: : Summary : : Finally back home in London after the terrors of Ahm~Shere, Rick, Evelyn and Alex settle back into life. Yet the horrors are not easily forgotten and perhaps the only way to forget about death is creating new life
~
Rick rushed over to her, towel in hand as he stripped her out of her coat and dried her off in the hallway. He knew she hated it when he fussed over her like this, but he couldn't help it. He worried about her too much. "Honey, I wish you would just take some time off," he sighed as he rubbed her hair vigorously with the towel. "Get changed out of these clothes alright? You'll catch your death of cold."
"Rick, darling." She tried reasoning with him as she slowly walked up the stairs, one hand on her back, the other on her belly, stroking it with her thumb. "I need to be doing something. I don't want to sit around the house like some fat cow." She made it to their room and began pulling off her wet clothes, moving out of his view so that he couldn't see how large he was. She felt very self-conscious about it for some reason so she backed up looking for something
to put on over her brassier.
He followed her into the bedroom, watching as she went in search for dry clothes. "I know, I know," he relented. "I just worry about you, that's all. You *and* our baby," he told her, coming up to wrap his arms around her, rubbing her belly gently. "I just want you to be okay Evie."
"I've done this before, Rick, I can do it again." She swallowed though. Her labour with Alex had been very hard on her and she'd been bed set for nearly a week. Now she was educated enough to know that women had a harder time giving birth as they got older. She sighed and leaned against him, letting her thoughts subside, especially when the baby moved and she smiled. Their life was inside of her and letting them know about it as the baby kicked at Rick's hand.
"Feisty one," he laughed when he felt the baby kick right where his hand was placed on her stomach. "Takes after mom." He smiled, kissing her forehead gently and tightening his arms around her. "You'll be okay Evie," he said softly. "Don't forget I'll be at your side through it all when you need to yell at me or yank on my hair." He was teasing, but his tone was serious. These days, he was reluctant to leave her alone at all.
She sighed. He always did this to her. She wanted to give him just what he wanted and she smiled coyly at him, not unlike that time when he had asked her not to go on that trip to Ahm Shere. "Well...I suppose it would be best for me
to stay close to you then and not go to work," she offered, letting him know she was giving into what he wanted.
"Now you're talking," he said, sitting down in a nearby chair and pulling her down in his lap. He was wise enough to know that she must have something up her sleeve whenever she reacted this way to his mothering. He kissed her nose gently. "After all, what's a few days off work? You and me, all on our own in the afternoons...Alex at school, Jonathan...getting thrown out of whatever bar he happens to be frequenting at that time...I'm sure we can find something to help pass the time. What do you say?"
She let the silk of her robe brush against his neck as she wrapped her arms around him. "All alone?" she asked mischievously, looking deep into his eyes. "No-one else but you and me and this baby of ours that I'm carrying?" She continued smiling at him coyly and rubbed his hand over the round curve of her stomach as she snuggled into his lap.
"Oh yeah, and baby too," he smiled, stroking her belly. "I'm gonna miss this y'know. I was so disappointed when you gave birth to Alex. No more bump." He pouted playfully at her and the hand that was not caressing her stomach made its way to her chin, tilting her head up for a kiss.
She eagerly obliged him, kissing him long and deep as her arms tightened around him. When she finally pulled back, she stared at Rick, a loving, warm look that only two soul mates could share. "Just think about the little baby
that you're going to hold in your arms. Watching me breastfeed, singing the baby to sleep," she whispered softly, listing all the things he had loved watching her do with Alex.
He grinned at her, leaning down for another kiss. "Hmm, I suppose I could be willing to trade in your bump for those things," he teased, nuzzling his nose against hers. "But don't ask me to sing again. Last time I did that to Alex, he disowned me." He laughed softly, just enjoying being with her like this.
"Just promise me you'll be right beside me when I go into labour." When she had begun giving birth to Alex, Rick had been about a two-hour drive away at a job and she had never been more afraid as she went through the terrible
contractions. She had been ready to scream at him when he arrived but had been distracted by another contraction. "I need you at my side," she murmured, kissing him quickly.
"I'll be there," he promised. "Why do you think I haven�t taken on a job these past three weeks? I won't leave you Evie," he whispered, knowing she was afraid. He gazed into her eyes, wanting to kiss away the worried little frown on her brow. "I'll be right beside you." And he sealed that promise with a kiss.
"Good," she said, leaning her cheek against his. "It's hard to believe that our love has once again put a baby inside me, a life that you and I created." She brushed her lips against his cheek and ran a hand softly through his light brown hair in a soothing and almost motherly manner.
"Check out this belly you've got my hand on," he joked. "Seems pretty believable to me." He smiled when he felt the baby kick again. "You know, I'm sure this kid is trying to kick its way out of your stomach," he laughed.
"Probably...Rick, what if I...you know, need surgery to get through this?" She felt rather worried about it and she pressed her head to his heart to let it soothe her in its lullaby way. She just had this intuition that something was going to go wrong, but maybe it was just nerves. "Part of me wants to keep this baby inside me forever," she admitted.
"I'm sure everything will be okay," he whispered, holding her close. "Both you and this baby will be okay Evie and I'll be here for you, I promise." He sat there, simply content to hold her like this, rocking her gently and pressing
soft kisses to her forehead occasionally.
Evie felt comforted by the way he held her in his lap and before long, her mind was drifting off into slumber land, just happy to be resting against his body, letting go of her fear so that she could sleep peacefully.
Meanwhile, Alex had just gotten back from a late dinner with his uncle and had been looking forward to seeing his mother and father. "Dad! Dad!" he said loudly in order to get his father's attention when he found him sitting in the big chair with his mum in his lap. He didn't know she was asleep as his voice increased in volume. "DAD!"
"Sshh," said Rick, pointing to Evie to let Alex know she was asleep. He couldn't help but smile at his son's enthusiasm; he was practically jumping up and down on the spot to gain his attention. Like he had ants in his pants, Evie would say. "What is it, Alex? Giant alligator on the loose in Hampstead Heath again?" he teased.
"Not this time, dad, uncle John let me go to the hotel he always visits!" the young boy said excitedly. "We met all these really nice girls. One was called Rosa and she was really nice and pretty." Alex of course didn't know what these girls did, but that was Jonathan�s territory and his uncle had forgotten to tell him to keep his mouth shut. He had said it was an adventure, so of course, Alex had to tell his father about it. "Dad, it was sooo much fun!"
"A hotel huh?" asked Rick suspiciously. "I thought your uncle was supposed to be taking you out to a restaurant. Where did you go?" Looked like he'd be having words with Jonathan again tonight.
"Well, we did go to a restaurant, we just went to a restaurant at the hotel," Alex told his father. "These girls though, I mean they looked like mum when she wears that black robe except it was less...I don't know, but they were really nice." Looked like little Alex was growing up a bit. Luckily, another little one was on the way.
"Oooh, sounds like somebody has a crush," Rick teased, deciding that he would deal with his brother-in-law later. It was bittersweet watching Alex grow up. Rick still considered him to be his baby although Alex preferred being known as a 'mature child'. He ruffled his son's hair affectionately, before suddenly remembering. "Oh, I'm not supposed to do that," he said, drawing his hand away.
