Elizabeth struggled to see the screen. “I don’t understand. Lois? Tuck?” Her voice grew shrill.
"Momma, you are going to have identical twin critters anytime from the first week in March." Lois turned up the volume for them to play the symphony of baby heartbeats. The printer whirred with pictures. "That flashing is Baby A, and that one is Baby B.”
Elizabeth’s knuckles turned white holding on to Martin.
Lois helped Elizabeth sit up, then gave her a hug. “Take a few minutes, get dressed, and we’ll meet you in my office."
Martin sat on the table beside her and wrapped her in his arms. “I love you so much.” He rested his palm against her flat belly.
"I'm sorry, Marty. I didn't mean to overwhelm you. We have Lola and now two more. I was going to donate Daddy's money, but I can keep some so if I can't work...oh God...." she babbled with misty eyes.
Martin started to laugh. "Don't worry about finances—that's the simple part. The rest, we can be anxious and scared together. All I want from you is to take care of yourself and those critters." He kissed her again and helped her get dressed.
Tucker and Lois smiled when they came into the office. "I'll give Tucker the information because Elizabeth and you won't process this for at least a few more hours." Lois went over the dietary and hydration rules as well as other lab tests and sonogram schedules. She also went over the commonsense do's and don'ts. "You must eat, Beth. I'd like you to gain at least thirty-five pounds. You also need to sleep,” Lois admonished.
Martin waggled his brows at Elizabeth and, in a teasing voice, asked, "Doc, I don't want to sound like a pig, but..."
Lois chuckled. "That's up to Beth. No restrictions there—yet. Any questions, call me. I'm so excited for you." She hugged them both.
Tucker, Elizabeth, and Martin exited the office where Tate and Julian were pacing like expectant fathers. Martin couldn't contain himself as pride filled his expression. "Twins."
"Chère,are you okay? You look a little shell-shocked. Do you want to check Troy, or do you want to go home?" All Elizabeth could manage was a nod.
"Sunshine, what's wrong?" He pulled her to him.
"Please don't let someone ruin this. I'm scared," she blubbered.
"Oh, Sunshine, I won't let anyone do that. Neither will Tucker or Julian or Tate or anyone I work with. And Ruth and Joyce...she managed to scare even me."
That made Elizabeth laugh. "Um, I'd like to see Troy; then can we go home?"
Tighe sat with Ian, Kieran, Cordelia Snow, and her colleague, Roman Charles, who specialized in adoptions. Also present was a representative from Silverton's Child Protective Services, Mercy Altman. Tighe admitted his feelings and made the life-altering decision to foster Lissa until her adoption was possible.
"Mr. Cummings, because of Lissa's situation, the state of Iowa has agreed to transfer Lissa to the New York foster care system. Pending a home study and a medical care plan, Lissa should be able to come home with you. Your financials and background are solid," Roman said with a smile.
"Mr. Cummings, I spoke with Yolanda Jeffries in the Brooklyn Division, who will be taking the case if you are approved. Lissa is a special needs child. You will have to provide the names and contact information for all her caregivers. They will also need to provide a care plan," Mercy said.
Tighe cringed. “Care plan” reminded him of Indira Choudhury.
"Did I say something wrong?" Mercy asked.
"No, I'm sorry. Ms. Altman, I love Lissa. I will jump through every hoop I need to. She will be receiving care through the Chase Health Center in Manhattan. I own a four-bedroom townhouse in a nice part of Brooklyn. I will dedicate one bedroom and its bathroom for a nanny." He provided the social worker with a sketch of his home and a list of handicapped accommodations he planned to add.
"I think this will work out. We’ll be interviewing your neighbors, friends, and family. Of course, I need to speak to Lissa too," Mercy said.
Martin guided her out of the truck. "Let's go inside, Sunshine. How about some food?"
"I'd like to take a shower first."
The pair ascended the stairs one slow step at a time, then checked on Lola. Jamie greeted them. "Well?"
Elizabeth, now recovered from the original shock, said, "Uncle Jamie, you will have two more nieces or nephews in March or April. Could you watch Lola for a few more minutes? I'd like to, um, take a shower."
"Luv, Miss Lola and I are going for a walk with Grandma and Master Austin. Seems there is a lot of showering today," Jamie said it with a straight face.
Elizabeth pulled Martin into their bedroom. "Let's get you out of those clothes."
"I thought you were taking a shower."
