Rodrigo Escobar

JADE

Since arriving to the hospital and getting admitted to an L&D room, Jade had been examined by Dr. Ellison, who had been working an overnight shift, much to Jade's relief. She'd been deemed 4 centimeters dilated so far. The doctor let her know that she could receive an epidural if she was ready to. Jade wanted to walk around a little to see if it would help her get to another centimeter or 2 first. She had come down from her earlier panic spike from a nurse asking her and Rodrigo if they were ready. She, of course, did not fully feel ready but was doing her best to get there as her labor progressed.

One of the nurses came by to adjust her IV and monitors to a mobile carrier. With Rodrigo's help, she got up from the bed and held his hand. "Ready?" And then, with a small frown, followed up by asking, "Are you sure you don't mind me holding your hand through this? I read stories of people spraining and seriously hurting their birthing partner's hand and I don't want to hurt you."

RODRIGO

Rodrigo had been mindful about asking all the necessary questions and probably some unnecessary ones as well. This being his first time doing this, he wanted to make sure that Jade had everything she needed and that their babies were in good hands. He found it admirable that Jade advocated for herself and knew what she wanted and was relieved that they still had a little bit of time. It's not that he wasn't ready, he just wanted some time between arriving at the hospital and the babies arriving into the world.

He helped Jade off the bed and smiled at her question, his eyes on the IV and everything the nurse had come to adjust. "Yes, I'm ready and I don't mind, honey. There is nothing else that I'd rather be doing, I promise you. Besides, what's a little sprain?" He winked at her and snaked an arm around her waist so that he could walk beside her. "How are you feeling?"

JADE

Taking in her husband's response, she gave him a weak smile while hoping she wouldn't be strong enough cause him any injury. With one hand in Rodrigo's and the other holding the metal pole of the IV and monitor carrier, Jade walked to the door and out to the hallway, taking a quick glance back to remember their room number. "I'm okay right now, pain-wise. But I'm still pretty scared about the giving birth part. And it does still feel early, but I know you're right that the babies will be okay to be born now. It just... I thought we had a little bit more time, you know?"

The two of them had gotten about halfway down the hallway before Jade began feeling a steady stream running down her leg. She stopped, rapidly growing horrified and then foolishly looked down--as if she could suddenly see her legs and feet again. Her face was growing very, very red as she looked to Rodrigo, still frozen in her spot, and said, "Either I just peed myself, or my water broke..." She bit down on her lip as the liquid continued running down, soaking the floor-gripping socks the nurse put on her feet.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo walked beside Jade, listening to his wife discuss her fears and concerns. "I completely understand. I'm glad we did a lot of preparation but I guess you could never be too ready. We'll be okay though. I understand its coming as a shock but we're as ready as we can be, the nursery is all prepped for them, we've taken classes and you're strong. Your vitals are strong and we've got our friends and family here." He heard his phone buzzing and smiled at the text from his mom letting him know she was in the waiting room with Fletcher and Xavier. "Mom is right outside too cheering you on."

When Jade stopped, he did too, a look of concern replacing his steady one. "What's wrong?" He noticed the change in Jade's expression and the color in her cheeks and he stood before her to gauge a reaction. When he looked down and saw the puddle, he called for the nurse. "Nurse! I think my wife's water just broke!" In an instant, two nurses ran jogged toward them and helped guide Jade back into the room to help her clean up and feel comfortable.

"Okay, Jade. You're entering the second phase of labor which means your contractions will be a bit more painful. We're going to page the doctor so she could come by and discuss more of that with you." The nurse reassured the both of them and helped Jade out of her socks and into new ones after cleaning her up.

JADE

"I'm glad we did too. It helps to ease my mind whenever a question comes up. And I love the way the nursery turned out for bringing our babies home. It's just the actual act of delivering the babies that has me anxious. It has for some time, but, it has to happen." She smiled a little weakly and then more genuinely when Rodrigo shared the text from his mom. "I'm glad she made it here."

After telling Rodrigo that her water might have broken, she was finding that she strongly hoped that that was what was happening, as the alternative would have been far more embarrassing than that. Still, her cheeks burned when Rodrigo called out for a nurse in the otherwise quiet hallway. She squeezed her eyes shut for about 2 seconds and then opened them again as the nurses aided them with the situation. "Thank you," Jade whispered, still feeling a little embarrassed as the amniotic fluid continued running down her leg the entire short trip back to the room, and then some.

She was thankful for the help with getting dried off and her socks exchanged, and as she listened to the nurse, as though on cue, a contraction was beginning again. It was silently reflected on one of the monitors but Jade hadn't been looking at it. Her eyes were shut tight and her fingers were curled into impenetrable fists. One hand was balled into itself while the other caught some of Rodrigo's shirt with an iron grip. The nurse had been right; it was a new kind of pain and Jade was having a hard time remembering to breathe through it. Regardless if her dilation had changed at all, the moment she could speak again, she was going to ask for the epidural to be administered as soon as humanly possible.

RODRIGO

He had mentally prepared a little speech about delivering the babies but things had shifted so quickly that Rodrigo’s focus was no on making sure Jade was brought back to her room and as comfortable as possible. He could understand her anxiety and wasn’t going to pretend he knew what she was going through so the best he could do for his wife is be there for her and validate every feeling she had. He stayed close as the nurses helped change Jade and kept his eyes on the monitor.

When the next contraction came, he could tell it was painful by Jade’s grip and he practiced breathing along with her to show his continuous support, giving her the time to come down from it and dropping a gentle kiss at the top of her braids. “That’s it, honey.” Rodrigo looked up at the nurse.

“Jade, sweetie, remember to rest between contractions. The doctor should be here soon. What can I do for you?” The nurse offered Jade a smile and then began to record the vitals into the computer.

JADE

When Jade opened her eyes again, she saw Rodrigo emphasizing his breathing which reminded her not to hold her breath. She exhaled and and did her best to imitate him through the pain. And initially, she hadn't answered the nurse, with all of her focus being on breathing and getting through the contraction. But once the pain subsided enough for her to speak, she answered the nurse, "Have the babies for me?" She was sitting on one side of the bed with her legs dangling over the edge and, thanks to the height of the bed, was able to rest her head on her husband's chest. Her grip on his shirt finally loosened as she asked, "Can I have the epidural?" She'd read on how movement was important and helpful during labor, even after getting an epidural. And as much as Jade had wanted to do the walking around, she was unsure of doing so now that her water had broken.

"Honey, can you massage my lower back?"

RODRIGO

"There we go. I'm so proud of you, honey." Rodrigo continued encouraging Jade even though he could tell she was in pain. He wished he could take it all away and take the pain for himself if possible. He laughed softly at Jade's request and the nurse did as well. "Heck, if I could I'd have the babies for you." Rodrigo massaged Jade's back as she requested the epidural. Again, he felt proud of his wife for advocating for herself and knowing to ask for the epidural when she thought she needed it. The nurse nodded, checking her vitals one more time before putting in an order through the computer.

"You got it, Jade. I requested the epidural so my team should be here shortly just a minute or so. I'll be right back!" The nurse rushed out of the room to prepare for Jade's medication and Rodrigo followed his wife's request to massage her lower back.

"How's this?" He massaged her gently, using both his hands against her sides and lower back. "You're doing great."

JADE

Jade felt Rodrigo reach around her to massage her back and while her contraction was subsiding, she continued to inhale intentionally slow breaths. His response about having the babies for her made her smile. "I know you would, honey. But you're doing the next best thing." She nodded upon hearing the nurse and bid her a "Thank you," as the woman left the room behind her.

Jade kept her chin tucked to her chest and her body bent slightly forward where she say while Rodrigo massaged her. "That's..." She let out a content sigh in response, letting him know that his kneading hands were exactly what she needed right then.

After the nurse returned along with Dr. Ellison, Jade was examined again and leanred she'd dilated 1 more centimeter. They were all soon joined by the anesthesiologist who would be administering the epidural for her. They had Jade sit in the same position she'd been in and talked her through the process. As that took place, she held her hands in Rodrigo's larger ones and did her best to focus on anything but the pain that would come with the needle going into her back. She half-sang, half-hummed through it and once everything was finished, the nurse helped lie down in the hospital bed.

During the hours that passed, Jade was in considerably less pain thanks to the numbing medication. She rotated her body from time to time but mostly had been able to get through the contractions with far more tolerance than before. She encouraged Rodrigo to let Emiliana, Fletcher and Xavier come through for brief visits, and after they'd each left for the waiting room again, she tried to get some sleep. With the equipment, IV in the back of her hand and the catheter in her back, and the frequent pop-ins from the nurse, it hadn't been a restful sleep. She'd drifted in and out of consciousness, sometimes just to press the button to boost the pain medicine.

On her last rotation, she had her back to the wall where the room's clock hung so she couldn't see the time, but she was facing her husband, as well as the room's only window. It was still dark outside so she was sure it was already the next day, sometime in the middle of the night. Jade gave a small smile to Rodrigo and softly spoke, "I don't know if I'm going to get anymore sleep tonight, honey. I keep feeling this pressure that's not letting me get back to sleep. So, would you mind playing my Hospital playlist on Spotify?" Jade being as hyper-organized as she was had a playlist for several occasions and moods. She'd had 3 different ones for cooking, 2 for her runs, 1 that was hours of her favorite jazz songs, a few for different ballroom dance styles, 1 that was titled 'Rodrigo' and was filled with songs that reminded her of him and their relationship; the mock-up of their wedding playlist was there too, and had been very similar. 1 playlist was a calming, meditative playlist and her 2 most recent playlists had been titled 'Hospital' and 'Ciel & Felix'. The latter was a work-in-progress but the Hospital playlist had a combination of meditation tracks and uplifting songs for while they were in the hospital.

