Page 77 of The Doctor's Twins

“I love you, Ben. What would I do without you?”

“Let’s hope you never have to find out,” he grinned.

* * *

I didn’t tell my family I was coming. I wanted it to be a surprise. Ben dropped me off at the airport and watched until I was safely on the plane. I was much more at ease than the last time I’d ventured out of New York City.

At first, I was mad at Ben for telling Sam about Mateo. But, as I had time to think it over, I realized what an angel he was for doing so. The thought that someone knew where my husband was at all times was the catalyst I needed to start living like someone who’d been freed from her cage.

The plane landed at 7 pm. I decided to call a cab to take me to Madison’s house, but when I put my phone back on, I had a message from Mom telling me that my sister had gone into labor that afternoon and that she and her husband, Craig, were at the hospital. I couldn’t believe how perfect the timing of my visit was.

I called a cab and told the driver to take me straight to the hospital.

I went straight to reception and asked which room she was in. A bouncy orderly showed me to the floor that she was on and soon I could hear the moans of a woman in active labor coming from one of the delivery rooms. I popped my head around the door.

“Peyton!” Madi yelled at the top of her voice between her Lamaze breathing.

“Hey, you,” I grinned. What’s all this noise? You’d think that someone was having a baby.”

“What are you doing here?” her husband asked me with a smile and hugged me.

“Someone has to give Madi a hand once yours is crushed.

“I can’t believe it,” Madi said, with tears in her eyes.

I walked over to her bed and held her hand.

“Surprise,” I chuckled.

“Ooph! Hee…hee…hee…hoo…hoo…hoo… Ouch, that was a big one,” she moaned through her tears.

“Does Mom know you’re here?”

“Not yet. Where is she?”

“She’s watching the boys,” her husband answered and wiped Madi’s forehead with a damp cloth.

“Can I get you some ice chips, Sis?” I asked.

Madison was breathing hard. She nodded.

I left the room for a moment and went to the ice machine. I had mixed emotions about being there with Madi. Sorrow over the baby I’d lost, and joy for the new life my sister was about to bring into the world.

I stood at the ice machine for a while so I could compose myself. The day belonged to Madison and her husband. I wasn’t going to dampen their joy and excitement by crying over my particular pint of spilled milk.

Craig looked rather stressed when I returned to the room.

“Do you want to grab a quick cup of coffee, Craig? I’ll stay here with Madi,” I offered.

“Do you mind, babe?” he asked Madison.

“No, it’s fine.”

“Okay, great. I need to make a few calls quickly. I’ll be right back, angel. You’re doing brilliantly. I love you. Thank you, Peyton.”

“No problem.”

“How are you, Sis?” Madi asked once Craig was out of earshot.

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