BLAZE*

I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears. Dr. Stevenson had just said that Lyra was pregnant with twins. The shock of it all made Lyra look like she was about to hyperventilate. We were both in complete disbelief.

I squeezed Lyra’s hand and gave her an assuring smile. Then I turned my attention back to the doctor. “Excuse me, Dr. Stevenson, but could you please repeat that? I think I must be hearing things. Maybe this is just a dream or something, right? Is it possible that the machine is broken?” 

Dr. Stevenson acknowledged, “I can see that both of you are in shock. Perhaps it would be best for Blaze to sit down while I bring the monitor closer.” She adjusted the screen, ensuring that Lyra and I had a clearer view.

As I sat down, I reached for Lyra’s hand and squeezed it tightly. Initially, I felt a wave of panic wash over me, but that quickly transformed into excitement as I witnessed two heartbeats fluttering on the screen. To my amazement, they synchronized perfectly, beating in unison. At this moment, they looked nothing like babies; it was an intriguing sight. I could now comprehend why Vega and Jace referred to Nickolas as a ‘little bean’ and ‘alien’ initially.

Lyra was going to be eating for three for the next six months, that is if she could get to where she could keep some food down. As I looked at Lyra, she beamed at me happily, indicating that the initial shock had waned.

Lyra grinned and squeezed my hand back. “Two times in a row got us two babies!”

“This is wonderful, babe!” 

Dr. Stevenson allowed us to watch the monitor for a few more minutes while she printed out a couple of pictures for us and then concluded the ultrasound. “Do either of you have questions?”

“I’m having a hard time keeping anything down except for my prenatal vitamins, crackers, and ginger ale. Is there anything that you could give me for nausea and vomiting?” 

“Lyra, it’s great that you’ve started taking vitamins. I wish you had come in earlier, though. I could have prescribed you a better prenatal vitamin and something to help with the nausea. But don’t worry, the nausea should subside soon as you enter the second trimester,” Dr. Stevenson explained while scribbling on the prescription pad.

“I will need you to have a blood draw before you leave. Lyra, I need to see you back here in a month. Call me if you need anything before then. I’m so happy for you both. It’s a blessing to have one baby, but twins; double the blessing. Set up your appointment on your way out and have a wonderful day.” She handed me Lyra’s prescription, then walked out of the door. 

“I can’t believe we are having twins, can you, Blaze? I hope they will be boys. Nickolas is the cutest bundle of joy I have ever seen,” Lyra said as she ate her chicken noodle soup.

I bent down and kissed Lyra’s forehead. “I would prefer girls, actually. There’s nothing but men in my family. And I hope they will have their mom’s emerald green eyes.”

LYRA* ONE MONTH LATER*

‘Can you pick me up some tacos, pickles, and rocky road ice cream on your way home from work, please?’ I texted Blaze, knowing that he was about to leave the office.

‘Yes, love, whatever your heart desires, I’m about to leave the office. I love you 😘.’

‘I love you too😘,’

The prenatal vitamins and antinausea medication prescribed by Dr. Stevenson instantly provided me with relief. As she had predicted, after a week, the nausea had diminished. However, that’s when the cravings kicked in. I longed to dip pickles into rocky road ice cream and savor every bite. In the process, I most likely wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation to scarf down some tacos as well. 

For the past two weeks, one of my biggest cravings has been pickles dipped in rocky road ice cream. In the mornings, I absolutely must have three waffles with peanut butter and syrup, accompanied by two glasses of milk. Mexican food has also been on my list of cravings, which is why I’ll indulged in tacos before satisfying my pickle and strawberry ice cream cravings. The anticipation of Blaze’s return home is something I can’t wait for.

I am only four months into this pregnancy, but I already have a nice-sized baby bump, and the babies have moved. Blaze can’t feel them yet, but I can, and it’s a crazy sensation. Like literal butterflies flitting around in my belly. 

Vega comes over daily to help me with our schoolwork. Meanwhile, my mom and Diana are taking care of baby Nickolas. Vega has been a wholehearted support during this transition into the second trimester. She believes that by next month, Blaze should be able to feel the babies moving. Just now, Vega left to be home when Jace gets back from work. Diana and mom had left over an hour ago. The silence that follows her departure is driving me crazy.

***TWO MONTHS LATER***

“It looks like baby a is a boy, and he is showing that fact proudly,” Dr. Stevenson said as she pointed out our baby boy.

“A boy! Oh my goodness, that makes me so happy! You can throw a ball and teach him how to fish and do other manly things, dear.” 

“Baby B is trying to hide. Let me see if I can get them to move so we can see.” She moves the wand around and baby b seems to scowl and raises their arm to swat the machine away. It’s so cute. Then the baby squirms and kicks when they don’t get left alone. “Aw yes, a baby girl. She was trying to be modest.” Dr. Stevenson grinned, and we all laugh.

“The baby’s measurements are right on track for twenty-five weeks, and your cervix is firm, but I want you on bed rest from now on. Other than a stroll twice a day with Blaze, I want you off of your feet and not putting strain on your leg. You said that your leg has been bothering you quite a bit, right?”

“Yes, it gets uncomfortable, and I can’t stand on it for longer than thirty minutes.”

“Consider signing up for pregnancy yoga classes to ease any discomfort in your legs. Don’t feel embarrassed, but it’s actually beneficial for both you and Blaze to engage in regular sexual activity. The release of endorphins can be beneficial for your babies. Normally, I would schedule your next appointment in a month, but because you are expecting twins, I would like to closely monitor your progress. Therefore, I recommend coming back in two weeks, and then we can transition to weekly appointments as your due date approaches.”

