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A New Beginning
by Christine

Chapter 34

Kaitlyn was getting the girls dressed for bed when Gary came upstairs. No matter how
hard he tried to mask it, Kaitlyn knew her husband well enough to know that he was
upset. She decided she would wait for him to tell her what his ex-wife had wanted. He
proceeded to do exactly as he had promised and read the girls their bedtime story.

Kaitlyn was putting away some laundry when he came into their bedroom and sat down in
the chair. He waited for Kaitlyn to ask him why Marcia wanted to see him. Surprised
when she didn't he said, "Well?"

"Well what?" Kaitlyn said as she turned and headed for the closet.

"Aren't you going to ask me what she wanted?" Gary asked. Kaitlyn shrugged.

"I figured you would tell me if you wanted." Kaitlyn said as she closed the closet door.

"Her grandmother died. She named us in her will." Gary said.

"Named who?" Kaitlyn said.

"Me and Marcia." Gary said.

"Why you?" Kaitlyn asked confused.

"Well, it seems that Marcia never told her that we had gotten divorced. Which, believe it
or not, doesn't surprise me." Gary said.

"Why would she not tell her?" Kaitlyn asked.

"Because her grandmother liked me, and." Gary hesitated. "She had a lot of money."

"Oh." Kaitlyn said as she turned away from Gary. "She's a.she's a lot prettier in person."
Kaitlyn whispered.

"Yeah." Gary answered without thinking, then hesitated when he realized the implication
of what he had said. "I mean." Kaitlyn cut him off.

"Don't. I know what you meant." She sighed. "I knew that there was a possibility that
someday I would eventually meet her. Why did it have to be now?"

"Howzat?" Gary asked confused.

"Why couldn't it have been six months ago. Look at me, I'm the size of a house." Kaitlyn
said. "As far as I am concerned, it is a miracle that I even fit in this house." Kaitlyn said
frustrated as she slammed the drawer shut.

"Come here." Gary whispered as he reached for her hand. Kaitlyn turned and took the few
short steps over to him. He put his hands on her stomach. "I love you." He said as he
kissed her bulging stomach then pulled her down onto his lap.

"Well, in this condition, I can't compete with her." Kaitlyn sighed. Gary rubbed her
stomach.

"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and this is not a contest. Besides, I
find the fact that you are carrying not only one, but two of my children extremely sexy."
Gary whispered as he reached up and kissed her cheek.

"So what are you going to do?" Kaitlyn asked.

"About what?" Gary said as he kissed her neck.

"About the money." Kaitlyn said surprised.

"Oh. I don't know." Gary said. "I don't really want her money. Maybe I'll give it to a
charity."

"Well, it's your money to do with what you want. I think that's a good idea though."
Kaitlyn said. "So we'll never have to see her again?"

"Who?" Gary smiled and kissed his wife passionately.
 

Chapter 35

About a week later Gary received a certified letter. He and Kaitlyn were sitting on the
couch when he opened it. Inside he found two smaller envelopes. One Gary could tell
contained a check, because it had a clear address window. The other was a personal
stationary envelope with his first name hand written on the front. He opened that one first.

"It's a letter." Gary said. He read it aloud.

Dearest Gary,

I had wished that we would get to see each other before my death. However, if you are
receiving this letter, I know that is not the case.

My granddaughter seems to have thought that I was too feeble to know what was going
on around me. I have to hold myself accountable for her obvious flaws, as I am sorry to
say it was I who was her worst influence. However, as one grows older you hopefully, see
the error in your ways. I have come to peace with my past mistakes and attempted
redemption. I have tried to live my last days the way I wished I would have lived me entire
life.

I want you to know that I have always thought very highly of you. You are such an
unrequited gem. Unfortunately, I have to say you were too good for my granddaughter.

Unbeknownst to her, I've known for some time that she ended your marriage. Please do
not get angry when I tell you that I have been kept abreast of the recent changes in your
life. You are a wonderful father, as I knew you would be and I am glad that you have
found someone to return your love.

Therefore, I bequeath this gift to you to do with as you wish. The only request that I have
is that you and your new family live the life that you so richly deserve.

Fondly,

Caroline Roberts

"Wow." Kaitlyn said as Gary handed her the letter. "She knew you well."

"She was something." Gary said.

"I can't believe that she had us watched." Kaitlyn said. Gary shrugged.

"I should have know Marcia wouldn't be able to pull one over on her." Gary smiled.

"Well, this is something she obviously wanted you to have." Kaitlyn said as she rubbed his
shoulder.

Kaitlyn looked at the letter as he opened the next envelope. Gary couldn't believe what he
saw. It was a check made out to him for $925,000 dollars. He was speechless.

Kaitlyn got concerned when she saw the look on his face.

"What?" She asked. He swallowed hard and handed her the check. "Oh my, look at that."
She said when she looked at it. "That's almost a million dollars." She said shocked.

"Yep." Gary mumbled.

"That's a lot of charity right there." Kaitlyn said.

"I've been thinking about that." Gary said.

"About what to do with the money?" Kaitlyn asked.

"Yeah." Gary said. "I know we have some money saved, but I think it's important with the
babies coming that we should have more than that." He looked at her. "Well, with the
paper it's impossible for me to hold down a job and the income from the bar was enough
for me. Truthfully, I'm nervous about having to support everybody."

"Gary, honey, you don't have to do this all alone. I have my job." Kaitlyn said.

"Well, I would like it if you didn't have to worry about working, unless that is what you
wanted." Gary said.

"I never thought about not working. I know with the babies it's not going to be as easy,
but I have my Mom to help." Kaitlyn said.

"It's just with the paper. I want to make sure that you and the kids are taken care of in
case something might happen to me." Gary whispered.

"Don't talk like that." Kaitlyn said.

"It's something that we have to talk about. I decided that no matter what the amount was I
was going to give half of it to charity and I was going to keep the other half." Gary said.
"Look, knowing now how much is there I figure we could pay the house off and put the
rest into the bank for the kids education. That way if you don't want to work, you don't
have too." Gary said.

"Well, I think half of this check is a little excessive." Kaitlyn said. "Gary, we don't need
this kind of money."

"Do you know how expensive college is going to be for these four kids?" Gary asked.
Kaitlyn looked at him and shrugged. "We would never have to worry again." Gary smiled.

"Is that what's going to make you happy?" Kaitlyn asked.

"No, I'm already happy. This will just make me feel more at ease." Gary said.

"Okay." Kaitlyn said.
 

Chapter 36

It was Memorial Day weekend and Bernie had arranged to take Gary, Chuck, Collier, and
Mike to the Indianapolis 500. They left on Saturday night and had planned to spend the
entire day, Sunday, at the race. Emmitt and Marissa offered to take care of the paper while
Gary enjoyed a day off.

Gary was hesitant to leave Kaitlyn. Due to her condition, and the fact that she was
carrying twins, she had been having a hard time getting around lately. However, Kaitlyn
was insistent the he go and enjoy himself. She had arranged for Lois and Lily to help her
with the girls. Jade was also planning on stopping by and keeping Kaitlyn company. They
were going to look through some baby name books.

When Kaitlyn awoke on Sunday and looked at the clock it was 11:30. She had overheard
Gary tell his mother last night that he was worried she wasn't getting enough sleep.
Unfortunately, without the warmth and comfort of her husband's body lying next to her,
Kaitlyn had a fitful night's rest. She rolled over and sat up in bed and let her feet touch the
floor. As she reached for her robe, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in." Kaitlyn said as the door slowly opened.