Not long after making this request did Dr. Ellison knock and then come in to check on Jade's dilation. She helped her to rotate onto her back again and after completing the exam, said, "Good news you two. Jade? You're nine centimeters which means you're almost ready to push. Since it's almost time, I'm going to have the nurses get things ready in here for your babies to make their arrival, okay?" She peeled off and tossed her gloves while standing from her stool and heading for the door, "See you both again soon."

Now somewhat reclined on her back, Jade turned her head to look at Rodrigo again, her eyes slightly widened. "Oh my-" a nervous smile appeared on her face. "Did you hear that? It's almost time..." The pressure she'd mentioned feeling only seemed to be growing more prevalent. If asked to describe it, Jade would say it was encouraging a desire to push that, despite not showing it, she was trying very hard not to do yet.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo had been doing everything possible to keep Jade peaceful. He helped her through her contractions, made a couple of jokes, sang to her, read her a few poems, and continued their breathing exercises together. He had learned a lot from reading the labor book his mother had gifted him and from attending most of Jade's appointments. When the epidural was administered, he felt his heart feeling like it was broken into tiny pieces when he saw Jade in pain. His focus was on her comfort and getting through this together.

Glad that Xavier, Fletcher and his mother were there to pop in, he watched as they each provided some encouragement and good-humored jokes. When he had a few moments, Rodrigo made sure he updated both Emma and Frankie as well. After his friends had left and they were both alone again, Rodrigo searched for Jade's Spotify lists and played the one she had requested.

The music was nice. It helped keep Jade centered and he knew that Jade eeling like she had some control over the situation would help with her feeling more at ease. Dr. Ellison had returned to check Jade once more and when it was announced that she'd be ready to push soon, he felt the anxiousness build in his chest. He wouldn't show any of it and would continue focusing on his wife and whatever she needed. "I did hear that. You can do this, I know it. You're so strong and so amazing. And I'm going to be here the entire time right by your side. We can do anything together."

The nurse returned with a giant smile on her face. "Dr. Ellison told me the news! Jade, how are we doing, hun? Do you feel like you're ready to push?"

JADE

Jade reached over for Rodrigo's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you, Rodrigo. You really are the best." She was largely eased through everything thanks to Rodrigo up to this point and she knew he would be right by her side. "No passing out on me, okay?" Jade whispered, looking up into his eyes, her hand still in his.

With the nurse returning and 2 other nurses entering the room shortly behind her, Jade knew that they were getting even closer. "I'm as ready as I can be, I think." She knew she didn't sound very confident but she tried. "I do feel like I need to push though. It's not...too, too painful but it's like this uncomfortable urge that's hard to control." The other 2 nurses had put giant, square pads down at the foot of Jade's bed, locked a pair of stirrups in place there, prepared 2 hospital bassinets and further adjusted Jade's bed for delivery. With the nurses buzzing about and Dr. Ellison soon returning and joining them with medical jargon dominating their dialogue, Jade felt a bit dizzy and her heart beating a little bit faster.

Soon, 2 of the nurses guided Jade's sock-clad feet into the stirrups while the third nurse adjusted some sort of flood light above the end of the bed where Dr. Ellison was taking a seat and letting Jade and Rodrigo know that she was going to check Jade again. Less than a minute later, she said, "Okay, Jade, you're fully dilated and we're ready to help you bring these little ones into the world. We've got the upper half of the bed raised to support you in more of a seated position. We're going to follow your contractions for when you push." She then proceeded to explain to Jade how to push, assured her that she would guide her through when to push and when to take a break, and reminded her that she had Rodrigo next to her to help coach her through this.

Jade nodded and squeezed Rodrigo's hand again, not having let it go this entire time. The more her self-confidence wavered, the more she felt she needed him. The 2 additional nurses stood by the bassinets, waiting to receive the babies after birth to clean and swaddle them at the right time while the original nurse seemed to continue being more directly involved with Jade's labor. But Jade was doing her best to focus on Dr. Ellison's instructions and Rodrigo's unfailing support. She dropped her chin to her chest and bore down when she was told, and she rested and breathed when she was told to.

Thoughts were sprinting in her mind amidst the counting from the doctor and her repeated efforts to push the first baby out. It felt like she had been pushing for hours. She kept hearing that she was almost there from Dr. Ellison but with the pain she could feel, along with the frequent pushing, she felt like she wasn't getting anywhere. Tears were welling in her eyes and by the next break, Jade let her head fall back against her pillow as she looked to Rodrigo and whispered, "I can't do it."

RODRIGO

"No passing out." He wouldn't make a giant promise out of it just in case he did end up falling over like he did at the doctor's office upon learning they were expecting twins. Truth be told, he wasn't sure if that would ever happen again but he hoped that for Jade's sake, his body would cooperate. That and the fact that his best friend would just LOVE it if he did pass out. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles before rubbing it with his own hand.

Watching everyone prepare for the birth of his babies was surreal to Rodrigo. He tried to take in every detail because he wanted to tell the twins someday what this day was like from the pictionary game to the ride to the hospital to Jade's water breaking in the hallway to how diligently the nurses and doctor worked to make sure they came into the world happily and healthy. "Fully dilated." He whispered after Dr. Ellison as if he was reassuring himself that this was it. They were going to be parents. Jade was going to squeeze his hand until he lost his blood flow and he was going home with two car seats. That's when he felt his sugar drop. The color must have escaped his face because Rodrigo was pretty sure he was going to fall over. And as he felt the moment nearing, he swore it would end in Jade yelling at him for missing the birth of their babies until Jade whispered and looked up at him. Those words, her words brought him back to Earth and it was as if something activated inside of him.

"What do you mean? Of course, you can. This is all you've been dreaming about. You can't wait to meet the babies and you're strong. You're so strong and so prepared and you're going to be the best mommy. I know it hurts and I'm so sorry, honey but you're going to do it. I believe in you. The babies believe in you. Push really hard, Jade. Come on, honey."

JADE

Jade hadn't been fully aware of Rodrigo's pale complexion when she'd looked up at him. Her eyes were too teary to tell and her focus had been heavily drawn to her labor. She listened to Rodrigo as her tears spilled down her cheek. She was nodding along with his encouraging words, knowing deep down that he was right, even if she had let her fear get the better of her. Taking as deep a breath as she could, Jade sniffed and dropped her chin to her chest again, bearing down and pushing as much as she possibly could. She let out a fierce groan as Dr. Ellison counted to 10 again and instructed her to rest. It took another 2 counts of 10 before the first baby was out and immediately placed on Jade where one of the nurses who was previously standing advanced and rubbed the baby's back with a towel while clearing the airways to urge on that first cry. Jade sobbed as the tiniest voice in the room cried out--eyes squeezed shut, tiny plump lips quivering.

"Congratulations, Mom and Dad! Your little girl is here," Dr. Ellison praised, assisting the nurse by placing a clamp on thr umbilical cord. "Dad, do you want to cut the cord?"

Jade's birth plan was for her and Rodrigo to do skin-to-skin as soon as possible but both babies had to enter the world first. She was wiping her eyes to get a clearer look at her daughter--her daughter. Ciel. She was here, on the outside. Jade kept thinking about how she was so incredibly small and precious. "Hii, my little love. Happy birthday," she crooned with a wobbly smile. And once Ciel had been cut free, the nurse carried her over to one of the bassinets to continue cleaning her off.

Dr. Ellison then helped Jade through the afterbirth of the first baby, and then felt around Jade's rounded stomach for the position of the second baby. After a few minutes of an external and internal exam, the doctor told her and Rodrigo, "Okay, both of your waters did break before which is good, and your son is exactly the position we need him in which is the best outcome we can ask for. Jade, we're gonna get you ready to bring him in, alright? You're gonna do exactly what you did for your daughter, okay?"

Still trying to get her fearful-turned-joyous tears under control, Jade nodded, "Okay," and sniffed again, wiping her eyes and bracing the side rail to her hospital bed. She followed her doctor's coaching again, pushing through the counts of 10 and taking a break to breathe when she was supposed to. It hadn't been easy, but eventually, she had birthed their son, who had been placed on her stomach just like his sister had been before.

While the other nurse began rubbing his back and clearing his airways, the nurse who'd remained beside her bed announced the time, like she had when Ciel had been born, and let Rodrigo and Jade know, "They're twelve minutes apart."

Jade had fallen back against the bed, exhausted and overjoyed, pained and adrenaline feuled all at once. She kept wiping her eyes and blinking away tears as a scrunched up Felix cried. "Oh, mon petit ange, hello," Jade murmured, looking down her body at the tiny boy.

RODRIGO

He let out a soft chuckle as he watched Ciel come into the world first. Their little girl is here The words were beautiful and he couldn't believe it. Rodrigo made sure that she looked okay and when asked if he wanted to cut the cord, he nodded through tears. Rodrigo cut the cord as instructed and bawled as the nurses took the baby to clean her up. He couldn't wait for Felix to arrive so that they could snuggle both their babies and when Dr. Ellison gave her instructions for the next birth, Rodrigo, took Jade's hand and gently moved away her damp hair away from her face. "You can do this."

