2021-01-20 Poster Child for Birth Control

 2021-01-20 Poster Child for Birth Control

It was Megan Brate’s due date and she was well aware. She was easing into maternity leave but since Isabella had taken her sweet time getting into the world, she would work as long as she could, despite feeling the discomfort of being a very pregnant woman. Seamus was ready to fly solo as acting store manager regardless. Kitty was prepared to pitch in more, despite her lab tech job. Megan was just tidying up loose ends, making sure all the invoices were filed and the product was on order. Seamus could do it, but Megan wanted to be useful. She wasn’t good and sitting and waiting. So in her oldest and stretchiest faded black leggings and a baggy tunic style long sleeved teal coloured maternity t-shirt, she was in the office before his shift even began. Her dark brown hair was in a messy ponytail. She was in black socks with no shoes because her feet were balloons and shoes were torture for longer than the walk to daycare and work. Adum had insisted on walking with Megan to take Izzy to daycare and then walking her to work. He was getting ancy with the due date looming over them. As she bent down to the lowest filing drawer she had what could be a contraction and froze for a moment while it worked its way through her. Then she shrugged as another half hour passed with no follow up “Probably just Braxton Hicks again….ugh….”

Seamus Reinhardt was in The Love Shack wiping down the counter.  Mid-Week wasn't the busiest time for the store, but he was just making busy.  Once the newest Brate arrived, he would be working in the store mostly alone, but he was ready for it.  As he worked, he considered how much responsibility he’d taken on in just the last several months.  Coming out of the Fog was a change of his life, to be sure.  Now he had a job and a daughter.  Iris was in his life as well, as much a part of his family as his parents and siblings.  He loved her and he loved his life, even though it was the last thing he would have expected.  Megan was in the office finishing up and from there, he expected she would go home and wait to go into labor.  He heard her shuffling around in the office she’d been hiding in, but no screaming or anything, so he assumed she was fine.

Megan fell down an invoice history rabbit hole trying to make sense of something they’d been double billed for. Seamus was here now and they’d greeted as per usual and she knew he had the front covered so she let herself hop along and solve the puzzle. As she filed the now resolved invoice she stood up from the bottom drawer again, her back aching like crazy. “Dammit baby...you need to come out.” She muttered and then sighed. As she turned, another contraction struck, this one a bit more intense. “Uuuugh…” She moaned and put out her hand to steady herself on the desk, panting a bit “Oh come on...let me at least finish the day.” Isabella had taken 32 hours to come so if this was labour, she still had time.

Seamus looked around the store and thought that, if anyone asked, he believed his brother-in-law Vincent would be proud.  The place was spotless, but that was usual for a slow day.  He couldn’t look out of the window, as there wasn’t one in the shop, but he knew that there was snow on the ground and the inlet was frozen over.  Perfect for ice skating and fun.  But it was a work day and he would stick it out.  That was adulting, and he got better at it all the time.  From the back, he heard a moan and looked at the closed office door.  It came from Megan, he knew, since she was the only one in there and he knew her time to give birth was close.  Walking up to the door, he knocked softly.  “Megan?  You OK in there?”  he asked, as he opened the door.  It was lunch time anyway.  If nothing else, he could volunteer to get them lunch.

Megan stood up from stopping over the table “Oh yeah….it’s a contraction but I got time. My babies are slowpokes.” The contraction having passed she was speaking evenly but her face was flushed and her brow had beads of sweat, which was unusual for Megan. She was flawless in a heatwave usually. It was the deep of winter and the Love Shop thermostat was not set high. She looked at Seamus and smiled “Don’t worry. It’ll be fi….” The next contraction hit her twice as hard and she ended the word fine in an “Aaaaargh!! Mother fucking sonofabitch...what the fucking helll…”

