She took another deep breath and felt the pain subside for now. Kate was not at all ready for this; she never had to deal with any of the labor or the contractions when it came to the twins. Everything went right on schedule, but this baby has their own plans.

She was relieved when Carol came running back in with a new pair of underwear and pajama bottoms for her.

"I got a hold of your doctor; he said to meet him at the hospital as soon as possible to ensure that your water actually broke. He said it could also be a discharge, but we need to time the contractions. Do you know how far apart the contractions are?"

She shakes her head as she puts on her underwear and bottoms. "No, I haven't; there was some discomfort throughout the morning, but it only recently became more painful, similar to the first day of my period."

"I called your dad, and he's on his way. Let's go downstairs and wait for him; the babies are still sleeping, thank God," Carol said, helping her stand up from the toilet.

"Did you get a hold of Stephen?"

"No, his phone must be on silent. I called his work and said he was in a meeting, but they said it shouldn't last too long and would relay the message."

Kate let out a groan as Carol grabbed some towels from the stand.

Of course, why can't nothing ever go as planned?

The pain was starting to become a bit more consistent and lasted a bit longer each time, causing her to double over in pain on the couch, but she was proud that she was only able to let out small moans as she did not want to scare the twins, who were thankfully still sleeping.

"That's the second contraction in 10 minutes, and how long did that one last? About a minute?" Carol asked, looking at her phone.

She relaxed her jaw, drawing in a deep breath as the sharp wave of pain finally stopped.

"An eternity is what it feels like."

Without warning, they heard a vehicle arrive in front of the house, followed by a honking sound that made her wince as she glanced at the resting babies, but she felt a sense of relief that they stayed peacefully asleep.

Carol got up and looked out the window "Looks like your dad is here and with presents."

She held back a laugh, aware that if she let it slip, she might soak the towel and couch beneath her. It was clear how deeply he adored Nathan and Naomi; his affection for them radiated with every story he shared. He took pleasure in picking out stuffed animals and cute outfits for them, and it warmed her heart to see him so involved in their lives.

With the recent loss of her mother, Clara, just a few months ago, his generous spirit became an even more significant source of comfort. The void her mother's passing left was palpable, yet it was heartening to witness how being with his grandchildren seemed to help ease some of that sadness.

Carol quickly opened the door and hugged her father, who looked excited to see her as she was to see him.

"Mr. Murray, how have you been?"

"Carol, how many times do I have to tell you? Call me Kurt. You're like a third daughter to me, after all," he said jovially.

He then faces her, but she swiftly places a finger on her lips and motions toward Nathan and Naomi, who are sleeping in the playpen. Realizing what she means, he silently retrieves two stuffed toys, an elephant and a lamb, from the bag and quietly places them in the playpen beside the children.

"How are you feeling, Kate?" he asked as he came over and embraced her.

"I don't know; I'm a bit scared, to be honest. These contractions are goddamn awful."

"Contractions are about 10 minutes apart from the time we started timing them and seem to be getting stronger from the constipated look on her face."

She glared at Carol for the disgusting description she gave her father.

Her father didn't seem bothered by it, "Let's go, sweetheart. I'll take you to the hospital and see what they say. More than likely false labor; your mother and I went through this with you and your sister."

"Oh god, I hope so; this baby needs to stay in for two more weeks," she complained.

"I'll try and contact Stephen while you're away," Carol said, her voice filled with determination, as she and her father gently helped her rise from the couch, careful not to let her wobble as she stood up.

She next approaches the playpen and gazes at her sleeping children.

"Don't worry, Mommy will be back within an hour; you just be good for Aunt Carol."

With a tender smile, she blows them a kiss before heading out the door.

The journey to the hospital was mostly peaceful, even though the contractions had become more frequent than they had been at home. Kate felt grateful to have her father by her side while waiting for Stephen to arrive, as she disliked being confined to a hospital bed attached to all the equipment.

Her father sat on a chair next to her on the bed, looking at the monitors she was hooked up to as they waited for her doctor to come back in.

"It fascinates me to see how much technology has advanced; when you and Alice were born, your mother wasn't as connected to so much equipment."

"I can't imagine how Mom managed this twice. I feel like I'm about to pass out," she said, gently rubbing her swollen belly and feeling the baby kick inside.