It really was a miracle watching Jade overcome her anxiety and fears. She was one of the strongest women he knew. Hands down. When he heard that the twins were twelve minutes apart, Rodrigo smiled and let out another tear-filled laugh. "They're perfect. Oh my God, they're the most beautiful babies." He looked down at Jade and pressed a kiss against her forehead. "I love you so much. You did it, honey. Thank you for bringing our babies into the world."

JADE

With one baby birthed and seemingly healthy, Jade felt encouraged to successfully bring their son into the world. Having Rodrigo by her side the entire time helped her tremendously and after Felix was out, she'd heard Rodrigo's amazed laugh. It made her smile; they were parents and their babies were here. She shut her eyes for a moment and then looked up to Rodrigo. "I love you, honey. This would have been so much harder without you. Thank you.'

Dr. Ellison assisted Jade through the afterbirth, all the while the twins could be heard from their respective bassinets, crying and cooing. The doctor congratulated the couple again and after helping the third nurse with cleaning up, she let Jade and Rodrigo know that if, after a brief exam on both twins and they were both presenting healthy signs, they would prepare for the family to be moved to a recovery room. "If there's any concern regarding their weight, pulse or breathing, we'll move you to a recovery room and take the twins to the NICU for closer monitoring."

Jade nodded and fervently hoped both babies were okay. She wanted to hold them, to see them properly but she knew it was more important that they were okay first. While waiting, Jade did her best to relax her body. Adrenaline continued to pump through her and the anesthesia from the epidural was wearing off. She looked to her husband again and then over to where the babies were, waiting.

She didn't know how much time passed but eventually, the 2 nurses were bringing the newborns over to her and Rodrigo. Both babies were swaddled and wearing caps on their head, and both were initially handed to Jade. In an instant, she felt her hear swell inside her chest. She dropped a kiss on the top of each baby's head and quietly told them that she loved them. And then she looked back up to Rodrigo, "Do you want to hold them, honey?"

RODRIGO

Rodrigo was in complete awe at the entire process. While he wanted to hold his babies, he also knew that making sure they were healthy was important. He waited patiently, staying beside Jade and helping the nurses with anything they needed. He must have thanked them and Dr. Ellison over thirty times by the time they were left alone. He couldn't help it. They were all amazing. "I have to get them something. Wine baskets maybe." It was a whisper meant to be a mental note for himself but Rodrigo would remain grateful to all these women for the rest of his life.

After helping Jade relax, when the two nurses returned with the newborns, Rodrigo stood up with a giant smile on his face. Their sweet little baby noises made his heart melt and he craved to have them in his arms so he could snuggle them and take in that new baby smell he remembered from meeting Phoebe. He watched as his wife held Ciel and Felix and quickly wiped his tears when she kissed the top of their heads. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, Rodrigo reached for his phone and took a few videos and photos, sighing happily as he witnessed perfection.

"Yeah..." He placed his phone on the table near Jade and gently scooped them into his arms, already knowing what to do. He couldn't believe how well they fit with him. "They're so tiny." He whispered to Jade and slowly swayed back and forth as he watched them. "Hi, little honeybees. Welcome to the world. We have been waiting for you, yeah! Ciel, you have 12-minute bragging rights but I have a feeling you, Felix will use the younger sibling card to your advantage too." He sniffled, fighting back his tears. "Oh, you're both so beautiful. I could stare at you both forever. Thank you, mommy. Thank you for working so hard. We love you so much." And then he couldn't fight the tears anymore. Rodrigo held them close and began to cry.

JADE

"I wanted to talk to you about some sort of 'thank you' for the staff who'd help us with the twins, but since the two decided to come early, I didn't get to it." Jade smiled a bit, overhearing Rodrigo. "I was gonna make some cookies but wine might be nice too." She, too, was deeply grateful for her doctor all of the helpful nurses who had a hand in the twins' birth.

Jade felt a whole new layer of bliss upon holding hers and Rodrigo's children for the first time. She couldn't imagine ever forgetting this moment and the way it made her feel. She'd dreamt about it and had been looking forward to it for months; even before she knew that they were expecting, she was excited about becoming a mother and starting a family with Rodrigo. After kissing the tops of their capped heads and whispering greetings and that she loved them, she was happy to share the glow of the moment with her husband. She looked his way just in time to see his phone held in a photo-taking position. Smiling and shaking her head a bit, she was sure she looked a mess but was glad she at least planned ahead with her hair in braids.

Seeing the emotions in Rodrigo's eyes touched her. She helped ease Felix and then Ciel into Rodrigo's cradled arms, both of whom Jade already thought were small but looked even tinier in Rodrigo's strong and sturdy arms. Rodrigo spoke exactly what she'd been thinking and smiled. "We'll have to get their recorded weight from the nurses but they're probably just over five pounds each." She'd only guessed from estimates she'd read about while tracking the babies' growth. Hearing the way Rodrigo greeted their kids as honeybees made her grin. Spotting his phone within reach, Jade quietly reached for it and opened his camera app. She took a few pictures right before the tears spilled from his eyes. Setting the phone back down, Jade lightly brushed her fingers along the length of Rodrigo's forearm. If she could, she would have reached up to dry his eyes. "Eres el mejor papi."

Jade enjoyed the moment she was witnessing between Rodrigo and the twins. Her heart melted when Ciel yawned, stretching her tiny lips in the smallest oval she'd ever seen. Almost immediately after, Felix had done the same; Jade could have cried from the cuteness of it. She truly couldn't wait until she, Rodrigo and the twins were taken up to the recovery room so they could have their skin-to-skin.

And almost on cue, there were a few light knocks followed by one of the nurses coming in to escort them to their new room. Another nurse had come in to help soon after. "Dad, are you okay with carrying the babies up to the room?" one of the nurses asked while picking up the family's bag and setting it at the foot of Jade's bed. While the second nurse prepared to wheel both bassinets, the first nurse adjusted Jade's monitors and undid the locks on the bed. She easily guided the bed out of the room and to the elevator.

After getting Jade's bed situated and locked in at the recovery room, the nurse assured them more time to themselves and that she or another staff member would be back to check in on Jade and the babies, and to see about a first feeding. Jade thanked the nurses and once they were alone with the babies again, she said to her husband, "Do you want me to hold them so you can get ready for skin-to-skin?" Her gown was loose enough for her to easily do so; she was prepared to hold them both for Rodrigo to prepare himself and then each of them could hold a baby and work on that bond. "I hope someone told our family downstairs about our new room. And I'm sure they'll want to know that the babies are here too, if they don't know already." Jade had no idea where her phone was but she mostly hadn't minded the disconnect while the exhaust was swiftly competing with the excitement surging through her.

RODRIGO

He agreed to get the staff some gifts and would work on that once they were more settled. Rodrigo was taking in this time with his children and wife. Even though he was a crying mess, he felt like nothing could top this feeling. He was already so in love with his babies and somehow, he had fallen more in love with Jade. "Gracias, mami." He smiled at Jade when she spoke to him in Spanish, gently swaying with the newborns in his arms and humming a soft tune. When the nurses came in, he nodded at whether he could take the babies up to the room. "Yes, definitely." He watched as the staff took care of Jade and followed to the next room.

Once they arrived, Rodrigo handed both Ciel and Feliz to Jade to prepare for skin-to-skin. He began unbuttoning his shirt and after he removed it, he folded it gently over the chair's armrest at Jade's beside. "I'm sure they'll be told. If not, once we've got some time with the babies, I'll be sure to get them. I'll text them in a moment. He gave Jade some time first to spend with both newborns and watched with a tender smile. He took a couple of photos and kissed the top of Jade's head. "How do you feel? Are you in any pain? Do you need anything now that we're up here? I can tell the guys to get some food for you." He's heard stories of moms being hungry after giving birth and while there was always hospital food, maybe Jade wanted something special.

JADE

Jade smiled at Rodrigo, thankful for them having some time to themselves. She happily accepted both newborns, quick to get used to holding two babies at once and grinned widely at the two of them. Both babies seemed like they were settling into sleep already while Rodrigo held them and neither were bothered during the transfer into her arms. She glanced up to Rodrigo and watched him unbutton his shirt for a moment, and then joked as she returned her gaze to their children. "Just know that if you go out there shirtless, you're going to cause a riot at the nurse's station." She grinned a bit, and then watched all of the tiny movements in Ciel and Felix's faces, committing their newborn features to memory.

Rodrigo's affection to her warmed her heart again. At his questions, she answered, "I'm still really numb, but I can feel that it's starting to wear off so there's some pain, but it's bearable right now. I'm more thirsty than hungry right now but I know I should eat something too. I don't mind waiting for whatever the hospital provides us, but maybe a fruit smoothie would be good once somewhere is open." She hadn't looked at the time recently but could tell from the window in her room that the sun was only just coming up. For a moment, Jade tried to think about how long she'd been in labor, including the time before they'd gone to the hospital. She wasn't exactly sure at the moment but would likely figure it out later.

"I think I'll try to feed them, one at a time." The baby in her arms who was nearest to Rodrigo had been Felix, so she suggested, "Do you want to start your skin-to-skin with our sweet son while I try feeding our sky princess?" She waited until she only had one baby in her arms before adjusting her gown and positioning her breast near Ciel's little lips so that she could latch. She gently stroked the back of a finger next to the corner of their daughter's mouth to coax her into latching on and when Ciel did and began nursing, Jade felt a sense of relief and accomplishment. While Ciel fed, Jade carefully undid the swaddle on her and draped the blanket over Ciel to help keep her warm while preparing for the ease of skin-to-skin.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo chuckled at his wife's words, looking over his shoulder to make sure that the door was closed. "Don't want to start a riot today." He smiled, his attention back on the babies in Jade's arms. He couldn't believe how tiny they were and his wife looked so blissful. "Look at you, you're a natural with them. Not like I had any doubts." Rodrigo knew that Jade would be an amazing mommy and seeing her with their children made him feel like the luckiest man in the world. There was no better feeling than this and while he couldn't wait to show them off to his family and friends, he was grateful that he and Jade had some time with them alone.

