Page 77 of Renewal After Dark

She shook their hands and then took a seat on the other side of Abby’s bed. “I’ve reviewed everything that happened today. Your doctors on Gansett did a great job, and things are looking much better tonight. How’re you feeling, Abby?”

“Tired, but relieved that the medication worked to stop the labor.”

“Me, too. The babies look great. I saw that you’re expecting two sets of identical twins?”

“That’s what we were told.”

“They’re my first quads. Were you told how rare it is to have two sets of identical twins?”

“We were,” Abby said. “And how rare it is to conceive quads without fertility treatment, especially with PCOS.”

“You’re a special case, my friend, and I’m going to do everything I can to get you and your boys over the finish line.”

“We’re wondering what’s going to happen now,” Adam said as he clung to Abby’s hand.

“I’d like to keep you as our guest until the babies come.” She quickly added, “I know that’s not what you wanted to hear, but I think it’s for the best. While I’m giving you the bad news, I’d also like you to be on complete bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy.”

Abby teared up.

Adam couldn’t get past the wordscomplete bed rest.

“I’m so sorry to have to do this, but if we can just eke out ten to twelve more weeks with the boys inside, it’ll greatly reduce the potential for challenges after they arrive. While they continue to grow, we can give you meds that’ll strengthen their lungs so they’re ready for life on the outside.”

Ten to twelve weeks of complete bed rest. Possibly longer. Dear God.

“I… Of course I want to do what’s best for the babies.” Abby used the tissue Adam handed her to wipe up tears. “We have a young son at home…”

“We’ll bring him here to be with us,” Adam said.

“That’d be great,” Izzy said. “Whatever it takes to get his mom and brothers to the finish line.”

“We can do this, Abs. I’ll be right there with you the whole way. Your family will come over and my parents. We’ll have tons of visitors. We’ll get you through.”

Abby nodded as she continued to mop up tears. “Can I get up to shower?”

“Every other day for a few minutes.”

“I have to pee constantly.”

“The nurses will help with that.”

As Abby groaned, Adam’s heart went out to her. This was going to be one hell of an ordeal for her. He’d go mad if he had to spend months confined to a bed. How would she bear it?

“I’ll check on you guys tomorrow.” Izzy placed a business card on Abby’s table. “That’s got my cell number and pager info. Call me any time you need me. We’re in this together now, and I’ll do everything I can to send you home with four precious baby boys.”

“Thank you,” Abby said.

“You got it. Sleep well.”

“She seems great,” Adam said after the doctor left.

“Yeah, she’s so nice and upbeat. But, Adam… ten or moreweeksor more of full bed rest… My God, how will I do that?”

“We’ll do it one day at a time. I’ll be right here with you.”

“My store and the house and Liam…”

“I’ll take care of everything. You won’t have to worry about a thing.”

---