by TC Rybicki
Willow uttered the words she was almost there which was good. He couldn’t hold out much longer. She breathed the sounds of satisfaction against his lips when she collapsed draped halfway over his body.
“That was the goodbye I needed. Wow. You’re a stud and a complete master of my body, doctor. I’ve officially been educated.”
“I learned plenty too.”
Wills playfully shoved him, “Liar. What could I possibly teach you?”
Doug touched Willow’s cheek, “How good it is to make love with your soulmate. I didn’t know. I imagined a few times, but this is better than any of my fantasies. I don’t want to leave you.”
They’d done everything together since South Carolina other than Doug pulling Willow into the OR with him. She completed two more trips for the blog; he went on both. Kit was staying at Willow’s place in Savannah while her new apartment was being renovated. They’d renewed their friendship, but Kit was going through intense therapy and counseling; she didn’t have much time for Wills. House sitting the past months helped Wills more than Kit’s normal phony behavior. Julia hated Katrina and begged Willow to move back with the baby. She couldn’t wait to spend time with that baby since she never had one of her own. There were details to iron out and Dutch avoided the serious stuff. He hadn’t made a formal commitment. More people thought Wills was having a baby alone than knew the truth. He swore after this conference, they were sitting down and having the talk.
“Are you sure we didn’t overdo it, Wills? I’m going to be 650 miles away from you.”
“I’m good. You heard Dr. Sanjay.”
He heard her, but she also said like any good obstetrician that babies come when they were ready. Wills reminded him of the conference. Ever since medical school, Doug was fascinated with robotic surgeries. The work Cambridge was doing was state-of-the-art, cutting edge. Only 150 cardiac surgeons were invited to this first ever US conference to address the new techniques in heart surgery. He was invited. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to get this information and make the contacts Doug needed to advance in his field. He appreciated her support more than she realized.
Willow kissed his cheek, “We’ll wait on you, Daddy. I promise. I’m so proud of you and the new opportunities ahead. Besides, Carly will be here soon after you leave for the airport and I’ll be with the family the whole time. I’ll be in good hands until I’m in your hands and then I’ll probably drive you insane to help me find ways to make this baby come. We’ll be sexing it up for days.”
“You, my dear are insatiable and I love it. Promise me again. No baby until I’m back.”
“Dutch, you have my word.”
911 Emergency: Willow’s in labor!!
Doug’s fingers fumbled with a response as soon as Tanner texted him. He knew if Tanner was texting in the middle of the day, it was important. It was the last meeting of the conference and his flight left in three hours. She only had to hold out three more hours plus the hour and a half flight time. Doug whispered to a colleague about his family emergency before sneaking out the back of the hotel conference doors. The next few hours were a blur, but he managed to get on an earlier flight and the best news was Willow’s labor was going slow like first labors often do. Although, that wasn’t the best news for Wills. He hated picturing her in pain, but he’d attended deliveries in medical school, so he knew what to expect. Doug was confident he’d make it in time as his entire focus shifted on Wills and their son. He worried the rest of the way. She was his whole world, Wills and Maverick now. Getting her pregnant had been his craziest decision and his best.
Dr. Chadwyk burst through the labor and delivery doors after swiping his badge. He didn’t have the patience to wait to be buzzed in. Convincing her to move to his hospital was a smart move. Jessie, the head nurse knew him well, and that he was Willow’s family. She ushered him to her room without hesitation. Carly and his mother were at each side of the bed. The monitor showed a steady pattern of strong contractions and Wills screamed when she saw Dutch. It wasn’t pain; she was in between contractions. She was voicing her relief he made it in time.
“You made it! Oh my God, Dutch. I tried to tell him to wait, but my water broke this morning when I rolled out of bed to go pee. I didn’t have a warning.”
Doug gave his mom and sister-in-law a hug and his gratitude for taking care of her. Carly complained Willow wouldn’t consent to an epidural. “I don’t know why she’s insisting on enduring all this pain. He’s not in the best position and she’s been stalled at a five for hours. The last check they told her a C-section might be necessary. It’s not that bad Willow. I had two of them.”
Doug was anxious to talk to Willow’s doctor, but he could tell Carly wore out her welcome. Wills was annoyed. She had a detailed birth plan. He thought it was a little nuts and over-the-top but there was no way he’d admit that to a very pregnant Willow in active labor.
Once it was just the two of them and he helped her focus through two huge contractions, he decided to pull the doctor card, “Wills, honey. This has been going on a while now. Your water broke at six this morning. You know after twenty-four hours the risk of infection is high.”
“I know, but the contractions didn’t start until ten. I have time. It’s barely dinnertime.”
“But you’re not progressing, babe. It happens. You’re not failing if you need sectioned.”
“I know that, but it’s not my plan, and he’s fine. Every time I ask is Maverick handling the labor, the answer is always yes, so why can’t I try a little longer on my own?”
“Fine, I’m sure you can try a bit longer, but get the epidural.”
“No, it could screw up my labor and I’m already stalled. I… I,” she grunted from the pain.
