Archive of Our Own

Amelia waddled around her shop, talking to a customer and helping to create the perfect bouquet for a proposal. She smiled brightly as she gathered some roses and baby's breath, then moved behind the counter. Skillfully, she arranged everything with a beautiful bow and sent the customer on his way.

She sighed softly, stretched, and rubbed her back, taking a deep breath and holding her belly. Only days away from her due date with twins, she was tired and sore, but the shop was her own, and she swore she would work until the very last moment.

In this small town, many people were supportive and helpful, and business was going well. With a deep breath, she returned to work and greeted the next customer.
The shop door jingled with a familiar sound that Amelia had grown accustomed to. Entering was a young man, his features soft and his presence peaceful. His demeanor suggested timidity, though in truth, he carried an aura of mystery about him.

Looking toward the checkout counter, he saw her—a fair woman who was radiant and gentle with every movement. He couldn’t help but feel the blood rush to his cheeks.

Making his way toward her, the sound of his steps caught her attention. As she turned to meet him, he truly saw her for the first time. Glancing at her abdomen, he tried his best to avoid staring. Instead, he extended his hand in greeting.
Amelia smiled as she stepped from behind the counter to greet him. Her smile was warm and bright as she shook his hand. Her hands were small, warm, and soft as she looked into his eyes.
“Hello! Welcome! Yes, I am. My name is Amelia. How can I help you today? We have all kinds of flowers, freshly cut, to suit any needs you might have,”

she chirped, as her hand moved to her large belly, where the twins stirred in their cramped quarters.
Though Luciano had seen an expectant mother before, in this instance, he felt awestruck. His eyes looked to where her body held a miracle, but his conscience insisted that he was being rude.
"Oh—"

His mind searched for the words to speak.

"I need a bouquet. My mother—"

He paused as he reflected on her.

"She loved begonias, and it's something she nurtured in her own garden, if it isn't too much trouble."

His gaze held Amelia's, as if fear harbored in his heart, and he was uncertain how to quell such demons.

"I would love to get her some."

Amelia could only listen to the stranger's words as she tried to make sense of this feeling she had.

"Mother's intuition,"

he consciously told her, but perhaps more. Her babies stirred at the sound of his voice.

She couldn’t help but smile as he spoke, her hands moving to her back and belly, rubbing it gently as they stirred. They hadn’t done this for anyone else. Why did she feel so drawn to him? She caught him glancing at her belly briefly and blushed, continuing to listen to him.

“That is very sweet of you. And it’s not trouble at all. I can get those for you right now if you just follow me. The only thing I’m not doing at the moment is accepting advanced orders, with the twins being due any day now. I don’t want to be unable to complete a large order on time or have to go to the hospital during a scheduled pickup. But this will be no problem,” she said as she waddled slightly in front of him toward the begonias.

“Here we are. Is there a certain color she favors?” she asked, slightly out of breath from the movement of the little ones and how hard she’d been working.

Her grace remained, despite being so far along. Her belly led every step she took, and the thought that she would become a mother in mere days left Luciano feeling partly guilty.

“Pink—” His words were firm, uncertain about what he should do. His heart pulled in Amelia’s direction, yet his morals, instilled by the woman he called Mother, held him back.

“You mentioned advanced orders,” he said softly. In his heart of hearts, he had to ask, even if she were to say no. “Do you work alone?”

His pride began to swell, but his humility reminded him that Amelia wasn’t helpless.

She smiled at his decision and pulled some shears from her apron pocket, beginning to select different shades of pink, along with some greens and accents.

“I do. In the summer, I usually hire a high school or college student or two as interns to help out and gain some experience and training. But most of the time, it’s just me. And because it’s impossible to know exactly when the little ones will arrive... I can only do same-day orders right now,” she explained, smiling as she carried everything back to the counter. She skillfully arranged the flowers with a bow and a vase.

“What about you? May I ask what you do for a living?” she added, then quickly apologized. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry—I told you my name, but I don’t think I got yours.”

A bit embarrassed, she swayed and kept working.

Amelia’s touch was tender. It was clear she poured her love into everything she did. Though Luciano couldn’t say the same, it was evident her condition did little to hinder her ability to perform her duties. Still, her femininity was nearly enough to bring him to his knees, as he knew his past connections to women had been less than favorable.

“Me?” he replied, surprised she had asked. Though his demeanor was rough and his facial hair was due to be trimmed, he felt like a beast in the presence of beauty.