"Oh you're awake. I just wanted to check on you." Lois said as she came into the room.
"Your Mom and Megan took the girls shopping. Did you sleep all right?"

"No, not really. I don't know, I guess I've gotten used to sleeping next to Gary. It was a
little uncomfortable without him." Kaitlyn smiled.

"The first time Bernie went away after we were married, I remember it took some getting
used to. Trust me, it gets easier. Now I actually can't wait to have the whole bed to
myself." Lois joked. "Can I get you anything?"

"Mom, you're a visitor in this house. Regardless of what Gary said, you don't have to wait
on me." Kaitlyn said as she stood and started to walk towards the bathroom. "I'm going to
get a shower, then I'll be down."

"Okay, honey. I am going to make you something to eat." Lois said with a smile. "Any
requests?"

"Well, now that you mention it I kind of have a craving for blueberry pancakes." Kaitlyn
smiled.

"Oh, you are definitely carrying Hobson babies." Lois beamed knowing that blueberry
pancakes were Gary's favorite. She turned and headed for the hallway.

As Kaitlyn walked into the bathroom, she felt what seemed like a contraction. "Ouch."
She said loudly. Lois heard her and went running back into the bedroom. She found
Kaitlyn holding her stomach and breathing heavily.

"Honey, are you all right?" Lois asked.

"I think I'm having a contraction." Kaitlyn said.

"Oh dear. Okay let's get you over to the bed so you can lie down." Lois said as she helped
Kaitlyn over to the bed. "Is this the first time you've felt this?" Lois asked.

"Yes." Kaitlyn said as she lay down. "I think it's over."

"Should we call the doctor? You don't think you're in labor, do you?" Lois asked.

"No I couldn't be, I'm not due for another eight weeks. It's probably just braxton hicks
contractions. I had them with Casey. If I just lay down here for a little they'll go away."
Kaitlyn smiled as she rubbed her stomach.

"Okay." Lois said. "Do you want me to stay with you?" She asked.

"No I'll be okay." Kaitlyn said as the telephone rang. Lois reached over to answer it.

"Hello. Hobson residence." She said.

"Mom it's me." She heard Gary's voice on the other end.

"Gary, honey. How is everybody." Lois said hesitantly.

"We're fine. I wanted to call and say good morning to my wife. Can I talk to her?" Gary
asked.

"Just a minute, honey." Lois said as she covered the telephone receiver. "He wants to talk
to you." She said.

"Okay." Kaitlyn said and Lois handed her the telephone. "Gary?" She said.

"Hi honey. How are you feeling?" Gary asked.

"I'm okay. Your Mom let me sleep in today, so I got a lot of rest." She looked at Lois and
shrugged. "Are you having fun?" She asked.

"Yeah, it's been great. I miss you like crazy." Gary said.

"I miss you too." Kaitlyn said then there was a prolonged silence.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Gary asked skeptically.

"Honey, I'm fine." Kaitlyn said.

"You're sure?" Gary asked again.

"Yes." Kaitlyn said.

"Okay. Chuck is waiving me down telling me it's time to go. I'll call you later. I love you."
Gary said.

"I love you too." Kaitlyn said as she heard the telephone disconnect. She handed it back to
Lois who hung it up. "I didn't want to worry him." She said to Lois.

"It's okay, I understand. I'm going to go downstairs and start those pancakes. You call if
you need me." Lois said as she headed downstairs.

Over the next half-hour, as Kaitlyn lie in bed, the contractions continued. She telephoned
Dr. Jeffries. She told her it was probably braxton hicks contractions, but to be on the safe
side, she wanted Kaitlyn to meet her at the hospital. Kaitlyn got herself out of bed, got
dressed and headed downstairs.

"Mom." She said when she reached the bottom of the steps. Lois heard her and came into
the foyer.

"What is it honey." Lois said.

"I talked with Dr. Jeffries. She thinks these contractions might be braxton hicks, but she
wants me to go to the hospital." Kaitlyn said.

"Should we try and get a hold of Gary. Chuck left his cell phone number." Lois said.

"No. No. Let's just wait and see what the doctor says first." Kaitlyn said. "I don't want him
to rush home for nothing."

"Okay. Let me leave your Mom and Jade a note and I'll drive you." Lois said.

Lois paced nervously in the hallway at the hospital. She debated on whether or not to call
Gary and let him know what was happening. She knew that Gary would never forgive
himself if something happened to Kaitlyn while he was away. Her thoughts were
interrupted when the nurse informed her that she could go in to see Kaitlyn.

"What did she say?" Lois asked as she took Kaitlyn's hand.

"She said that I am starting to dilate. They are going to admit me and give me magnesium
sulfate to try and stop the contractions." Kaitlyn said.

"You're still having contractions?" Lois asked.

"Yeah." Kaitlyn said. "They did an ultrasound to see if the baby's lungs were developed
enough for delivery. The doctor doesn't think that they are. She said that we would be
taking a big chance if they let me deliver. I just hope this drug works. I'm scared it won't."

"Honey, you and the babies are going to be fine. I think it's time we call Gary and let him
know what is going on." Lois said.

"Yeah, unfortunately, I think you're probably right." Kaitlyn said.
 

Chapter 37

The guys had just found their seats and the race was getting ready to start when Chuck's
telephone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and gave Gary a look.

"That's probably Jade. She has impeccable timing." Chuck said as he put the telephone to
his ear. "Hello, honey." He said.

"Chuck, I'm not your honey. I need to speak with Bernie." Lois said.

"Hey, Mrs. H. I thought you were Jade." Chuck said. "He's right here. Hold on a second."
Chuck said as he handed the telephone to Bernie. "For you, it's your old lady. She must be
checking up on you." Bernie gave Chuck a look as he put the telephone up to his ear.
Gary laughed.

"Hey. Lo." Bernie said.

"Bernie. Now I need you to stay calm and listen to me carefully." Lois said quickly.

"What's wrong?" Bernie asked.

Lois took a deep breath and continued. "Bernie, Kaitlyn started having contractions this
morning."

"Contractions?" Bernie said loudly enough that Gary heard. "Oh, boy." He said when he
saw the look on his son's face.

"Who is having contractions?" Gary asked.

"Calm down son, I'm trying to get the information." Bernie said.

"Give me the telephone Dad." Gary demanded. Bernie gave him the telephone.

"Mom." Gary said.

"Honey, calm down, Kaitlyn is having some contractions. They are going to admit her into
the hospital and put her on some kind of medication to try and stop them." Lois said. "I
think you need to head home."

"Oh, God. I'm going to leave right now." Gary said.

"Honey, be careful. Don't hurry. She and the babies are going to be fine." Lois said
optimistically.

"Mom, where is she? Let me talk to her." Gary said.

"Honey, she can't talk right now, but I'll tell her that you are on your way." Lois said
trying to sound cheerful.

"Tell her I'll be there in about three hours." Gary said. "I'm going to check in with you
from the road. Mom?"

"Yes, Gary." Lois said.

"Make sure you tell her that I love her." Gary said

"I will honey." Lois said as she hung up the telephone.
 

Chapter 38

The ride back to Chicago was torturous for Gary. He called every half-hour to check on
Kaitlyn's condition. Each time he called, he was unable to speak with her. His mother
relayed his messages.

