I guess she was as surprised as I was by the sudden show of emotion.
“Now, I know you didn’t want gifts so instead everyone donated what they would have gotten you to the local women’s shelters.”
“Yeah?” I choke back a sob. Stupid hormones turning me into a ball of mush.
“Yep, and enough diapers to last hopefully a couple of years,” Cooper adds.
I reach up and kiss his cheek. “This is wonderful. Thank you.”
In the next moment, I'm gathered into hugs from the people who mean the most to me.
“I can't wait to bounce these guys on my knee.” My dad puts his hand on my belly skittishly like it's going to bite him, but instead, one of the twins kick him. He chuckles and moves his hand away. “Bet they're going to be a handful like you were when you were a baby.”
“Good thing you'll be closer to teach me how to reign them in.”
My dad is retiring from the Navy after twenty-four years when his contract ends in August and has decided to move closer to me and Cooper. He refused Cooper's offer to buy a place for him and my offer to live with us.
Cooper vetoed that too, saying, “There are some things a father should never hear or see.”
“You're naming the boy little Dustin, right? So, much better than Cooper Junior.” Dustin sticks out his tongue pretending to be disgusted at the idea, causing Coop to whack him playfully in the back of the head.
“Who said there's a boy in here?” I ask, rubbing my belly.
We decided not to tell anyone what we’re having, wanting it to be a surprise. We have the twins room already set up and all the clothes and essentials picked out, but keep the room locked when people come over. I love all the guessing because it amps up the excitement of the birth.
Also, we figured the fewer people who knew the less chances there would be of the media finding out.
“Oh no little bro, they already decided if they're boys they're naming both of them after me. Hell, even if they’re girls. Brodena has a nice ring to it.”
“That's not happening, Brody.” Cooper rolls his eyes.
“And why not? I think I've earned it for all the shit I’ve put up with you guys and what I will put up with later,” he scoffs.
It's so true though. We are Brody’s personal melodrama.
“Yes, you have…” I move to wrap my arms around Brody’s neck, giving him a hug, and planting an extra wet kiss his cheek. “But that's why you're the godfather; to corrupt them and teach them Brodyisms.” I giggle when he wipes the sloppy kiss from his cheek.
“You’re damn straight I will. You two are doomed.” He points his finger at us, as I step back over to my husband. I can see Brody’s mind over working through all his evil plots to turn our twins into his little minions.
“Only if we're not around anymore,” Cooper adds forcefully. “So kill whatever ideas are swarming around in your head.”
“Yeah, don’t let him think he has the permission to do so before. You want to keep them out of trouble,” Alexa teases, cuddling into Brody.
“That's why you’re the godmother, Alexa. To keep him in line,” I add, “and to protect them from Brodyisms.” I wink.
“Alright, you know I'm feeling a bit ganged up on here. Let's play some games or something.”
Playing games was fun ‘till I almost ended up throttling Brody. Everyone was supposed to take a roll of yarn and guess how big my belly is. Brody unraveled the whole thing and asked for more.
Jerk
I gave him my best pout and worked up some fake tears, telling him I wasn't that monstrous. In return, he laughed, and said, “Sorry, sis, I thought we were measuring Cooper’s new dad gut.”
Cooper has put on a couple pounds, so he says. I haven’t noticed it, but I think he only says it to make me feel better.
It helps...a little.
Now, I’m sitting between Evelyn, and Alexa, and Julie as they try to guess the sex of the twins. Most of the guests have left for the evening. I’m really glad Evelyn threw this party. It was great to see everyone, especially the crew, who I haven’t seen in months, and won’t again ‘till who knows when.
And Evelyn got my favorite cake, triple chocolate.
Cooper comes up to me and kisses my cheek. “I'm going to show our dads and brothers the new ‘man cave.’ You okay for a bit?”