"Don't worry dad, just this once is okay," said Alex, giving his father a lop-sided grin. "How is mum?" he asked softly, reaching forward to touch his mothers' hair. Right now he thought his mother looked beautiful, but he wasn't
sure if he was going to like having another person take mum and dad's attention away.
"I think your mother will be relieved when she's had this baby," Rick told him. "Now though, she's just feeling a little tired. It must have been a long day at work." Suddenly, he felt the baby move again. "Hey, Alex," he said, taking the boy's hand and placing it on Evie's stomach. "Your sister is saying hello."
That put a smile on Alex's face as he touched her belly lightly, feeling the baby kick against his hand. "You know for a fact it's a girl?" he asked. He really wanted a little sister so that he could be just like his uncle and his mother had been when they were children. He wanted that more than anything.
"Well, your mother seems pretty certain," said Rick, smiling at the awed expression on his son's face. "Call it mom's intuition, but we think you're going to get a little sister any day now."
"Can I please stay in the room when mum has the baby?" he asked for the tenth time. He had always been told he was to stay with uncle John, but he wanted to be close to his mum. "Please dad, I really want to watch." He was as curious as ever, the young O'Connell boy.
"No Alex," said Rick, gently but firmly. "I told you already you have to stay with Jonathan." He remembered how his wife had been when she was giving birth to Alex and the foul language she had used due to the pain she had been in. She had cursed the day he ever touched her and he would have been amused by some of the more colourful expressions she had used had he not been so frightened and worried for her. "I promise you can see the baby just as soon as it's born."
"But why do you get to be with her and I can't? I love her too, dad," said Alex, placing his hand against his mothers' cheek. When her eyelashes fluttered a little, he pulled back to make sure that she would stay asleep and she did.
"I know you love her son, we both do. It's just that when your mother gives birth, she's gonna be in a lot of pain, but the doctor and I will be there to make sure she's okay. Your mother wants me to stay with her and it isn't that she doesn't love you too, but she needs you to be strong for her with your uncle while we wait for this baby to make an appearance, okay?" Rick looked at him seriously. "Alex, I promise you I will take care of her and not let anything bad happen."
"But...but.." Images of his mum lying dead on the temple floor came to him and he pushed them aside. She was just giving birth, she wasn't dying. "Alright dad, I know that you'll protect mum and take care of her," Alex smiled, leaning forward to kiss his mother's cheek.
"You know I will protect her, Alex," said Rick, remembering the time when Ardeth had told him about his past history as a Med-jai, sworn to love and protect his wife. He still had trouble coming to terms with the idea that he was a warrior for God, but he could easily believe that he had been created to love and protect Evie for as long as he lived.
Evie felt the kiss and she stirred, opening her eyes to see her son standing before her. "Hello, sweetheart," she whispered to him.
"Hey," said Rick when she woke. "Nice nap?"
"Yeah," she mumbled drowsily, still half-asleep. "Nice nap." She curled closer to him, reaching out one hand to brush her son's cheek.
Alex smiled at her as he leaned into her hand. "Mum, guess what? I met some ladies today at uncle John's hotel where he goes all the time. They served us dinner."
"That's nice darling," she murmured softly, the words not registering right away, but when they did sink in, she sat up straight in her husband's lap. "WHAT?" she said, exasperated. She was suddenly very angry with her brother. How could he do this to her son? He was far too young to know about things like that.
"Sshh Evie, calm down," said Rick gently. "I'm going to have a word with Jonathan myself later on. Don't upset yourself, okay?" He rubbed her back soothingly, trying to settle her back down.
Evie sighed, but still got up off his lap, bracing one hand on her back to support herself. "Alex, it's time for bed," she announced flatly, leading her son from the room.
"But mum, I don't want to go to bed right now. I want to stay up with you and dad," he begged as he was led from the room, but reaching up to hold her arm for support.
"Your father and I are going to bed in a few minutes anyway so there won't be anything to focus on," she told him, helping him get ready for bed before tucking him in. "Good boy Alex," she said, placing a kiss on his forehead and pulling the covers up.
He yawned, giving away his own exhaustion. "Night mum," he said, rolling onto his side as she clicked off the light and shut the door.
She made her way down the hallway towards her bedroom, closing and locking the door behind her. "Alex is asleep."
His eyebrows rose when she locked the door, his concern for her battling with bemusement as he rose from the chair and walked over to stand directly in front of her. "You locked the door," he said accusingly, smiling at her to let her know he was teasing. "Either I'm in for a really good time or you're about to beat me senseless. Please give me advance warning so that I can prepare myself."
She chuckled and placed a hand against his cheek. "Darling, I'm planning on beating you senseless," she murmured in her own teasing manner as she stepped closer to him, her stomach pressing against his, although it did leave some room between them.
Rick shrugged, guessing he should be used to these sudden mood changes by now. "Well, thanks for letting me know," he smiled, turning his head slightly so that he could nuzzle her palm with his lips, closing his eyes. "Then after you've done that, what is it you plan on doing to me next?" His eyes opened again as he gazed down at her. "I'm just trying to be prepared," he whispered, kissing her palm.
"Well, I was thinking we could improvise," she said, walking away from him and letting her clothes slip off her body as she grabbed her robe, slipping it on over her bare skin. She took the pins out of her done-up hair, letting it fall around her shoulders and then walked over to their bed slowly, pulling back the covers and slipping underneath. She lay back against the pillow and looked over at him.
"Improvise huh?" he asked, shucking off his shirt and pants and joining her in bed. "I like the sound of that." He lay down on his side next to her and propped himself up on one elbow. "Have I kissed you these last few minutes?" he murmured, tracing over her lower lip with his index finger.
She shook her head slightly, taking his finger into her mouth. She watched him carefully as she rolled to her side, moving a little uncomfortably with the weight in her stomach, wondering what had brought this on. "I haven't beaten you senseless yet," she reminded him.
"I know, I know," he sighed, enjoying the feel of her mouth suckling at his finger. "Just get it over with quick so that we can move onto the main show," he said, distracted by what she was doing to him. It always happened like this, him with his intentions of seducing her, which would always backfire the second she turned her attention on him, but he wouldn't have it any other way.
She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him as close as she could get him. She could hear the distant rumble of thunder, signifying that a storm was heading their way. She hated the thunder for some reason. Being pregnant had made her more afraid of things. Her hormones were so out of whack these days and as the sky flashed with lightning, she dropped what she had been doing to bury her face into her husbands' chest.
"Hey," he said softly, bringing his arms around her to hold her reassuringly. He could feel her body trembling against his and he rubbed her back soothingly. "Are you feeling alright Evie? he asked in concern.
She nodded and just lay curled against him, her arms tight around his body and she shivered. She felt shaky all over and she kissed him very gently before laying her head on his chest, tightening her hold as another clap of thunder ripped at the windows, wind blowing fiercely.