During the ride, Mike thoroughly explained to Gary what types of medications they were
giving Kaitlyn and the probable course of treatment. Thanks to Mike Gary may have
understood things better, but understanding things failed to ease his mind.

It took them a little over three hours to make it to the hospital. When Gary got there, he,
Bernie, and Collier headed straight to Kaitlyn's room. As they turned the corner, Gary saw
his mother and Lily sitting in the waiting area.

"Mom." Gary said as he approached them. "How is she?"

"Gary." Lois hugged her son. "Well, she's doing okay. The contractions have eased up a
bit. They are checking her now to see if she has dilated anymore."

Gary ran his hands through his hair.

"Gary the medicine is making her awfully sick. The nurse said it's a side effect. But, that
the medication is necessary to stop the labor." Lois said. "I just want to warn you before
you go in there, she doesn't look very good."

"Oh god." Gary said as sat down in the chair. "How did this happen?"

"Gary, Kaitlyn is strong and she is determined to keep these babies safe." Lily said as she
sat down beside him and put her arm on his shoulder. "Early labor with twins is very
common. I know my daughter, she and those babies are going to be fine."

The nurse came into the waiting room. "Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Hobson, you can go back in
now." She said.

"Come on honey, I'll show you where her room is." Lois said.

When Gary walked into Kaitlyn's room, she was lying in bed with her eyes closed. A nurse
was changing her IV medication.

"Hello." The nurse said. "Are you Dad?"

"Yeah." Gary said as he swallowed hard. Upon hearing Gary's voice Kaitlyn opened her
eyes.

"Gary." She whispered.

"See sweetie, I told you he would make it." The nurse said to Kaitlyn. "I'll leave you two
alone. You need me press the call button." She headed out the door.

Gary walked over and sat down on the side of Kaitlyn's bed. "How you doing?" He said.

"I'd be better if these babies of yours weren't so impatient." Kaitlyn said trying to smile.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here." Gary said as he stroked her hair.

"You being here wasn't going to change anything. You're here now that's all that matters."
Kaitlyn said. Gary nodded.

"Mom said the medicine is making you pretty sick." Gary said.

"Yeah, but if it works it's worth it." Kaitlyn whispered. Gary leaned down and kissed her
forehead. He noticed how hot she felt.

"You're burning up." Gary said scared.

"Another lovely side effect to the medication." Kaitlyn said. "The nurse just gave me
something for that."

"Has Dr. Jeffries given you any idea what is going to happen?" Gary asked.

"Well, the contractions have slowed down and my cervix hasn't dilated anymore. So, right
now it's just a waiting game." Kaitlyn said as she looked up at Gary. "Gary, they did a test,
the babies lungs aren't developed enough yet. This has to work." Kaitlyn started to cry.
Gary lay down on the bed beside her and held her.

"Shh, don't cry. This will work." He said as a tear ran down his cheek.
 

Chapter 39

Kaitlyn spent the next fourteen days in the hospital. She passed the time looking through
catalogs and ordering baby supplies. During the last few days of her stay, Gary, Bernie,
and Collier were busy at home getting the nursery ready. It was going to be a coming
home present that Gary wanted to surprise her with. Her doctors had released her on the
condition that she have complete bed rest. They wanted to try to hold off the delivery for
at least two more weeks.

The day Kaitlyn came home, Gary had arranged with his mother-in-law to keep the girls
overnight so that Kaitlyn could get her rest. When they pulled into the driveway, Kaitlyn
opened her door and started to get out of the car. Gary ran around to her and picked her
up.

"Gary! What are you doing?" Kaitlyn screamed.

"You're on bed rest. That means no stairs." He said as he carried her up the front steps.

He stopped when he realized he didn't know how he was going to get the door unlocked
and open. He gave her a sympathetic look.

"Can you reach the keys in my back pocket?" He asked.

Kaitlyn reached behind his shoulder, pulled out his keys, and looked at him. Gary frowned.

"Can you open the door? Please." Kaitlyn put the keys in the lock and opened the door.

When they got inside, Gary kicked the door closed and headed up the stairs. "I got
something I want to show you." He said as he carried her into the babies' room and set her
in the rocking chair.

Kaitlyn couldn't believe her eyes. Everything was done in white. There were two cribs and
in each laid a hand made baby quilt, compliments of Grandma Hobson. There was a
changing table, large dresser, and tons of stuffed animals.

"Our mother's went shopping and bought a lot of sleepers and things. I figured we could
add some color once we know what the babies are." Gary said hesitantly. Kaitlyn started
to cry.

"Gary." She whispered. "This is the nicest thing you have ever done for me." She said as
she reached for his hand. He kneeled down beside the chair and wiped away her tears.
"Thank you. I love it." She said.

They sat there in silence until Kaitlyn spoke. "Gary, promise me that if something happens
to me." Gary cut her off before she could finish.

"What do you mean? Nothing is going to happen to you." Gary said as he kissed her.

"Well, I don't know that. I mean, having a baby, sometimes there are complications.
Things that you can't anticipate. I want you to promise me that if something happens to
me, you'll go on, take care of the kids and give them a normal life." She said as she looked
in his eyes.

"I don't want to talk about this." Gary said as he wiped her tears away. "There is no reason
to talk about this. You and me, we're going to grow old together. We're going to sit on
that porch together and watch our grandchildren play. I won't let myself think of a life
without you." He said.
 

Chapter 40

Gary drove Kaitlyn crazy over the next couple of weeks. She knew how he felt about his
mother and her smothering abilities. Well, Kaitlyn learned that Gary was definitely his
mother's son. He would take her to her weekly doctor's visits and ask a million questions.
He relied on his friends and parents to take care of the paper, so that he could be by her
side every second of the day.

Early on the morning of July 4th, he caught her getting out of bed.

"What are you doing?" He asked as he sat up.

"I'm going to the bathroom." Kaitlyn sighed. Gary pointed at her and tried to speak, but
Kaitlyn cut him off. "I can do it myself." She said as she headed to the bathroom.

Later that morning, Chuck and Bernie came by to get the paper. Gary was in the kitchen
trying to make the girls some eggs. Jessica and Casey were sitting at the kitchen table
watching him. Chuck walked into the kitchen and groaned.

"Look Bernie, isn't he mister domestic." Chuck joked.

"Shut up, Chuck." Gary snapped. "Girls, go on upstairs and get dressed. I'll call you when
breakfast is ready."

"Sounds like somebody is a little grumpy today." Chuck said.

"What's wrong, son?" Bernie asked.

"I think Kaitlyn is starting to is get a little anxious to get this over with." Gary said. "She's
feeling a little cooped up. How's Jade doing?"

"She's perfectly fine. We were at the doctors yesterday. She's not even dialated. Unlike,
your kids, mine, well he isn't that anxious to make an appearance." Chuck smiled.

"Wonder why?" Bernie joked and Gary laughed.

"Chuck is that you?" Gary heard Kaitlyn's voice. He walked into the foyer and saw her
standing at the top of the stairs.

"Get back in bed." He said as he pointed the spatula at her.

"Is that Chuck?" She asked.

"Hey their Katie." Chuck said as he walked in front of Gary.

"Chuck could you come up here for a minute please." Kaitlyn said.

"What do you want to see him for?" Gary asked.

"Well, I haven't seen him for a while I wanted to see how Jade is." Kaitlyn said.

Chuck and Gary exchanged a look.

"He can come up, but you have got to get back in bed." Gary said.

Chuck headed upstairs and followed Kaitlyn into the bedroom.

