Page 42 of Catching Dreams

I looked into Emma’s sincere eyes, and I hugged her. “There are no daycares in Trinity Falls at all. I was planning to put a space in the bakery to keep a playpen for the babies, knowing I would be distracted but would make it work somehow. This would be so much better! I bet Pen would love it, and it would give her sister a break, too. You know what, her sister, Shiloh, might want to help you at the daycare. She’s so good with the kids but is trying to go to school, too.”

“That would be awesome. I’d love to meet Shiloh and Penelope. I’ve heard all about her awesome kids from Dom. He said they are hilarious, especially the little girl.”

I had to laugh and nod in agreement. Pen’s kids really were awesome.

“See what I mean. Family helps each other out,” Susan said with a smile, beaming at both of us.

“Where would you live?” I asked Emma.

“I’ll find a place. I’m not worried about it,” Emma said with a shrug. “And if I can’t find a place right away, I’ll just stay on Dom’s couch.”

“I’m not sure when the bakery will be back up and running, but you can talk to the contractor with me, and we can figure out how to design a space that will be a perfect daycare. I love this idea!”

“Little Slugger’s Daycare!” Emma said excitedly. “It would go along with your Cupcake Curveball baseball theme, and maybe other players and their families will need daycare. I could also offer childcare during some baseball games so parents could go to the game kids-free.”

“I am so excited about this!” I said, and I had to hug Emma again. I suddenly had the urge to use the bathroom right away. “These babies are laying right on my bladder. I’ll be right back.”

“I need to go, too,” Susan said. “I’ll come with you.”

As we walked to the bathroom, I caught Tyler’s eye as he was checking us out from the visitor dugout. He winked at me, and I blew him a kiss.

I went to the bathroom, and as I looked down, I gasped. I was suddenly very grateful Susan had come to the restroom with me. After finishing my business, I found Ty’s mom washing her hands.

“Susan…” I began as I washed my own hands.

“What’s wrong, honey?” she asked, suddenly right at my side.

“There was some blood on my underwear,” I said and realized I was shaking. I was only 25 weeks along. It was too early for my babies to come.

“That sometimes happens,” Susan said very calmly. “But we are not taking any chances with these babies. You and I are going to sit on the bench I saw just outside the restroom, and I’m going to text Mike. We’re going to go to the nearest emergency room since no doctors offices or urgent cares are open at this time. While I text my husband, you will text Tyler, let him know exactly what is happening, and have him meet us at the hospital after his game.”

I nodded and was very glad she was taking charge and telling me what to do. Having a nurse for a mother-in-law was very comforting at this exact moment. With shaking fingers, I texted Tyler exactly what his mom said. I knew his phone was in his locker in the locker room so he wouldn’t get it until after the game was over. I hoped he wouldn’t worry too much when he noticed we weren’t back in the stands.

Before I had even pressed send on Tyler’s text message, his dad and Emma were at the bench.

“Mike, I changed my mind. Do you feel comfortable staying here at the game so you can make sure your son doesn’t freak out about us being gone?” Susan asked him.

Mike nodded. “I like that idea. I’m sure we can find a ride to the hospital.”

“No, take my car,” Emma said and held out her keys. “I’ll go with Molly and Susan. I’m parked in Lot D. Just hit the panic button, and you’ll be able to find it. It’s a silver Jetta.”,

“Are you sure?” I asked. She had just met Tyler’s parents, and here she was, offering to let his dad borrow her car.

“Without a doubt. They are family,” Emma said and pulled me into a hug. “My nieces and/or nephews are very important. Getting their dad and grandpa to the hospital is important, too.” I wasn’t sure what Emma would technically be to my babies, but I knew I would be proud for them to call her Aunt Emma.

“Get a move on, and make sure those grandbabies of mine are okay,” Mike said after he gave his wife a quick kiss. He gave me a big hug and patted Emma on the shoulder.

“Molly!” I heard from the hallway and sat up in my hospital bed. I awaited my husband coming into the room. He was still wearing his baseball uniform, and I could see he hadn’t even showered. He rushed over to my bed and took my face into his hands. “Are you okay?” He leaned down and hugged my stomach. “Are the babies okay?” He noticed the bands around my stomach that were attached to a monitor. The monitor beeped loudly. “Oh, crap! Did I mess it all up?”

“This must be dad,” my doctor said from the other side of my bed. “And, no, you didn’t mess anything up. That was baby A showing some excitement.”

“Yes, Dr. Cowan, this is my husband, Tyler,” I said with a smile. “The babies love when he talks to them.”

“So does that mean the babies are okay?” Tyler shook my doctor’s hand and then took my hand in his. “Can you tell me what’s going on?”

“Mr. Stone, your wife had some vaginal bleeding, and with twins, that could be a concern. We have drawn some of her blood to see if we can determine the cause, and those results should be back tomorrow. I would like to keep her overnight to monitor her and the babies.”

“Of course,” Tyler said. “Am I allowed to stay with her?”

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