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“Be ready when Billie is settled. I’m coming for you, big man.” Damn. This woman has me tied up in knots.
“I meant every word I said, Frannie. I want to help while I’ll here, but one day I will leave. I want you to call me Tyrel or Ty.” I want to be sure we’re on the same page.
“That’s alright, lover. I’ll help you pack your clothes. Two consenting adults, remember that, Ty.” Frannie leaves me sitting there speechless as she goes up the stairs. Frannie may be just what I need.
29
Billie…
I open my eyes and Raider is sitting beside my bed in a very uncomfortable looking chair. My mom is sitting in a chair across the room, and she sees when my eyes open. I need up. My bladder is screaming at me. I run my hand through Raider’s hair and he lifts his head.
“Hey, beautiful. I am so glad I can see those gorgeous eyes this morning. You had a rough day yesterday.” I can’t seem to get myself coordinated.
“I need up. My bladder is full.” Raider gets up from his chair and Mom comes over to help me get up so I don’t pull anything out of me. Mom undoes my blood pressure cup and scoots my IV pole over so I can get up. Raider is on one side of me and Mom on the other. I’m a little dizzy when I get on my feet but Raider doesn’t let me fall. We make it to the restroom and they help me situate myself. “Out, both of you.” They turn to leave. “I’ll call you before I get up by myself.” The door closes and the stream is a welcome relief. I feel a lot better when I’m finished. I clean up after. I can do it all sitting down. “Okay, I’m ready.” Raider comes in and helps me back to the bed and Mom hooks all my gadgets back up.
“How are you feeling?” Mom asks me.
“Like I’ve been run over by a truck. Where are Ryan and Maggie? Shouldn’t you be getting them to school?” I ask my mom.
“Raider’s uncle, Ty, is taking care of that for me. I let him use your truck and I hope that was alright. He’s going to help me out while he’s visiting. He’s in the blue room next to Ryan.” That’s strange. Mom is giving out too much information, and where did Ty come from? “I’m going to go find out why you haven’t gotten a breakfast tray yet.” Then she leaves like her pants are on fire.
“That was weird,” I tell Raider.
“Yeah, you should have seen the eyes that Tyrel and Frannie were making at each other last night. It’s like the high school sweetheart meets the rebel without a cause. Freaky.” That makes me laugh. I haven’t felt like doing that in a while. “I have been so worried about you and our child.” I look at Raider and I see the circles under his eyes. I open my arms for him and he situates the tubes so he can get in bed with me. I guide him to me carefully and then my arms are around him. I need this.
“I have missed this so much. I have been so worried.” I want to take all his worries away. “I’m going to be cordial when it comes to Reaper and even Rager, for us. They’re your friends and I won’t interfere with that. From now on, everything around you is Switzerland.”
I laugh at that. “You’ve been talking to Mom. Doesn’t she give the best talks?”
Raider laughs a little. “I dropped all my problems about my family on her yesterday and she never blinked an eye. She gave it to me straight. I love your mom. I’m closer to your mom than I am my own. I love my mom but our difference of opinion is getting in between us. I don’t want that. I love her. I’ve decided to let it all go and I’ll deal with it when you’re better. I’m not running from my problems. You and our child are more important.” I feel like a ton has been lifted from my shoulders. Sooner or later, all this stuff will work out. Mom walks in.
“The charge nurse said they’re doing a scan any time on you and the doctor wants to be sure you keep your breakfast down. They’ll bring you a tray after the scan. This scan will be just like the other one, so they will be pressing on your lower stomach. It’s best if you wait.” My mom sits in the chair across the room.
“Mom, are you alright?” My mom looks at me and then Raider.
“I’m only worried about one of my babies. They gave me a leave of absence from work, so don’t go worrying your head about that. Ty is helping with things around the house and with your brother and sister. I took care of the paperwork for your leave of absence so you’ll be getting a full check as well. The farmhands are taking care of the farm.” Mom stops and then she smiles bigger. “I also have a hot biker on my tail and I like it.” I smile and Rider’s eyes bug out. I laugh at how ridiculous he looks.
“TMI, Mom. I don’t need to hear it,” Raider says and I’m filled with joy. My life would be perfect if I could just get out of this hospital. There’s a knock on my door.
“I’m the friendly technician to do your scan today. The doctor should be here in a few minutes but we’re going to go ahead and get this show on the road.” It’s Midge, my mom’s friend.
“Good morning to you too, Ms. Sunshine,” my mom teases Midge.
“It’s good to see the Nesbit and Miller family again. I hear, you, young lady, have been having more morning sickness, and we’re doing a scan just to be thorough. Everything is the same as last time. I need you to either push your panties down low or slip them off. Slipping them off would be the easiest process.” I slip my panties off and hand them to Raider. He shoves them into his pocket. He’s such a caveman, but he’s my caveman. “The gel may be a tad bit cooler this time. I haven’t had very long to warm it. I know this sounds stupid, but just try to relax.” The gel is cold and I jump a little but then I try to relax. I’m about to hear my baby’s heartbeat again. Midge turns the volume up so we can hear the heartbeat. Midge rubs around on my belly. I hear the heartbeat and we see the little bean again. It’s bigger this time and the heartbeat is strong but then Midge moves around again and there is another heartbeat or maybe an echo. “Frannie, could you come over here and take a closer look at this.” Midge doesn’t look alarmed. Mom moves over close to Midge and then she rubs across me with the doppler transducer.
“Oh my! It’s twins.” Raider and I look at each other and tears stream down my face. Raider has tears on his face too. I hear both the heartbeats and then Mom shows me both babies. My cup runneth over with blessings.
“Two children? We’re having twins? Why didn’t this show up before?” Raider asks.
“In most cases, it’s because one baby is hiding behind the other,” Midge answers. Mom moves over by me and kisses my head. There’s another knock on the door and Dr. Jennings walk in.
“I see this party has already started. Let’s get a look at this baby. Ms. Nesbit, is it alright that I speak freely with Midge in here?” the doctors asks.
“Of course,” I answer her.
“Twins,” Midge tells the doctor.
“Twins, how exciting. That’s why your hCG hormones are up. You also have hyperemesis gravidarum. Now that we know everything you’re up against, it will all be a little easier to manage. All your other tests came back clear, so this should be it for now except the low blood pressure. None of this makes it a cakewalk, but if we treat each of your symptoms, you should be able to manage it. Frannie, I’m going to be sure you’re set up with some fluids that you can administer when she needs them. You’re an experienced nurse and I have confidence in you being able to keep Billie’s hospital stays to a minimum. Now let me look at these precious babies.” The doctor takes over the monitor. The heartbeats still fill the room and the sound is beautiful.