"Close the door." She said.

"Okay, but get back in bed. If the drill sergeant comes up here and you're not in bed I'll be
cleaning the latrines." Chuck said. Kaitlyn rolled her eyes and got back into bed.

Chuck walked over to the side of the bed and Kaitlyn grabbed him by the front of his shirt.

"Chuck, I have been waiting for five days for you to come by. You have to get him out of
here. He's driving me crazy." Kaitlyn said.

"That bad, huh?" Chuck said.

"Worse." Kaitlyn said.

"That would be the Hobson mothering experience." Chuck said.

"I love him, but he." She hesitated. "Talk him into going and taking care of the paper."
Kaitlyn said anxiously. "You could stay with me for the afternoon. If Jade needs you she
can call and my sister can come over."

"Jade won't need me her mother is here." Chuck said. "I'd rather spend the afternoon with
you than with Cruella DeVille. I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you." Kaitlyn smiled.
 

 Chuck headed back downstairs to find Gary and Bernie in the kitchen going through the
paper. Gary stopped when he saw Chuck.

"What did she want?" Gary asked.

"Gar, I'm going to be completely honest with you." Chuck said as he put his hand on
Gary's shoulder. "You're driving her crazy."

"What?" Gary asked surprised.

"She needs a break and she has requested my company for the afternoon." Chuck smiled.

"You have got to be kidding me." Gary said surprised.

"Nope. She wants you to go with your Dad and take care of the paper, while I hang out
here with her." Chuck said. Gary looked at Chuck astounded, then headed upstairs.

"Maybe I shouldn't have told him that." Chuck said.
 

Chapter 41

When Gary got to the bedroom, he found Casey lying on the bed with her mother
watching television.

"Casey, go and get your sister, your breakfast is ready. I have to talk to Mommy." Gary
said.

"Okay." Casey said as she left the room.

Gary stood with his arms crossed and stared at Kaitlyn. She could tell by the look on his
face that he wasn't happy. She knew she was going to have to think fast.

"Do you have something you want to tell me?" Gary asked.

"What?" Kaitlyn said.

"Chuck said I'm driving you crazy." Gary said with some annoyance in his voice.

"I only told him that so he would stay here this afternoon." Kaitlyn said.

"What?" Gary asked.

"You see, when I was talking to him I noticed that he was a little nervous and I have the
feeling that he just might need someone to talk to. I think it's the whole becoming a father
thing that has him a little thrown off." Kaitlyn said.

"Oh." Gary said.

"I just thought that you and your father could take care of the paper and maybe I could
calm him down a little bit." Kaitlyn smiled.

"Well, you know, Chuck isn't the best guy to have here in case something happens." Gary
groaned.

"I'll be fine. I promise I won't even get out of bed. If something happens, Megan is right
across the street."

"Are you sure you want to spend the whole day with him?" Gary asked.

"I really think it will be for the best." Kaitlyn said as she shook her head.

Gary walked over, sat on the side of the bed, and put his hands on her stomach. "I love
you. All of you." He said softly.

A rush of guilt poured through Kaitlyn. How could she lie to him like that? She was going
to kill Chuck when she got her hands on him. She looked up at Gary.

"I love you, too." She said as she reached up and kissed him.

"I'm going to take Chuck's cell phone. If you have the slightest pain, you call me, okay?"
Kaitlyn nodded in agreement. "I'm going to go and get dressed."

As Gary closed the door to the bathroom, Chuck came in. "Where's Gar?" He said.

"He's in the bathroom." Kaitlyn gave him a glare. "What could you have possibly been
thinking." She whispered slightly annoyed.

"What?" Chuck asked innocently.

"Why did you tell him what I told you? I had to lie to him. I've never lied to him before.
Now I feel awful." Kaitlyn pouted. "Do you ever think before the words come pouring out
of your mouth."

"Katie, it got you off the hook didn't it?" Chuck said.

"You, I don't know why I trust you." She said.

"Me." Chuck started to continue, but Kaitlyn cut him off.

"Yes, you!" She stopped when she saw Gary come out of the bathroom. Kaitlyn and
Chuck both smiled at him.

"What's going on?" Gary asked.

"Oh, we were, we were just talking about things." Kaitlyn smiled as she tucked her hair
behind her ear. When Gary turned his back, she shot Chuck a look.

"All right, well I guess I'll see you two later." Gary said as he walked over to Kaitlyn and
kissed her. "Remember what I said."

"I will. Be careful." Kaitlyn said. Gary nodded and turned to Chuck.

"Give me your cell phone." Gary said.

"It's in the car." Chuck said.

"I'm going to take it with me. If something happens, call me." Gary said as he walked out
the door.
 

Chapter 42

In the afternoon, Chuck brought Kaitlyn her lunch. When he walked into the bedroom, she
was coming out of the bathroom.

"Gary's called about ten times since he left. He obviously has no confidence in me." Chuck
groaned as he set the tray down on the bed. He looked over at Kaitlyn completely dressed,
wearing a cotton maternity dress and holding a suitcase. "What's that for, you planning on
running away?" He said.

"Chuck, I'm having contractions." Kaitlyn said.

"What? Oh, no, no, no. This isn't happening." Chuck said as he put his hands over his ears
and started to pace the floor.

"Chuck! Chuck!" Kaitlyn screamed to get his attention. "Look at me! I don't think we
have very much time. Where are the girls?"

"Megan came by and took them to the zoo." Chuck said.

"Okay. Where did my mother go?" Kaitlyn asked.

"Shopping with Mrs. H." Chuck winced. "Gar! We'll call Gary." Chuck said quickly and
headed for the telephone as Kaitlyn sat down on the bed.

After the look of panic on Chuck's face, Kaitlyn asked, "What's wrong?"

"I think he wore the battery down calling here a hundred times today." Chuck said. "I can't
get him."

Kaitlyn screamed as she got another contraction. She looked at her watch, they were
getting closer together.

"Okay, Chuck you're going to have to take me to the hospital." She said when the
contraction ended.

"Me?" Chuck asked.

"Yes you!" Kaitlyn screamed as she handed him her suitcase and headed for the door.
 

 Gary and Bernie had finished with the paper. Bernie told Gary that if he didn't need his
help for the rest of the afternoon, he was going to head over to the park. Since he had
been visiting Chicago so frequently, he had gotten himself involved in a curling league.
Gary stopped back at McGinty's. He found Marissa working in the office.

"Hey Marissa. How's it going?" Gary said as he sat down at the desk.

"Chuck isn't here so it's quiet. I didn't expect to see you today." Marissa said.

"I've been taking care of the paper today. Chuck is with Kaitlyn."

"You're kidding, right?" Marissa asked.

"Nope. I wish I was." Gary said.

"What brought that on?" Marissa said.

"Well, depends on who's version you want to hear, Chuck's or my wife's." Gary said as he
fumbled through some receipts that were on the desk. "See, Chuck tells me that Kaitlyn
wants me out of the house because I'm driving her crazy. When I asked Kaitlyn about it,
she tells me it's because she is worried about Chuck. She said she thought he needed
someone to talk to because he's nervous about becoming a father."

"Who do you believe?" Marissa asked.

"Well, I would like to think that my wife wouldn't lie to me. But, I talked to my Dad about
it and well, I think I have been a little to overprotective. So, I tend to fall on Chuck's side."
Gary groaned.