"Let me know if it wears off completely and you need something. I'll ask the nurse to bring you whatever you need." He didn't want Jade to feel uncomfortable or have to struggle when she was enjoying the babies so much. "Alright, I'll ask Xavier and Fletcher to grab some smoothies for us once everything starts to open up." He knew that his friends would be happy to do them that favor. When Jade asked him if he wanted to hold Felix while she tried to get Ciel to latch, Rodrigo was delighted to and gently picked him up and into his arms, a soft smile pulling at his lips. "Hola, bebesito lindo." He chuckled softly at Felix scrunching up against him and Rodrigo took a step back to slide into the chair at Jade's bedside. He positioned Felx on his chest and began to massage the back of his head ever so gently. He couldn't believe he finally had his son in his arms. "How's that, hijito?" Rodrigo made sure that the newborn was wrapped well before dropping a gentle kiss against the top of his dark hair. "You're so beautiful, Felix. Te quiero mucho, mucho, muchisimo."

JADE

"No, not today. Maybe tomorrow," Jade joked, her tone gentle and easygoing. She smiled and began to blush a bit from Rodrigo's compliment. "Thank you, honey. I'm really excited to see more of you with our children." It really was something that she had been looking forward to, whenever she saw Rodrigo with Phoene and as her pregnancy progressed.

While preparing to feed Ciel, she promised that she would let Rodrigo know if she needed anything once the epidural wore off. She held her daughter securely in her arms while the newborn girl suckled and started to doze off again. As Jade adjusted the thin cap on Ciel's dark head of hair, she heard Rodrigo greeting Felix in Spanish and smiled. Turning her head, Jadee looked over to see Felix curled up at Rodrigo's chest. The sight had Jade melting all over again. She knew she would still ne hormonal for a little while and this moment between father and son was one that had her tearing up. She could only imagine what this time of bonding with his son meant to Rodrigo. On top of that, Jade loved listening to the Spanish flow so beautifully from her husband's mouth, speaking over their son like poetry. "You're a natural too," Jade whispered to her husband, wiping her eye with a grin on her face. She then looked back to Ciel who had fallen asleep nursing. Jade remembered reading about trying to get a baby to burp after feeding, so she repositioned her tiny daughter to rest against the middle of her chest and began patting and rubbing her back. She was conscious of keeping the blanket on Ciel's back but was happy that she and Rodrigo were having the private moment and skin-to-skin with their children.

RODRIGO

"Tomorrow feels like a better day for a riot. I don't know, I just have this feeling." He smiled right back at Jade, happy to see her this way. There was a part of him that was a little scared to mess things up in that moment. His therapist had warned him about his imposter syndrome creeping up when the babies are born and he already had the tools in his mind to work with. He just knew that he'd give the three of them the entire world if he could.

He was relishing in the time he was bonding with his son and would also steal glances at Jade with Ciel. He was relieved that his daughter had latched just fine and that she had already dozed off. It was an incredible sight. Meanwhile, Felix had found what seemed to be his favorite sleeping position scrunched up on Rodrigo's chest. When he noticed that Jade had teared up, he felt his eyes well up as well. "Stop. I'm going to start and then there's going to be waterworks and it'll just be rough." He smirked but whispered I love you to Jade. "I love you three so very much. Forever. And ever, and eva eva...so that's what Jay-Z meant..."

JADE

"I can't help it," she gently protested with a smile still on her lips. She told herself that as soon as she had the chance, she was going to get pictures of Rodrigo with each of the babies while they were still in the hospital. "I love you," Jade replied with equal quietness back to her husband. And she softly giggled at his next statement. "Silly," she replied, enjoying the sight of Felix and Rodrigo. Even with the caps on, Jade could tell that both Ciel and Felix had the same dark hair. It was incredibly straight but Jade suspected that their hair might become wavy as they got older, similar to hers and Rodrigo's. She peeked under Ciel's cap and said to Rodrigo, "Her hair is so thick, my goodness. I wonder if she'll keep it. We'll have to make sure we wash their hair each time we give them baths so that they don't get cradle cap. I remember reading about it and then I made the mistake of Googling it." At that, Jade made a face from what she remembered seeing and how much she didn't want that for their children.

"I don't want to take away from your time with Felix but when you're ready to switch so I can try to feed him too, let me know, okay?"

RODRIGO

"I know. I'm doing great over here too." In truth, before Jade and the babies, Rodrigo didn't really cry much or often. It wasn't a machismo thing. He just didn't do it. There are a few pivotal moments in which Rodrigo could remember tearing up for something but now he's done it many times. A lot of the time, they've been tears of pure joy especially right now. It was overwhelming how much his heart seemed to swell having little Felix on his chest and watching Jade give birth to their twins had changed him forever. "I heard about cradle cap and that is a bit nope. I'll help you with all of that, of course. They have good hair genes these two." Rodrigo looked down at Felix and then over to Ciel and he chuckled softly.

"Oh, no don't worry. I want to cuddle up with the two of them and Felix is probably hungry. Let's get you to mommy, okay?" He stood up with Felix in his arms and with ease silently wondering how long that'd last. It's not that he wanted to think about his twins someday growing up it's just that he couldn't help but wonder. He would take advantage of them being so tiny for as long as he could. He gently placed Felix in Jade's arms and reached for his daughter before he got comfortable in his position once again. "Ah yes, there we go, hijita. Are you nice and full? was that delicious?" He delicately massaged her tiny back and smiled. "Oh boy, I love you so much."

JADE

Jade smiled lovingly about Rodrigo and how he'd been expressing his emotions. There had only been a small handful of times in their relationship thus far that she had seen tears in his eyes. Their wedding ceremony, her telling him that they were expecting; the two of them learning that they were having twins, and now, this very early morning with their birth and the reality sinking in that they were here. While she'd been largely conditioned to either hold in her tears or cry privately, her relationship with Rodrigo had been helping her feel like it was okay to openly weep. The small life in her arms and the fact that Ciel and Felix had grown inside of her and were now here had certainly been overwhelming emotions for her. And as she listened to Rodrigo agree about cradle cap, her fingers were gently stroking Ciel's back, feeling the tiny ridges of her spine and being subtly reminded of how fragile she and her brother were. "Mmhm, I think they' both have your hair texture and thickness, which I love."

Jade was so overjoyed witnessing Rodrigo be a father. She loved each time she watched and listened to him talk, sing and read to the twins while they were in her belly, but seeing him get to physically hold and bond with them was a different kind of joy for her. She and Rodrigo carefully switched babies and after greeting her son with a soft-spoken, "Hello, my son. Is your papá right? Are you hungry?" She adjusted her gown and held Felix to her other breast, gingerly stroking a finger near his mouth as she'd done with Ciel. When he hadn't stirred or opened his mouth, she moved her hand to one of his feet and made a gickling motion with her finger. Jade figured he had been in a deeper sleep than his sister because it had taken a little longer to rouse him before he finally latched and began nursing. Relieved and a bit amused, Jade grinned a little at Felix. "Are you gonna give your daddy and me trouble whenever it's time for you to eat, cariño?"

She loved talking to their children and loved listening to Rodrigo do the same. While Felix fed, Jade was coming down from the adrenaline that shot through her during delivery. She was exhaust but she also had been so happy to be finally meeting and bonding with her children. "I know they've barely been here but... I just can't get over these two." She'd been speaking softly ever since the twins were born and couldn't see that changing anytime soon.

By the time Felix fell back asleep while feeding, Jade did the same for him that she'd done with Ciel and tried to encourage him to burp while resting him on her chest with his tiny head laying underneath her chin. "Honey, if I fall asleep, will you take him?" Generally, Jade wasn't a restless sleeper but she wasn't comfortable with the idea of sleeping with either of twins in her arms while in the hospital or while they were this young. She closed her eyes and softly hummed to him, much like she did when he and Ciel were in the womb.

RODRIGO

"Yeah, you really think so?" Rodrigo looked from Felix's hair to Ciel's at what little he could see from under their cap. "I love that. Some people would say it was too early to see the twins' resemblance to him and Jade, but Rodrigo could already see Jade's mouth on Felix and her forehead on Ciel. He was already able to see how much they resembled their parents and while he loved them this small, the excitement of them growing so that he could see how accurate he is was incredible.

Before he sat back down with Ciel now in his arms, Rodrigo swayed with her a little as he watched Jade take Felix with great ease. He smiled as she adjusted him and spoke to him, getting him to nurse as if this was something she'd been doing forever. "He'd rather sleep, I guess." He chuckled softly and pressed a gentle kiss against his daughter's tiny capped head. "Right, bebesita? And are you going to be nom nom all day long? Yes! Like your daddy." He grinned and once Felix latched, he sat with the baby in his arms.

Like Felix, Ciel crinkled up on his chest causing Rodrigo to chuckle softly. "Oh my God, I love that they both do that like little inchworms. I can't either. They're so perfect. Just like their mommy." He nodded at Jade's request. "Sleep when you're ready. I'll make sure to take him, honey." Rodrigo caressed Ciel's back with his finger and started singing to her softly in Spanish. The two different melodies made the room peaceful and Rodrigo felt incredibly lucky.