He figured it was the storm that was making her act this way when he felt her cling to him as another bout ofthunder resounded outside. One hand was on her back, holding her close to him while the other was in her hair, stroking it in the way he knew she liked, hoping it would calm her down. "You sure you're okay, honey?" he asked gently. "It's just a storm. We're safe in here."
She nodded again and then pulled back. "I'm going to make some tea," she told him. "You wait here for me, we'll continue this when I get back." She kissed his cheek and his neck gently before pulling away and getting out of bed, making sure her robe was fastened tightly. She unlocked the bedroom door and headed off downstairs. She was glad when he stayed in their room so that she could pretened to be brave.
She clicked on a couple of lights and made her way to the other side of the house into the kitchen. She fixed a pot of tea and poured two mugs, getting a tray together. She was just turning around when another bolt of thunder, louder than anything crashed out and she felt her stomach tear at her as she crumpled to the floor. She was all the way on the other side of the house and she knew no one would be able to hear her as a harsh contraction ripped at her, warm fluid running down her leg. "RICK!" she screamed out at the top of her lungs as the pain tore at her.
Meanwhile, Rick was laying on his back in bed, staring at the ceiling as he waited for his wife to return. Thunder crashed around the house ominously and he sighed, wondering what was taking her so long. He was worried and after a couple more minutes, he decided to go looking for her.
He hauled himself out of bed, yanking on his pants as he walked out onto the landing. "Evie?" he called out, making his way down the stairs. He couldn't hear anything other than the noise of the storm, but suddenly during an interval, he heard a voice he knew all too well crying out for him. "Evie?" he shouted, sprinting down the stairs to find her in the kitchen, slumped on the floor, her face a mask of pain. "God Evie, what's wrong?" he asked in panic, rushing over to her.
She sat on the floor, holding her stomach and crying in pain, her water broken and pooling round her legs. "Rick..." she whispered in a pained voice, reaching out for him. A window was suddenly whipped open by the wind of this terrible storm and she shrieked in terror, taken with another contraction as she clutched her stomach.
"Oh my...Evie!" he cried when she screamed, out of fear or pain or possibly both. Of all the nights to be born, the kid had to pick this one. Trying to clear his head, he unwrapped her arms from around her belly and helped her stand up. He had to get her out of the kitchen but where to? He couldn't carry her to their bedroom; it was too far away so he figured the living room would be his best bet. "Evie? Evie honey, listen to me," he said firmly, lifting her chin up to look into her eyes. "I need to get you out of here and into the living room, so I need you to be strong for me so that I can help get you there, okay? Do you think you can manage that?"
She nodded and leaned into his arms. She desperately wanted to be back upstairs in their bed. She didn't want to have this baby on the living room couch where her son might easily come into the room and see what was going on, he was far too young for things like this. She took small steps, inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply to try and keep herself calm. She looked over at the couch, which seemed too far off for her tastes, although it was only a few feet away. She cringed as another clap of thunder broke the sky and lit up the mostly dark room.
"We're almost there, Evie," he said encouragingly as he braced an arm around her, guiding her over to the couch. "Stay with me honey, I got you. You're doing great." They finally reached the couch and he helped her down onto it. "I need you to stay calm now, okay?"
"Yeah, I know," she murmured, closing her eyes and placing a hand on her stomach, taking deep breaths. She tried to lighten things up a little by saying to him, "sorry we didn't get to...you know, make love." She laid her head on the pillow, trying to get comfortable. She really wanted her bed right now.
Rick snorted with laughter at that as he knelt beside her, helping her get more comfortable. "Don't worry about that now, just concentrate on bringing our little baby into this world," he told her. He smoothed a lock of hair from her forehead tenderly. "I'm right here with you Evie, it's going to be alright." He knew that despite her attempt to make him smile, she was scared and he was trying his best to take that fear away.
"Rick..." She took a shaky breath and reached out to grasp his hand. "I need a doctor," she said, squeezing her eyes shut as she leaned back, just wanting to get this damn kid out of her. She cried out as she felt another contraction take control of her body.
He winced, feeling totally helpless as yet another contraction tore through her. This had been the worst part of watching her give birth to Alex, knowing that he couldn't make it better for her, couldn't take away her pain and it broke his heart. She was right though, she did need a doctor. "Okay honey, I'm just going to call Doctor Trevor," he said, letting go of her hand. "Will you be alright for just a minute? I promise I won't be long." Fortunately, this
contraction seemed to be over.
At that moment, the entire power supply to the house shut off, leaving them in total darkness and with dead phone lines. Evie cried out for him to come back to her. "Rick? What happened? What just happened?" she asked, frantically searching through the darkness for him.
"I'm here," he said, grabbing hold of her hand and squeezing it gently. "It's a power cut. We won't be able to get through to the doctor now." He bit his lip, trying to figure out what to do now and fighting the urge to panic. "Evie, listen to me, we're gonna be okay."
*******
One of Jonathan�s girls was hanging on his arm as they shut the door behind them. Cynthia, the unhappily married woman who often took comfort in Jonathan�s arms was looking forward to a quiet yet romantic night with him. She shook her head and wrapped her arms around him, giggling madly. "Well, we beat the storm again," she told him as they made their way to the living room.
Rick perked up when he heard voices and his spirits lifted even more when he recognised one of those voices as Jonathan�s. He wasn't Rick's idea version of a helper, but right now he would just have to do. "Jonathan!" he cried, trying to make him out in the darkness. "Jonathan, is that you?"
"Jonathan," said Cynthia in her ditzy blond voice. "I thought you said we were going to be alone tonight?" She kissed his neckline and began working on his buttons, wanting to head up to his room.
When Rick heard the woman talking, he fought the urge to bash his brother-in-law's head against the wall. Not again, he thought, reining his anger in. His temper wasn't going to anybody any favours right now. "Jonathan!" he shouted. "Where the hell are you?"
Out of his wine-induced buzz, Jonathan could vaguely discern Rick's voice yelling at him. "Rick, is that you?" he asked, squinting into the darkness. "I say, why is it so dark in here?"
"Because the lights aren't on!" Rick practically bellowed. "There's been a damn power cut and I need your help. Now I want you to stay calm and not panic here, but Evie's gone into labour."
"L-labour? Me help?" Jonathan sputtered, those words sobering him up faster than coffee ever could. "Shouldn't the doctor be on his way?"
"The power is out," Rick repeated through clenched teeth. "I can't use the phone right now so you have to help me and Evie."
"But, Jonathan," Cynthia whined. "I thought we were going to head upstairs and spend some time together," she continued, fooling with the buttons on his shirt.
Rick snapped when he heard the woman speak again. "Get her the hell out of here Jonathan! Your sister is about to give birth here!"
Cynthia took a step back and spoke to him harshly in her fluffy little voice. "Well, I never!" She shook her head, blond curls bouncing around her face as she glared in Rick's general vicinity.
"Now that I don't believe," Rick muttered as he turned his attention back to his wife.
Evie felt the contraction leave her and she dropped her head down, bringing a hand up to wipe the sweat from her brow. Everything was happening so fast and her eyes pooled with tears of pain and worry. She hiccupped softly and reached for Rick's hand.