He just chuckled. "That's why dads are usually the ones who become the punching bag during the whole process. Your mom threatened to castrate me quite a few times before and after you two were born."

"D-Do not make me laugh," she said, trying hard to hold the laughter back; she didn't want to leak again.

"Laughter in a time like this will help distract from the pain; laughter is the best medicine, after all."

Without warning, a sharp knock echoed through the quiet room, cutting through her thoughts. Assuming it was Dr. Russo, she quickly glanced at the door, a sense of anticipation building within her.

"Come in!"

"How are you feeling, Kate," he asked, giving her a small smile and walking over to glance at the monitors before looking at her again.

"I'm managing; I never thought I would actually experience contractions."

He nodded at her with a kind expression, his eyes filled with empathy. "It seems this little one has other plans; that's the beautiful yet challenging aspect of pregnancy-you're always at the mercy of what the baby decides."

"Yeah, I'm quickly finding that out."

Dr. Russo looked at his clipboard. "So, I just want to run down the tests we did. Your water did break; the test returned positive for Amniotic fluid. Contractions are now 8 minutes apart when you arrived, so we're not quite ready to deliver."

"Oh, thank goodness that means I can go home, right? And we can schedule the C-section earlier if needed," Kate inquired, feeling somewhat relieved. However, the look on Dr. Russo's face quickly altered that.

"I cannot, in good conscience, allow you to go home now. We must admit you to the labor and delivery unit. During the cervical examination, I discovered that you are 6 centimeters dilated, and I could distinctly feel the baby's head descending. You are currently experiencing the active stage of labor."

She struggled to prop herself up in bed, her heart racing as the unexpected news washed over her. The stark reality of the situation settled in, leaving her with a disorienting mix of disbelief and concern. This was not at all how she had imagined this moment would unfold.

"What! I can still have the c-section right; that's what we agreed would be best for the baby, and getting my tubes tied at the same time."

Dr. Ross maintained a steadfast expression of neutrality as he carefully evaluated the situation.

"Under normal circumstances, I would proceed with the cesarean section without hesitation. However, given the current position of the baby, being so low in the cervix, I believe attempting a cesarean could cause more harm than good. My priority is the safety of both you and your child. Unless we encounter any complications or the labor begins to stall, I think it's best to let things progress naturally at this stage."

He pauses for just a second.

"From what I can observe, everything seems to be moving smoothly. Considering that you began experiencing contractions this morning and are now 6cm dilated, and with the time now past 3 PM, I anticipate that we can expect the baby to arrive either later tonight or early tomorrow morning. Rest assured, I will be monitoring your progress closely."

Kate struggled to form even a few coherent words, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She hardly acknowledged Dr. Russo, who stood beside her, speaking in soft, measured tones as he explained that they would prepare a room for her and arrange to transfer her there. The reality of her situation weighed heavily upon her, and the warmth of tears began to gather in her eyes.

I want my mom.

She let out a scream as another contraction hit her, this time more painful than any of the others.

"Kate, take a firm hold of my hand and squeeze it as hard as you can; remember, this moment will pass, just like everything else. It's a sign that you're getting one step closer to meeting your little one," her father said soothingly, gently wrapping his fingers around hers, offering comfort and support.

With tears in her eyes, she shared, "I wish Stephen were here with me, and more than anything, I just want my mom."

"Stephen is on his way; remember he called me while the doctor examined you, and your mom is with you in spirit. I don't think God himself would stop that stubborn woman from being next to you when you give birth."

Kate smiled slightly through the pain as she let out some tears.

"Fuck Cancer!"

She despised how it shattered her mother during the final months of her life. Struggling to get out of bed and unable to hold the twins she loved and pampered so much. Despite being confined to bed and in discomfort, she couldn't conceal her joy at the prospect of meeting her new grandchild, who sadly would never have the chance to meet her.

After a minute, she gently released her father's hand as the pain diminished once more, and she was taking deep, heavy breaths following that last contraction.

"Sorry if I hurt your hand, Dad."

He lifts his shoulders in a casual shrug and lets his hand flutter in the air, with fingers twitching slightly, trying to shake off the lingering numbness.

"Trust me, this doesn't hold a candle to the pain you're going through."

Suddenly, the door swung open, and in walked an anxious Stephen. He rushed straight to her, and as soon as she saw him, she opened her arms wide. However, with his delay and the intensity of the contractions gripping her body, she hugged him tightly, using the moment to express her irritation at his tardiness.