Just then the door chime went off and two teenagers came into the shop, both tall, looking a little flirty with each other for the occasion of their shopping. Miranda Rogers giggled “I can’t believe we went through them so fast….my house is empty for a bit.” She crooned at Gene Sinclair. Miranda was wearing her grey winter jacket over very ripped faded blue jeans with purple fishnet stockings peeking out under on top of her black army style boots. Her hair was loose and still brown. She hadn’t dyed it a wild colour yet and she suspected Gene liked the brown from a few comments he’d made so she was leaving it alone. She saw Seamus Reinhardt and was about to say a cheery hello when she heard a struggle and a string of profanity and blinked. It sounded like the shop owner, the pregnant woman. It dawned on Miranda she was VERY pregnant now and she had a look of worry “Oh god….” Gene was a step ahead of her so he might be able to see more. “Is she ok in there?” Everyone knew Megan Brate, the mayor’s wife and one of the proprietors, the pregnant lady in the condom shop.

Seamus looked at Megan and, despite her smile and reassuring words, got the idea that something was up, even though Megan wasn’t standing in a puddle or anything.  Then what seemed an unmistakable contraction hit her and he took a stepforward.  “Maybe I should call Adum …”  he offered.

Gene Sinclair chuckled as they walked into the Love Shack.  They had gone through their supply quickly, but he’d loved every moment.  He also noted Seamus as he headed towards the back and he could see Megan Brate looking … seriously stressed.  He looked at Miranda and shrugged.  “I .. have no idea.”  he admitted.  “I mean … should she be at home if she’s about to give birth?”

Megan brandished a finger at Seamus “Oh you call him. You fucking call him. Adum did this to me! Mother fucker…..FUCK!” She shouted as she now gripped the desk and braced herself “This is NOT like the last time….holy fucking christ!” The contractions were barely giving her a break. Talk about going from zero to sixty. She heard voices talking in the store “SORRY! We’ll be right with you!”

Miranda sidled up to Gene and she could see Megan now, who was clearly in labour. “No worries!” She called out. Then she answered Gene “Maybe we should try to help get her to the hospital?”

Megan overheard the word hospital and screamed “NO! This one’s going to be a homebirth! We bought the fucking tub! Adum even promised Michelle he’d wear swim trunks! God dammit we’re doing this at home. Call Adum Seamus…call Michelle Kim!.Then you three...help me walk home. Walking is good…..so fucking good….AAAAAAHHHH!” She nearly doubled over as the next round brought pain.

Miranda couldn’t stop herself as something instinctual kicked in and she rushed in to steady and support Megan “I don’t think walking that far is a great plan. Does your husband have a car?” She put a steadying arm under Megan’s and looked back at Gene and Seamus as she’d passed them both. Megan seemed to be shaking her head about the car…..or maybe it was just another contraction causing her to react. It was hard to tell.

Seamus reared back a bit when Megan brandished the finger at him and agreed he should call Adum.  Her anger made sense, but then he remembered it probably wasn't anger

 but the pain that was driving her right now.  But Megan saying it wasn't like this the last time made him a little worried.  He pulled out his phone even as he motioned to Megan, about to tell her to sit and make herself comfortable.  It looked like she'd never be able to get comfortable so he simply nodded.  "On it.  hold on."  he turned and left the office looking at Gene and Miranda, actually glad someone else was here.  At the counter, there was already a sticky note with numbers to call in case Megan did go into labor here.  Michelle Kim and Adum's office number.  He considered who to call first and decided on Adum.  Megan wanted him here.  Dialing his personal cell phone, he found himself wondering if he should have called the midwife first instead.

Adum was in his office, doing paperwork.  He hated this part of the job, but it kept his mind busy.  With Megan so close to her time, he wanted to be available and since she wanted to was much as possible, he could at least do it from his office in the Municipal Building instead of his home office.  He would work from there after the baby was born and help out.  It would be more difficult with two kids than just Izzy, even with his father around to help them.  On his desk blotter, his personal cell phone began to ring.  "Is it time, Seamus?”  he asked, hoping he sounded calm.

Seamus was a little surprised at how Adum answered the phone.  "Yea ... seems like it.  We're still at the store and Megan wants you here."

Adum nodded and took in a calming breath.  "Call Michelle.  I'm on my way." and he disconnected without another word, grabbing his jacket and heading out, telling Wendy Stanley to field all but the most crucial of calls.  It was time.

