These babies are proof that life goes on, that families can be rebuilt after loss. How can I not be grateful for that?" The midwife, a German woman named Greta, who delivered hundreds of babies, arrived in mid-April. She examined Clara thoroughly and pronounced her healthy, though she pulled Ethan aside for a private word that left him even more anxious. "What did she say?" Clara demanded. "The twins are risky.
That we should be prepared for anything." "We are prepared. We have everything ready." "She means prepared to lose you," Ethan said hoarsely, "I can't do this again, Clara. I can't." She pulled him down beside her on the bed, holding his face between her hands. Look at me. Really?
Look at me. I'm strong. These babies are strong. We're going to be fine. You don't know that?
No, but I believe it. And sometimes faith is all we have. The pains started at dawn on April 23rd. Clara had been expecting them. She'd had minor contractions for days.
But these were different. Stronger, more purposeful. "It's time," she told Ethan calmly. What followed were the longest 18 hours of Ethan's life. Clara labored with determined grace, walking when she could, resting when she must.
Sophie was sent to stay with the Hendersons, but not before giving Clara a fierce hug. "You come back," Sophie ordered. "You and the babies promise." "I promise," Clara said, praying she could keep her word. As the hours passed and Clara grew exhausted, Ethan's fear grew. But Clara remained focused, working with her body rather than against it, using everything she'd learned from years of assisting her father.
"First one's coming," Greta announced as the sun began to set. "The first twin, a boy, arrived with a lusty cry that brought tears of relief to Ethan's eyes. But there was no time to celebrate. The second baby was coming fast. It's turned wrong, Greta said tersely.
I need to adjust, Clara screamed for the first time, and Ethan thought his heart would stop. But Greta's skilled hands worked quickly, and 20 minutes later, a second cry filled the room. A girl, smaller than her brother, but fierce in her announcement of arrival. Two healthy babies, Greta announced with satisfaction. And a healthy mother, though she'll need rest and care.
Ethan was crying openly as he held his son while Clara cradled their daughter. They're perfect, he whispered. They look like you, Clara said weakly but happily. Poor things. He laughed through his tears.