He held her comfortingly, smoothing her hair back from her damp forehead. "Everything's gonna be okay sweetheart, Jonathan�s here to help," he told her, kissing her forehead gently. He could still hear voices and he turned tiredly toward them. "Look miss, I'm sure you're a nice girl and all, but can you please leave? My wife is about to have a baby God dammit!"
"But it's still raining," Cynthia protested, not wanting to get herself any more wet than she already was, but knowing that she would have to leave.
Evie screamed out again, feeling her whole body completely taken over in pain and she sobbed out loudly, leaning into Rick's arms and crying her heart out. "Rick, it hurts...it hurts terribly," she mumbled, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him to her.
He held her close, fighting the urge to cry himself. "It's gonna be okay sweetheart, we've got help," he told her soothingly. "Such as it is," he muttered under his breath.
She groaned out loudly and tried to keep up with everything. Her legs were sticky and she hurt so badly. In her pain, she grabbed his shoulder and bit down.
He gasped when her teeth marked his shoulder, but if it helped her get through this, he guessed that it couldn't hurt. Much. Anyway, her pain was his pain. "We'll get through this honey," he told her, holding her tight.
She pulled back, realising that she had just bitten him. "I'm sorry...sorry sorry sorry..." she muttered over and over and then screamed again as her contractions started getting worse. This was going too fast and she was nervous as hell. "Rick..." she murmured, reaching for him.
"It's okay baby, it's okay," he told her, holding her close. "Bite me all you want sweetheart if it helps get you through this."
Startled at his sister's screaming, Jonathan pushed Cynthia towards the door. "I know it's raining Cynthia, but I really need you to go now. I'll call you okay?"
She nodded as she left, guessing they would have another night of passion sometime soon.
With that, Jonathan turned to Rick and made his first useful suggestion of the evening. "It is rather dark in here old boy, might it be wise to get some candles?"
"Yes, candles are very good," Evie groaned, gripping her husband's hand as she went through another bad contraction. "SHIIIIIT!" she moaned out, leaning forward.
"Jonathan, get the damn candles!" Rick yelled, keeping his attention focused
on his wife.
"Mum, watch your language!" said Alex as he always did whenever his mother swore. He stood at the top of the stairs, wondering what was going on and why everyone was downstairs on the couch. "Mum? What's going on?" He hurried down the stairs only to see his mother who seemed to be in terrible pain, his father trying to comfort her and his uncle setting up candles. The young boy dropped by his mother's side. "What is it, what's the problem?"
Evie cried out as she faced the worst contraction yet and she swore loudly, angry that she had to go through this, but biting her tongue after swearing in front of her son. "Alex, go to bed," she groaned. Rick looked up to see Alex and he panicked. 'God, he can't see this!' he thought frantically. "Jonathan, change of plan! Take Alex!"
"But I thought you wanted candles?" asked Jonathan, confused and then he saw his nephew. He dropped the candles and the box of matches on the floor and took Alex, pulling him away from the living room. He remembered all the times Rick and Evie had told him that Alex was not to be there during the birth and he tugged the young boy toward the stairs. "Come on Alex, your mum says we have to go upstairs," he said, ushering the boy back to his room.
"But, but I don't want to go back upstairs, I want to help dad and mum," Alex protested as he was led away by his uncle. He sighed. At least he didn't have to go back to bed. "Fine then..." he mumbled unhappily as he followed his uncle to the other side of the O'Connell manor.
*******
"Alex is upstairs with Jonathan now sweetheart," said Rick wiping her brow. "They'll be okay together. Now, how are you doing?" The contractions seemed to have passed for the moment and he was relieved at this small break she was having from the pain.
"Rick, can you get me some sort of washcloth to wipe my forehead?" she asked weakly. She felt sticky and covered with sweat and she didn't care how she looked right now with tendrils of hair stuck to her face, her eyes dazed with pain. She just needed to be soothed and cooled off, to be told how much he loved her, especially when she heard another crack of thunder.
"Sure honey," he said, kicking himself for not having thought of it sooner. "I'll be right back, I promise. Hold on for me." He released her reluctantly and then ran toward the kitchen, cursing as he crashed into a chair on the way.
He dug around frantically under the sink and guided by the lightning; he found a couple of washcloths. He grabbed a pair of scissors from the drawer and ran a bowlful of cold water. On his way back out, he snagged a few clean towels, figuring they might come in handy later and he returned to the living room, his hands full as he knelt back down beside her. He dipped one of the washcloths in the water and wrung it out, gently wiping it over her forehead. "That better?" he murmured, brushing her hair back from her face and kissing her head.
"Yeah," she sighed. "I think the contractions are over for now." She was relieved that the pain was over for now. "I hope Alex is safe and taken care of," she said, ever the caring and nurturing mother. Even through her pain, she still put everybody else before herself. The cloth on her forehead was soft and cool and she closed her eyes, feeling drowsy even though she knew she wouldn't fall asleep. "Can I have some hot tea?" she asked in a child-like voice.
Rick turned the washcloth over and dabbed her forehead. "I don't think I should get you anything to drink right now Evie, you're not supposed to be having any liquids now. I'm sorry honey." And he was. He felt terrible for denying her anything, but this time he had to.
She sighed at the word 'no' and she did something that she hadn't done since she was a little girl being told 'no' at the doll store. She whimpered and began crying softly, tears falling from her eyes. She was in so much pain and tea always helped calm her. She knew that she wasn't supposed to have it, but she couldn't help crying anyway.
"Oh God Evie, I'm so sorry," he said, wanting to cry himself. He reached out to brush away the tears, kissing her cheek and telling her, "everything will work out honey, you'll see." The words sounded hollow to his own ears though. He was useless in situations like this, but he had to be strong for her, he had to help get her through this. "It's going to be okay because I love you and together, we can survive anything."
Her whimpering quieted and she pressed her face into his chest, sighing deeply and hiccupped as one usually did after crying their heart out. She was so terribly frightened and no one was around because of the storm. Still, she could feel his heartbeat and she knew she had his love to get her through this, even as she felt another contraction tearing at her belly. She cried out in pain, her voice carrying over the crash of the storm outside.
He held her close, squeezing her hand as another contraction tore through her. "You're doing great Evie," he said reassuringly. Her pain cries upset him terribly, but he had to focus on helping her now. "You're doing just fine honey. Just keep it up and this kid will be out in no time."
She groaned in pain. "Tell me *why* I decided to have another baby with you." She sounded almost angry by that as she breathed through a painful contraction. She dug her nails into his back, holding onto him tight as she tried to get through the pain. "Why did I let you do this to me?" she sobbed.
He winced as her nails gouged into his back, but he still kept his hold on her. Even though her words were angry and accusing, he knew she didn't really mean them, that it was just the pain talking. Plus, she wouldn't let go of him and he figured that if her using him as a scratching board helped, then so be it. Looked like he was going to walk away from this with scars when it was all over, but it didn't bother him a bit. He wanted to take away her pain so badly, wanted to help her. "Don't think about the pain right now, honey, just concentrate on getting our baby into the world," he said, wiping her brow again.