Seamus was glad that the call didn't take too long.  Adum seemed calm and that helped calm him.  His next call was to Michelle Kim.  This was turning out easier than he thought it would be.

Gene could hear and see Megan and bit his lip.  “The clinic is only down the street…” he reminded anyone who happened to be listening.  :And we could always call 911 … if we have to …”  this was far out of his league.

Michelle Kim got Seamus’s call as she had just finished up an appointment with Lisette Paget and Greyson Page where they were blissed out having heard their baby’s heartbeat for the first time on the fetal doppler and Michelle couldn’t help but love these appointments. The joy people felt at bringing a being into their world was contagious. But now she was rescheduling the rest of her afternoon, kit in hand and ready to rush to Megan and Adum Brate who were at the later stage  of their journey with her as a midwife. The critical mass of labour and childbirth. She nodded to the receptionist as she saw the calls happening and then was out the door as she zipped her jacket and fast walked to the Love Shop. It sounded like this might be another fast birth from what she heard of Megan in the background.

Megan now flung her finger at Gene “No ambulances….no clinic...this is a HOMEBIRTH! Oh mother fucker!” Another contraction took her hard and she gripped the desk and Miranda “I don’t want to hurt….ah…..fucking goddamn hell!” She tried panting but it was close to hyperventilating.

Miranda had half nodded at Gene, thinking 911 might be a good option but could hear Megan’s resistance. Seamus was calling all the appropriate folks so all she could do was hold onto Megan. “It’s ok...I’m strong. But should we get you to a chair so you can be more comfortable?”

“Can’t sit...hurts too fucking much….can’t sit…..aw shit….” Megan looked down as a puddle formed underneath her and her leggings were soaked “My water broke…..still going…” She looked up and around “ADUM!!!!” She truly hoped he was close to arriving.

Seamus got off of the phone, his job complete.  He looked into the office and saw that Miranda seemed to be helping Megan, so he headed for the front door to greet Adum and Michelle when they arrived.  He stepped outside and could already see Adum running towards the shop.  Without a word of greeting, Seamus opened and held the door for him just as Megan screamed her husband’s name.  He then waited for Michelle to arrive, so he could let her in and then ‘man’ the door, keeping anyone else out.

Gene moved into the office and tucked himself into a corner.  He wasn’t sure how much help he could be.  As much as he liked Megan, this was very personal.  Miranda seemed to be of more help so he decided his job was to stay out of the way.

Adum rushed past Seamus just as Megan screamed his name.  “I’m here, my love.”  he announced, going to her side and seeing the puddle on the floor.  He took her hand.  “Just breathe.  We’ve been here before.  Just breathe.”  He encouraged her.  It looked like this baby would be born in the shop.  Fun tale to tell when the baby got older.

Megan’s focus was all over the place but she narrowed it on Adum as he arrived “I’m breathing dammit….and flooding the fuckin office. It’s not like Izzy….” She reaches out a hand for Adum, the hand that was on the desk “Hold me up on this side Babe…” She head juts at Miranda and Gene but then her words can’t form as another wave washes over her. They’re not even separated contractions anymore. More a continuous state that ebbs and flows. The pain is immeasurable and she winces and grits her teeth “Mmmmmnnngrrrr…..AHHHHHH!” She grunt screams.

Michelle had seen Seamus open the door for Adum and Adum go into the shop. That was a good sign. She smiled at Seamus “Wow, such service. Thanks Seamus.” She teased and went in just as Megan made a loud noise. She breezes into the office, seeing the people through the door “You started the party without me? Megan, you shouldn’t have?” Michelle is jovial and then sees the puddle “OK...we’re there.” She briefly glances at Miranda and Gene “Hiya…..” Then she squats and opens her midwifery kit, tossing down a  sort of drop cloth on the puddle but mostly ignoring it. Then she gloves up and gets ready to work “When was your last contraction Meg? Do want an office chair or are you comfortable in a supported stand?”

Megan grimaces “Nonstop…….fuckin hurts….can’t sit…..It’s right there….”

