“Breathe,” Shiloh instructed as she squeezed my arm.
Once the pain subsided, Shiloh made quick work of getting me hooked up to a fetal monitor and then went about getting the room ready for delivery.
“Oh my god, I’m so excited,” Jasmine said, sitting on the bench by the window.
“Where’s Alamo?” I asked.
“He took Sebastian to the barn. I’m yours for as long as you need me.”
I smiled. “Thanks for being here, honey.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
Doc took my hand and lifted it to his lips. “Love you.”
“I love you, too.” I smiled. “Make sure you introduce the guys to Shiloh, okay? We need a nurse in the family.”
Doc laughed. “I’ll do my best,afterthe babies are here.”
“I can live with that.”
That was the last coherent sentence I remember forming as Margo arrived with the anesthesiologist and then my water broke. Clementine arrived two hours later with my brother, but Hayes stayed in the hallway.
Four hours later, I delivered our little boy, Phoenix Tristan, who was six pounds, two ounces, followed seven minutes later by our baby girl. Chloe Rose was five pounds eight ounces, and feisty as all get out, screaming the second she came out. Phoenix was much more laid back, letting out little noises that were way too cute to be considered cries.
“Jesus, you’re amazing,” Doc whispered, kissing me gently before kissing the babies. “I love you.”
I turned teary eyes to him and smiled. “I love you, too.”
As I stared down at my miracle children, I couldn’t believe the blessings that had been heaped upon me. And as my family and friends took a minute to hug me before leaving me blissfully alone with Doc and the babies, I sent up a silent prayer of thanks.
My life was filled to the brim and I couldn’t have asked for more.
Olivia
Eighteen months later...