She pulled away from him and lay back on the couch, clutching her belly. She knew she wasn't ready to give birth just yet and she wailed her way through the rest of the contraction, tossing her head from side to side.
"Get it out of me, get it out!" she shrieked, bending her knees beneath her robe, knowing she would have to get rid of it. It took a while for her to register, but she could feel stickiness around her thighs and her fear grew. "RICK, RICK! I'm bleeding!" she sobbed, reaching out for him in the darkness.
He could feel her fear as if it were a tangible thing and he began to panic, finding her hand in the darkness and squeezing it gently. "Okay Evie, I'm gonna have to take the robe off so that I can see what's going on," he said soothingly, tugging the garment off of her. Still keeping a hold of her hand, he moved down her body down between her legs. God dammit, he couldn't see anything clearly and he fumbled for one of Jonathan�s abandoned candles, lighting the damn thing and finally getting a proper look at her. He gasped when he realised she had been right; she was bleeding. "Oh my God!" he cried, grabbing one of the towels, trying to mop up the blood. "Evie, you're bleeding! What am I supposed to do?"
She could sense his panic and she knew that she had to stay calm. She knew that her body wasn't going to get her through this if she freaked out and although she was in incredible pain, she bit down another wail and looked at him. "Calm down Rick, I need you to calm down for me...it can't be *that* bad," she said, trying to reassure both of them. She closed her eyes, feeling the cold air of the house upon her naked flesh and she sighed. This was crazy she thought, whispering a prayer to whatever god was listening to help her get through this safely. "Please, Rick, just stay calm."
He breathed deeply, calming himself just like she had asked. Then he felt ashamed. It was supposed to be his job to comfort her, but she was the one doing all the comforting while he had lost his head like an idiot. Seeing the blood had been the thing that had set him off though and he bit his lip, trying to focus. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, sounding like a little boy. "I'm so sorry Evie."
She nodded. "It's okay darling, just love me." She grabbed his hand, pulling him closer so that she could look deep into his eyes. "I love you, I love you so much," she said, pulling his mouth to hers to share a momentary kiss with her husband in between bouts of pain. For a few seconds, the blood and the pain left her mind. "Just stay strong darling," she whispered against his lips, still taking on the role of comforting her husband even in *her* time of need, but she couldn't help it.
"With you by my side I always feel strong," he told her as a single tear slipped down his cheek. "I love you Evie." He kissed her briefly before giving her a determined smile. "We'll get through this. We always do." And with that, he kissed her hand, making his way back down her body. He cleared the blood away so that he could get a closer look to see how she was doing.
She gasped out and nodded at him. "I'm sorry for yelling earlier," she said as he checked between her legs. "I am happy to be having this baby with you. We're making life together." She sobbed softly as another contraction hit. By now, she was about six centimeters dilated and the blood was not coming out as fast. She gripped her hands to her naked belly, but then she heard the sound of her darling boy at the top of the stairs.
"Mum!" cried Alex. "I heard you scream and I just had to come and help you, please dad, please let me help you." Tears were streaming down his cheeks, feeling so scared at the sight of his mum trying to give birth to a baby. He'd managed to sneak out when Jonathan had decided to take a nap.
"Jesus, Alex!" said Rick. "I thought I told you to stay upstairs. You�re not supposed to be here, go back to bed!" He cursed himself for sounding so harsh. "Please Alex, if I ever needed you to do something for me, it's this. Just promise me you'll stay upstairs until this is over. I swear everything will be okay."
"JOHNATHAN!" Evie screamed loud enough to wake the dead and when he appeared, she yelled at him. "TAKE CARE OF MY BABY BOY!" It was easy to yell things when she was in so much pain and it actually felt like a relief to have this opportunity to scream out loud.
"Mum! Mum!" Alex felt like he was back at the temple watching her die and he was terrified, running down the stairs two at a time to get to her.
Jonathan cringed at the tone of his sister's voice, but did as she said, scooping Alex up before he could get any further. He had only dozed off for a moment. "Alex, we have to go," he said firmly, carrying the squirming boy back upstairs. "Trust me, you really don't want to see this."
"Mum!" Alex yelled, struggling in his uncle's arms. "Mum, don't die again," he cried, burying his face against Jonathan�s chest.
Evie sobbed out, her heart breaking, not wanting to have her son see this, yet she felt so distraught. She was full of pain and anguish that her son would be so afraid and she struggled to stand up, forgetting her need to give birth as she took two steps before collapsing on her knees. "Alex, I love you," she called.
Rick's air of calm rapidly disintegrated at the chaos going on around him. "God Evie, get back on the couch!" he cried, lifting her up from the floor and placing her back to where she had once been. "Jonathan!" he yelled. "Get Alex upstairs now!" He turned back to Evie. "Settle down honey, we'll get through this you'll see."
She felt her husband's arms close around her settling her back onto the couch. She sighed, trying to keep calm, but the panic around her wasn't helping one bit. "Rick, go take care of Alex. Get him settled and then come back to me. I promise I'll be fine, Alex needs you now more than I do." She needed him badly, but was in no way going to allow her son to be so scared.
He was crying now, tears running freely down his cheeks. "Evie, I can't leave you," he sobbed, holding her close. "What if something happens to you while I'm gone? I'd never be able to forgive myself."
"Rick, I've given birth before, just take ten minutes to take care of our son. If you don't, I will," she told him, cradling his head in her hands and looking him right in the eyes. Her own hazel orbs were bright with pain and fear, but she offered him a smile, always the brave girl.
He sighed, wiping his tears away roughly with the back of his hand. "I'll go see to him," he said, loosening his grip on her. He gazed at her, his brow creased in worry and he kissed her hard for a moment before releasing her and getting up from his place on the floor. "I'll be right back," he promised, running up the stairs after his son. "Alex?" he called.
"Dad!" Alex threw himself into his father's arms, crying so hard. "Tell me mum isn't going to die, please dad, please..." he cried into his shoulder. "Why was she bleeding from her legs?" he asked bluntly, scared and confused as he held tightly onto his father.
Rick clung to Alex, rocking him gently. "Alex, listen to me," he said softly. "I promise you your mother isn't going to die. She won't, she just...won't. I won't let her." He leaned back slightly to brush away the tears from his son's face. "It'll be alright," he murmured, feeling Alex hiccupping a little, but he could tell he was calming down somewhat. "She's bleeding like that because that's where the baby is going to come out, okay?"
Alex hiccupped again, making tiny little whimpering noises as he looked at his father with teary red eyes, nodding his head. "I got scared dad, I'm afraid I'll lose mum again." He wrapped his arms around his father's neck, holding him close. "I need mum." He was also curious as to why mum brought life into the world like that. Little Alex was already as intelligent and as keen on knowledge as some high schoolers.
"I know you do," said Rick, holding him tight. "But believe me, you won't lose her again. She's just giving birth and she's going to be in a lot of pain, but she'll get through it, she will. We both know how strong your mother is." He continued rocking his child gently. He was glad now that Evie had demanded he take care of their son, it had made him much more focused and had also succeeded in calming both of them down. He smiled. His wife always knew best. "Come on Alex, let's get you back to your room."