Michelle nods and looks between Adum and Megan “OK….let’s take a look.” She wastes no time pulling down Megan’s soaked leggings and underwear and tilts her head to look under the long top “Oh yeah you’re crowning. No wonder it hurts like hell. Hang onto her Adum….and sorry...it’s Miranda right? Doc Roger’s kid? Megan you can just go for it. I’ve got my catcher’s gloves on.” She eases down on one knee a bit.

Miranda nods at Michelle and then can’t help but look a  little excited to know this baby is coming right away. She flashes a smile back at Gene but keeps hold of Megan firmly “Yep, a Roger’s kid. I’ve got her on this side.”

Seamus closed and locked the door of the shop the moment Michelle came through.  He then went and hovered in the doorway of the office, not trying to peek, but at the same time … how often did someone get to watch a birth live and in person.  It was something he might have to know later if he and Iris decided to have a baby.  Quietly, he went and stood in the corner along with Gene and then sort of awkwardly asked.  “Can we help or should we just … you know .. get the fuck out of the way?”

Gene was relieved to see Adum.  Megan looked horribly uncomfortable.  He felt even better when Seamus reappeared and asked what he had been thinking.

Adum moved to Megan’s side and took her under the arm, aiming to support her squat.  “This one isn’t going to be a home birth, either I don’t think, babe.”  he quipped.  “But it also looks like it won’t be 36 hours, either … if that helps.”

All Megan needs is permission to push and she starts to. She doesn’t even hear Seamus’s question and bends her knees a bit more in the supported squat with Adum and Miranda holding onto her. She takes a deep breath and then lets out a sort of battle cry that ends in a whimper as a slimy mass of small human literally rockets out of her and into Michelle’s hands. One pish, but it was a doozy. 

Michelle acknowledges Seamus’s question with a glance but before she can even answer she catches the baby flying at her hands “Bullseye.” She quietly jokes and then checks the baby as it begins a healthy first round of crying. “Oh he’s got Mom’s lungs!” She reaches into her kit and gets a cloth to wipe him off a bit and another to wrap him. The cord is still attached and pulsing and the placenta hasn’t been birthed yet so there’s no rush to cut. “OK Seamus...or..” She glanced at the tall teenage Indigenous boy not remembering his name as they hadn’t formally met.” One of you pull over the office chair for her. Congrats Mom and Dad! Megan, you should sit now.

Megan looked down, elated but also looked ready to collapse and was grateful for the idea of sitting down now that the baby was out. She tearfully looked between Adum and their son as Michelle reached to hand him up to Adum first, since Megan needed to sit first.

Miranda was utterly delighted and fascinated by the miracle of birth happening rapidly right below her. It was amazing. She revered Megan in her strength but was also very impressed by Michelle. It was a tender moment now, so she stayed quiet but when a chair appeared, she’d help ease Megan into it and then step back and stand beside Gene, looking between him and the new again family with an unreadable expression.

Seamus blinked as the newest Brate came into the world before anyone could answer his question.  He quickly moved to get the office chair for Megan and stepped back again.  Before he could think he quipped.  “Born in the Love Shack.  Bad for business, but … one hell of a story.”

Gene was shocked at the speed of the baby’s birth.  It was less than an hour since he and Miranda had walked in the door.  He looked between Miranda and the Brates and couldn’t help but to grin.

Adum took his son in his arms with a smile.  “Hello thee Cedar Adam … with an A because .. your grandfather and spelling.”  He stared at Cedar and laughed a little bit  when Seamus spoke.  “When he’s a little older …”

Megan is eased into the chair by helping hands and exhales “Cedar Adam….with an A. Also so you don’t have to explain your spelling to everyone for your whole life. Look at you…” She reaches out a hand to the baby’s face as he’s held in his father’s arms to start. Cedar has that moment of wise wide eyes and blinks at his parents looking down on him as he breathes in the world. Megan absently answers Seamus “We could have a condom sale when the story gets out.” she jokes and then leans her head up and kisses her husband and then Cedar’s little cheek.