JADE

"I do," Jade replied her husband, smiling at their children while continuing to be in awe of the tiny lives she and Rodrigo were currently holding. She gave Felix's cap a gentle adjusting tug and then dropped a kiss on the top of his head.

She grinned at Rodrigo's comment about Felix preferring to sleep, "Mhm it seems like he would, but I need him to wake up for just a little while." Jade then whispered to Felix, "We've got to get these important nutrients in you, petit ange." As she overheard Rodrigo's comments to Ciel, she grinned as well, only to soften her expression with relief once Felix began nursing. She glanced over at Rodrigo and Ciel and, still speaking low, said, "The newborn scrunch! I've teared up over several videos online from seeing babies do this. I'm trying not to do it over our little ones with their scrunches but..." Sure enough, her eyes were glistening as she watched Rodrigo and Ciel. She wiped her eyes and then continued holding Felix to her with both hands supporting his head and butt. She agreed with Rodrigo that their babies were perfect but she shook her head a little, "Their mommy is definitely not perfect." Jade certainly had perfectionist tendencies that were lifelong and ingrained but she still hated it and the term when it came to herself.

Jade was grateful for Rodrigo and how attentive he'd been, before during and now after her pregnancy. While she was still awake, Jade kept checking on Felix's body to make sure he was staying warmed by her body and the blanket. When Rodrigo began singing to Ciel, Jade stopped humming and let both babies take in his singing voice. It wasn't often that she'd heard him sing so she'd been enjoying it too. And if she'd had her phone, she would have taken some pictures and video of Rodrigo and Ciel. For the time being though, she would just have to keep the memory in her mind and make up for the photos and video later.

As Jade got into a rhythm of gliding her ring and pinky fingers high along Felix's back--her other digits supporting his head--her eyes fell shut. She didn't want to miss anything but she was exhausted and knew it was going to be important to sleep. She would eat something after getting some rest and thought about asking for something else in addition to the smoothie, mixed fruit maybe, but she didn't want to interrupt Rodrigo's serenade to their children. Eventually though, Jade drifted off to sleep to the feel of Felix's quick expanding and contracting chest, and the sound of his and Ciel's occasional coos amidst Rodrigo's singing.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo knew that Jade would be drifting off soon as she was getting quieter. He was happy to see how overjoyed she looked caring for their two babies and he'd never forget this day for as long as he lived. As he sang, he noticed that Jade had fallen asleep so he sat up and kissed the top of Ciel's head before standing and walking her to the bassinet with her name on it. "Alright, my love. I just want to get your brother over here with you too so mommy can sleep. Don't worry, I'll hold you both soon." He wanted to safely secure Felix in his arms without waking Ciel. Once his daughter was down, he tip-toed, still humming toward Jade and Felix. For a few seconds, he admired the sight and his gaze bounced from them to his baby girl. He couldn't believe how perfect this sight was. "Alright, little man. Time to join your sister for a few and let mommy rest."

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade stood at the kitchen counter, putting the final touches to the charcuterie board she prepared for Rodrigo, Fletcher and Xavier. She popped a grape into her mouth and arranged the final cheese cubes for them before lifting the board and bringing it to the living room where the boys were. Her back had been aching over the few days, on and off more so than usual. She'd also been less patient than usual but was doing her best not to bite heads off. The game night sounded like a good idea for spending time with some lived ones without having to do a lot of physical activity. She'd already been doing some light workouts in the mornings at Dr. Ellison's suggestion, and her previous routine of running or jogging had long turned into brisk walks a little more than halfway through her pregnancy. They has grown shorter during the tail end if her pregnancy but she'd been consistent. The past few days though, it felt like both the twins and her body was retaliating against so much movement.

Setting the board down on the coffee table with the drinks that were already there, she massaged both sides of her lower back a bit before taking a seat on the couch. "Okay," she huffed out with a light smile. "What game is up next?"

Fletcher was shuffling half a deck of Uno cards as he said, "Well, I think it's either Uno, Charades or Pictionary but Rodrigo went upstairs to get something. Said it's to up the ante for whoever loses." He looked to Xavier questioningly in that he might know what Rodrigo went to get since he didn't get a hint before. But in the meanwhile, Fletcher had taken to shuffling the Uno deck in preparation, and then set it aside to grab some salami slices and cheese cubes to snack on.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Xavier had been feeling so much better the last week or so. He had left his cane behind at Fletcher's house and was finally feeling like himself. A game night with his and Fletcher's friends sounded like a great way to spend the night. He had learned through Rodrigo that it was best if they stayed local now that Jade was in the tail end of her pregnancy. He didn't mind that at all especially with wanting to be a homebody as much as possible before he was back at work. He was making room on the table for the snacks that Jade was preparing when Rodrigo excused himself. After cleaning up, he sat next to Fletcher and smiled when Jade returned, noticing how much she was struggling to sit.

"I'm down for whatever but your husband might have other ideas." He caught Fletcher's expression and shrugged. "I promise you both I have no idea what that man is up to." He reached for a cheese cube and tossed it in his mouth as his attention went to the man in question who was now strutting down the stairs smiling. "Well, well, well. Mr. Sneaky has come to grace us."

"It is I. Mr. Sneaky in the flesh." Rodrigo hurried down the steps and presented to the audience what he had gone upstairs for. "This right here is a sympathy belly and what the loser of the next round will be wearing until the following round ends. Am I a genius or what?"

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher could only imagine what his best friend was doing upstairs. He half expected him to come back downstairs with half of Jade's makeup pilfered for makeovers as a condition for losers to the games. But when he turned in his seat upon Rodrigo's announced return and saw what he now had, Fletcher stated honestly, "I...did not see that coming."

Jade glanced up, mid-sip and ended up coughing some of her water back into her glass, quickly covering her mouth. "Oh my God, honey." Her hand was still over her mouth as she laughed a bit. "Let it be known right now that I will not be wearing that if I lose. I'm already carrying plenty and can't take these two off." She rubbed her large belly to indicate the twins, and then glanced to her bump, "You two are in for a treat when you learn how silly your daddy can be." Her due date was still another week away and she knew her doctor wouldn't want her to go on for too long before inducing labor. And while the labor itself still scared her, it was also something she ess.looking forward to more and more as she and Rodrigo got closer to meeting their children.

Fletcher chuckled and shook his head before looking to Xavier, "Still game to play tonight?" And then he looked to Rodrigo, "Since you picked the loser prize, I'm choosing the next game." He reached for the Pictionary box and gave it a little wiggle before adding, "But we better not let this master shuffling job I did on the Uno cards go to waste."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Xavier pressed his lips together, stifling his laughter but when Jade laughed, he lost it and did the same. "No, girl you are not wearing that." He smiled at the interaction between Jade and Rodrigo and then shifted his gaze to Fletcher, nodding in response to his question. "Still game to play. Don't mean to trash talk, Rodri but the only lad that'll be wearing that tonight will be him." He listened to his fiance and smirked.

"Two trash talkers. You're perfect for each other." Rodrigo laughed and jogged over to his wife to kiss the top of her head. "I don't know, it's had to beat the dynamic duo that is us. Right, honey?" He slid beside her and placed the sympathy pillow down. "Pictionary first and then Uno? Does that sound fair? I know Uno is your game, Fletcher."

"It's alright. I'm pretty good at Pictionary so we've got this." Xavier nudged Fletcher with his shoulder.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade gave Xavier an appreciative smile as she settled down from her amusement seeing the empathy belly. She sipped some more water while listening to Fletcher, Xavier and her husband. Competitive as she certainly could be, she knew she didn't hold a candle to the men in the room for games, especially Fletcher and Rodrigo in her experience. Still, she couldn't help pointing out Fletcher's strategic movements already as she said, "I'm guessing that Pictionary is his game too? With him being a tattoo artist, he's probably really good at the drawing part..."

Fletcher's lips formed a devious grin, "Jade, you're being way too observant right now. That said... good luck." He gave Xavier's thigh an affectionate squeeze while holding unspoken confidence that the 2 of them would ultimately win this game while Uno leaned more on luck of the card draw than this game did. He handed over a tablet of paper and a couple pencils to Rodrigo, and then said, "You guys can go first."

Jade arched her brows a bit and then leaned over a little to ask Rodrigo, "Is this a trap? Us going first?"

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Xavier was about to do a handshake with Fletcher when Jade had figured Fletcher's strategy out. He chuckled and chose to reach for another cheese cube instead before wiping his fingers onto the napkin sitting on his knee. "Oh, you're good, love." He enjoyed a little competition but that was no match for the two best friends in the room which meant this game was going to get interesting quick. He grinned when Fletcher squeezed his thigh knowing that it shouldn't be too hard to beat Jade and Rodrigo and then rubbed his hands together. "Good luck."

Rodrigo was watching Fletcher and Xavier, eyes narrowing as he did. "I don't trust them." He whispered even though he knew his friends could hear him. He leaned into his wife to listen to her observations and then huffed. "It's always a trap with Fletcher. But that's okay. We've got this"

Xavier tried to match Rodrigo and leaned into Fletcher. "I'm only doing this because he is."

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher was chuckling at Jade and Xavier. He was more than ready to get started on the game and he enjoyed showing his competitive side from time to time. Game night was one of those times. He cocked a brow at Rodrigo and Jade, and then looked to Xavier, snorting at his comment. "It’s a contagious vibe, babe," he assured. "Alright, Escobars, start us off."