Dutch kissed her head. He knew what she was going to say. She experienced stronger contractions since he arrived, and they were getting closer together. About that time, the OB came in to have a talk with the expectant parents. She knew the truth just like Willow’s old obstetrician but no one else at the hospital knew more than Dr. Chadwyk’s best friend was having her first baby. She informed Dutch she’d suggested some position changes, but Willow was resistant.
“I will now that Dutch is here. I was worried he might miss the birth.”
He shook his head, “You mean you helped stall this labor, refused pain relief and endured all this so I wouldn’t miss it?”
“Maybe, but I’m ready. I’ll try anything right now except no epidural or c-section just yet.”
“Damn my girl is stubborn, determined, and more powerful than I ever gave you credit for.” That was his response two hours later when Dutch held tight to Willow’s right leg as she pushed her heart out. The stalled labor was no more. It was showtime. The nurse holding her other leg reminded them all to look down. The baby was right there. The first time Doug yelled that, Willow cried and stared lovingly into his eyes. The tenth time he said it, she flipped him off. Those little ones had a way of slipping back in and making their moms start all over again. But this time, they were all confident he was making his formal appearance into the world.
“Dr. Chadwyk, I’ve done four catches and two sections today, care to relieve me? I’m exhausted not as exhausted as our Rockstar pusher here, but I think you get my drift.”
Wills was too focused with her job to get it, but when another nurse walked around and offered to take his position, she spoke up, “Where do you think you’re going? This is it even though you’ve all been saying that for an hour.”
Dr. Sanjay saved his ass, “Willow, dear. I just asked Dr. Chadwyk to deliver your son, but only if you’re comfortable with it.”
“What? Are you serious? Can he do that?”
“Well, it’s not standard, but no one in here will say anything. What do you want?”
A contraction was building, and Maverick was crowning. Wills got out her demands along with the longest, hardest push yet, “You, Dutch, I want you!”
Willow inhaled her newborn son’s
essence. Maverick Lanier Chadwyk was almost an hour old. She’d never experienced anything like this. Her body was worn completely out, memories of pain still existed, but she was full of joy and awe. Dutch scooted close on the bed with them. One nurse remained in her birthing suite tidying up the last evidence a birth just took place inside those four walls. They’d given her the largest room on the floor, and she couldn’t help but notice everyone in the hospital treated her like a guest of honor. He’d done that for her, or maybe Dutch was so well-liked, the staff wanted to do it without being asked.
Everyone during the delivery knew the truth, and he didn’t seem to care as soon as Maverick was born. Hopefully, no one spread rumors before Dutch had time to decide what they were going to do. Surely, they were going to keep doing what they’d started which was acting like a real family.
“He’s so beautiful.”
“Yep. We made a pretty baby. I knew we would. I’m not just saying that, Wills. Some of these newborns look rough.”
She giggled as they studied their son’s features. Willow was certain he’d look like his father, but Dutch thought he had her chin and cheekbones.
Willow affirmed, “He has your nose and lips. I know it.”
“Maybe, he certainly has Dad’s hairline. What the heck, kid? I thought you’d have some hair. You’re bald.”
“He is not. He has baby fuzz, and it’s the softest substance on earth. Feel it. He’s beautiful, isn’t he, Dutch?”
Dutch chuckled, “You already said that, babe.”
“I know, but I can’t stop looking at him. How’d we create such perfection?”
He whispered close to her ear, “I’ll tell you later when the kid’s asleep.”
She rolled her eyes. The nurse asked her if she wanted to try breastfeeding again. Willow tried once, but the baby wasn’t settled down enough and she was too nervous with all the people in the room. Doug ran out at one point to give the family a quick update and share a picture. She wanted Maverick to have one successful feeding before she accepted visitors.
Willow allowed the nurse to get up close and personal with her to show her the best technique. Modesty didn’t exist after the long day of labor and soon they had their first successful latch. Maverick began to nurse, and the special moment had her eyes filled with tears once more. When she glanced up at Dutch, Willow saw a few unshed tears in his eyes. “You too?”
“Yeah, I didn’t know it would be like this, but watching you give birth and feed our son is the best thing I’ve ever experienced. It’s even better than restarting a silent heart. You know I’ve witnessed miracles, but this is the first one reflected in your eyes, Wills.”
They decided to go home to the lake house for a few weeks. Willow had to learn how to do things for herself but it was nice not to have to worry about laundry, cooking, or cleaning so she could focus solely on Maverick. He was a champion breastfeeder now, but the weeks had been filled with ups and downs. The books never made it clear how painful a cracked nipple could be or that she might as well stay topless some days, but they’d reached their stride this third week. One parenting blog told her it got easier after six weeks. Her body bounced back quicker than she expected, but extreme fatigue was another issue. Willow, Maverick and Dutch took a stroll every evening now by the lake which was responsible for their meeting. It was fitting to give him Lanier as a middle name.
Carly and Tanner brought dinner tonight. The kids were taking turns holding their baby cousin which was nice for Willow. She didn’t always get to eat with both hands free. Dawn commented she wasn’t eating much which was unusual. She had a lumberjack appetite producing milk, but she was distracted.