Michelle fusses about and does some tidying and prep work for the placenta which she can see beginning to emerge. She eases it into a container for disposal or if the parents wish they can keep it. She busies herself and steps up after, cutting the cord and clamping it, all the while aware of the conversation and the tone of the room. “Definitely a condom sale. I love the name Cedar. I can’t believe he’s the first one with it.”

Miranda returns the grin and then peeks at the family “He’s amazing. He looks like he knows everything already with those eyes. Congratulations Brate family! And what a cool name.”

Michelle looks around “We need a way to get you folks home safely. Save that birthing tub for the next round but maybe the EMTs or even one of the police cruisers with a towel down in the backseat? It’s not a rush but rest is crucial. You guys can call the cleaners for the floor and chair if need be. They have kits for….bio matter.” She smiles and shrugs. Then she nods and Miranda and what seems to be her fellow, the other teen, who she doesn’t know. “Got more than you bargained for today folks.” She chuckles.

Seamus is amused and oddly touched at the scene.  A minute ago, Megan was in horrible pain, but now she seemed very happy.  “I’ll take care of all that.”  he tells them.  “Just give me the number Michelle.  It’s Someone's Got To Do It, right?”

Gene watches the new family with his odd grin.  At Michelle’s comment he chuckles.  “Quite a bit more.  We just came for more condoms …”  oddly, if Miranda was on the birth control, they might have missed this incredible moment.  Alexandra has introduced him to many families happy to have kids, but he'd never seen a birth.

Adum smiles and looks around at their impromptu audience.  “Thanks Seamus.  I guess this place is all yours for a while.”  he pulls out his phone.  “I’ll call Hank about a ride if the EMT’s aren’t too busy to help you get settled at home.”  he begins to dial making mental note of all the other calls he has to make about the arrival of little Cedar.

Michelle nods slightly at Seamus “Yep SGTDI. I have their cards and I’ll leave one when I’m washed up.” Michelle can’t help but crack up at the fact that they came into buy condoms and saw birth. “Well talk about your inspiration eh? Babies are lovely, don’t get me wrong. But I had one young. He’s great and no regrets. Live a little first if you can though. You probably know him because Alexandra...Brayden...Brayden Kim. Actually I’m sure you know him because he’s dating Miranda’s friend Winona Carpenter.” she laughs “Alexandra. And yes call Hank. I’m sure they’d be delighted to meet Cedar as well.” She smiles at Adum and Megan “Izzy will be pretty excited too.” Michelle finishes up her after birth tasks and then holds up an adult diaper style disposable panty after checking Megan over one last time “So you don’t leave a trail between the chair and the stretcher. Non husbands avert your eyes please.” She says for Gene and Seamus.”No tearing….that’s good for a fast baby.”

Megan laughs “Oh she is. She picks out an outfit everyday from the clothes we already have. Just in case the baby comes that day….been a thing since about November.” Megan is doing pretty well and stands on her own to step into the disposable “Oh you brought the sexy big girl panties again. Why don’t they make them in black or red? I swear I’d even stock them here.” she agrees with Michelle about living before baby times “Yeah keep buying condoms. Kids are great but they are your whole world too. Gotta be ready to make some sacrifices.” Then she sits back down and reaches for Cedar “But worth it my love.” She gives Adum another kiss “I love it all, them all and you.”

Miranda stays quiet and mostly listens but giggles as jokes are made. The wheels are turning in her head and it’s almost written on her face that she’s thinking deeply about something. Maybe it’s Michelle and Megan’s words about waiting. She smiles and nods about Brayden and then looks thoughtful again, glancing unintentionally in Gene’s direction as she thinks of this powerful experience they’ve been accidentally a part of.

Seamus nods and waits for Michelle to clean up.  He nods, slowly.  “Kids really are all encompassing.”  He agrees.  “I didn’t get Katie until she was a little older, but … she still demands a lot of time.  I love it, but it’s not always easy.”  Granted his daughter had issues stemming from the time before she came to him.