Jade heard Rodrigo's whispered comment and poker faced her amusement. "Now if the tables were turned, should he trust you?" She started letting her smile show but the aches in her back were flaring up. Deciding to go first with drawing, she scooted to the edge of the couch and after setting her water down, she massaged one side of her lower back while drawing a card. She rolled the dice and moved the game piece, landing on the "difficult" color square. Looking over the word with a stern, concentrated expression, she decided, "Okay, I'm ready." And after setting the card down so Rodrigo couldn't see, she held her hand out for the paper tablet and readied to draw.

Fletcher picked up the hourglass and after a, "Ready, set....go!" He flipped it over on the table and watched Jade start drawing on the pad of paper. While reaching for some more snacks, he picked up the card to see what the word was and then showed it to Xavier as well, his thumb nail sitting right below the word "juice". He then smirked a little as he quietly told his fiancé, "When Rodrigo and I are on opposite teams for this, I usually shout out random guesses to throw him off. Watch this." He looked to his brother and started calling out, "Telephone! Alarm clock! Headlight! Sign! Radio!"

RODRIGO/XAVIER

"Oh is it?" He grinned knowing that tonight would be memorable. He kept an eye on Jade and Rodrigo but his ears peeled for anything Fletcher had to add.

Rodrigo didn't even hesitate when the question was turned on him. "Hell no!" He had known Fletcher for years now and when it came to board games and such, they both played dirty. When Jade was up, Rodrigo readied himself to answer. He knew Fletcher was going to be shouting out random things eventually so he already had a plan to tune him out. As Jade began, he already started with random words. "Lampost, uh, stop sign! um...hmm..." He looked over to Fletcher and shot him daggers before tossing a few popcorn kernels at him.

Xavier couldn't help but chuckle at the antics coming from the two men. He had looked at the card and wondered how long it'd take Rodrigo to get it. Before the hourglass was done, the teacher then shouted and snapped his fingers, getting Xavier to sit at the edge of his seat.

"Traffic light!!" Rodrigo stood up and yelled. "Am I right?"!

JADE / FLETCHER

"You'll see," Fletcher assured, sticking a cracker and some rolled up salami into his mouth at one time.

Jade laughed at her husband's quick response to her hypothetical and said, "I didn't think so. We'll be on our guard then." And when the timer began, she tried to draw a juice box to symbolize the word 'juice' but briefly glanced up at Rodrigo with a puzzled and disbelieving look when he went from guessing a lamppost to a stop sign. Still, she didn't want to waste time and kept on drawing.

"Car fob! Photograph! Ironing board!" Fletcher continued, only pausing when popcorn was thrown his way and landed on the couch next to Xavier. "Damn, man. With twins on the way, I thought you'd have better aim than that." He grinned, reaching for the popcorn kernals on the couch and flinging them back with aim at Rodrigo's thigh so not to accidentally felt Jade.

She tried to scribble in a straw to her juice box which now had an apple drawn on the center of the elongated cube and urgently tapped on her drawing in hopes her husband would say the word. But she shook her head quickly and circled the whole drawing just as Fletcher called out to the group.

"Time's up!"

Jade groaned, "It was juice!"

Fletcher laughed, "A for effort, Jade," and then reached for the dice, followed by a card for his and Xavier's turn. He cackled when he'd drawn a card and saw the word on the coordinating color with his spot on the board. "Okay, babe, don't overthink this one." It was as close to a hint as he could give as he readied himself on the drawing pad for either Rodrigo or Jade to turn the hourglass. As soon as they let him know he could start, Fletcher drew a circle with a smaller circle in the center, and a few tiny dash marks facing different directions in the space between the 2 circles.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Watching Jade and Rodrigo play did make Xavier feel incredibly competitive. "Come on, man!" he threw his hands up when Rodrigo ultimately failed at guessing and shook his head. "Traffic light..." He shook his head again in faux disappointment, a grin slowly forming on his face. He took a cracker and bit into it, leaning into Fletcher once more. "Ok, I see it now."

When it was their turn, Xavier smirked as Rodrigo prepped the hourglass. "Oh don't worry, mate. I won't need that much time." He shifted his complete focus on Fletcher.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo stared at the drawing that Jade has just made and sighed. "Okay. huge oversight." He whispered and then let his gaze fall on his best friend's drawning. "He's literally an artist! And where'd you go to school? Oxford?" He looked at Xavier who didn't give him any mind. "You're like two sides of a brain."

Xavier rubbed his chin with confidence and then smiled at Fletcher. "Donut!" With plenty of time left on the timer, he hoped he got it on the first try.

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher was quietly snickering as he noticed Xavier get into the game and his competitive side emerge. It wasn't until Xavier acknowledged it that he chuckled out loud. And then he cackled once at Xavier getting cheeky about the timer. "Damn right you won't."

While Jade was modeling prime resting bitch face at Rodrigo for just a few more seconds, she also felt more those aching flare ups spreading around to her hips. She leaned forward from the edge of the couch and used the armrest to heave herself to her feet, deciding to walk a little bit around the living room, hands pressing into her lower back.She made her way over to Fletcher's other side, looking over his shoulder to see what he was draw and rolled her eyes at the exact moment Xavier correctly guessed "donut".

Fletcher dropped the pencil and raised both hands in victory, "That's that Oxford brain half doing the work of a winner, baby!" He grinned and victory pecked Xavier's lips.

Fletcher loved to do some trash talk with game night especially. He could be that way about football and the 9ers too, which he entirely credited Drew for him being that way. And while he and Xavier didn't get through all of Pictionary that night on a complete winning streak, they ultimately beat Jade and Rodrigo at the game. "Get that belly on, Escobar! I think your wife could use some empathy right now anyway," Fletcher teased, gathering up the pencils and paper tablets to help clean up the game. While getting the cards and the game board back in the box, he asked, "What are we playing next? Uno? Charades? Cards Against Humanity?" They had more games than that to choose from but Fletcher figured those ones were the easiest to play with the 4 of them and without complex rules.

"Let's do a card game. I don't think I can handle Charades tonight unless I'm just guessing," Jade requested, having already gone to the bathroom twice and sitting back down on the couch by now.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo had noticed the uneasiness in Jade's body language. He had even followed her to the bathroom to wait around for her and walk back to the game night with her. "Doing ok?" He whispered, gently massaging her back. He knew the babies wouldn't come now but it didn't make him any less concerned. "I agree on the card game. Uno?" Rodrigo, while still worried about his wife, knew that Uno would be as competitive as it came especially when the rules changed constantly depending on who you were playing with.

Xavier had settled against Fletcher's side, snuggling there, having wrapped an arm around his waist. He let his chin sit on the older man's shoulder as he curiously observed Jade. "Hey, let me help. I do yoga and don't worry, I'm not going to make you pose but I can help relieve some of that pain. It's your lower back, right?" Xavier walked over to Jade. "Baby, deal the cards. I'll just massage here for a bit to make her a little more comfortable. Is that okay? I just need your back to me and I'll do the rest quickly." He had spent some time with Jade before but it felt like they were really bonding while the boys agreed on a set of rules. "If you agree, I'm going to rest my knuckles against your ribs and squeeze your lower back just a little to release that pain, yeah?"

JADE / FLETCHER

When Jade emerged from the bathroom a second time, she was only mildly surprised to find Rodrigo waiting there for her. At his question, she quietly answered back, "I have never been more grateful for a downstairs bathroom before becoming pregnant," while her cheeks took on a reddish undertone. His massage to her back felt really good though as she added, "I'm okay, just uncomfortable."

When Rodrigo decided on Uno, Fletcher smirked, "Good." And while he'd looked to Jade and wondered if she was alright, he'd been momentarily distracted by Rodrigo wearing the empathy belly. He'd picked up half of the Uno deck again and started shuffling again while enjoying Xavier's closeness but understood his offering to help Jade. He could only imagine what it must have been like to carry 2 babies for months and to try and find relief in a comfortable way of sitting, standing or laying down. He agreed, "Alright, babe," to Xavier and began dealing four sets of cards for everyone.

Jade nodded to Xavier, not having sat back down just yet. "Yes, that's okay." She turned her back to the men, facing the television and moved her hands to cradle her bump. "That works, and thank you in advance, Xavier." She shut her eyes and just thought about taking slow, deep breaths and when Xavier finished, she did feel the pain lessen.

"That's a lot better, thank you," she said, turning to Xavier with a grateful smile and then accepting her Uno cards before sitting down. "Alright, guys. Let's get this game going."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo did not like that Jade felt uncomfortable but was still confident this was all normal for her at this point in her pregnancy. He tightened the pregnancy belly and sat beside his wife, happy to start Uno because that was another thing he was confident about. “These guys are good.” He leaned in and whispered as if this was the first time meeting Fletcher and Xavier.

Meanwhile, Xavier went to work when Jade gave him consent and he kneaded her lower back to release some of the pain and pressure there. “They taught us this in yoga. When the babies arrive and you’re up to it,you can join me sometime,love.” Xavier nodded at her gratitude when he had finished and then sat up to take his Uno cards and sit beside Fletcher. “Let’s do this.” He grinned, ready to win yet another round and he caught Rodrigo’s playful stare down before laughing. “Lord.”

