Page 155 of Vows for the Bratva Bride
"How far apart are the contractions?" the doctor asks as they help me into the wheelchair.
"Three minutes. Maybe less."
"Let's get you upstairs."
Everything becomes a blur. Elevators. Hallways. A delivery room with too many bright lights. People helping me into a hospital gown while asking questions I barely process.
"How long has she been in labor?"
"Maybe forty minutes?" Maksim looks at his watch. "I don't know. Everything happened so fast."
"That's normal with multiples." The doctor is checking monitors, examining me. "You're already at seven centimeters. These babies are in a hurry."
"Is that bad?" Maksim hovers beside the bed, still holding my hand.
"It's fine. Fast, but fine. First babies usually take longer, but twins often have their own timeline."
Another contraction slams into me. I arch off the bed, gripping Maksim's hand.
"You're doing so well," he murmurs. "So strong. I'm right here. Not going anywhere."
"You better not," I grit out. "You did this to me."
"I know. I'm sorry. I'm terrible. The worst." He's babbling now, clearly terrified. "But you're amazing. Our babies are going to be so lucky to have you as their mother."
"Let's have some babies,” the doctor announces.
"Already?" Maksim looks panicked. "But we just got here."
"Sometimes it happens fast.”
"Okay, Kira," the doctor says. "On the next contraction, I need you to push."
I nod, gathering what strength I have left. The contraction builds, and I push.
"Good! That's perfect. Again."
I push again. And again. Maksim's voice in my ear telling me I can do this is exactly what I need.
"I can see the head!" the doctor announces. "One more big push."
I bear down with everything I have. There's a moment of intense pressure, then sudden relief as the first baby enters the world.
"It's a boy!" The doctor holds him up, and I hear the most beautiful sound—my son crying.
Tears stream down my face. "He's perfect."
"He's amazing," Maksim breathes, staring at our baby in wonder.
"Okay, Kira, let's get baby number two out. You ready?"
I nod, exhausted but determined. Two more pushes, and our second son makes his entrance, crying just as loudly as his brother.
"Two healthy boys," the doctor announces. "Congratulations."
They clean the babies and wrap them in blankets, then place them both in my arms. I stare down at their tiny faces, their perfect features, and feel my heart expand in ways I didn't know were possible.
"We made these," I whisper.
"You made these." Maksim touches one tiny hand, his expression full of awe. "I just helped a little."
"More than a little." I look up at him and see tears streaming down his face. "You okay?"
"I'm perfect." He kisses my forehead. "They're perfect. Everything is perfect."
"Welcome to the world, boys," I whisper to them. "Your father and I are going to make sure it's a better place for you. We promise."
THE END