“I’m a laborer of sorts,” he said, hesitating. If he had the mind to, he would have flexed his muscles, but he hadn’t been in high school for over two decades. “I assemble parts used in the oil and gas industry. It pays well enough, but it’s not my dream job,” he admitted, somewhat embarrassed, unsure how he could be of help in her shop. He knew he could easily bend a stem with his grasp or damage the petals of a bouquet—Amelia’s wares were possibly as fragile as she was.

“It's wonderful to meet you,” Amelia smiled warmly, looking around. The shop was decent-sized but still small, and she managed everything herself. In the last few months, that had become more difficult, and a few things still needed fixing. It wasn’t hard work, but her current state made it increasingly challenging.

“That’s nice. Though now I feel I have to ask—what’s your dream career?” she beamed, tying the last bow on the vase before turning it toward him. “Here you go. How’s—” she was suddenly cut off as she winced visibly in pain, trying to hide it while holding the counter and her belly. She quietly breathed heavily, almost panting. She didn’t want him to know.

She hated when this happened in front of customers. But she had been pushing herself too hard, and her due date was approaching at any moment.

“E—excuse me. I— I’m so sorry. Hoo,” she said, her grip on the counter tightening as she tried to take a slow, deep breath, glancing around for her chair.

Her heart sank as she saw her. Luciano, in a fluid motion, retrieved a chair next to the counter. He knew he might be being too forward, but he hoped he wasn’t overstepping his boundaries.

He took her hand, sliding his palm into hers. She felt the callouses on his fingers and palms—a clear sign of his profession. Her breath was rhythmic, causing her belly to rise and fall beneath her. With a soft grunt, she lowered herself into the chair, the fabric squeaking and her bottom bowing slightly.

Knowing she was anchored to her seat, Luciano gently removed his hand from hers, aware that the surface of his own hand might be abrasive to hers.

“Excuse me for being forward, Amelia,” he said softly. His eyes could read the discomfort on her face, but in his heart, he knew he had to ask.

“Would you have me become your assistant here at your shop—at least until you’ve given birth?” His heart raced as he awaited her response, unsure how she would feel or how she would answer.

Amelia’s face continued to contort in pain as he pulled the chair closer. When his hand slid into hers, she held on tightly, still panting. His hands were strong and rough, yet comforting and gentle. As she sat down, she squeezed his hand, reluctant to let go as he pulled away.

She slowed her breathing, rubbed her belly, and eventually relaxed as the pain subsided. She was a bit surprised by his proposition but was touched, smiling as she leaned back and settled into the chair.

“I can’t pay you much, but I’d really appreciate it, Luciano,” she said softly, reaching for his hand again, wanting to be close to him.

“Why don’t you let me treat you to lunch, and we can discuss it some more?” she added, as movement could be seen in her belly.

Amelia’s occupants writhed against her uterine walls, as if protesting their mother straining herself to complete even the simplest task. Though she would do anything for her children—even if it meant working until her due date—she pressed on.

“Treat me?” Luciano was embarrassed at the idea that Amelia would even mention it. “I insist.” He took her hand into his. “It would be my pleasure to cater to you, but—” His expression grew serious as he turned to the bouquet of begonias on the counter. “How much do I owe you for these?” he asked, then added, “I need to give my mother her begonias.”

She smiled and gave him a generous discount without mentioning it. The beautiful arrangement he ordered, with the base, would have been closer to fifty dollars, but she simply said, “Fifteen is fine. Can I get you anything else?” softly, as she held his hand and very slowly stood, wincing slightly.

“And how about dinner, then? You choose when,” she added with a smile, ringing up the flowers at the cash register. She continued to take slow, deep breaths as she swayed, feeling tired and sore. She prayed the twins would come soon, but a part of her also prayed they would wait.

Luciano retrieved his wallet and pulled out most of his cash. “Fifteen?” he echoed, surprised. It wasn’t often he did this, though in truth, it wasn’t often he met a woman so close to her due date still on the clock—whether speaking of her tenacity to push through her duties or her need to generate income.

“How about a hundred? It’s customary to offer a tip, is it not?” His tone was firm, and his serious demeanor made it clear he wasn’t joking. Amelia was expecting twins, which could just as easily stretch her budget thin. He didn’t pity her; he only sought to help her in this pivotal time—both as a mother and for her soon-to-be children.

If it were up to him, he would have carried her—despite how cute she made waddling look—her swollen body certainly becoming a strain. Luciano was confident he could easily carry her or push her in a wheelchair if needed.

“I understand that being pregnant has altered your appetite, has it not?” he continued gently. He wanted to give her the freedom to choose, despite his desire to contribute generously.

Her eyes widened in shock as she covered her mouth with her hand for a moment, tears forming in her eyes.

