Page 76 of Alexander's Heart

“And I love you sweetheart,” Doc whispers.

I turn to Alexander because he’s here, he’s really here and I gently wrap my arms around him and cry. My heart is heavy with the weight of what could have been, a terrifying brush with mortality that leaves me shaken to my core. Tears stream down my cheeks as I struggle with the stark reality of how close I came to losing the love of my life.

I’m overwhelmed with profound gratitude for Doc and his brilliant surgical skills and returning Alexander to us. I turn my face to Doc and whisper, “Thank you, Doc, thank you for everything.”

“Lily, you don’t owe me anything, it’s my job to have my brothers back, and especially being the team medic, but you all have kept me busy of late, can we lay off the injuries for a while. However, I’ll never turn away a black forest cake.” Doc smiles cheekily and winks at me.

We all softly laugh in relief and Alexa climbs onto my lap seeking the comfort in a family embrace, we all need it with our emotions raw and grateful to have our family back together. With each passing moment, I vow to cherish every breath, every heartbeat, knowing all too well that life is a precious and fragile gift not to be taken for granted especially when the babies decide to join in kicking out.

“Hooyah,” I whisper.

“Hooyah.”

“Angel, do you have something to tell us?”

I look up and just hold Alexander’s beautiful green eyes in mine for a beat before I tell him of our adventure.

“Our little bugs decided they’d give me a good taste of what I’ll be in for when it is time.”

“Angel, are you okay? Are the babies, okay?”

“We’re good, Handsome.”

“Mommy was in lots of pain, Gwanny Mae and Pa got us heaw quick because of the Bwaxton Hiccups.” Alexa adds.

“I see Betty got an upgrade Princess; I like it.” He smiles and winks at Alexa.

“Yeah, she’s pawt of the family now.”

“Braxton Hicks?” Doc confirms.

“Yes, it was awful and hurt really bad, the contractions eased late last night, Dr. Sarah Langley treated me.”

I giggle when Doc and Alexander zone in on my belly staring hard like they can school these kids with their stare.

“I’m fine guys, Dr. Sarah checked me over but I am on restrictions.”

“Just as well, Chief is too!” Doc says.

Alexander’s face is horrified and Doc laughs, “If you had of stayed longer than five mikes after I finished your surgery, Chief, I could have run through your after care.”

Dad walks in and looks relieved, “Good to see you, Chief. I told Lily you’d walk out of recovery,”

“Hooyah.” We all call out.

“Darlin’ heart, do you want to come for a walk to help me get the team some food?”

“Yes, Pa, we needs to get some good food to welcome them home, let’s go!” Alexa kisses us both on the cheek and skips to Pa.”

“Thanks for looking after my girls, Davies.”

“Always, Chief, that’s not something I need thanks for.” Dad says, as he and Alexa leave happily to go hunt and gather supplies for everyone.

“How is he really Doc?” I ask, hearing the concern in my voice.

“Chief is fine Lily; I removed the bullets and he’ll live to fight another day!” Doc tries to reassure me.

“Bullets, as in plural?” My eyes widen and tears spill over.

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