Page 78 of The Doctor's Twins

“All good, Madi.”

“I can’t believe you’re here,” she said again. “Thank you so much for coming.”

“Of course. I’m just glad I made it. I got the message from Mom when I switched my phone back on after the flight landed. Talk about a close call.”

“I think Gabi must have known you were coming,” Madi laughed.

“Or something like that.”

I dipped the cloth into cold water and wiped down my sister’s sweaty brow. How far apart are the contractions?”

“About three minutes. She’s in a rush, alright.”

“I’d say your baby girl is an overachiever like her mom. She’s early, isn’t she?”

“Yeah. A few days. This is new for me. The boys were late.”

“Sounds about right,” I laughed. “Gabi is keen to get into that fort. I hope her brothers are ready for her. If she’s a true Taylor she’s going to make them sit up and pay attention from the get-go.”

“Here comes another one,” Madi groaned before she launched into another psychoprophylactic breathing session.

“Holy, crap! That was the worst one yet. Come on, Gabi, it’s time, my darling. Let’s get you out of there and into the world,” she said to her contorted belly.

A nurse came into the room, checked the monitor reading, and smiled at us.

“I’m going to do a quick internal check to see how far you’ve dilated, Mrs. Theron.”

“Hi,” I said. “I’m her sister, Peyton.”

“Hello, Peyton. I’m Nurse Rogers. Pleased to meet you.”

“Peyton’s a doctor,” Madi announced proudly.

“Oh? Well, that’s a good thing. We can never have too many eyes on the prize,” the nurse smiled. I like her. She was sweet.

“Okay. You’re there. Ten centimeters,” she said. “I’m going to rally the troops quickly,” she said and left the room.

I didn’t want to be on the business end of the birthing. I was there to support Madi.

“I’m going to pop out for a second and find Craig,” I said and kissed Madi on her cheek.

“Thanks, Sis.”

I made my way to the coffee shop I’d passed on my way in. Craig was pacing up and down, talking to someone on his phone. I nodded when he looked up and saw me, at which point he ended the call and walked toward me.

“It’s time, Daddy,” I grinned. “You’d better get in there.”

“Thanks, Peyton. I’m so happy you’re here.”

“I’m glad too, Craig,” I said and watched as he ran back toward Madi’s delivery room.

At that moment I wondered what my life would have been like had I given birth to my daughter. Would it have been hard raising her by myself? They say things happen for a reason. I kept telling myself that, over and over, to ease the pain of such a great loss.

My thoughts brought me back to Mateo. All my mental paths seemed to end up at his doorstep. I decided to give Madi and Craig their privacy. The miracle of birth was a celebration for expectant parents, and I wasn’t going to be the third wheel.

My stomach made a hollow noise, and I realized that I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. I’d been too nervous about the trip to eat on the plane. I entered the coffee shop and had a look at the overhead menu.

I ordered a cheeseburger and sat down at a table. My phone rang. It was my mom. She was probably worried about me seeing as I hadn’t called her back. I’d been so caught up in Madi’s labor that I forgot.

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