“Luciano... I... why would you? I... I couldn’t possibly accept this, but thank you,” she said softly. “Thank you. Why don’t we just go to the little Italian place down the street, okay?” she whimpered.

He was so very kind and sweet. It melted her heart.

“You are so sweet. You really are. I... I can’t thank you enough. Honestly,” she said, her thumb making circles on her belly, gently easing the babies as she looked at him and wiped her face. She’d been working so hard and did need the money. She wasn’t sure how she was going to handle the hospital bills and had even thought about just giving birth at home. But with twins, that was risky without help. And she was the only one working. She needed to maintain her shop for as long as she could.

Luciano responded with a warm smile. Despite his rugged exterior, he exuded the aura of a gentleman—though he knew in his heart he was far from perfect.

“If it’s not too much trouble, would you mind coming with me to deliver the begonias to my mother first?” he asked, extending his palm to her, insisting he’d hold her—or, in his mind, perhaps, that they could dance instead. The tango or salsa would be demanding, but if the opportunity arose, he’d prefer just swaying with her.

A tightening feeling gripped Amelia’s pelvic floor—Braxton Hicks contractions. The pain was subtle, but enough to cause her to respond, knowing her babies might be coming in the coming days. It seemed as if things might be about to change, in more ways than one.

She smiled softly and blushed as she nodded, preparing to close up shop before taking his hand. She stepped closer to him, looking into his eyes as she spoke.

“I’d love to. She sounds like a wonderful woman, and she certainly raised an amazing son...” she said, before feeling the tightening once more. Her breath caught in her throat as she held her belly and quietly focused on her breathing. Her hand gently squeezed his as a small whimper escaped her lips, and she forced herself upright, slowly walking with him.

Even though she was in pain, she couldn’t help but smile, or keep the blush from blooming on her cheeks.

The difference in their stature was noticeable. Amelia’s hand sank into his palm, as if to exemplify the security Luciano offered and the comfort he intended to provide. As they continued walking closely, he was careful to maintain some distance. He felt it would be premature to wrap his arm around her waist or carry her across the threshold, though he knew that moment would come in time—time, he had learned, teaches patience.

They made their way to her mode of transportation—a sedan, to say the least. One might think a man of his size and stature would be behind the wheel of an oversized duty pickup truck, but perhaps Luciano was full of surprises.

“After you,” he said, guiding her toward the passenger door, hoping it was for her. Her carriage, after all, was obviously waiting.

Amelia slowly waddled out of the shop, locking the door behind her before taking his hand again. Her free hand held her sore back as she walked, blushing as they reached his car.

“Thank you,” she chirped softly, wincing a bit as she did. Her body was so tired, and her belly felt painfully tight. She took a deep breath, sinking into the seat a little and stretching her legs.

“Do you mind if I put the seat back just a little?” she asked politely after buckling herself in. She was so close to delivering that it was uncomfortable, but a slightly reclined seat did help.

In the driver’s seat, Luciano saw Amelia’s breaths were rhythmic; her belly rose and fell beneath her bosom as she reclined her seat backward. It was clear that a day’s work had left the mother-to-be exhausted—an even stronger reason for him to come to her aid in her most vulnerable moment.

Turning the keys in the ignition, the engine sputtered to life. Luciano was a man who didn’t live beyond his means, which explained why he carried a considerable amount of cash.

As the car moved, the turbulence in Amelia’s tummy began to subside, as if the ride rocked her little ones to sleep. The drive, which took longer than it should have—he made sure to stay under the speed limit—was a quiet, careful journey.

If he could hang a sign—“Babies on board”—he would.

The vehicle came to a complete stop at a familiar location.

“We’re here,” Luciano said, grabbing his mother’s begonias as Amelia looked out to see that they had arrived at a cemetery.

Amelia relaxed as they drove, gently rubbing her belly and feeling the babies slowly drift to sleep, even though the false labor contractions continued. As long as they remained sporadic, she was okay.

When they arrived at the cemetery, Amelia’s heart sank.

“Oh, Luciano, I... I’m so sorry. I... I had no idea,” she said softly, reaching for his hand apologetically. If she had known, she would have brought flowers for her own parents. She silently got out of the car and followed him, slowly waddling the entire way. She was respectful and kind, her hand covering her heart.

A frigid chill hung in the air. Though the sun was beginning to set, the temperature was enough to make Amelia’s bosom stiff. A shiver ran down her spine, causing her belly to quiver in discomfort.

Luciano reached out and offered Amelia his suit coat. Though it wasn’t meant for winter, his body had warmed it, and the aroma carried the scent of his natural musk.

