The look on Doyle’s face is fucking priceless, this poor kids either going to have his ass reamed or be sent packing, I’ll have a word to Cap later because he was only doing his job, but to pull a fucking weapon for no reason shows he’s scared and needs more training.
“Now, you, young whipper snapper, stand the fuck up,” Doyle does as instructed, “you ever pull a gun on a citizen again without probable cause, I will find you, you get me. Now run along and get your ass into training before you kill someone.”
The officer is open mouthed and stunned in his silence but nods his head.
“Owwwwww, shhiiitttt, oooowwww, mmmoovvvveee.” Lily screams.
“Let’s go, Chief.” Doc and I stride into the hospital just as Dr. Langley is meets us with a team pushing a gurney.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
LILY
That was so amazing to watch, I’m in some serious damn pain but I wasn’t missing that for anything. I love Betty Mae and her sassy side. I’m currently just being pushed into the delivery suite and ready to push these babies out.
“Oooowwwww,” I groan out in this low deep voice.
Alexander takes my hand, his other gently brushing back hair from my forehead and kisses me.
“I’m so proud of you, Angel. You’re so strong,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. Amidst the waves of pain, I manage a weak smile, squeezing his hand with whatever strength I can muster, because it feels like I’m about to give birth to a bowling ball.
“Doccc, pain relief?” I question.
“Let me take a look and see how far you’re dilated.”
Doc’s head disappears under the sheet that has been set up over my legs for privacy and I hope I’m ready but really would like some pain relief.
“It’s too late for any pain relief now, Lily, you’re fully dilated,” Doc explains gently, meeting my eyes with a sympathetic hazel gaze. “But I’m right here with you, and you’re doing everything right.”
I groan long and hard because this is going to be really freakin’ painful and if I’m honest, I’m scared to death.
Alexander nods, trying to keep his emotions in check, focusing on being here for me. “We’re right here with you, Angel, every step of the way. It won’t be long until we meet our babies.”
I nod, focusing on my breathing, the room filled with the sounds of encouragement and supportive whispers. Alexander and Doc exchange a glance, both sets of eyes reflecting a mix of awe and empathy, united in their role to these babies safely into this world. Betty, barrels through the door with her signature ‘Move out of my way’ attitude and it makes me giggle. Betty is both ferocious and comforting, she comes to stands beside me, confidently ready to guide me through each contraction. Her face animated as she begins coaching me, blending humor with her directions, which brings unexpected bursts of laughter from me even amidst the intensity of these awful labor pains.
“Alright, Cupcake, when the next one comes, you show it who’s boss! These twins have no idea of their mommy’s strength,” Betty exclaims, throwing mock punches into the air, mimicking a boxer gearing up for the big fight. Her spirited demeanor is a welcome distraction and a burst of laughter fills the room.
I’m catching my breath between contractions and start chuckling and shaking my head. “Betty, how do you make pushing out twins sound like a pep rally?” I manage to joke, a wry smile playing on my lips even as another contraction builds.
“Because it is, Cupcake! This is the championship round, and you’re the star player!” Betty replies, clapping her hands enthusiastically like a damn cheerleader. “Now, deep breath, and let’s knock this out of the park!”
Her words seem to infuse me with strength, and even Alexander can’t help but laugh, grateful for Betty’s unique ability to lighten the mood. Her vivid personality adds a layer of strength to the room, making the hard moments a little easier and the painful ones more bearable. As I focus again, pushing with all my might, Betty stays close, ready with more encouraging shouts and lively banter, keeping the energy in the room positive and empowered. It’s this spirited support that helps me find humor and resilience, creating a balance of laughter and determination that helps guide me through this God awful pain.
“Angel, you got this, you teach our kids who’s boss,” Alexander joins in hyping me up.
As another contraction grips me tight, the door bursts open and Alexa comes flying in. Her small feet patter across the floor as she climbs onto the bed next to her me, her eyes wide with a mix of concern and excitement.
“Mommy, you gots to breathe, like this,” Alexa demonstrates with exaggerated deep breaths, her small chest rising and falling dramatically. Her innocent encouragement brings a smile to my face despite the pain.
“And boys,” Alexa continues, turning her attention to my belly with a stern little frown, “you bettaw be nice to Mommy!”
Her serious tone and the earnestness in her voice cause a ripple of laughter around the room, lightening the mood even more. Alexander squeezes my hand, both of us warmed by Alexa’s loving concern.
Betty chuckles from her side of the bed, nodding at Alexa in agreement. “That’s right, you tell them, Darlin’. We all need to be nice to Mommy, especially those little bugs!”
Doc smiles too at the scene playing out and shakes his head, Alexa stays close to me, patting her little hand on my tight belly and occasionally leans in, whispering that she is their big sister and that they have to be nice and not hurt their mommy.
I take a moment to hug Alexa, drawing strength from her beautiful little heart. “Thank you, little love, Mommy is trying very hard, and it helps having you keep the bugs in line,” I whisper back, the room filled with a new layer of love and support.