Adum speaks quickly and quietly to Hank and returns Megan’s kiss.  “I love you, too.”  he tells her.  “I am very glad you aren’t one of those women who turns against me in labor.”  he winks and sends a quick text to his father.  “Dad will want to know and be home.”  he murmurs and then looks up at Miranda and Gene.  “Wait for kids.”  He agrees.  “Even though I wish I had gotten married much younger.”  he grins.  His first marriage is still lost to his memory thanks to the gunshot wound he received in 2016.  Adum didn’t miss those memories one bit.

Gene looks at Miranda as the talk turns to young parents.  “We’re very careful about that sort of thing.”  he assures them.  Miranda looks thoughtful and he wonders if she might be thinking of the children he is sure they will have … someday.

Tara Munroe hops out of the passenger side of the ambulance as it pulls up to the Love Shack from it’s short jaunt there. She pulls open the back doors and reaches for the stretcher on her side, knowing Valentine will get his. They have a collaborative rhythm now as work partners do after some time. “So we’re just taking them home right? They don’t need the clinic?” She confirms. Valentine had been closer to Hank when the call came in and Tara just followed his cues after and got ready to go.

Miranda concurs with what Gene said “We are careful. We’ll get there later. It was amazing to see this little guy come into the world though. It’s not like the video in health class when it’s happening in the here and now.” She jokes. Miranda takes in that Seamus is also a parent as he talks about Katie. She’s seen him with his little girl of course around town, and his librarian partner. The Reinhart’s are of course a known entity. She sees John the most at Carpenter’s as he’s often there getting supplies to work on his boat but they’re all unmistakable and connected. She can hear a vehicle pull up and then the wheels of a gurney on the pavement outside the door and her head turns in that direction.

Michelle chuckles and then looks to the front door as well “Your chariot is here Megan. Seamus, can you let them in or is it still unlocked at the front?” She can see a small bathroom off the office and after she puts all the things she needs in a small trash bag and degloves she walks to wash her hands.

Megan nods along with the wait for kids advice that tacks onto hers. When Adum says he wishes he’d gotten married younger she can’t help but give him a sweet smile “We worked it out in the end thankfully, and here we are two kids in and living the best life I could have ever imagined.” She perks up at the announcement of the EMTs arrival “Oh thank god. I could really use a sandwich. I was going to walk to the deli for lunch and then...well…” She cuddles Cedar “You. You...little man had another plan. But I’m so happy you’re here.”

Valentine grabs his side of the stretcher.  “Yup, we’re just taking them home.’  he confirms.  “Seems the baby came a lot faster than they planned.”  he grins and heads for the door of the Love Shack. 

Seamus was waiting just outside of the door for them and opened it when he heard the ambulance pulling up.  He nods to all three of them, but mostly holds his tongue and heads into the back with them, staying outside of the office.

Hank goes in with his paramedics.  “They do that sometimes.”  he tells the younger people as they enter.  He nods back to Seamus and heads for the office.  “Welcome to Alexandra little one.”  he calls to the baby as he walks in.  “He just had to come into the world while you were at work, eh Megan?”  he quips/

Gene nods.  “Very different.”  he agrees.  He looks at Miranda with love.  “I guess we can come back later to shop?”  he offers.  There were still things they could do without condoms, and it seemed to him the shop was now closed.

Adum laughs.  “Kids are hard on the diet.  Always demanding something before you can take a bite.”  he looks over at Gene and Miranda.  “I think Seamus can take care of you two before he starts cleaning up.” because business is business.  He looks at Hank and grins.

Miranda looks at Seamus hopefully and then glances at Gene “That would be awesome if you could. Congrats again and rest well with Cedar.” She makes to step away into the shop area now before the gurney comes in to give the family space. But she’s been making mental notes of everything, everything the midwife did. It’s inspiring in a way she didn’t expect. She smiles politely at the fire chief, recognizing him from his presence and reputation in town.

Tara is at the front of wheeling the stretcher but lets the teenagers step out of the room before she wheels in and thanks Seamus for his promptness and holding the door. She grins at Valentine and then at Hank and then can’t help but melt a bit at the not so new family but second time parents and the sweet new baby “Aww you’re old pros, look at you. Hi there little guy. What did you call him?”