"Gary, I'm sure Kaitlyn understands that you are just worried about her and the babies."
Marissa smiled. "She's just probably anxious to get this whole thing over with. Not to
mention the fact that she has been cooped up in the hospital and now the house."

"I hope so." Gary groaned.

"You finished with the paper today?" Marissa asked.

"The only thing left was a little fender bender over on Logan. I skipped it. I want to head
home early. It's just going to snarl traffic for a while. I'm going to call and check on
Kaitlyn before I leave." Gary said as he picked up the telephone and dialed. "That's
strange." He said as he put the telephone down.

"What?" Marissa asked.

"There's no answer." Gary said concerned. "Why wouldn't they answer." Gary said
nervously.

"Gary, don't get all worked up. Kaitlyn probably talked Chuck into letting her sit outside
for a little while." Marissa said. "She'll be fine."

"Yeah, you're probably right. I have his cell phone, so if there was a problem they would
have called me." Gary said as he reached for the paper in his back pocket. He found the
article. His face went white. "Marrisa, the article has changed. It says that a pregnant
woman is going to have a baby in that traffic jam. Oh, God! What if it's Kaitlyn." Gary said
as he headed for the door. "Keep trying to get Kaitlyn on the phone, when you get her tell
her to call me on the cell phone." Gary said a he left the office.
 

Chapter 43

Chuck and Kaitlyn were on their way to the hospital when traffic came to a stand still.

"Unbelievable. This would only happen to me." Chuck said.

"You! All you're doing is driving the car. I'm the one that is about to give birth." As
Kaitlyn finished, she had another hard contraction.

"What is that?" Chuck said as he looked over and pointed to a puddle at Kaitlyn's feet.

"My water broke." Kaitlyn shot him a look of frustration.

"Oh, no. Not in the car!" Chuck yelled.

"Chuck, listen to me. I can feel the baby coming. I'm going to have to push. You're going
have to deliver this baby." Kaitlyn said as she got another contraction. She screamed in
pain.

"No! No! No! No! No!" Chuck kept repeating as he banged his head on the steering
wheel.

"Chuck! Look at me!" Kaitlyn grabbed him by the shoulder. "I can't do this by myself!
You have to help me!" She screamed as the tears started to roll down her cheeks.

When Chuck saw the frightened look on her face, he gathered his composure. He got out
of the car and screamed, "Does anybody have a cell phone. I got a pregnant woman here
in labor. We need to call an ambulance."

"I have one." The guy in the car next to them said. "I'll call 911."

Chuck then went around and opened the trunk pulling out two blankets and throwing
them under his arm. He walked over and opened Kaitlyn's door.

"Come on. There isn't enough room for you in here." He said as he helped her out of the
car and walk to the van in front of them.

"Hey buddy! Open the hatch. I got a lady here having a baby. Can you help us out." Chuck
said.

The man got out of the car, came around to the back, and opened the hatch.

"I'll move the seats up so she has some more room." He said as he headed back to the
front of the van.

Chuck laid down the blanket and helped Kaitlyn in.

"Chuck, I have to push." Kaitlyn said.

"I don't think that's a good idea." Chuck said. "Maybe think about something else and the
feeling will go away." He said optimistically as a crowd started to gather around them.
"You know like when you have to go to the bathroom."

"It doesn't work like that." Kaitlyn said angrily. A woman stepped forward and climbed
into the van next to Kaitlyn.

"It's okay honey. Is this your first baby?" She said quietly.

"No, it's my third and fourth." Kaitlyn said. "I'm having twins. I just wish my husband
were here." Kaitlyn sobbed as the woman wrapped her arms around her.
 

Chapter 44

As Gary turned the corner, he saw the crowd. He ran toward them, spotting
Chuck's car.

"Oh boy!" He said as he worked his way through the people.

When he got through he saw Kaitlyn inside the van and Chuck pacing frantically in front
of her. A woman had her arms wrapped around Kaitlyn's shoulders and was trying to calm
her down. He rushed up and stood next to Chuck.

"Gar! Thank God!" Chuck said as he hugged him.

"Honey." Gary said as he pushed Chuck away and got into the van beside her.

"Gary!" She screamed as she threw her arms around his neck. "I can't believe you're here.
I thought I was going to have to do this without you." She said as she cried into his neck.

"It's okay." Gary swallowed hard. He felt Kaitlyn's arms tighten around him. She screamed
as she was having another contraction.

"I can't wait anymore, I have to push." Kaitlyn let go of him and began to push.

"Well, it looks like where having a baby." Gary said as he went down to her feet and lifted
her dress and got ready to deliver his child.

"Honey, I see the baby's head!" He smiled. "You're doing great."

Gary spoke encouragingly to Kaitlyn as she continued to push. After about fifteen minutes
of pushing, the shoulders were almost out.

"One more push is all it's going to take, honey. One more push." Gary said as he held the
baby's head.

When the next contraction came, Kaitlyn pushed as hard as she could. Gary grabbed the
baby and looked up at his exhausted wife.

"It's a boy!" Gary said as the baby began to cry. Tears welled in his eyes as he looked
down at his son. He then took the other blanket from Chuck and laid it on Kaitlyn's
stomach, gently laying the baby on the blanket. He crawled up beside her and kissed her
forehead.

"He's beautiful." Kaitlyn cried. The baby had a full head of dark hair.

"Hey, Zeke." Gary said as he played with the baby's fingers. He looked at Kaitlyn. "I love
you." He whispered, then kissed her.

Chuck peeked into the van and looked at the baby, then at Gary. "Jeez Gar, could that kid
look any more like you?" Chuck said. Gary looked up at him and smiled.

The ambulance had made its way through the crowd and the paramedics walked to the
van.

"Looks like we're a little late." He said.

"Not really, we got twins on the way." Gary said.

"Are you still having contractions?" The paramedic asked Kaitlyn.

"Yeah. But, they're not as bad as before." Kaitlyn said.

"Sometimes you get a little breather in between babies. Hopefully we'll be able to get you
to the hospital before the next baby comes." He smiled.

The paramedics cut the cord, wrapped the baby in a blanket, and handed him to Gary.
They then got Kaitlyn ready to transport her to the hospital.

"Can I come with her?" Gary said as they put Kaitlyn into the ambulance.

"Sure." The paramedic said. Gary climbed into the ambulance and took a seat next to the
gurney.

"I'll meet you guys there as soon as I can get out of here. I'll work on getting a hold of
everybody." Chuck said.

"Okay Chuck." Gary said as the doors closed.
 

Chapter 45

On the way to the hospital, Gary held the baby and Kaitlyn's hand. As Kaitlyn's
contractions started to get stronger, she squeezed his hand.

"Ouch." Gary said.

"Contractions are increasing?" The paramedic asked.

"Yeah, but it feels different. Oh God it hurts." Kaitlyn cried as she tried to breathe her way
through the contraction.

"We're pulling up to the hospital now." He said. As he examined her the ambulance doors
opened. "Second baby hasn't presented yet, she has started to hemorrhage." He said to the
doctor as they wheeled her into the emergency room.

As Gary came through the door, a nurse took the baby from him and guided him to a
separate room. He could hear Kaitlyn scream as they wheeled her down the hall.

"What is going on? I want to be with my wife." Gary said to the nurse.

"We're going to have a pediatrician look at the baby and get him cleaned up. I'll send
someone to check on your wife." She said as she turned to another nurse who walked into
the examine room. "Jerry, go down and see what is going on."