He nodded slowly and released his father, taking his hand and following him into his bedroom. He felt so much better now as he jumped into his bed where Uncle John had been waiting for him.
"Uncle John, will you stay with me tonight?" he asked in a voice that could not hide his exhaustion. He gave his father another hug before resting against Jonathan�s chest. The two of them would be safe here and finally, some quiet was allowed.
Rick watched as his son nestled in bed with Jonathan. "Get some sleep son," he said to Alex, turning off the light. "Everything's going to be fine." Then he spoke to his brother-in-law. "Look after him, alright?" he said before closing the door.
"Come on partner, you heard what your dad said so let's get some sleep," said Jonathan, holding the boy close. He smiled, hoping that his nephew would sleep well and praying to God that his sister would be all right.
*******
After closing the door behind him, Rick fairly bolted down the stairs to his wife. "Evie? Evie, I'm back!" he called, rushing to her side.
Having things calm down a bit had allowed Evie to drift off to sleep during a break from one of her contractions, but her head moved to the side a little, showing that she wasn't in that deep a sleep. Her stomach moved up and down with every breath she took, the child inside of her taking its time coming into the world.
He smiled when he found her asleep and relief washed over him. She was free from pain, for the moment anyway. He contemplated taking her in his arms, but decided against it, not wanting to wake her. Instead, he just sat very close to her, kissing her forehead gently and taking one of her hands in his.
She awoke about half an hour later with another strong contraction battling her system and she leaned forward to breathe in deeply. She knew she wasn't ready yet, but God, she wanted to push. "Rick! I want to push...I want to get this baby out of me." She leaned back against the pillow again, doing her breathing exercises and feeling the stickiness around her thighs once more.
"Not yet sweetheart, not yet," he told her soothingly. "It isn't time yet, just try to take deep even breaths and stay calm okay? I'm here for you, just hold onto me." He reached for another towel, cleaning the blood on her thighs. At least that gave him something to do other than hold her hand and offer reassurances.
She nodded and clung to him. "Rick, is there a lot of blood?" she asked, worried as she couldn't see all that well. Her contraction had gone away again and she looked at her husband anxiously, trying to stay calm. She was curious as to how dilated she was, knowing she had to be at least nine centimetres so that she could begin to push. It felt tight.
"Not as much as before," he told her, wiping the blood from her thighs. "You're doing good Evie, just don't start pushing yet, okay? You're doing just fine sweetheart." He kissed her forehead gently. "How are you feeling?"
"Just great," she moaned as she leaned her head back against the pillow riding out another contraction. "*You* try pushing a bowling ball out of you and see how that feels." She was sorry for snapping at him, but it just hurt so much and the pain clouded her thoughts.
He bit his lip, knowing she didn't really mean it. She was just hurting and he was an outlet for her pain. Still, at least she wasn't yelling at him. Yet. He dipped the washcloth in the water once more, wiping her brow and trying to cool her down.
"I'm sorry darling, I am. I don't mean those things, it just hurts so badly," she said as she calmed down a little for a brief moment. The contractions were now coming within a few minutes of each other and she knew it wouldn't be long now. Her mouth was dry and she swallowed hard."I know honey, I know," he assured her. Her contractions were coming faster and more regularly now which had to be a good sign. He smoothed her hair back from her face and gently dabbed her hot cheeks with the washcloth.
She whimpered, trying to pull her knees a little higher. "Darling, I'm going to need some blankets, some warm water for the baby and something to cut the baby free," she panted, feeling the pain against her pelvic muscles. "I have a feeling you and I will have another child before the hour is over."
He hovered for a moment, unwilling to leave her, but he knew he had to go get the things that she needed. He had already brought in scissors from his first trip to the kitchen, but he would have to go upstairs to fetch the blankets. He kissed her quickly and with a muttered, "be right back," he dashed upstairs to fetch some blankets from their bedroom, flinging them over his shoulder before racing off to the kitchen. He ran the warm water faucet, waiting until the water got hot enough before getting a bowlful of the stuff and then hurried back into the living room and over to the couch, trying not to spill any of it.
She looked up at him when he came back. "Thank you darling. Have I told you how much I love you?" she whispered, rubbing her belly and feeling another push on her pelvis. She wanted to scream out in pain again, but she swallowed and held back as she waited for him to get settled by her side.
"You tell me every day," he said softly, arranging everything before sitting back down beside her again. He kissed the top of her head, frowning at the pained expression on her face. "You're so strong Evie, far stronger than I'll ever be. I love you so much sweetheart."
"I love you." She reached out to take his hands in both of hers, holding on tightly as she felt a push against her. "Rick...Rick, something feels wrong," she muttered in fear. Her heart was pounding non-stop in her breast and she clung to him, holding him closer to her.
He stared at her worriedly, holding her tight against him. "What feels wrong?" he asked. "What is it Evie?" He held her close, trying to soothe her, but also fighting his own urge to panic. "Just tell me what's wrong and I'll do my best to help you."
She swallowed hard, leaning her head back. "Rick, am I fully dilated?" she asked, keeping her grip tight on him. "I need to get this baby out of me." She whimpered and tears fell from her eyes. "Please Rick, take care of me. Don't let anything bad happen."
He could sense her fear and he had to calm hr down. He cupped her face in his hands and stared into her eyes. "Evie listen to me," he said solemnly. "I promise you I will never let anything bad happen to you. I'm here for you, baby and I'll always be here. Now, you need to let go of me for a second while I take a look."
She nodded and loosened her hold on him while she pulled back and cried through another contraction, feeling it take her hostage for a few moments deep into pain. She gasped and she felt it release, taking tiny quickened breaths as she waited for him. "Rick....Rick!" she cried out.
"I'm here honey, I'm here," he said quickly, moving back up her body to take her in his arms again. "I checked and it looks to me like you're fully dilated, maybe about four inches, so I guess that means the baby is on its way sweetheart."
She nodded and when the next contraction struck, she did her best to push, but only lay back, gasping for breath. "Rick, I can't push, the baby won't move!" she cried out in fear as she tried again. Nothing happened. "RICK!" she screamed out in complete pain.
He winced at the way she shrieked his name and tried not to show his fear. She was ready to push now, why the hell wasn't it working? He was totally at a loss for what to do, but he didn't want to frighten her even more. "Evie, it's going to be alright," he said desperately, fighting the urge to cry along with her. "Try again sweetheart."
She tried once more to push the baby free from her, but only ended up falling back against the couch once more, sobbing freely. "I can't do it Rick, I can't get the baby out..." She tossed her head, gripping his arms in fear and pain, trying to keep calm.
'Think Evelyn, think'. She knew she had to get the child out of her, but it was dead set on not budging and it was like one continuous stream of pain for her. "Rick, help me get the baby out...I'm scared, I'm scared..."