“Here she is.” They stood in front of a tombstone inscribed with the name “Adua Pavarotti.” The year, however, was distant. Luciano looked toward where she was buried, kneeling down and placing the bouquet beside her.

“I’ve given her favorite flowers every birthday, as soon as I was able to stand on my own two feet,” he said quietly.

She shivered before he handed her his coat.

“Oh, thank you,” she said softly, watching him. “Oh, Luciano, I’m so sorry,” she added gently, resting a hand on his shoulder before laying her head against his arm. “I’m sure she was wonderful... My parents are actually buried just over that hill, a little ways that way. Though their deaths were much more recent,” she said, holding his hand and giving him all the time he needed. “I’m here if there’s anything you need.”

Luciano stood and took her hand, then gently clasped his own into hers. The feeling of their physical connection was overshadowed by the strength of their emotional bond. The butterflies in Amelia’s stomach felt surreal—her babies-to-be were adamant about making their presence known.

“Thank you for coming with me,” he said softly, looking at her with a warm smile despite the circumstances. “Typically, my father would accompany me, though he’s gone now. I wish that one day my sister would look past the circumstances of our mother’s death and just be my sibling.”

His mind recalled the bitter bond he shared with his sister, knowing that no one is truly promised tomorrow—and that holding onto hate only brings sorrow.

“Do you want to visit your parents’ grave? The Italian restaurant won’t close anytime soon,” Luciano asked gently.

She happily held his hand, while the other gently caressed her belly.

“You’re most welcome. I know we’ve only just met, but I can’t help feeling a deep connection to you and the twins. They, they seem to love your presence as well,” she said softly, carefully moving his hand to her belly so he could feel the little ones’ movements.

“And sure, let’s go visit my parents real quick. Then we can go eat. As long as you won’t be too cold. It is getting colder, and I feel bad taking your coat,” she added, slowly starting to walk with him. Every movement looked painful as she waddled, holding her belly, before they finally arrived at where her parents rested.

“Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. I miss you. The twins are due any time now. I’ve had a few contractions, but they’re taking their time. I met someone. He’s really sweet. His name is Luciano. We’re going to go to dinner after this. I’m sure you’d like him,” she said quietly.

Luciano felt his heart sink as he shared Amelia’s sentiment. Losing both parents was dreadful, to be sure, but knowing they would never meet their grandchildren was heart-wrenching.

He then knelt on one knee, greeting Amelia’s parents.

“You have an awe-inspiring daughter here,” Luciano said, standing again to hold her hand. “Though I only just met her, I felt a sense of urgency.” His hand met Amelia’s swollen belly, its size dwarfing his palm, as he felt someone push from beneath its surface.

“I’m certain she will make you proud, and if I may be so forward, I wish to help her do so.” He looked back at Amelia.

Amelia teared up as she listened to him. It was truly so heartwarming. When he finished speaking, she looked at him with wide eyes in shock, a tear running down her cheek. She held his hand, struggling to find words.

“Luciano... I...” she smiled, cupping his face and softly kissing his cheek. “Thank you. Thank you so very much. I... I honestly don’t know what to say. I... it would be an honor to do this by your side. Honestly,” she added quietly, overwhelmed with emotion.

There was so much Luciano wanted to tell her, but that was the purpose of their evening—this moment, from a heartfelt family reunion to a dinner date—to placate both sides.

“Amelia,” he said softly, holding her hands as their grasp rested atop her baby bump. “Our evening is far from over.” As he spoke, she felt her heart kindle, eager to make every second count. “I’m sure your appetite lingers,” he added, gesturing back to his vehicle, ensuring she was escorted back to her carriage.

She smiled brightly, looking up at him as he held out his hands, then nodded. Very slowly, she walked with him, stopping a few times to wince and catch her breath. By the time they arrived and he helped her into the car, she was sore and exhausted.

Her belly contracted under her hand as she took slow, deep breaths, squeezing his hand. They sat in the parking lot for a minute before she was able to go inside with him.

The burden of her motherhood was evident in her pregnancy. Luciano felt compelled to assist her in every way; the strength she exhibited despite her discomfort drew his attention to her. Amelia maintained her composure, breathing steadily, holding back true pain with gentle gestures and soft smiles. He was beside her—from opening her door to fastening her seatbelt.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Luciano said, though he thought he might be overprotective. Amelia was certainly no child; she was simply going to have her own.

“I’ve been to that Italian restaurant before,” he added as he carefully closed her door and walked to the driver’s side. “They have a spaghetti dish with meatballs the size of tennis balls.” He said jokingly.

The engine roared to life as Luciano turned the key in the ignition. He was trying to cheer her up. Reflecting on what they had lost was painful for both of them, but now they began to focus on what they would gain: Amelia and her children; Luciano and her love; their family.