A few minutes later, a doctor came into the room. "Mr. Hobson? I'm Dr. McNulty. I'm the
chief emergency room resident here."

"How's my wife?" Gary asked quickly.

"Your wife is having some problems. We've sent her upstairs for an emergency c-section.
When women have had a previous c-section and they try to deliver the next pregnancy
naturally, well sometimes the uterus incision ruptures and they begin to hemorrhage. That
is what has happened to your wife. What Dr. Jeffries is going to do is deliver the baby and
try to get the hemorrhaging to stop. I'm going to send you upstairs and she'll fill you in
when she is finished with the surgery." He said as he put his hand on Gary's shoulder.

"She could die?" Gary asked somberly.

"We're going to do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen. If we can't stop
the hemorrhaging, yes, she could bleed to death." He said. Gary swallowed hard.

"Can I see her?" Gary asked his voice barely above a whisper.

"No I'm afraid you won't be able to be in the delivery room." He said. "I'll have one of the
nurses take you and your baby upstairs."
 

Chapter 46

Gary sat in the waiting room with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. One
of the nurses told him that his son was in the nursery if he wanted to see him. Gary shook
his head no. Gary heard the elevator doors open and he turned to see his parents and
in-laws come off.

"Gary." Lois walked over to him with a huge smile on her face. As soon as she saw the
look on her son's face, she knew something was wrong. "What is it?" She asked as she
took his hand.

"They had to take Kaitlyn into surgery. They couldn't stop the bleeding." He whispered as
he dropped Lois' hand and looked at the floor. "Mom, she could die." He said softly.

Lois sat down on one side of him and Bernie on the other. Kaitlyn's mother, Lily cried
softly into her husband's chest. Bernie put his hand on Gary's back and gave him a pat.

"She'll be all right son." He said as Lois took Gary's hand. When Gary looked up, he saw a
nurse walking towards him.

"Mr. Hobson?" She said.

"Yes." Gary said as he stood up.

"We had to take your wife's rings off of her before she went into surgery." She said as she
handed him Kaitlyn's engagement ring, wedding band, and his grandmother's ring. "Can I
get you anything?" She asked.

"No, thank you." Gary said softly as he looked at Kaitlyn's rings in his hand.

"I'll come and get you as soon as we hear anything." She said as she turned and walked
away.

"That's the first time, since our wedding, she's ever had these rings off her fingers." Gary
said as he looked at his mother. Lois wrapped her arms around Gary's waist and hugged
him.

A few minutes passed until Lois asked where the baby was. Gary told her that they had
him in the nursery. Collier, Bernie, and Lily headed to the nursery to see their new
grandson, so that Lois could have some time alone with Gary.

"Mom. I'll never forgive myself if something happens to her." Gary said softly.

"Gary, honey, you can't blame yourself for this. Nobody could have known something like
this would happen." She said as she rubbed her son's back.

"She knew. We talked about something like this happening. Sh..She was scared." Gary
stuttered. "I should have been there for her. I might have been able to get her here faster."
His mother held him gently as he cried.

It was about twenty minutes before the nurse came out into the waiting area pushing a
bassinet.

"Would you like to see your other son?" She asked as she smiled at Gary.

"How's my wife?" Gary asked as he walked towards her and the baby.

"They are still working on her. I think Dr. Jeffries will be out to talk to you shortly." She
said. Gary nodded and then looked down into the bassinet.

"Hey there buddy." He said as he placed his hand on the top of the baby's head. The baby
turned at the sound of his voice and looked directly at him. "You look just like your
brother. Wait till Mommy gets a good look at you." He said softly as a tear ran down his
cheek.

"I'm going to take him into the nursery, if you would like to come in." The nurse said.

"No, thank you. I'm going to wait here." Gary said as he turned around and walked back
to his seat and sat down. He watched his parents and the Kelly's have their first look at his
second son before the nurse led him into the nursery to join is brother.
 

Chapter 47

Dr. Jeffries was the next person to speak with Gary. She walked into the waiting room and
smiled at him.

"Well, Mr. Hobson would you like to see your wife." She smiled.

"She's okay?" Gary said hesitantly as he stood.

"It looks like she is going to be fine. I thought that we were going to have to do a
hysterectomy, but before I put your wife under the anesthesia, she was so insistent against
it. I decided to wait it out and it was the right decision. I was able to repair her uterus,
although, next time, she will definitely have to have a c-section." Dr. Jeffries joked.

"Next time. She's going be okay." Gary said as he closed his eyes and Lois wrapped her
arms around him.

"We're getting ready to move her into a room. I'm sure when she wakes up she is going to
be extremely anxious to see you and those babies." Dr. Jeffries said. "I can walk you over
to the nursery. The grandparents can go to the viewing window."

"Okay. Thank you." Gary said sincerely as he shook the doctors' hand.

"Ha! Let's go see those grandsons of ours." Bernie said as he patted Collier on the back
and they all headed to the nursery.

When Gary went into the nursery, he saw his parents and the Kelly's standing at the
window and he waived. The nurse walked him over to where the boys were. They were
lying as close together as they could in a double bassinet.

"I keep moving them, trying to give them more room, but they end up fussing. They like
to be right on top of each other." The nurse joked to Gary who smiled. "You can have a
few minutes alone with them. Then we'll take them down to see your wife. I'm sure they
are both going to get hungry pretty soon."

Gary looked down at his sons. They were both sleeping contently.

"They look so much a like." Gary said. "I don't know how we're going to tell them apart."

"Oh, you'll get used to it. Sometimes even twins that aren't identical still look a lot alike.
Actually, if you look closely this one has a slight dimple in his chin." She said.

"You're right. I didn't notice that." Gary said with a smile.

"Do you have their names picked out?" She asked.

"I think I better wait and talk to my wife about that." Gary smiled.

"Would you like to hold them?" She asked.

"Can I?" Gary asked.

"Well, of course." She said as she reached into the bassinet and picked up one of the boys
and handed him to Gary. She then reached in, took the other baby, and put it in his other
arm.

Gary looked down at his sons and smiled. They stayed asleep in his arms. He looked up at
his parents, who were on the other side of the window. His father and Collier had huge
smiles on their faces and his mother and Lily were smiling, but crying and hugging each
other. Gary walked over to the window and got as close as he could so that they could see
both of the babies.

"How much do they weigh?" Lois said to Gary through the glass.

"My mother wants to know how much they weigh." Gary said as he turned to the nurse.

"One is 6 pounds, 5 ounces, and the other is 6 pounds, 12 ounces." She said.

"6 pounds, 5 ounces and 6 pounds, 12 ounces." Gary said to his mother through the glass.

"Mr. Hobson." A nurse said getting his attention. "Your wife is in her room now if you
would like to see her."

"Yes." Gary said.

"Here why don't you give me one of the babies and we'll put him back in the bassinet. You
can carry the other baby, as long as you promise me you won't trip and fall with him. If
you do, I'll loose my job." She smiled.

"Okay." Gary said she took one of the babies and put it in the bassinet.

"Follow me." She said as she pushed the bassinet out of the room.
 

Chapter 48

When Gary got to Kaitlyn's room, she was sleeping. The nurse pushed the bassinet in.
When Gary looked down at his son in his arms, the baby's eyes opened and he looked
directly at his father.

"Tell your wife if she needs me to use the call button." The nurse said.

Gary nodded in agreement, then watched as she left the room, closing the door behind her.
He laid the baby down in the bassinet and walked over to Kaitlyn's bed. He sat down
beside her on the bed, leaning over and gently kissing her.