***

“We can go online now and order everything for the baby’s rooms since I can’t be on my feet for long. I wouldn’t say I enjoy shopping, anyway. But I would like to get everything ordered so that we could get everything set up.” 

“Let’s stop at Home Depot. You can wait in the car, and I’ll run in for some paint. What colors do you want for their rooms, babe?” 

“I think blue and grey would be perfect for the boy’s room, and we can go with turquoise to the girl’s room. Oh, and we should start brainstorming names too! This is all so exciting. You should definitely call your mom and share the news. I don’t want a party like Vega, but a baby shower would be wonderful. With twins on the way, we’ll definitely need double the supplies,” I said, as Blaze chuckled beside me.

“Those colors are perfect, and how about Adelaide for a girl and Christopher for a boy? Those were our favorite names.” Blaze said as he parked his truck.

“Forgive my pregnancy brain. I knew that I’m just absent-minded these days,” I said, and Blaze kissed me before exiting the truck.

*****TWO MONTHS LATER*****LYRA*

“Okay, Lyra, your baby boy has arrived. Take a moment to rest, and then we will bring your baby girl into this world. I wish you had followed my advice and opted for the epidural. I understand how exhausted and in pain you must be.”

“Blaze! I seriously want to kick you in the balls right now!” I glared at him, huffing as another harsh contraction shot through me. Damn this pain all to hell! What was I thinking?! “You are never touching me again!” 

I feel so foolish for not getting the epidural. I used to want three to five children, but now, after struggling with two babies, I’ve changed my mind. The thought of going through it all again and possibly having twins like my grandmother on my dad’s side is overwhelming. Why did it have to be me? Why couldn’t Vega have twins instead? It’s possible that Blaze’s dad, being a twin and twins running on both sides of my family, could explain it, but it still makes little sense why I would be the one dealing with twins instead of Vega.

“Ok, Lyra, here comes another contraction. I know you are tired after being in labor for four hours, but I need you to push. Her head’s right there, you’ve got this.” 

“BLAZE, I’m sorry I screamed at you! Please, for the love of God, help me get this baby out!” 

“Alright, Blaze, I need you to come over here immediately. You’re about to witness the arrival of your beautiful baby girl. Lyra, please hold on to one end of this sheet, and Blaze hold on to the other. When the next contraction hits, I want you both to pull the sheet and help Lyra push this baby out. Get ready, here it comes. Lyra, push with all your strength, and Blaze, pull as hard as you can.”

BLAZE*

I was perfectly fine over there, holding Lyra’s hand and watching the nurses clean up our baby boy Christopher. But now, as I stare at the sight before me, I am confronted with the most gruesome thing I have ever seen in my life. My God, how could something like this even happen? Hair is protruding from Lyra’s passage, along with blood and other fluids that shouldn’t be there, or at least I don’t think so. As I try to steady myself, I silently plead with God, “Please, don’t let me throw up.”

“Rebecca, come take over for Blaze. He looks like he’s about to pass out.” Rebecca took the sheet from me, and I sat next to Lyra on the bed and wiped her forehead with a damp cloth.

“Blaze, get behind Lyra and help her sit up. Help her push.” I did as she asked and positioned myself behind Lyra. “Ok Lyra, give me one good final push. Push with all your strength!” 

Lyra’s screams filled the room as she exerted all her strength to bring our baby girl into the world. Moments later, the cries of our little Adelaide echoed through the air. I approached, ready to cut the cord, attempting to avoid glimpsing the graphic scene happening between Lyra’s legs.

Although I once mentioned wanting several kids, witnessing that sight caused discomfort in a way I can’t describe positively. It felt as though someone had bashed me in the groin. It was as if I could sense Lyra’s pain as well. She shouldn’t have to endure this again. With a son and a daughter, our family is complete. I believe Lyra will agree with me on this. To compensate for the pain she endured during childbirth, I will shower her with even more love and affection. I couldn’t help but feel remorseful for what she had gone through.

I walked back to Lyra and sat on the bed beside her. She laid her head on my chest, her breathing gradually slowing. Grabbing the wet towel, I gently wiped the sweat from her forehead and the tears streaming down her cheeks.

“I’m using an epidural next time.” Lyra murmured. “That was literal hell, but so worth it, though, now that we have our babies.” She sighed, grateful the babies had arrived and were both crying on the other side of the room.

“I’m not sure there will be a next time, babe. Two at one time, I saw what was going on down there, and I hurt right along with you. You don’t want to go through that again, do you?” 

“I’ll have an epidural next time, and all will be well. I learned my lesson. Besides, being pregnant is the most fantastic feeling in the world.” 

“Babies are coming through,” the two nurses said in unison as one nurse placed Christopher in my arms and Adelaide in Lyra’s arms.

Both Christopher and Adelaide have my black hair. It’s difficult to determine Adelaide’s eye color, but Christopher has my sapphire blue eyes. Adelaide measures nineteen inches and weighs six pounds, while Christopher is twenty inches long and also weighs six pounds. I’m amazed at how well Lyra managed being pregnant with twins, but she made it to thirty-seven weeks before going into labor. 

I couldn’t ask for more, being here with my beautiful wife and my babies.

“Yes, this is heaven; I wouldn’t mind at all having more; let’s just give it a year.” Lyra said as she chuckled.

“Ok, love, whatever your heart desires.”