I snort, at the term man cave. It was made to be an entertainment area. I guess you could consider the bar with two large TV screens, oversized, black leather recliners, and sports decals on the wall a manly place. But it’s really me who has spent more time in the manly room than Cooper, finding myself falling asleep every night in one of the comfy chairs, watching some sappy romance movie.
So, if we need to be technical, it’s Vi’s Cave, really.
“Yep, try not to drink all the kegs that are in the bar though.” I give him a sweet grin and bat my eyes.
“I think you're confusing me with Brody.” He splays his hand on my belly. “You know I’m going to stay sober ‘till these two are born.”
“One beer won’t hurt. Go. I’ll be fine talking with the girls.”
He glances at his mother and I see the glimpse of uncertainty in his eyes before they dart back to me. “You sure?”
“Go. You’re bugging me, Coop.” I shove his shoulder and he feigns hurt.
“Geez woman, I thought you loved having me around, but I see how it is.” He gives me his dimpled smile before blowing me a kiss and walking away with the other guys.
“I’m still saying it’s two boys,” Julie continues to the others, pulling me away from staring at Cooper's ass as he leaves the room. “Because I read the lower you carry, it’s more likely a boy.”
“I’m not carrying low? Am I?” I glance down at my belly, trying to figure out what she means.
“You are now,” Alexa points out. “You weren’t a couple days ago…”
Evelyn chuckles beside me and I look at her curiously. “It’s quite normal in the final weeks for the babies to drop. Did the doctor tell you if they were both in position the other day?”
“Yeah, they’re both head down now. One of them was always that way, while the other turned around a lot, and stood on the others head.” I giggle remembering watching the left twin twisting all around on top of their sibling.
“You know it would be easier just to say, brother or sister, when you talk about them, right?” Julie raises her eyebrow at me and I respond by sticking out my tongue.
“No, I like keeping you guys on your toes. Plus, don’t you all have a bet going on?” I question knowing everyone made a pool to guess the babies’ sex, weight, and the day they think I’ll pop.
I heard from Big Frank the pool was up to a thousand bucks, but all the money is going to a ‘save the music’ charity. The winner gets to have their name on the donation though.
And maybe also bragging rights?
“Yeah, but if you tell us, we have time to change the answer,” Julie says pointedly and I shake my head.
“Not happening. Only a couple more weeks and you’ll know.”
“Fine. At least I’ll be close for when it does happen.” She rubs my belly and tells them to come on the 12th since it’s her guess.
Julie is staying with Alexa and Brody ‘till the babies are born, then going back to Maui to be with Kahiau, her sexy, buff islander. Julie has little hearts in her eyes, along with her new tan.
“I’m sticking with one of each,” Alexa muses.
Evelyn stands and walks over to the kitchen while Julie and Alexa argue about dates and guessing which crazy rock star name we’re going to give them. When she comes back she's carrying a gold and silver box. She sits back down next to me, and Alexa and Julie’s conversation quiets.
“We're going to go bug the guys.” They both stand abruptly, making my curiosity spike, wondering what could be in the box resting on Evelyn’s lap.
“You girls don't need to go,” Evelyn says and they both shake their head.
“It's okay. We’ll be back in a few. I could use a beer.” Alexa grabs Julie’s hand, pulling her out of the room.
“Wait, I wanted to see…” I hear Julie whisper as she’s dragged from the room.
There's a strong double kick to my stomach, as if my twins are also asking ‘what the hell is going on?’
“Um…” I hum at the departing figures before turning my attention back to Evelyn.
“I sure know how to clear a room.” She laughs modestly.
“Yeah, makes me wonder if I should worry what's in the box.” I grin, eyeing the package. If she was Brody or Dustin I would think a stink bomb or something about to jump out at me. But this is Evelyn and the boys definitely didn't get their love of practical jokes from their mother.
That comes from Grandpa Bud
“Now if it was bad, I doubt your best friends would've left the room.” She winks, patting my hand. “I got you something. I know you didn't want or need any gifts today, but I had this made up for you.” Evelyn hands me the gold and silver box.
