Page 59 of Daigo

His quiet voice had her turning her head to look at him.

"No. You?"

"Piece of cake." His smile was slight, his eyes intense and contemplative as he transmitted his support of her. "You're a trooper, and I'll be there with you every step of the way."

"Can you help me deliver these babies?" she muttered.

"Wish I could. You're on your own there." Taking her hand, he lifted it to his lips. "We're in this together."

She nodded. "Whatever happens-"

"No." His hand tightened on hers. "We're not going to jinx it. You're not going to tell me to save this one or don't save that one. What I said before we began this journey stands. I will not lose you. Is that understood?"

She opened her mouth to say something and then closed it at the implacable expression on his handsome face. There was no use arguing with him now. She would lose.

"Yes." Shaking away the nerves, she smiled. "Let's do this."

His face softened. "Right on time." He lifted his head to watch as the team of medical personnel, led by Dr. Middleton, came bustling out. A male nurse was wheeling out a wheelchair. "Your carriage awaits."

"Are we ready?" Dr. Middleton beamed a reassuring smile at them as Daigo rounded the hood and opened the door.

"That's a yes," Shelby told her with a cheerful smile.

"That's the spirit."

The prep was so thorough that during the process, Shelby felt like screaming. The procedure was explained in detail, in terms that they could understand. She was checked from head to toe and her vitals taken at intervals.

"Your BP is a little elevated, which is to be expected," Dr. Middleton assured her.

The delivery room was a little cold and sterile and made Shelby feel as if she were inside a refrigerator. She hated it. A team, including other doctors and nurses, surrounded her, each doing their individual duties. Daigo, suited up, sat behind her, arms enfolding her. His presence was the only thing that was keeping her tethered and sane.

"You're fine," he whispered in her ear, as if sensing her nerves.

"I know." She leaned back against him and closed her eyes. Someone had put music on: Vivaldi. Linking her fingers with her husband's, Shelby transported herself from the sterile room to the warm and cozy bedroom at home.

"We're ready to begin." Dr. Middleton spoke over the soothing music. Her eyes were direct and steady, giving Shelby a sense that she knew exactly what she was about. The tension loosened around her heart, and she started relaxing.

"The anesthesiologist will do her part to numb the lower section of your body. You will be able to see what's being done." She glanced at Daigo. "I'm preparing you for what's about to happen. We will be cutting into your wife's flesh. Now, I've seen men, strong and solid men, faint at the sight of the scalpel slicing through the flesh, and I'm asking if you're sure-"

"I'm not leaving her," he interrupted grimly. "No matter what."

The doctor nodded. Stepping back, she nodded to the rest of the team and snapped on her gloves.

Shelby's abdomen was cleansed and the catheter placed into her bladder to collect the urine.

The IV was already secured on her hand, and the doctors had already explained that it was to provide fluids, medicines, and antibiotics to avoid infections.

"The ultrasound is very positive," Dr. Middleton murmured as she held out her hand for the scalpel. "The boy is a little underweight." She looked up at the couple and smiled. "I'm assuming you've picked out the names already."

"We have." Shelby's hand tightened on Daigo's.

"Good," Dr. Middleton murmured in approval. "We're about to do the abdominal incision." The couple had insisted on all of the steps being explained. There was silence except for the music for a few minutes. "Now the uterine incision." Silence again, and Shelby held her breath.

"Baby number one. A girl."

"Kaya Andrea." Shelby felt her heart swelling. "Is she all right?"

"The nurse is going to clear her mouth and nose of fluids."