Page 26 of Nut Grabber

"Oh godddddd!" I cry, willing time to stand still so we can make it to the medical center on time. Cedarwood Valley is so far away from any hospitals that emergencies need to be airlifted out. But we have a town doctor and a nurse practitioner who work together for everything else. So if we can make it there, we’ll be just fine.

"You're doing great, babe. You can do this."

He puts in a quick call to Josh to let him know what’s going on and asks him to take care of Miffy for us. The call is on speaker, but I'm too caught up in my body trying to murder me with pain to actually register any of it.

"I thought they said there'd be endorphins!" I yell, trying some semblance of breathing to try to get through this.

Thankfully, the twins are still in my womb and my water hasn't busted all over the place when the truck comes to a screeching halt in front of the medical center. Hayes rushes me inside and we're greeted by the nurse practitioner, Marcy, who takes one look at me before another contraction hits and my water hits the floor like a water balloon just exploded out of me.

"I can't do this standing," I cry out.

Hayes scoops me in his arms and carries me into the room where the bed is already setup, ready for my delivery. He sets me down and Marcy helps get me situated on the bed, and I let out a loud groan as yet another contraction hits me.

"You're doing great, Kym," Marcy says as she checks my vitals. "Just keep breathing through it."

Hayes holds my hand tightly, his eyes never leaving mine as he encourages me. The pain is unbearable, but I know I have to keep going, focusing all my energy on bringing our babies into the world. Sweat beads on my forehead as I push with all my might, Hayes cheering me on every step of the way.

Finally, after what seems like an eternity, I hear the sound of crying.

"That's one," Marcy says. "A girl."

Hayes jumps up to hold her as the second of our twins starts to crown. I'm exhausted and I want to give up, but then my body forces out one almighty push and our second baby is born.

"It's a boy!" Marcy says. "A pigeon pair."

As I lay there, still catching my breath from the exhausting delivery, Hayes hands me our little girl, followed by our tiny boy. They're both so miniature and delicate, with perfect little noses and chubby cheeks. Tears fill my eyes as I hold them close to my chest, feeling the warmth of them against me.

Hayes leans in to kiss me as tears stream down both our faces. "They're perfect, trouble. You did it."

As we relish in the moment of becoming parents, I can't help but feel grateful for Hayes and his unwavering support throughout this whole experience. He's been my rock, and I know he'll continue to be as we navigate this new chapter of our lives together.

"I love you," I whisper to Hayes as he presses his forehead to mine while we just stare at our tiny creations.

"I love you more," he replies in a whisper. "Thank you for making me a father."

EPILOGUE 2 - HAYES

five years later...

Istand at the kitchen counter, making breakfast for the family as Kym struggles to get our toddler dressed for the day while calling out for our four-year-old twins to find their shoes. Three kids under five is hectic, but I love it. There's something about the chaos of having young children that just makes life feel more alive.

"Hey trouble," I say as I walk over and kiss Kym on the cheek. "Need some help?"

She smiles gratefully and hands me our youngest, a little ball of energy who's just learned to walk. The twins come bounding over, herded into the lounge room by Miffy. She never figured out how to herd sheep, but she’s excellent at herding children. When the twins were little, she’d follow them around the yard, keeping them close to Kym and me so they could never run off. Now she does the same, but with three kids. It’s kind of like having a babysitter on call who drools and leaves their hair everywhere.

"Daddy, can we have pancakes for breakfast?" our daughter asks, her big blue eyes pleading with me.

"Of course, princess," I reply, ruffling her hair. "They're already on the table."

Once I finish dressing our youngest, I set her down in her highchair while Kym serves up pancakes for the twins. Looking at the scene unfolding around me, I can't help but feel content with our life. Sure, it's not always easy, but it's always worth it. Seeing the smiles on my kids' faces makes every sleepless night and stressful day worth it.

With the kids eating happily, I pour a mug of coffee for both myself and my wife. Kym walks over and rests her head on my shoulder, sighing contentedly.

"You know," she says, "I never thought I'd be this happy."

I turn to face her, taking both of her hands in mine. "I knew we could do this. Together. You and me against the world, right?"

Kym smiles up at me, her eyes full of love. "Right. You've always been my rock."

I lean down to kiss her, the taste of maple syrup on her lips. I pull back and look around at our messy but happy kitchen with our beautiful children. This is everything I ever wanted and more.

As we sit down to breakfast, I can't help but feel a sense of pride wash over me. There was a short period where Kym and I weren't sure how to make this work, but after a career shift from shearer to farmer, we've built something truly special alongside her brother and his wife. Life is good, and the farm is doing great.

And as I listen to the laughter of my kids and the happy chatter of my wife, I know that I'll do anything to protect this life we've created. They are everything to me. I love every moment with them, from tantrums to hugs and the tiny slither of quiet Kym and I get at the end of the night where we just bask in each other in a passion just as hot as it was at the start. I will love her intensely until my dying breath. She is, always has been, and always will be, my everything.