"I love you." He whispered. One of the babies started to cry so he walked over and picked
him up then sat down in the rocking chair.

When Kaitlyn awoke it was to the sight of Gary sitting in the chair holding their son. She
watched as he softly talked to the baby as he played with his fingers. Gary heard her stir
and looked up to find his wife smiling at him.

"Hey." He smiled. "Want to meet your Mom." He said to the baby as he got up and came
to the side of the bed. Leaning down he handed Kaitlyn the baby, then softly kissed her. "I
love you." He whispered as he sat down on the bed, a tear ran down his cheek.

"Honey." Kaitlyn said.

"For a while there, I didn't think I was every going to get to tell you that again." He said
as she kissed his cheek.

"I love you, too. I think I'm okay, just a little sore." She smiled. Then a look of panic came
across her face. "Did Dr. Jeffries have to.."

Gary cut her off before she could finish. "She was able to stop the bleeding without doing
a hysterectomy." Kaitlyn breathed a sigh of relief.

She looked down at the baby in her arms. "Are both the babies okay?" She asked.

"They're fine, two boys. The other one is asleep in the bassinet." Gary got up, went over,
and picked up the other baby. "Here he is." He said as he walked back over to the bed and
sat down, holding the baby so Kaitlyn could see him. She started to cry.

"They look so much a like." She smiled.

"That's exactly what I said when I first saw them together. The nurse already told me
they're not identical though." He smiled. "Look this one's got a little dimple in his chin."
Gary and Kaitlyn both laughed.

"Maybe we should give them a name." Kaitlyn said.

"Well, we decided that if they were boys, we were going to use our father's names as
middle names right?" Gary asked. Kaitlyn nodded in agreement. "The one I've got is Zeke.
You okay with that?" Gary asked cautiously.

"Yes. Since you delivered him, I guess you should get to name him. Besides, he looks like
a Zeke." Kaitlyn smiled. "What are we going to name you?" Kaitlyn said as she talked to
the baby she was holding.

"I was talking with your mother yesterday." Gary looked at Kaitlyn. "I was asking her
about family names. When she told me what her father's name was, well I happened to like
it."

"Really?" Kaitlyn asked optimistically. Gary nodded. "I was going to suggest it, but I
didn't know if you would like it. I thought maybe you'd think it was too.I don't know."
Kaitlyn smiled.

"No, I think it's perfect for this little guy." Gary said as he leaned over and kissed her then
the baby.

"Okay." Kaitlyn said, as there was a knock at the door.

"Come in." Gary said.

The door opened, and Gary saw his mother-in-law peek her head in.

"Is our Mommy up for visitors?" She asked.

"Come on in, Mamma." Kaitlyn smiled.

Lily opened the door the rest of the way and walked in, behind her were Lois, Bernie, and
Collier.

"You're just in time. We just decided on names for these two." Gary said excitedly as he
got up from the bed. He walked over and placed the baby he was holding in his mother's
arms. "Mom, meet Zeke Bernard Hobson." He said as he looked at his father. Lois
couldn't hold back the tears any longer and they began to flow down her cheeks.

"Gary, outside of the day you were born, this is the happiest day of my life." She said
through her tears.

"Thanks Gar." Bernie said as he hugged his son.

Gary then walked over and took the next baby out of Kaitlyn's arms. He placed his son
into his mother-in-law's arms and said, "This is Avery Collier Hobson." She smiled and
starting to cry reached up and kissed Gary on the cheek.

"Thank you." Lily whispered.

"Congratulations son." Collier said to Gary as he shook his hand and patted his shoulder.
He then turned to his daughter and said, "You did a great job there sweetheart." He kissed
Kaitlyn on the forehead.

They sat and visited for a while. Gary explained to them what happened when Zeke was
born. A smile on his face the whole time.

"Gary, we are so proud of you." Lois said as she gently rocked her grandson. "You
delivered your own baby.

"Kaitlyn was the one who did all the work. But, I'm definitely glad I got there when I did.
I don't think Chuck would have been much help to you honey." Gary said as he held
Kaitlyn's hand.

"I know, I should have believed you when you told me that this morning. You should have
seen the look on his face when my water broke in his sports car." Kaitlyn said and
everyone started to laugh.

"Oh, Gary speaking of Chuck. I almost completely forgot. While you were here with
Kaitlyn, Chuck came into the waiting room. He said that when he was able to get a hold of
Jade she went into labor." Lois said. "He just brought her in."

"How about that?" Gary said as he looked at Kaitlyn. "Maybe our kids will share the same
birthday."

"Gary, honey, maybe you should go and talk to him. She is going to need his help and."
Gary stopped her by putting his finger on her lips.

"I'll go see if I can find him." Gary said with a smile. Then leaned in and kissed her. "I love
you." He whispered. Kaitlyn smiled. Gary got up and headed out the door.
 

Chapter 49

Gary went to the nurses' station and asked what room Jade was in. They were on the other
side of the maternity ward, so Gary made the long walk down the hall. He found Chuck
pacing outside of the room.

"Buddy." Gary said as he walked up behind him and grabbed his arm.

"Gar!" Chuck said, the fear evident on his face.

"How's it going?" Gary asked as he patted him on the back.

"Not to good. Gar, I don't think I'm going to be able to do this." Chuck moaned.

"Chuck, look at me. You got the easy part. You need to pull yourself together. Jade is
going to need your support." Gary said.

"That's easy for you to say. You could already be a candidate for father of the year. Me, I
don't think I'm father material." Chuck said disappointedly.

"Chuck you're going be great father. You're going to look back on this day and realize this
was one of the happiest days of your life." Gary said encouragingly.

"Thanks, Gar." Chuck said.

They nurse opened the door to Jade's room and said, "Mr. Fishman, your wife is
completely dilated. She is getting ready to start to push." She then turned and went back
into the room.

"Lovely." Chuck mumbled. "I'm coming honey." He said as he headed into the room, then
turned, and looked at Gary.

"Good luck, Buddy." Gary said encouragingly.

On Gary's return trip to Kaitlyn's room, he ran into his parents and in-laws at the nurses'
station. When he walked up they all were laughing and talking with the nurse at the desk.

"Where are you guys going?" Gary asked.

"Kaitlyn was nursing and we wanted to give her some quiet." Lily said.

"Oh." Gary said.

"How's Chuck doing?" Bernie asked.

"He's hanging in." Gary said.

"Gary, we're going to go down to the cafeteria and get something to eat. Do you want
anything?" Lois asked.

"No, Mom. I'm good. I think, I'm going to have to go and get the girls and bring them
over so they can meet their new brothers." Gary said with a smile.

"Oh, Megan is bringing them over." Lily said.

"Why don't you go and spend some time with Kaitlyn." Lois said. "I'll bring you a
hamburger.

"Thanks Mom." Gary said as he headed down the hall to Kaitlyn's room.
 

Chapter 50

When Gary got back to Kaitlyn's room, she was asleep. He walked over to the bassinet
and peeked in on his sons who were also sound asleep. Gary stood and watched Kaitlyn
for a few minutes. Ever since they had gotten married, he always got up early just to
watch her sleep.

He walked over and sat down in the chair. He didn't realize how exhausted he was. He
closed his eyes for what seemed like a second until he heard Kaitlyn's voice.

"Gary." She said.

"Huh?" He said as he opened his eyes and saw his wife sitting up in bed. "You feeling all
right?" He asked quickly.