Megan nods vigorously “Like I said condom sale! Half price for the lady who held me up one one side or two for one...take your pick. Thank you both!” Megan smirks at Hank “Ah well it’s what they do. Hello Chief Stanley.” She smiles at the EMTs and answers Tara’s question “Cedar Adam Brate.”

Michelle is packing up but greets Hank and the EMTs “Well now it’s a party. Hello folks. Glad you’re here.”

Seamus nods at Gene and Miranda.  "Come on.  You guys want your usual?"  he asks, knowing it will be half off today.  As he turns towards the register he gives Megan and Adum a final "Congratulations you two." and will take care of the last two customers of the day before he turns his mind to afterbirth cleaning.

Gene chuckles and waves goodbye as he leaves the room.  "Yea .. congratulations to you both."  he moves to the counter with Miranda.

Valentine pushed the gurney in a bit.  He sees the baby with his parents and smiles a little bit.  "Well welcome to the world, Cedar Adam Brate."  he stands waiting.

Hank grins.  "Hello Mrs Brate."  he returns her formality with his eyes twinkling.  "Let's see.  Mom on the stretcher.  Papa Adum, you and Cedar can ride home in the back with Megan."  he offers Megan his hand to help her onto the gurney.

Megan looks perfectly content in the whole process of things. Now that the baby is out her body is more comfortable than it has been in a long time. Sure, there’s soreness in expected places but overall she feels good. She gets up on the gurney with minimal assistance, lies down and looks up at Hank and then the EMTs followed by Adum and Cedar with love. “OK I’m ready. Thanks everyone.”

Tara covers Megan with a sheet so she’s less exposed and nods “Good plan Chief.” Then she’s ready to wheel her back to the ambulance.

Miranda looks happy about the deal on condoms but is also still elated about the whole day. “Oh two for one then, let's stock up.” She laughs and has her card out and ready to pay Seamus with a  wink at Gene.

Michelle follows the gurney but stops at the counter and slips a SGTDI card onto the counter in front of Seamus “As promised. They’re very good. See ya later kids. I’m going to follow the ambulance and make sure Megan’s on the right path to nursing Cedar.”

Hank motions for the paramedics to adjust Megan so that she is sitting up and then nods to the door.  "You kids take care."  he says to Seamus, Miranda and Gene as they head out the door.

Valentine adjusts Megan's seat and, with Tara's help gets her outside.  They get her in the ambulance and Hank nods for Adum and Michelle to join them, then closes the door on them.

Adum waves goodbye to the kids and gets in the ambulance with Megan.  He smiles, holding Cedar carefully.  "Maybe someday we'll get that home birth."  he jokes and kisses Megan on the forehead.

Seamus  nods his thanks to Michelle for giving him the card and then turns his attention to getting Miranda and Gene two of their usual brand of condom.

Gene laughs at Miranda's eagerness.  "Sounds like a plan to me."  he agrees and watches as she offers to pay.  The day had been so strange he couldn't even remember whose turn it was to pay for the birth control.

The ambulance pulls up to the Brate house and Megan looks at Adum as they get help all getting to their door. “Can your Dad get Izzy from daycare? If not, I’ll call Tams or Frank...oh my god did you call them already? I want to tell people but I also just want to selfishly hide out and get this munchkin on my boob and cocoon with you both.”

“Cocooning is good. Pick one person in your family to start the phone tree and then tell them all to let you have a few days and only come by with meals they leave at the door. Trust me, it’s a good plan.” Michelle chimes in.

Tara nods as she steers and Valentine hoists “Yep, my sister made me stand guard. Her mother in law is a little overbearing.” She laughs and then hops down and wheels.

Little Cedar started rooting on Adum in the ambulance ride over and by the time they were near the door he was crying. 

Adum tried to comfort his son.  "Sorry.  We're almost home.  Mom can help you then."  but Cedar was unimpressed.  Over the crying he tells Michelle and Megan.  "I texted my Dad so he's going to get Izzy.  He promised to spread the word for us."

