“Look at him,” Ainsley wails as her hand touches every part of him. I know she’s counting his fingers and toes, making sure they’re all there. For the past few weeks, she’s been having nightmares that limbs are missing, and every reassurance I’ve given her that the babies are perfect have fallen on deaf ears.
“He’s perfect,” I tell her. “Look what you did, babe.”
“We did this,” she coos, running her finger over his cheek.
“I did the fun part. You nurtured and brought him into this world.” I make sure to give her all the credit because I really didn’t do anything. Sure, I catered to her every need, made sure she was always comfortable, and loved her with all my being, but she’s the one who carried him and his sister.
“Ainsley, your little girl is on her way.”
We were so sidetracked with our son that she didn’t even notice her contractions. The nurse takes the baby so Ainsley can focus on delivering our daughter. This time I watch, stretching myself so that I’m still holding her hand but watching her give birth to the only other female that will make me weak in my knees.
With a big push, her head is out, and the process of clearing her mouth is done.
“Push, Ainsley.”
And she does, freeing our daughter. The smallest of wails is echoed through the room, followed by her brother’s booming cry.
The nurse sets her on Ainsley, and again the tears are flowing, and our daughter is getting a good once-over from her mother.
“She’s gorgeous. Thank you, Ainsley.” I kiss my wife deeply in front of the staff, not caring at all. Ainsley needs to know how much I love her and how perfect she’s made my life.
The nurse takes our daughter while the doctor finishes up with Ainsley. In a flash, her gown is changed, her bed rearranged, and bags of ice are being added between her legs.
“We’re going to give you something for the pain. It won’t hurt the babies when you nurse. If you experience too much discomfort, let me know, and in about an hour, we’re going to get up and walk and see if you can use the restroom.”
I look at the nurse and then back to Ainsley. “They expect you to walk in an hour. I’d be down for the count after this.”
“That’s because you’re a man.”
I want to remind her that I’m strong, but the truth is I’m nowhere near as strong as she is.
The babies are brought to us, wrapped in blankets, one with a pink hat, the other with a blue. Both are put into Ainsley’s arms, leaving me feeling a little left out. I get as close as I can to them, and watch in awe as she talks to the babies.
“I’m in love,” she says, meeting my gaze.
“Me too,” I tell her. “I didn’t think I could love you anymore than I did, but I do. The twins are icing on the cake, Ainsley. I can’t thank you enough for making me a father.” I lean forward and kiss her, smiling against her lips as the babies coo.
“They need names.”
Names are the one thing we didn’t discuss, opting to meet them first. I look at my son and daughter, eager to hold them, but knowing that Ainsley needs to bond with them, too, and I try to picture what will be perfect for them.
“Cal,” I say, looking at my son.
“Cal?” she questions. I nod and wipe away a tear.
“He gave me a shot when I did everything I could to blow it.”
“I like Cal,” she says. “Cal Bailey is going to make a great baseball name.”
“And now for our princess?” I run the tip of my finger over her cheek and laugh when she gives me her best Elvis impersonation.
“Janie.”
“After your mom?”
She nods and tears start streaming down her face. “Yeah, she’d like that.”
“Janie Bailey has a funny sound to it, but I like it. I like that her name will rhyme.”