The game was going well for team Fletcher and Xavier and Xavier was pretty sure Rodrigo would end up wearing the belly all night until he drew 2 and Rodrigo drew the same on top of his. He realized then that he had lost and instead of arguing the rules, Xavier had already reached for the belly that Rodrigo had given up immediately. “Babe help me with this?” He didn’t notice Fletcher’s look of concern until their eyes met. “What? It’s fine, I promise.” He whispered to his fiancé even though he knew the two best friends were about to quibble.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade chuckled mildly at Rodrigo and said, "Well then you and I will have to be better," in the same hushed voice as her husband. But she was grateful for Xavier's help to try and relieve some of the pain she was having across her lower back and hips. It really had felt better through the brief increase of pain and she almost missed it a bit when he'd stopped but the pain seemed to also be lessening at that time. "I usually run or jog pretty regularly but I might have to take you up on that." She picked up her cards and was looking at what she had, but Xavier's laugh and comment made her lift her gaze and then land on her husband. "Now that's a game face if I ever saw one."

Fletcher rolled his eyes. "All that mean mugging's not gonna get you a win, Escobar." Since he dealt the cards, he let Jade start them off and they they went around clockwise allowing each half of the two couples to alternate on turns. Fletcher had been feeling confident during the game but noticed that Rodrigo's cards were dwindling down. He was looking amongst his few remaining cards to see if he could reverse the direction of play again when Rodrigo called out 'Uno'. A bit disbelieving, he rifled through the most recently played cards. "Hold up, that's not a win. You can't play a 'Draw 2' on top of another one like that!" Fletcher insisted, staring down his brother. He vaguely heard Xavier but when he realized his fiancé was holding that damn empathy belly, hime did a double-take and hardened his gaze. Xavier clearly knew why and Fletcher was determined not to let him declare himself the loser for this. More than that, he was still wary of Xavier wearing the weight when his ribs were still healing. "You're cheating for a win, Escobar," he accused, picking up the offending card to hand back to Rodrigo. "Xavier's still in the game."

Jade also knew where this was going and let out a small sigh, "I'll help you, Xavier, if you're sure you're okay to wear it?" She doubted either Rodrigo or Fletcher was paying them any attention right now. Using the armrest again, she got to her feet and waved Xavier over so that she could fit it properly on him with the straps and buckles. "You know you really don't have to wear this either. They're probably going to have some one-on-one showdown from here and insist on some other game." When she finished securing the empathy belly, she suggested, "But if you're going to wear it until the next loss happens, why not take a look in the bathroom and make sure it looks like it's sitting evenly on you?"

The pain was creeping back up for a second, or maybe a third time since they'd begun Uno. Jade wasn't exactly sure which but she drew in a slow, quiet breath while buckling the empathy belly on Xavier's sides, being mindful of his ribcage when it came time to adjusting the straps. But as she finished with the second one, something about the pain she'd been experiencing made her think on it more. It had come and gone a bit throughout the afternoon earlier that day, but tonight, it was happening more frequently and the pain had been growing. She wasn't entirely sure if she was in labor but she knew that this was not Braxton Hicks. Those felt differently according to everything she'd read and been told about. She steadied a hand on the armrest with her body slightly bent forward and drew in a slow, deep breath, finding it difficult to speak through this bout of pain. More and more, she was convinced that she was experiencing contractions all along and now that they were intensifying, it would be a good idea to go get checked out at the hospital.

"Rodrigo? Honey?" She managed to exhale through clenched teeth. Her grip on the armrest was firm while her other hand held her large belly. "Rodrigo?" She spoke a bit louder, aware that he and Fletcher were engrossed in their argument.

"Bullshit!" Fletcher barked. "You know damn well you can't do that!

Jade's brows furrowed and her grip on the couch fabric tightened. Irritation was clawing through the contraction that seemed to be going on for forever. Unable to wait for Rodrigo and Fletcher to quit their squabble, she snapped, "Fuck the stupid game, dammit!" She was outright glaring as she heavily breathed, "Rodrigo. Emiliano. Escobar. It's time. We need to get to the hospital. Now." Saying this aloud made some panic bloom inside her. It was early. Maybe not dangerously so but still earlier than the twins' due date.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo stood up when Fletcher did and held up his card. "Read it and weep, Van Hall. That was a fair play! Rules don't change just because we're grown now!" He knew he sounded a bit childish but he was so glad to get rid of the belly and practically handed it off to Xavier. "See? he's a good sport! Xavier is out. Sorry, X." Rodrigo looked over to the comedian who had already shaken his head and chuckled when Jade called him over. He continued his argument, face to face with his best friend.

Xavier was thankful for Jade, feeling comfortable with the empathy belly as she had adjusted it. "Yeah, I'm okay with it, I promise. If it gets annoying, I'll take it off but for camaraderie, I'll try to avoid that. Thanks, love. I'm going to check myself out, take a few selfies, etcetera until the boys are ready for us again." He made his way to the bathroom to make sure the belly was sitting against his frame properly and without pain. "I've said it once and I'll say it again, Women have all my respect." He whispered to himself and exited the bathroom so that he could join the game again. He came out, holding his back and strutting when he realized Jade didn't look so good so he rushed to her side. "Hey...you alright?"

Rodrigo rolled his eyes at Fletcher. "That didn't apply when we used to play. As a matter of fact, you taught me that move! I can do whatever I want!"

"Hey, guys..." Xavier held on to Jade, trying to get their attention as well and was about to whistle when Jade cursed and his eyes widened. once Rodrigo had snapped out of it and placed his entire attention on Jade, he slid back over to his fiance.

Rodrigo's focus was now on his wife and he immediately grabbed hold of her. "What? Now? NOW? Oh my god! oh My God! What do we do? What do you need me to do?"

"Rodrigo, tell me where her bag is and just get her outside ready and out the door. We can take my car. Baby, can you drive? My keys are by my wallet on the table." Xavier pointed to the keys.

"The bag is by the door. Jade, honey, let's go. We've got this. Just breathe in and out like they taught us!" Rodrigo was trying to be as supportive as possible as he helped his wife out the door, grabbing a sweater from one of the hooks.

JADE / FLETCHER

"The hell I did, I told you that stacking reverse cards was just like playing a skip!" Fletcher argued and then narrowed his eyes at Rodrigo. "You are chaos personified, you know that? You can't do whatever the hell you want, it's Uno!"

Their arguing continued and while Fletcher heard Xavier, he just assumed he was trying to placate his and Rodrigo's argument. It wasn't until Jade's outburst that he stopped and whipped his head in hers and Xavier's direction. He would've uttered a low, impressed, "Damn," if it wasn't for the fact that she was in labor. He'd seen this kind of posture in-person from a heavily pregnant woman only once before but he wasn't going to draw himself back into that particular memory. Right now, he, Rodrigo and Xavier had to get Jade to the hospital. And thank fuck for his fiancé being level-headed because he was about to stride over and shake Rodrigo for all of his questions.

"Got it," he said, swiping up Xavier's wallet.

"I need my purse," Jade groaned through clenched teeth. And Fletcher's head went on swivel until he spotted a tote-like bag and went over to pick it up. He held it up and Jade nodded, affirming that it was the right bag. Thankfully she had some slip-on shoes near the door. She walked with her husband, stopped long enough to slide her feet in, and then went out. "Lock the door, honey," she reminded, breathing a little harder than usual. She waited for him, hands pressed into the back of her hips, and then continued waddling to the car. She saw Fletcher open one of the rear passenger doors and then the other before getting inside the driver's seat to start up the car.

Once everybody was in and Fletcher noted everyone was buckled up, he pulled away from the curb, "Which hospital are we going to, Rodrigo?" He knew his way around the city and could get them where they needed to go as quiclly and safely as possible. And then he said to his fiancé, "You might wanna call home and let 'em know we're gonna be late getting back."

Jade meanwhile was rubbing slow circles on her stomach while trying to remember the deep breaths taught in lamaze. She was trying her best to stay calm but the panic was still lingering. "They're not supposed to come yet," she whispered worriedly, head turning to her husband. "It's too early, isn't it? And the car seats are set up in the van."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

"Uh..." Rodrigo knew the answer to Fletcher's question but he was currently stunned. He was trying to breathe with Jade and make sure that they hadn't forgotten anything but it seemed like they probably forgot everything and his mind was beginning to spiral. "Van Ness!" He answered and then turned his focus back onto his wife. He made sure she was watching his face and following the breathing exercises. At his wife's concerns, he reached over to place his hand over her belly. "It's going to be okay, honey. Twins tend to come early, remember? We have a great team and are in good hands, you're in good hands. Rodrigo tried his best to reassure Jade, leaving his worries behind.

Xavier had been looking over his shoulder and extended his hand to reach for Jade's hand to give it a gentle and quick squeeze. "Fletcher's an amazing driver. He's going to get you there in no time and Rodrigo is a Lamaze pro, I see. Right, mate?" Rodrigo nodded and Xavier let go of Jade's hand to pat Rodrigo's arm before he turned so that he could call the family. He dialed Drew to let him know what was happening. "Right, yeah. Thanks, Drew. Winter will help if anything. Alright, I'll tell 'em. You got it." Xavier ended the call and glanced over to Fletcher. "The baby is down for the night. Winter is hanging with her in the nursery. Emiliana will meet us at St. Francis. Winter will help Drew and so will Henry."

"Oh, good. Mom will meet us there, honey." Rodrigo let Jaed squeeze his hands as much as she needed to. "Don't worry about the car seats. We won't need them until they get discharged and someone'll drive the van to us."

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher glanced at Rodrigo from the rear view mirror and then back to the road again. Once heard the hospital, he nodded, "Got it," and set his mental road map for getting them to Van Ness Hospital quickly but safely.