"Yeah. Just tired." She said. "How's Jade doing?"

"She's pushing." Gary said.

"How's Chuck?" Kaitlyn asked.

"He's Chuck." Gary shrugged. "They'll be all right."

Gary got up and sat on the bed beside her. She rested her head on his shoulder.

"This is probably the last peace and quiet we'll have for a while." Kaitlyn sighed.

"You got that right." Gary smiled. "It's worth it though."

"Mommy." Casey yelled as she and Jessica came running into the room. Marissa and
Megan came into the room behind them.

"Shh." Gary said putting his finger to his mouth. "Babies are sleeping." He whispered and
picked her up and set her on the bed. Jessica went around, crawled up on the other side of
her mother, and hugged her.

"Mommy are you okay?" Jessica asked.

"I'm fine sweetie." Kaitlyn said.

"You want to meet your brothers?" Gary asked as he led both girls over to the bassinet.

"This is Zeke." Gary said as he pointed to him. "And this is Avery."

"Congratulations." Megan said as she hugged him and walked over to Kaitlyn's bed, sat
down and hugged her sister. Jessica got back up on the bed next to her mother.

Gary walked over to Marissa. He grabbed her hand. "Congratulations, Gary." She reached
up and hugged him. "It's been a long time coming, hasn't it?" Marissa asked.

"You could say that." Gary said with a smile. "Why don't you come on over here and sit
down and hold one of your godchildren." Gary said.

He led her to the rocking chair and helped her sit down. He then reached into the bassinet,
picked up Avery who was now awake, and placed him in her arms. Marissa gently touched
his face and smiled when he grabbed her finger.

"They're not identical, but they look an awful lot alike." Gary said as he knelt down beside
the chair. Casey came over and sat on his knee.

"Yeah, like their father. There is no way you can deny these kids Gary." Megan teased.

"I don't think he'll be doing that." Marissa joked. Gary smiled and kissed Casey on the
forehead.

"So what do you think?" He asked her.

"They're okay, I guess." Casey said crinkling her nose. Gary smiled.

"Marissa did you know Jade was in labor?" Gary asked.

"She is?" Marissa said.

"She probably had the baby by now." Gary said. Kaitlyn, Marissa, and Megan all turned
and looked at him.

"He thinks he's an expert now." Megan teased.

"What?" Gary asked.

"Honey, the first baby usually takes awhile. She probably won't have the baby until later
tonight." Kaitlyn smiled.

"Oh." Gary shrugged.

Lois, Bernie, Collier, and Lily soon joined them. Gary sat and ate his hamburger and
watched the girls try to play with the babies. They all visited for awhile until the girls
started to get bored and loud. The nurse came in and took the boys down to the nursery
for their bath.

"Okay, girls. How about we say good-bye to Mommy and Daddy." Megan said.

"Do we have to?" Jessica asked.

"Yes. We're going to have pizza and go to the fireworks." Megan said.

"I think we're all going to get going." Lily said. "So we can give Mommy a chance to
catch up on her rest. It's been a long day."

"Come on girls. Marissa you want a ride home?" Megan asked.

"No. I think I'm going to stick around and wait for Chuck's baby. If that's okay with you
two?" Marissa asked.

"Yeah, that's fine." Kaitlyn said. "I enjoy your company."

"I'll have Emmitt pick me up later." Marissa said to Megan.

After saying their good-byes, everyone left for the night and headed home. Gary, Kaitlyn,
and Marissa sat and talked for a while. He told Marissa how he delivered Zeke and then
what happened with Kaitlyn when they got to the hospital. Marissa told Kaitlyn that she
couldn't believe Gary was able to talk her into naming the baby Zeke. Kaitlyn said that her
husband could be very persuasive when he wanted to be. He teased Marissa; saying that
he told her his first son would be named Zeke.

"I wonder how Jade is doing?" Marissa asked.

"Maybe I should take a walk down and see how it's going." Gary said.

"Can I go with you?" Marissa asked.

"Sure." Gary turned toward Kaitlyn. "I'll be back in a little bit, okay?"

She nodded. He leaned in and kissed her, then got up off the bed and helped Marissa to
the door.

As they were walking towards the nurses' station, Gary told Marissa that he saw Chuck
and Emmitt standing on the outside of the nursery at the viewing window. They walked up
and stood beside them. Marissa went into Emmitt's arms.

"Chuck, how's Jade?" Gary said.

"Gar! She's good. It's all over." Chuck sighed as he and Gary hugged. "Can you even
believe it, our kids share the same birthday."

"Congratulations Chuck." Marissa said as she hugged him.

"We were just getting a good look at those Hobson boys." Chuck said as he pointed at the
boys through the window.

Gary turned and looked at his sons. He then glanced over at the bassinet next to theirs. It
said on the front Hannah Fishman, 7 lbs., 13 oz. Gary smiled and patted Chuck on the
back.

"Chuck, you got a daughter." Gary said. "She's beautiful."

"Yeah!" Chuck said. "I can' believe it. Now, I'm going to spend the rest of my life chasing
those two away from her." He teased as he pointed to the babies.

"They're my sons, I'm sure you will be." Gary said with a smile.

"Hey, Gar. You were right." Chuck said.

"About what?" Gary asked.

"This is definitely the best day of my life." Chuck said.

"I know exactly how you feel, Buddy. I know exactly how you feel." Gary said as he put
his arm on Chuck's shoulder and they looked at their children.

Later, when Gary opened the door to Kaitlyn's room, he heard the nurse say, "I think
you've got things under control. Call me if you need anything."

"Thank you." Kaitlyn said.

Gary passed her in the doorway. He walked in to the dimly lit room, saw Kaitlyn nursing
one of the babies, and smiled. He walked over to the bassinet and found his other son
quietly sleeping.

"As soon as he was done eating he went right to sleep." Kaitlyn said as Gary walked to the
side of the bed, sat down, and put his arm around her shoulder.

"Which one you got there." He said.

"Zeke. He's not cooperating as well as his brother." Kaitlyn said as she tried to get him to
continue to nurse.

"Well, he's my son, he'll catch on." Gary grinned and kissed her. Kaitlyn rolled her eyes.

"Ouch." She said loudly. Gary winced. "I think he's a barracuda." She joked and Gary
smiled. "How's Jade?"

"Baby girl, 7 pounds 13 ounces. They named her Hannah." Gary smiled.

"Everything is okay?" Kaitlyn asked.

"Yep." Gary said. "You feeling all right?" He asked.

"Yeah. Just tired." She said. "They just gave me some pain medicine. She said it might
make me a little sleepy."

They sat in silence. Gary watched serenely as Kaitlyn nursed their son. It seemed like he
had waited a lifetime to witness this sight. His heart overflowed, as he looked on with
such love and devotion for this beautiful woman sitting next to him. As the baby nursed,
he fell asleep in his mother's arms. Suddenly, a burst of light filled the room.

"Gary look fireworks." Kaitlyn pointed towards the window.

"How about that." Gary said then looked down at his son. "You want me to put him in the
bassinet?" Gary asked.

"No. I'll hold him." Kaitlyn smiled. Gary leaned over and kissed her.

"Thank you." He said softly against her lips. She raised her hand and gently caressed his
cheek.

"I love you." She said.

"I love you." Gary said as they both smiled and turned their attentions back to the
beautiful baby in her arms.
 

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Email the author: radomsrcr@prodigy.net
 

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