Hank grins from his seat in the back as the baby starts getting demanding.  He remembers those days well, most recently his grandchildren.  "You enjoy all the alone time your little family can have."  he follows to the door.  "Welcome home young Cedar.  We'll meet again I am sure."  and he nods for his paramedics to go.

Valentine helps wheel the gurney into the house and then helps Megan onto the couch for the now.  "You folks take care and congratulations again." and he heads out with the gurney.

As soon as Megan is in the house and on the couch she unceremoniously whips off her tunic shirt and bra. She was not dressed for nursing when she went into labour “I should have known better when I got dressed on D day. But whatever, we’re home now. Give me that hungry baby!” She reaches for Cedar and is an old pro at getting him latched since it hasn’t really been that long since Izzy. The baby nurses like he’s been doing it for months and both mama and baby relax into the rhythm. “Thank god for your dad Adum….ahhhh……”

Michelle waves to Hank and the EMTs “See you all next time.” She jokes. Then she turns to help Megan and Megan’s already set up and nursing “Well you don’t even need me. Let me grab you a glass of water at least. You need to stay hydrated.” She knows her way to the kitchen but takes off her shoes at the door before going through.

Tara nods at Hank and then helps Valentine get the gurney back in the rig and is ready to head back to the station. This was a joyful call and she’s pleased to leave the happy family to their day.

Adum went with Michelle to the kitchen.  Michelle got the glass and Adum got the pitcher to keep nearby on the coffee table.  Finally he sits down.  “Dad offered to buy dinner.  For a few days it’ll be sandwiches easy for a mother to eat with one hand.”  he announces.  “ANything you want my love, you get.”  he doted on both his wife and his children.

Megan relaxes more as she nurses. It was still at the colostrum stage but she knew how important what was for Cedar’s health “Water, sandwiches…..yes please. Thank you Michelle and Adum...I love you so much. Adam is awesome. We should get Zabats. Souvlaki in a pita is like an upscale sandwich.” She chortles. “And no pita for Izzy but she loves those lemon potatoes. Oh she’s going to be so happy to meet her little brother.”

Michelle sits down near Megan but far enough away that Adum can sit closer “Y’all are making me hungry.” She teases “I’m sure Izzy will be a great big sister. When you guys reach a natural break in nursing I’ll weigh Cedar and give him one last check over before I’m on my way for the day. Do you want a blanket Megan? Not to cover of course but for warmth around your shoulders?”

Megan shrugged “I’m good for the moment but when he’s had enough I wouldn’t mind my pajamas. They’re still on the end of the bed.”

Adum had remained standing, at least for the time being.  He nodded at the idea of Zabat’s.  “Just tell me when and I’ll put the order in.”  then he snapped his fingers when Megan mentioned her pajamas.  “I’ll get them for you.”  and he was off, his step light.  His son was safely born and he and Megan were healthy and happy as far as he could tell.  He’d do all he could to keep them that way.

Cedar got dozy and dropped off the breast just as Adum came back with the pajamas. Megan carefully handed him to Michelle who had her scale already set up. He didn’t even wake during the weighing.

“Seven pounds 2 ounces.” Michelle whisper shouted with a small smile “Healthy in all ways.” She had checked him over while he was in the weigh sling. Everything was as it should be.

Megan gratefully took the pjs and pulled on the top “Thank you Love. Oh...a pound or so smaller than Izzy but he came so fast I couldn’t guess his size.” She stepped into the bottoms and then stood to shimmy them over her hips, her deflated pregnant belly sagging at the waistline “Oh I hate this part….the elephant skin. I know it will shrink back but bleh. Oh well he’s healthy and that’s all that matters.” She looked at Adum as Michelle picked up Cedar again “Your turn for baby cuddles? I REALLY need to pee.” She laughed and headed for the main floor bathroom.

Michelle took the cue and offered Adum his son “I think my work here is done for now. But you folks know where to find me.”

Adum happily took Cedar for his turn to cuddle and sat carefully as Megan got up to pee.  He looked at Michelle.  “Thanks a million Michelle … again.”  his attention drifted back to his son, staring as so many new parents do in amazement at what and who he and Megan had created.