"Just stay calm honey, it'll be okay," he told her, holding onto her tight. "Now you have to help me help you Evie. Tell me what it is I have to do." He had promised her he would do everything in his power to get her through this, but first he had to know what to do. If he just had something to focus on, some way to help her, everything would be fine. "Don't be scared honey, we're going to get through this."
She nodded, holding him tight as she thought back to what the doctor had told her, trying to bite back the pain she was feeling. "I think...I think you have to move the baby a little...Doctor Trevor said that if ever the baby has a hard time moving, just adjust it a bit. That's all I remember." She held his shoulders in a death grip, crying through it, trying to get up to see what was going on.
"Settle down Evie, you need to lie back now," he said, gently easing her down. "Right, so we have to adjust the baby so that it can move. Sounds like a plan." And then it hit him what he'd just said. "*I* have to...to...." basically, he had to reach up inside of her to move the baby a little so that she could push it on out. He bit his lip in panic. 'I can't do it!' he thought in horror. Jesus, he'd hurt her! He had to do this though, otherwise it could end up a lot worse.
Evie closed her eyes. "I'm so thirsty Rick, please...please may I have a drink." She just wanted to quench her thirst before she went through this with him. "One drink...one sip." She turned her head and cried out, knowing that if she pushed again, she could hurt the baby, but holding back hurt worse than anything.
"Okay, but just a little drink alright?" he said. He knew her throat had to be sore from all the screaming and panting she'd been doing and he let go of her. "Hold on for me honey, I'm just going to fetch some water. I won't be a moment." And with that, he ran back into the kitchen for a glass of water, returning to her side once again and holding the glass to her lips so that she could take a couple of swallows.
She drank greedily, hating it when he took it back saying she'd had enough. She hiccupped and felt the urge to push again. It came harder and more desperate each time. "Help me Rick, please help." Her fingers gripped the hand he was going to need to help her, finally letting it go so that he could do what she needed him to and prepared herself for the worst. He attempted to smile at her reassuringly, but got the feeling he didn't quite pull it off. His hands were trembling and he blinked his eyes rapidly to stop the tears from falling. He had to do this, he just had to. His hands rested on her thighs for a second and he breathed in deeply, tying to stay cool before slowly and gradually easing his right hand inside of her.
She cried out loudly. It was almost too much for her, but she bit back another wail as she knew he had to do this, that he was helping her to bring this little life into the world. She clenched her teeth, trying to fight the pain. She didn't want him to know how much this hurt her, how much she just wanted it to be over. "It's okay, Rick," she said once again, being the comforter even through all of her pain. "It's okay..." The tears ran down her cheeks and she wasn't sure if she was trying to convince him or herself.
"Oh God," he said, tears now falling freely down his face. He was hurting her, he could tell and he wanted nothing more than to yank his hand out, but he knew he couldn't. "Stay with me, Evie," he murmured, wincing when she gasped out in pain as his hand moved up higher, feeling for the baby. His free hand wiped the tears roughly from his eyes so that his vision wasn't so blurry and he settled it back on her thigh, stroking it comfortingly. His searching fingers moved around inside of her and he gasped when he touched something...it was the baby! "I've got it Evie, I've found her!" he cried.
She nodded, looking up at him. "Is she alright? Is she alright?" she cried out over and over again. "Let me get her out, let me push her out." She felt the baby move inside of her and she couldn't help but try and push a little.
"Rick...I think I can push her free now." She tightened her hands in the couch beneath her, closing her eyes tight. "RIIIICK!" she screamed out, needing his help.
His job done now, Rick told himself everything would be fine. He gently withdrew his hand from her and spoke to her encouragingly. "Alright Evie, I've moved her so now I need you to push for me alright? I need you to push now sweetheart."
She leaned forward and pushed with every amount of energy she had left, her face tight with pain. She reached for his hands, sticky with amniotic fluid and gripped his hands tightly.
"Keep pushing honey, you're doing great," he said, squeezing her hands. "You can do it sweetheart, you're going to be just fine. You're so brave Evie."
She finally pushed the baby free and she dropped back against the couch, panting heavily. She heard the cries of her child, but was unaware that the cord had gotten twisted around the tiny body. "Rick...do we have a daughter or a son?" she asked, eager to know.
"Hold on a second, Evie," he said, eyes widening when he saw the umbilical cord wrapped around the baby's neck. He panicked for a second before realising all he had to do was gently and quickly unhook the cord, supporting the baby's chest as it slipped free from its mothers' body. "It's a girl, Evie!" he all but yelled in his excitement.
"A girl? I have a daughter?" She tried to get up so that she could take a look, but ended up falling back onto the couch again. She realised that the thunder and lightning were not bothering her anymore, nor how was how sore her body felt and she half-laughed, half-cried as she felt everything leave her body. She felt almost sad, the typical woes of a pregnant mother losing her baby from the womb.
Rick laughed along with her, quickly tying the cord and cutting it then wrapping his baby daughter in one of the blankets. He was so happy he felt like he would burst and that was when the tears started again, but this time he didn't brush them away. "We've got a little daughter," he grinned, handing the baby over to her. "Say hello sweetheart."
"Hi," she whispered and hugged her ever so carefully. The little infant looked up at her with big blue eyes, trying to figure out what was going on and then her tiny mouth searched out Evie's breast, beginning to suckle softly. "What a grip," she said softly, reaching out for her husband's hand. "We did it." This time, tears of happiness fell from her eyes.
"Yeah we did," he sighed happily, wrapping his arm around her and nuzzling her cheek. "You were amazing honey," he told her. "I love you Evie."
"Oh Rick, she's beautiful...absolutely lovely." She brought her fingers up to wipe the tears from his eyes, kissing him deeply. She was just trembling with love for this little child.
He smiled at her gently and looked down at his tiny daughter still suckling and his smile widened into a grin. "You're right," he agreed. "She's absolutely perfect."
"Rick, let's go to bed," she murmured. "This couch isn't the most comfortable...I suppose that's what I get for buying authentic Egyptian furniture." She laughed at herself and slowly sat up, aching something awful.
He helped her sit up, aware that she was still rather sore. "You just wait here for a moment while I go get Jonathan okay?" he said, knowing that he'd need some help getting both his wife and his daughter up the stairs.
"Alright," she nodded, reaching over for her robe with her free hand to tug it around her shoulders. She curled the baby closer to her heart, staring down at her completely transfixed. She heard the soft cries coming from her and she shushed her softly, humming gentle lullabies she hadn't uttered since Alex was little.
He smiled down at them both, his heart swelling with pride and love and then he reluctantly left, dashing up the stairs and into Alex's room. He opened the door quietly and he could see that Alex was still asleep, hugging the edge of the bed while Jonathan slept beside him, snoring away obliviously. How Alex managed to sleep through that he'd never know. He shook his brother-in-law gently. "Hey, Jonathan."
Jonathan grunted in his sleep, wishing that whoever was shaking him would just go away. When the shaking started getting a little more violent, his eyes opened to see Rick leaning over him. "Rick?" he asked groggily. "Something wrong old boy?"
"Nope, nothing's wrong," Rick told him happily. He glanced over at his son who was still sleeping and he put a finger to his lips. "I just need some help getting Evie and the baby upstairs."
