Drew clutched Ali's hand nervously as he anxiously
watched the monitor's wavy green lines that tracked the baby's heartbeat, as well as
Ali's.
"How are you doing?" Ali asked, her eyes closed as she
rested.
Drew swallowed nervously, "I'm fine, but shouldn't you be worrying
about yourself?"
Ali smiled, "Drew, I'm fine, I don't want you passing out on me
during the delivery," she said, opening her eyes and looking at the terrified face of
her husband. "And stop trying to look tough Drew, your eyes give it away."
Drew smiled, "I'm supposed to be brave and tough for you...I wish
I could do something though.."
"I know, and your being here is helping, trust me Hun," she
said, ruffling his hair.
"I know..." he said softly, rubbing one hand over her stomach
and leaning to kiss her softly. Fifteen minutes later, the contractions were coming closer
and closer, and the doctors soon entered the room.
"Mr., Mrs. Lachey," Dr. Davis said cheerfully, looking over
Ali's chart.
"Is it time?" Ali asked, holding onto Drew's hand tightly.
"Yes it is, give us another minute or so to set up, and then we'll
be ready to go. That baby might not even wait that long!"
Ali groaned as another contraction wracked her body. Drew was nearly
panicking, even though he knew there was nothing to worry about. All his former training
as a paramedic seemed to fly out the window as he watched his wife struggle with the
contractions as she gave birth to their child.
Three long, painful, drawn out hours later, the doctor informed an
exhausted Ali, and a nearly frazzled Drew that she could see the head.
"Come on Ali, one more push, and that'll be it," Dr. Davis
encouraged.
"Can I just have a c-section? I'll pay for however much it
costs," she said, trying to catch her breath.
Drew looked at her worriedly, "One more time honey, you can do it,
I know you can, please Ali..come on," he encouraged.
"One more time Ali, one...two...three!" Dr. Davis coached, as
Ali summoned her remaining strength and pushed as hard as she could, Drew's fingers being
nearly broken in the process. Her hard work was soon rewarded when a tiny wail filled the
room. Ali sank into the bed, physically and emotionally exhausted as the doctor showed
Drew how to cut the umbilical cord and then handed the little pink bundle to him,
"You have a beautiful, healthy baby girl," she said, never quite getting over
the miracle of birth.
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