“Has anyone heard from Dutch? We usually walk about now, and he hasn’t texted me all day. It’s not like him.”
Doug had almost a week off in the beginning, but he was back to his regular schedule. Willow felt bad he had to add commuting time to be with them at his parents’ place when his condo was walking distance from the hospital. He said it was fine, and it was only temporary. Dads got tired too. Dutch did as much as he could for their newborn and he wasn’t getting a lot of sleep especially the previous night. Maverick had been difficult, and he spit up so much on the sheets, the entire family crossed the hall and climbed into Willow’s old bed.
Tanner made a sound. She wasn’t sure what he meant. It was a sort of scoff. The brothers had gotten along rather well these last few months as Dutch approached fatherhood.
“What’s that noise for?”
Carly shook her head and placed her hand on her husband’s chest. That made it even more suspicious. He knew something.
Tanner started to speak, and Carly cut him off, “Don’t.”
“Is something wrong?” Willow was extra sensitive this week. She thought she’d missed out on the traditional baby blues, but they hit her a few days ago.
“It’s nothing. He just better not be fucking up.”
Dawn admonished her son, “Tanner. Your brother had surgery this morning and rounds. Stop making it something it’s not.”
“I’m lost. What are y’all talking about? Surgery never stopped him from saying hello or asking how we’re doing. What do you mean, Tanner?”
“Maisy.”
Carly grumbled, “Dammit, Tan.”
“Maisy? That ex-whatever she was? What does she have to do with this? Dutch hasn’t seen her in months since before we got pregnant.” The looks around the room caused the fine hairs on the back of Willow’s neck to stand up. Maisy, the sex maniac. She never expected to hear that name again. He wouldn’t. Dutch was committed now. He absolutely wouldn’t, but would she? Willow asked again, “What happened?”
“She showed up in Doug’s office a few days ago, said she missed him and wanted to know why he’d avoided her so long. He told her to leave, and it wasn’t happening, but she was persistent.”
Carly put her arm around Willow, “See. Nothing to worry about. Doug told that bitch buh-bye. He’s just running late tonight, probably traffic.”
Willow nodded. Carly was right. There was a logical explanation why this was the first day since they’d been official that Dutch didn’t check on her. It had nothing to do with his old hook-up girl. Wait. What did Tanner mean by persistent?
A tear slipped down her cheek. Stupid hormones. She trusted him. They were in love, and she was sure Dutch was soon to make it even more official if she was moving back to the condo with him and their son. She already had a Realtor evaluating her place in Savannah.
“Dammit, Tanner. Now Willow’s crying. You shouldn’t have said anything. Willow knows damn well Doug wouldn’t screw around on her and so do you.”
“I know. It’s just. I’m still healing, and the baby takes all my energy. I haven’t been attentive to Dutch lately and he and I…” she looked around and saw all the inquisitive faces: Dawn and Walt, her niece and nephew. She didn’t want to be graphic, but she and Dutch had a lot of sex before and now there was zero sex. What if he got lonely? He tried to make out with her before Maverick started his four-hour crying session, and Willow rebuffed his advances because she was too tired to be in a mood. “Nothing, we’re fine. Everything’s fine.” Willow started eating her cold dinner until Maverick got hungry. She decided to take him back to the bedroom and hope he went down for the night or until his first night feeding which came around one.
Once Willow had the baby settled in his bassinet, she checked her phone and there was still no word from Dutch. Maybe she should worry about an accident or car trouble instead of another woman because that was crazy runaway thinking. She practiced her reassured expression before returning to the family.
To Willow’s surprise, Dutch was standing in the kitchen with his family. Carly shouted at the kids to get ready since they had school in the morning.
“Dutch.”
“Hey, Wills, sorry I’m late.”
“Yeah, a call would have been nice. What happened?”
Dutch looked at his father and mother. Dawn t
wisted a dish towel in her hands. Something was wrong. An awful thought came to Willow, “Did you lose a patient?”
“No, nothing like that. Surgery went well; it was textbook. Look, Wills, I’m truly sorry, but after rounds...”
She covered her mouth to prepare for the blow, but the unintentional words came out, “Oh, God, no. Maisy.”
“What? No, hell no!” Dutch shook his head at Tanner, “Big mouth. Wills be serious. I told her to stay away from me that I’m in a serious relationship. I took a nap.”
“Huh?”
“Yeah, surgery was long even though it was successful and then I tackled some work in my office I’d been putting off. I needed to run by the condo for some info on my home laptop, and I only meant to rest my eyes for ten minutes, but I woke up three hours later and I’m so sorry. You’re way more exhausted than me but never get naps like that. I was too ashamed to call and admit everything. Can you forgive me?”
Willow ran to Dutch. He grabbed her off the floor, and she kissed him in front of everyone. Then she slapped his back, “You idiot.”
“So, you are mad?”
“No, not about the nap. You needed it. I’m irritated you didn’t tell me. I was worried.”
“About Maisy?”
“No,” she lied. “About all the bad things that can happen to anyone so don’t ever do that to me again.”
“I won’t. I promise, but Wills, there is something else. Maybe we could go outside and talk.”