Alex snorted in his sleep. He thought he could hear his dad saying something, but he was too tired out to pay any attention.
That woke Jonathan up fast. "The baby?" he asked in disbelief. "She's had it? Jolly good show!" He sprang out of bed and followed Rick down the stairs to where Evie was sitting on the couch, holding the baby close to her. "Hello, old mum," he said happily. "So what have we got Evie, another nephew or is it a niece this time?"
"A niece." She smiled up at her brother and tilted the baby in her arms so that he could get a closer look. She then turned her head to look at her husband and her eyes shone with love and adoration. 'I love you,' she mouthed as Jonathan took a good look at the newest O'Connell. Suddenly she heard another meek little cry and she turned to the baby, whispering gently. "Sshh now, none of that. Mummy is here with you."
Rick smiled as he sat beside his wife, kissing the top of her head while Jonathan cooed over the baby, marveling over how tiny she was. "I love you so much," he murmured, gently wrapping an arm around her. "You were amazing tonight."
Evie leaned close to him, sighing with happiness and letting him see their baby. "Can you believe we made her, Rick?" she asked, brushing a tear from her eye. She didn't really care what words she used in front of Jonathan, she and her husband had created life together and she couldn't be happier.
"I know honey," he said softly, holding her close. "She's so wonderful and...perfect. Just like her mother," he added, kissing away her tears. He grinned again. In spite of all what they had been through, it had been one of the most rewarding nights of his life. "Wow, I can't believe I actually helped deliver her."
"You probably saved her life," she said, nuzzling closer to him. "Let's relocate upstairs so that I can get comfortable." She leaned against Rick, trying to stand up, but just ended up wincing with pain and went back down on the couch. "Guess I'm going to need some help up the stairs."
"Just hang on a minute, honey," he said, settling her back down. "Jonathan can take the baby so that I can carry you upstairs, will you be okay with that?"
She slowly handed her newborn daughter over to her brother. "Take care of her, hold her head just so..." She heard the baby cry a little as she felt her husband's strong arms around her body, lifting her up. "Rick, she needs me," she mumbled, upset at the sound of her little one crying.
"Sshh, Evie, she'll be okay," he said soothingly, carrying her carefully up the stairs and into their bedroom, Jonathan close behind them. He could hear his daughter whimpering softly as he got his wife settled into bed.
Jonathan held the baby very gently as he waited for Rick to get his sister settled before handing his niece over to her. "So, do you have a name for this little one?" he asked.
"I was thinking perhaps Charlotte Evelyn O'Connell," she said, smiling at Rick. Since her son had taken the middle name Richard, they had thought it was a good idea for a daughter to bear her mother's name. "So, little Charlotte." She took the child to her breast, the warm flow of mother's milk soon soothing the little girl and Evie looked around the room and then back at her. "Welcome to the world."
Alex had heard voices so he went into his parents' room to find out what was going on. "What's happening?" he asked sleepily, rubbing his eyes. His gaze fell upon his new sister and he smiled. "Is that...is she mine?" he asked, pulling himself up on bed.
"Say hello to your little sister Charlotte, Alex," Rick told him, sitting down next to his son and smiling at the awed expression on the boy's face. "I'm sure she's very happy to meet you." His face hurt from all the smiling and grinning he'd been doing, but he was too thrilled to care.
"Hi, Charlotte," said Alex, touching her tiny hand. She paid him no attention, too intent on suckling her mother's breast, her eyes closed. "Mum, why is she doing that?" he asked, ever the curious one.
"She's a baby, that's how she gets her food. I used to feed you this way," Evie said, ruffling his hair.
"Mum!" he complained softly, not liking the idea much. But he got over it quick and snuggled up against her. "Hey Charlotte, you can't keep mum all to yourself you know."
"She won't darling, she won't." Evie smiled at the slight jealousy in her son's voice, but she knew that he was just as happy as the rest of them were. She smiled at her husband as she held her two children close.
Rick grinned as he watched Alex interact with his little baby Charlotte and he rubbed his son's back reassuringly. "I'm sure the two of you will get to spend plenty of time with your mother," he said, just picturing the two of them in a few year's time, arguing, laughing and playing together, each as headstrong as the other. He looked over Alex's head to smile softly at his wife.
She smiled back at him. She was in seventh heaven and she had everything she could ever need in this bed. She looked over at Jonathan, staring in tired awe at his niece and nephew. She had her husband, the very part of herself and their two children. "I guess it doesn't get any better than this," she said, a yawn about her lips.
"Guess it doesn't," he said softly. He could see that she was growing tired and he lifted his son onto his knee. "Okay Alex, time to go back to bed," he told the boy, tickling his ribs teasingly. "Your mother really needs some sleep right now and so do you."
"Aww, dad," he said, but he really was quite tired so he gave his mother a kiss on the cheek and jumped off the bed.
"Goodnight sweetheart," Evie told him as she felt Charlotte finally let go of her breast, her eyes closed in sleep, tiny little bubbles on her lips from the milk. She gently dabbed her lips clean with a soft cloth.
Jonathan took his nephew's hand, leading him out of the bedroom. "Night Evie, Rick, Charlotte," he said, blowing the baby a kiss as he shut the door behind him. "Well Alex, that was rather fun wasn't it? Time to get some shut-eye now though." He ushered the yawning boy into his room, tucking him in his bed.
"Yeah it was quite exciting. Now I'll have someone to torture just like you had mum," Alex grinned as he curled beneath the blankets, watching the expression on his uncle's face turn to one affecting guilt.
"Now I don't know what your mother has told you Alex, but I never actually tortured her when we were children, I merely...manipulated her. She was the first person I perfected the art of pick-pocketing on you know, but I suggest you don't try that with your sister." Jonathan smiled. "Now then partner, would you like me to stay with you or will you be alright on your own?"
"You can stay if you want, Uncle John," Alex said, already half-asleep. His heart was full of relief after worrying so much about his mum and he fell asleep with a smile on his face.
The boy had barely been able to finish his sentence before falling asleep and Jonathan rose from the bed, knowing that Alex would be okay on his own for the rest of the night. He closed the door softly behind him, looking forward to getting some sleep himself as he headed off to his own bedroom.
*******
Evie yawned. The night's events were finally over and she was content to simply watch her husband and daughter. She knew Charlotte would be sleeping for a long while, as would she. "You want to hold her?"
Rick nodded eagerly, taking the baby from his wife to hold her gently against his chest. She stirred slightly, but didn't wake and he smiled down at her, stroking a finger over her head. "Hey Charlotte," he whispered, completely awed at the tiny miracle he held in his arms.
Once he had Charlotte, Evie scooted down to find an acceptable laying position, but she couldn't seem to get comfortable on the pillow so she lay her head in her husband's lap, curling close to him. She kissed his leg, half-asleep. "Thank you, Rick, for giving me this perfect life," she whispered.
"It was my pleasure," he said, choking up again at the joy of being with his two girls. He smiled at his wife who was almost asleep. "I love you," he murmured as her eyes closed.
"I love you too," she whispered.
END