"They'll approve of the new arrangements." He sounds confident.
"Some people want the old ways," I counter. "The ones who profit from chaos."
"True. But they're outnumbered now."
We talk business for a while, something that is second nature for us.
"I'm tired," I admit, setting down my tea. "These babies are exhausting."
"Then rest." Maksim starts clearing papers.
"The Ice Queen isn't supposed to get tired,” I pout.
"The Ice Queen is about to become a mother." He helps me stand. "And mothers need rest. Doctor's orders."
I want to argue. I really want to push through like I always have. But my back aches and my feet are swollen, and the twins are taking turns trying to pop my kidneys.
"Fine," I concede. "But only for an hour."
"We'll see." He's already guiding me toward our master bedroom down the hall. "Lie down.”
I manage to crawl on the bed.
Maksim covers me with a blanket, kisses my forehead, and returns to work.
I awake to a sharp pain that reaches around my entire lower body. My hand goes to my belly. “Ow. You two settle down in there.”
I take a second to gather the strength to sit up when I realize I’m wet.
“What the hell?”
I stare at the wet sheets beneath me, my brain struggling to catch up with what's happening.
"Oh no," I breathe. "No, no, no. Not yet. You're not supposed to come yet."
Another contraction hits, stronger this time. It steals my breath and makes my entire body tense. I grip the edge of the bed, waiting for it to pass.
"Maksim!" My voice comes out strangled. "Maksim!"
I hear his footsteps running down the hall before the door slams open. He takes one look at me—at the wet sheets, at my face—and goes white.
"What's wrong? Are you okay? Is it the babies?" The words tumble out in rapid succession.
"My water broke." I try to keep my voice calm. "I'm in labor."
"You're—" He stares at me like I've just spoken a foreign language. "But you're not due for three more weeks."
"Tell that to them." I gesture at my belly. "The doctor said twins often come early. Remember?"
"Right. Yes. Early." He's nodding but not moving, just standing there frozen in the doorway.
"Maksim." I grip the bed as another contraction rolls through me. "I need you to not panic right now."
"I'm not panicking." His voice is an octave higher than normal. "I'm completely calm. Totally calm. This is me being calm."
"You're panicking."
"Maybe a little." He runs his hands through his hair, making it stand up in all directions. "Okay. Hospital. We need to get you to the hospital. Where's your bag? Did you pack a bag?"