Jade fixed her eyes on Rodrigo and focused on her breathing while the contraction pain subsided again. She listened to Rodrigo’s reminder and nodded, trying her best to be assured. He was right, and she had to remember that. Her free hand kept circling her stomach while she slowly exhaled--lips forming a small "o" shape. When Xavier turned around in the passenger's seat she glimpsed his direction and then met his hand with her free one. Her other hand was holding Rodrigo’s and she gave a brief smile. "Thank you, Xavier." She was in good hands.

While driving the not-too-lengthy distance, Fletcher was glad that Xavier got a hold of the family and that he'd been a comfort to Rodrigo and Jade. He listened to Xavier's half of the phone call and then when the call ended, he listened more intently to Xavier. "Okay, good. We can check in a little but later." He wanted to be there for Rodrigo and Jade, especially until Emiliana showed up; overhearing his brother and his sister-in-law talk about their car and car seats for the kids took him back again but before he could get sucked into his own past, he spoke up, "We can get the van to you guys in the morning, Jade."

Jade nodded from the back seat from Rodrigo and Fletcher's words. Her hand remained in Rodrigo’s the entire ride to the hospital. All in all, it had been about a 10 minute drive, during which Jade had another swell of contractions. Once Fletcher pulled up to the hospital, Jade had been okay enough for getting out of the car. "Thank you both for getting us here," she said, looking ahead to Fletcher and Xavier.

Fletcher parked the car and hit the hazard light button. "X, you wanna help get their stuff from the back? I'll park the car and meet you guys inside."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo was finally feeling confident as they approached the hospital. He was glad that he was in a car with his brother and Xavier. They definitely knew how to help his nerves. He kept walking Jade through her breathing, letting her squeeze his hand when a contraction would come on. “That’s it, honey. You’re doing amazing. Hang in there babies, we are almost there.” Xavier looked ahead and placed his hand on Fletcher’s thigh to give it a little squeeze and then smiled. He felt so honored being a part of this.

Once they arrived, Xavier nodded at Jade’s gratitude and then quickly gathered all their belongings. He shouldered Jade’s maternity bag and completely forgetting the belly he was wearing, he rushed inside the hospital, looking over his shoulder to make sure Rodrigo and Jade were behind him. “Excuse me! Hello! Yes, I need a wheelchair!”

The nurse that had spotted Xavier and recognized him, smiled wondering if this was some sort of live skit. “Let me guess, you’re expecting?”

“What?” Xavier’s puzzled expression fell over his features. “No. My friend. She’s expecting twins oh there they are!” He pulled a nearby wheelchair and wheeled it to Rodrigo.

“Thanks, X.” Rodrigo helped Jade into the chair and the nurse shook off her initial amusement to help them by taking the wheelchair and directing them to Labor and Delivery. Rodrigo explained that the babies were early and when a Jade began to feel like she was going in labor.

“Dad, I’m going to need you to take care of registration while we get Jade ready. Jade, how far along are your contractions?”

“Can I handle that later? I don’t want to leave her now…” Rodrigo protested to which the nurse nodded and agreed.

Xavier took a couple of steps back after giving the nurse Jade and Rodrigo’s things and was glad to see Fletcher come inside. “They’re just triaging her.” He updated his fiancé and then rested his hands on his fake belly.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade just nodded to acknowledge Rodrigo through the contraction, and once they arrived at the hospital and she was out of the car, the reality of it all was sinking in even further. There was no doubt in her mind that she was in labor, which meant that when she left the hospital, it would be with hers and Rodrigo's children.

Spotting the wheelchair Xavier was bringing over, Jade cast him a grateful smile and took a seat. "Here I can take the bag. Or the pillow," she offered, reaching to Xavier to relieve him of the items he'd brought in for them. She looked up at the nurse, her expression turning to a bit of worry as she thought about the question posed to her. "Um... I'm not really sure. I think they've been happening for a while now but they only seemed to become really intense over the last couple of hours or so?" Prior to now, she'd told herself that she was going to document this but of course, in the actual moment, she completely forgot.

Reaching back, she gave Rodrigo's hand a squeeze when he asked the nurse about not leaving; she didn't want him to leave her either and was glad that the nurse hadn't pushed back on the paperwork. They were then wheeled away to a triage room, sure that once they confirmed she was in labor, that she would be taken upstairs to a Labor and Delivery room.

Not long after she and Rodrigo left with the nurse, Fletcher strode in with purposeful strides, pocketing the car keys. He nodded at Xavier's update and then followed his fiancé's hands. "Alright... did you wanna leave that in the car or are you feeling some kinda added closeness to Jade by having it on?" He asked this while pointing his index to the empathy belly, a single brow raised.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo made sure to stay close to Jade, remembering from his reading that they might be sent home if her contractions were too far apart or they’d be forced to wait until she’s closer. He knew that wouldn’t be the case as Jade’s contractions seemed closer. He waited patiently, watching the nurse place a band on Jade’s wrist and take her vitals. “Okay, Jade. You are definitely in Labor.” She smiled at the two of them. They’re going to get a room ready upstairs so that we can monitor the babies heart rate along with yours. Dad, you can stay in the room and one more person. Is there someone else that will be joining us? And we will make sure your friends get bands too so they can wait in the waiting room upstairs.” Rodrigo looked down at Jade and kissed the top of her head.

“Oh my God they’re really coming…”

Xavier looked down at the empathy belly and then shook his head. “Oh lord. I forgot. Come on, I look cute.” He chuckled and began removing the belly. “I know exactly when the little nugget was conceived too.” He winked at Fletcher and removed the belly, sliding his hand into his fiancé’s pocket to fetch the car keys. “Be right back.” Xavier jogged to the parking lot to drop off the empathy belly, laughing at the onlookers that looked somewhere between confused and amused before he had run out.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade was cooperative with the nurse while items were placed on her and monitoring was done to help determine that she was, in fact, in labor. She felt like her heart leapt a little in her chest once the nurse spoke the words but outwardly, she smiled back a little weakly. The contractions had grown painful and she knew the were only going to worsen from here until the babies were born. Her hand reached up and she brushed Rodrigo's arm as he kissed the top of her head.

"They're really coming," Jade echoed and then followed the nurse's instructions while they prepared to get them upstairs to a room. "Oh, um, my mother-in-law, Rodrigo's mom is on her way. But for the birth, I'd like it to just be he and I in the room. So if there's special access needed for our family to be in the waiting room upstairs, or for them to come in and visit in the room before the delivery, please let them have that." Jade then asked Rodrigo if he could contact Jasper and her dad once they were settled upstairs, not wanting them to be left out from the news.

After pointing out the fake belly to Xavier, Fletcher laughed a bit with his fiancé, "Should I be worried that you forgot?" And then he snorted, "Oh Jesus, do I wanna know what story you concocted? You know what? Tell me later." He helped Xavier take the empathy belly off and then stuck out his hip a little when Xavier reached for the car keys. He waited for him and as he did, Rodrigo and Jade passed by to the elevator, accompanied by a nurse. The nurse paused long enough to hand him three wristbands and inform him that they were going upstairs to Labor and Delivery, and that they'd need those in order to wait upstairs. Fletcher put one on and then explained to Xavier when he returned, pocketing the third one for Emiliana. "Let's go wait upstairs. Maybe there's a vending machine up there too and we can a snack while we wait. Might be a long night here."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

The nurse listened to Jade's requests and nodded as she memorized what the patient told her. "Of course. We will ensure your family is in the waiting room for visiting. Regarding the labor, only you and Mr. Escobar will be allowed inside." She smiled at the young couple and then took the wheelchair from Rodrigo to push Jade. Rodrigo thumbed through his phone for Jasper's contact information so that he could easily text him when they were settled upstairs. Once they were upstairs, he texted his brother-in-law and advised him to let their father know about Jade being in labor as well.

He followed everything the nurse was preparing him for and gowned up as well, readying himself to help his wife through this. Rodrigo hoped his stomach was better today than when he first discovered they were expecting twins. He watched as Jade was comforted and hooked up to a monitor and immediately took his spot beside her when it became available.

"Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Escobar! Are we ready?" The nurse smiled brightly at them before excusing herself to get a doctor and team ready.

"Probably a little worried, not gonna lie," Xavier smirked and after returning to join Fletcher again, he was glad to hear that Jade was in labor and that she'd be taken upstairs with Rodrigo. "Okay, good idea. I love a good snack. Do you think they'll have Doritos or something? I'm starving, love." he grinned as they followed others into the elevator bank. "Are you alright? Excited?" Xavier nudged Fletcher and then took his arm, cuddling up beside him as they rode the elevator up.

JADE / FLETCHER

"Thank you," Jade said to the nurse and after being given a gown, she changed in the bathroom in the room, moving as quickly as she could in order to avoid bring caught up in a contraction amidst changing clothes. Once she was settled on the hospital bed, she worked with the nurse who got her hooked up to an IV and monitors. She experienced another contraction during this and was grateful that the nurse didn't try to finish with the monitors until the worst of it had passed. She was also relieved to have a moment's rest on the hospital bed, shutting her eyes, only to snap them back open, "Ready? Wait, it's not time already, is it?" Jade asked, a little panicked again.

Fletcher walked with Xavier to the elevator and pushed the elevator's "up" button and then the 2nd floor button once inside. "I hope so. If it's a good vending machine, it'll have Doritos. We should've brought that charcuterie board Jade made. But if the vending machine snacks don't hold us over, I don't mind going to get something or we can Doordash something." He was fully prepared to be there as long as possible but also didn't want to leave Drew and the kids alone impromptu through the night and the next day.