“You didn't have to.”
“Nonsense, figure this as a very late anniversary gift and to also tell you I'm glad you’re my daughter.”
Daughter. I don't correct her by adding the in-law part because I think she actually means I'm more than that.
These days it’s really hard not to take Evelyn Reid as anything less than genuine. Unlike before, there's no sense of a hidden agenda behind her eyes. This is the mother who raised three well-rounded, respectable boys. I used to think it was all Andrew. Now I know a little better.
“Thank you.” I open the box and push the tissue paper away to reveal a picture frame. “Oh my god,” I gasp, and tears pool in my eyes, from the thoughtfulness of this gift. “This...is…perfect.”
It's a sterling silver frame and on the side is an Elvis in a red and yellow bejeweled, white jumpsuit, with his lip curled and large sunglasses. Across the top is the word “Uh-huh” in green jewels and on the bottom etched into the silver is the day Cooper and I were married. The picture is of us kissing after saying our ‘uh-huhs’ in front of ‘The King.’
“I love this. There are no words for how much I do. Coop will get a kick out of it.” I sniffle and wipe away the fallen tears from my face.
“I have one for the babies being made, just waiting for names and dates.”
“Thank you.” I reach over and hug her.
“You're welcome, sweetie. I should’ve done this for you long ago.” She chokes back her tears, embracing me a little tighter.
I still can't get over that I'm hugging her again and letting it happen for more than a second. Maybe it's because it’s the welcoming motherly hug I've needed for so long. She’s the only one I have for a mother figure from now on, and I think she’s shown me just enough where we can begin to have a good relationship.
The hug suddenly turns warm and wet. There's a popping sensation in my belly and a trickle down my leg. I pull away and look down at myself, dampness spotting the front of my dress.
“What—I...” My eyes jump to Evelyn’s whose eyes grow big in surprise, but there’s a faint smile on her lips, so I'm guessing I didn't pee my pants.
“I think your water broke, sweetie. Have you been having any pain?”
“No,” I break into a cold sweat. I'm panicking, knowing it's too soon. They're not ready. “No, it's too early,” I mutter in fear.
I've read every baby book known to man and know most babies do well after 34 weeks, but that information doesn’t help me now. I'm scared out of my mind something could go wrong. They need more time to grow. They were only last measured a little over four pounds each. The doctor told me thirty-seven weeks was ideal because any potential complications drop significantly.
“Breathe, Violet. Thirty-five weeks is good for twins. They don't have as much room as singletons and when they run out of room, they’ll vacate.” Evelyn grabs my face, giving me a reassuring smile.
It doesn't do much to ease my worry.
“I'm scared…” I cry, my fear rising, not knowing up from down or left from right.
“Don't be scared, sweet girl. You're not in active labor yet, but these babies are coming sooner than later, and they'll be more than fine. I promise.”
I nod, the sweat continuing to drip from my brow, trying to take a deep breath. Because she’s right. She's right. It'll be fine.
But no mother wants to worry if their babies are going to have to spend time in the NICU.
“Let me go grab Cooper and I'll call your doctor.”
“Evelyn…” I grab her hand before she goes far and hunch over as my stomach feels as if it's twisting.
She glances at her watch on the hand I’m not squeezing to death. “Okay, breathe through it. It'll pass.” I take a deep breath and loosen my grip on her hand as the contraction subsides.
“So much for not being in active labor,” I jest, placing both my hands on my belly.
“Let me go get your husband and you go clean up. If you have another one, let me know so we can time them. It'll be okay, there's plenty of time, they're not going to come flying out of the chute just yet.” She chuckles and it makes me giggle in response. I'm glad it's not only me who can find humor at the wrong times. And who knew Evelyn had a sense of humor? “Breathe, you're going to be holding both of those beautiful babies soon and they will be more than alright.”
She places her hand on my cheek lovingly, much like my dad used to do when I was little and he'd tell me he loved me. I instantly feel at ease with her warm eyes telling me everything is going to be okay before turning to get my babies’ father.