"I'm glad you finally made it."

Hearing him groan somehow made her feel a bit better.

"I'm sorry; of course, besides the meeting, there was construction on the way to the hospital."

She glared at him before smiling at him. "You got here at the perfect time. Dr. Russo is admitting me; he thinks this baby will be coming today or early tomorrow morning and doesn't want to do the c-section now unless necessary."

"What!" he exclaimed, astonished. He covered his mouth with his hand and moved it up and down, uncertain how to respond.

Kate couldn't help but chuckle at his expression. "Looks like you might be having a birthday buddy after all."

"Thanks, Kurt, for taking her and staying with her until I got her."

Her dad hugged Stephen. "No thanks needed; she's my kid, after all. Happy Birthday, by the way."

"Thanks, this is certainly one hell of a present, "he exclaimed, a spark of enthusiasm lighting up his face as he embraced the idea of celebrating his birthday alongside one of his children.

Eventually, her father left to get something from his car, and Dr. Russo returned to check on her dilation.

"Fuck you, Stephen," she gritted through her teeth as another contraction hit her.

"That's what got us in this situation in the first place," Stephen remarked, his voice strained as he winced in discomfort.

Dr. Russo just looked at the machine she was hooked up to so they could monitor the contractions.

"Contractions are now 5 minutes apart, and you dilated to 8cm within 20 minutes. The baby's head is so far down I believe we'll be at 10 cm within the next half an hour, maybe even sooner. I am going to get my team ready, and I think you'll have your baby by four o'clock."

"What about an epidural? I can still have that, can I?" Kate asked, needing whatever drug they could give her. If she was going to have to push this baby out, then she wanted to be as numb as she possibly could be.

"I'm afraid with how far you are progressing, an epidural right now isn't possible as by the time we set up the equipment, the baby would be crowning."

A fiery glare shot from her eyes as she turned to Stephen, unable to contain her exasperation any longer.

"He's the one that said it, not me."

"Well, he isn't the one that got me pregnant, now, is he?"

Dr. Russo laughed, and she probably knew it wasn't the first time he heard a wife yelling at her husband.

"I'll be back shortly. If you feel the need to push, call the nurse. The team and I should be no more than 10 minutes."

Almost as soon as he left the room, her father returned. "Alright, so what's the verdict? Saw the doctor leave in quite a hurry."

"I'm 8cm dilated; he thinks this baby will be here by four."

Without warning, Stephen sprang out of the chair, his face a mix of shock and embarrassment. "Oh no! I completely forgot to call my parents."

"Oh my god, Stephen, how did you forget? I thought you called them on your way here."

"I was busy trying to get to you; it slipped my mind. I'll be right back." He said quickly, walking out of the room.

Kate shakes her head at another situation that is going wrong, knowing she will never hear the end of it from Libby. Suddenly, she felt her father sit on the edge of the bed and take one of her hands.

"Kate, that it's going to be okay. It's understandable to feel anxious when things don't go as planned, especially during something as big as this. You're not the first woman to have her birthing plans change unexpectedly, and you won't be the last. What truly matters is that your baby arrives healthy and safe. Remember, the details and plans will become secondary once you hold the baby."

While she could rationally comprehend that he was right-believing it wouldn't make a difference once she finally held her baby in her arms-her emotions felt messy and chaotic at that moment.

"I have a surprise for you and the baby. I wanted to wait until after the baby was here, but I think it would be better to give it to you, know, " he said, looking excited as he handed her a stuffed pink bunny.

"Remember how your mom handmade Nathan and Naomi's stuffed animals when they were born? Well, after you know, she was diagnosed with brain cancer; she worked hard to try and get one made for the new baby in case she didn't make it to give it to the baby herself. She finished this bunny not even a week before her death."

Kate smiled softly as she cradled the bunny close to her chest. "I wonder why she chose pink. She knew we weren't going to find out the gender."

"She mentioned one of those strange superstitions I never understood, saying that the baby would be a girl since you were carrying high. I'm not sure how accurate that is, but she was certainit would be a girl."

Tears welled in her eyes as she held the Bunny. She found comfort in knowing that, although her mother was not physically present, she would enter this birth carrying her mother's love and support in spirit.

