”
“In a couple of weeks, were having that party, missy,” Vic said. “We’ll have it at the Victorian so you won’t have to go anywhere with the kids. Don’t worry, hon—we’ll take care of everything. Did you tell these guys what the name of the party is going to be?” She chuckled.
“No, I’m too embarrassed.”
“Yeah, right, like you don’t have a sense of humor. Anyway, Sasha thought it would be funny to call it the after-birth party.”
Groans sounded from the group.
“I did not come up with that name! Damn you, Vic. I’m always the one getting blamed.” Sasha laughed.
“Yeah, don’t bother thinking that’s going to change any time soon.”
“So, have you guys decided on baby names yet?” Karen asked. “We want to be able to call these little angels by name.”
The group crowded closer, anxious to hear.
Josh looked at Sasha and smiled. “Go ahead, honey, there’s no reason to wait.”
“Okay, I guess waiting until the party to tell everyone would be ridiculous. Our adorable son is named Alexander Gerard Redmond. It’s a strong name, meaning someone who is a defender of man, someone with greatness. It’s also Russian, in honor of my mom, and the nickname for Alexander is Sasha.” She laughed at everyone’s expression. “I thought I’d add that just because it’s funny, but it’s true. Our beautiful, precious daughter is Arielle Christina Redmond. Arielle means the lioness of God. It also means she is very intelligent but doesn’t show off her smarts.”
“Humph, like mother, like daughter—is that what you’re saying?” Mia asked, giving Sasha a wink. “Anyway, both names are beautiful. We’re so happy for you guys!”
Chapter Thirty-One
Tina took a two-week leave from Hair Brained and set up residence in the guest room at the Victorian. She insisted on helping Sasha for at least a few weeks until Gerard and Alina arrived. They’d purchased airline tickets for the middle of September, thinking Sasha would have just given birth.
Every time the babies woke in the middle of the night, it was Tina who ran downstairs to warm up bottles while Sasha changed their diapers. Tina brought a rocking chair from home and set it up in the nursery, giving them the ability to feed and rock the babies together.
“Tina,” Sasha whispered while they sat in the nursery during the four o’clock feeding. “I really don’t know what I’d do without you. You’re my lifesaver. I love you, girl.”
“I love you too, Sasha. I aspire to be as strong and as brave as you.”
“Really? I never thought of myself in that way.” Sasha’s eyes blurred with tears.
“You’re the bravest woman I know. You’re my hero, Sasha. I really mean that.”
Vic stopped over on Tuesday, giving Tina a break in her day. “I’m already putting the menu together for the party, Sasha. Do you have any special food requests?”
“Well, I’m not breastfeeding, so that part wouldn’t matter, but I do want to get this baby weight off soon. If I’m still carrying this weight into the winter months, it’s going to take even longer to get rid of it. I’m like a hibernating bear, packing on the fat in the winter.” She chuckled.
“Yeah… not. You’ll have that weight off in a month, guar-an-damn-teed. Okay, I’ll make sure to pick up healthy food that’s low calorie. Kind of the way you’ve been eating for the last two months, right?”
“Yep, that sounds great. So, when is the party planned?”
“I’m thinking Sunday afternoon. It’s supposed to be warm and sunny out. I won’t go nuts or anything. Just all of us together, best friends, enjoying the day on your beautiful deck. I’m bringing everything, so don’t even think of lifting a finger. Got it?”
Sasha giggled. “Yes, ma’am.”
***
“You look tired but content. How’s it going with Sasha and the babies?” Dan sat outside with Tina at Morey’s for lunch. He leaned over the table and gave her a firm kiss on the lips.
“Having a baby, let alone two, gives ‘tired’ a whole new meaning.” Tina laughed. “But it’s pretty rewarding. Those little ones are so helpless and totally dependent on someone else to love them and care for them. It’s really amazing and miraculous. It makes me feel good to help out. I’m really enjoying it.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I’m proud of you, Tina. You’re a good woman, and I love you.”
“Thank you for saying that. I love you too.”
***
“Karen, can you go with me to Walmart today and use your car?”
“Okay, I’ll bite—what’s up?” Karen had just walked out of the garage service door with a large trash bag in her hand. Today was garbage day.
“Well, my car doesn’t have any room in it, but yours has a huge trunk. I want to buy a wading pool.” Mia giggled.
“You’re nuts. Is there a particular reason you need a wading pool? Is Reggie going to lounge in it with a cocktail in his paw? Because I know for sure the twins are too tiny to play in it.”
Mia gulped down her Diet Coke. “It’s a secret, but you’ll know soon enough. It’s just for fun, so what do you say?”
“Sure. I’ll be over in a half hour. See ya.”
***
Mia kept the wading pool in her garage until the day of the party. Luckily, it was a glorious afternoon with a bright-blue, cloudless sky. It would be perfect. Aaron loaded the pool in the trunk of his car. The lid was held down with a bungee cord
as they drove to the Victorian.
The food was already set up on the deck in the shade by the sliders when they arrived. Vic and Karen had been there since noon, preparing the meal. Sasha and Josh were caring for the babies nonstop. Tina and Dan arrived at one thirty and pitched in by setting up the gift table and bringing out plates, glasses, and utensils.
Mia instructed Aaron to set the wading pool along the side of the house where the hose was. Nobody would notice it there for the time being. The ten best friends sat on the deck, laughing, talking, and checking on the babies. They reminisced about the last year, telling stories and trying to update Dan on their crazy group as they ate. There would be enough food left over for Sasha and Josh to snack on for days. The couples sat in a circle on the deck, fully enjoying the remarkable weather that early-September day. Mia excused herself and disappeared around the house.
***
“What in the heck is that noise?” Sasha asked as they heard bumping and banging along the side of the Victorian.
Mia popped her head around the corner and laughed. “It’s only me. I got this—just stay put.”
She came around the corner with the hose wrapped around one arm and a wading pool—catching the breeze, which made it difficult to hold—in the other.
“Have you lost your mind?” Vic asked.
“Not really, but I’ll explain in a minute.” Mia dropped the pool on the deck in the center of the group. She turned on the hose, filling it to the top so that it was ten inches deep.
They all laughed, shaking their heads from side to side, as they watched her antics. Yet they all happily removed their shoes and placed their feet in the refreshing water.
She sat down and joined them with a huge grin on her face.