.
5 a.m. June 5th, 2007
T en hours later, I’m finally at ten centimeters and ready to push.
Everyone has been in and out of the room as my labor progressed. My husband hasn’t left my side since the second he came flying into our bedroom, concern and excitement etched all over his handsome face. His hair is standing on all ends from pushing his hand through it hundreds of times. He’s got worried, anxious wrinkles forming around his eyes, making him look older than he is.
His mother, who also has been with me the whole time, has been doing her best to reign in her son's distress. I know she has mine. Even though his mom is a doctor, it isn't ‘till he hears from Dr. Lawrence that the twins will more than likely be perfectly fine, he finally relaxes a bit.
“You’re going to do great. I can’t wait to meet them,” Evelyn tells me about to leave the room. I reach out for her hand.
I can’t explain any of the reasons why I don’t want her to leave: maybe it’s everything that happened today, or the exhaustion, or because Cooper is driving me insane suddenly, but I need her.
I need a mom.
“No, don’t go,” I beg, gripping her hand harder. “Please.”
“Of course.” She grabs the cool rag from the table to place on my head.
“I’m going to need you to push on your next contraction, Violet,” Dr. Lawrence says between my legs, ready for the catch.
It comes with a piercing scream, as I bare down, trying to free one of these babies. It hurts so much.
Silly me thought it would be the best for the babies to do this without an epidural.
Never again!
I fall back when it’s done, catching my breath, and Cooper kisses my head. “You’re doing so well, Ace.” I squeeze his hand hard, causing him to flinch.
As much as I love his sweetness, he’s not the one about to push two four-pound bowling balls from his freakin’ vagina.
He just needs to hush right now and let me work.
“You know babe, if you break all my fingers, I won’t be able to help with all those dirty diapers.” He chortles, and I glare at him. I hate that he’s right and I loosen my grip, a little.
With his damn perfect smile, he kisses my forehead. “You love me.”
“Uh-huh!” I howl as the next contraction hits and I push down.
“I see the head
,” Dr. Lawrence announces. “I think one or two more pushes, the first one will be here…”
Three minutes later, Dr. Lawrence is pulling out a screaming baby. “It’s your little girl,” she announces, the nurses coming up to do a quick clean up. “You want to cut the cord, Dad?”
Cooper readily agrees, taking the scissors and cutting our daughter free.
“She’s perfect, Violet,” Evelyn coos, staring down at her new granddaughter, who is still wailing that distinct newborn cry.
“She is,” I croon, watching the nurse take her over to the table to look her over. Cooper is quickly back to my side, kissing me hard on the lips, thanking me.
“I love you,” he whispers pushing back wet strands of hair away from my face.
“I’m going to wait to hand her to you and let the nurses check her over first. Okay? By the way, she's screaming her head off, so I'd say she's good. Her Apgar was 8, which is perfect. Now let's bring the other one into the world…”
Six minutes and three pushes later, our baby boy comes crying into the world, though not nearly as loud as his sister, and Cooper cuts his cord. Once the nurses get the twins cleaned, weighed, and measured, they give me both to feed. As long as they eat, pass a car seat test, and do well overnight, they'll be fine to go home tomorrow.
With some help from a nurse, they both latch on and suck down the colostrum like pros.
Evelyn steps out of the room, giving Cooper and me a few minutes alone.
“I never would've thought I could love you more or that you could be even more beautiful, but seeing you feed our kids blows me away.” His long finger runs down our daughter’s cheek, and she starts suckling again in her sleep.
“Can you believe we made these?” I murmur, and lean my head on his shoulder. Watching the babies eat is sucking the energy out of me.
“But we did.” He kisses my forehead. “You should close your eyes while you can before everyone gets here.”
“I'm otay…”
He laughs shaking his head at me. “You can’t even say okay correctly. Sleep. I'll put them down.”
I Found You Page 31