By the time Dr. Russo and his team came into the room, she knew it was time because she could feel the baby's head starting to come out. It was like a fire going on down there; it was the worst thing she had ever felt. She wasn't sure what was worse, the contractions or this.

"Okay, well done, Kate. We're close; inhale deeply, and a few more pushes should be enough," Dr. Russo said with encouragement.

Stephen kissed her sweaty forehead. "I'm so proud of you, Kate. Our baby is about to be here."

"Dad, would you like to come and help guide the baby out?" Dr. Russo offered.

"No, thank you, I am good," Stephen said.

The way he said it like he was grossed out by it made her even more agitated, and that was saying a lot, considering the circumstances.

"Oh, but you were man enough to put that baby up inside of me; I don't recall you complaining about that."

With a sudden yelp, Stephen reacted as she clamped down on his hand with an intensity that she was sure would have turned pale white by this point.

"Alright, Kate. One more big push, okay?" Dr. Russo instructed as a nurse stood beside him, holding a baby blanket.

She followed the instructions carefully, mustering every ounce of strength within her. With a deep breath, she pushed with all her might, feeling the intensity build up in her body. As the effort surged through her, she let out a scream. The overwhelming pressure that had gripped her dissipated instantly, replaced by a sudden rush of relief.

Then she heard the most exquisite sound imaginable-the heartwarming wail of her newborn baby, a cry that filled her with unparalleled joy and love.

"It's a girl!" her doctor announced as they placed the baby on her chest and draped the blanket over her.

All the worries that had burdened her leading up to this moment melted away instantly. With tears of joy streaming down her face, she smiled tenderly as she cradled her newborn daughter to her chest, embracing the overwhelming love that filled her heart.

"She's so beautiful," she said through her happy tears as she watched the baby cry.

She felt Stephen kiss the side of her temple before placing his hand over hers on the baby's back.

"Thank you so much, Kate. This is the best birthday present I could ever ask for; nothing will ever top this," he said, his voice thick with emotion, mirroring the feelings she was experiencing at that moment.

Kate smiled through her tears, overwhelmed with a deep, unconditional love for her new daughter. It was reminiscent of what she felt for Nathan and Naomi, knowing she would fiercely protect her little one just as she would for her older siblings. The joy in her heart was a beautiful reminder of the bond that would only grow stronger with each passing day.

Before long, the baby was taken for a cleaning, where they took all her measurements and conducted some tests before being returned to her, now wrapped snugly in a pink baby blanket and gazing up with her blue eyes. She accepted the bottle prepared by the nurses and began to feed her.

"We still have to pick out a name; we never really settled on one," Stephen said, taking one of his fingers and caressing the baby's cheek.

She looked down at the newborn as she continued sucking on the bottle. "How about Stephanie, since she's your birthday twin?

"Absolutely not. Just as you dislike Michael Myers, I'm not fond of naming a child after myself; it seems like an ego trip to give a child their parent's name."

"What about a grandparent?" she gently suggests, her gaze shifting from the baby to her husband. She hopes he will share in her thoughts, as the idea has weighed heavily on her heart since her mother's diagnosis and the rapid decline.

By the look on his face, it seemed like this was no surprise to him at all.

"I had a feeling you'd eventually bring it up. I figured if the baby turned out to be a girl, you would want to honor her by naming our daughter after her. Honestly, as long as you're not set on naming her Stephanie, I'm completely on board with Clara. I didn't want to bring it up earlier because I didn't want to risk upsetting you."

Kate smiled as she turned back to the baby. "I'm thinking of just going with Claire; I like the sound a bit better than Clara. I want her full name to be Claire Elizabeth Myers."

"Elizabeth, after my mother?" he asked, surprised by that suggestion.

She understood his feeling of surprise; her relationship with her mother-in-law was challenging. They were just so different, and while she didn't hate her, it was hard to find common ground.

"I wouldn't name our daughter after my mother without considering yours. That would be unfair and mean if I did that."

Stephen moved in a bit closer to her and the baby. "Claire Elizabeth Myers, I like the sound of that.

Kate gazed adoringly at Claire, finding her to be just so perfect and beautiful, just like her siblings.

I love her so much; I can't wait to see what her personality will be.

Claire Elizabeth Myers

Born: August 2, 2004

Time: 4:10 pm

Weight: 6lbs 10oz

Length: 20 inches.