“They even have child seats,” Luciano added, knowing they didn’t need those yet but wanting to think ahead to a day when they would.

Before Amelia could respond, they arrived at their destination.

She smiled as he spoke and nodded. He was so caring and thoughtful. She knew he was trying to distract her, and for the most part, it was more helpful than he realized. When he made the comment about the meatballs, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

Before she knew it, they were outside the restaurant. She’d lived here for so long, owned the shop down the street for so many years, and yet she’d never been there. It was nice to know they could one day take the kids.

She took a deep breath, holding her belly, and took his hand as she looked out the window.

“It looks wonderful. I can’t wait,” she said, smiling more. She hadn’t minded his help at all and was genuinely looking forward to what she hoped would be the first of many dates.

She winced once more before it seemed the little ones fell asleep, and she relaxed.

“Do you come here often? I must say, as close as I live, I’ve never been here,” she admitted, looking into his eyes and blushing a little. She was most likely going to need at least a little help out of the car, but she wasn’t worried.

Luciano held her hand with a firm grip. Were she in labor, he imagined her grasp would be even stronger, as she performed a task he could never hope to achieve.

“I’ve been here often,” he said confidently.

Stepping out of the vehicle, he met her on the opposite side, opening her door as he reached her. The weight of her swollen body was enough to anchor Amelia in any seat nestled beneath her posterior—whether it was a couch or a car seat. A helping hand was always a must.

“I typically visit small businesses—it's not a reason to give money to the big guys,” he added.

She took his palm as she unfastened her seatbelt and rose from the passenger side. Drawing her close, they stepped inside to be greeted by the aroma of Italian cuisine. Nearby, a cozy dining area was already bustling with patrons enjoying their meals. Amelia looked around to see lasagna, pizza, and the aforementioned spaghetti.

Amelia was thankful for his help as she slowly waddled about, holding her back. Upon entering the cute little restaurant, she smiled brightly.

“Mmm. It smells heavenly,” she observed before they were seated. She was glad it was a chair and not a booth, as it was already difficult enough to get in and out of the seat. She thanked him once more before looking at the menu, rubbing her belly.

She ended up going with his recommendation and ordered water, salad, and spaghetti.

“So, do you mind telling me a little more about yourself?” she asked him after they had ordered.

The broad question left Luciano puzzled. He wasn’t sure how to answer Amelia’s inquiry. Taking a sip from his glass, he then looked over at the expectant mother, meeting her gaze with a warm smile.

“About me?” he asked. He could feel his hair stand on the back of his neck as he hesitated, unsure where to start.

“Um... I like cats. My favorite color is purple. I’m a pizza lover.” In that moment, he felt as if he were a child again—he was a timid boy, and she was a sweet girl, the kind of girl he would pass a note in class to, with the question, “Do you like me?” He was nervous, sure, but he wanted everything to be perfect, to be certain.

“Sorry if I sound a little anxious,” he added, his words strained. “How about you? Could you tell me more about your parents? If meeting them in this life was only a possibility.”

Amelia continued to smile as she sat back in her seat and listened to him.

“Oh, it’s alright. There’s no need to be anxious, but I understand. Those are all wonderful things. Let’s see. About myself—well, I like the color blue, and I love birds. As for my favorite food, it’s hard to say, but I do love pasta. Although right now, I’d have to say my favorite is ice cream,” she chuckled, holding her sore belly under the table.

“As for my parents, they died in a car accident one winter when I was 12. My grandparents raised me after that. They are actually still alive but in a nursing home because, as much as I wanted to, it was too difficult to care for them both and run the shop. The shop was my grandmother’s, and she wanted me to keep it going. But I visit them often,” she added with a smile.

“Well, I have to go see them sometime, if you’d like,” she offered.

“But I don’t want you to feel like you have to,” she added as the waiter brought their drinks, glancing nervously at her bulging middle. But she was used to it. With how far along she was, many people were nervous she would go into labor in public. She hated it, but it couldn’t really be avoided.

Luciano felt a pain in his heart as Amelia’s past was laid out before him. At the very least, he had his father, but hearing about her losing both of her parents was indeed painful. He glanced at the waiter with a deliberate look, though he didn’t speak up; for now, he preferred his body language to speak volumes. Amelia wasn’t a hazard or a pathogen that put others’ lives at risk. It would be safe for others to assume that she was his responsibility, and their concern was uncalled for.

“We should see them. I can imagine they would love to meet your babies-to-be,” Luciano said in a comforting tone, looking at her gravid midsection. He was fascinated by the miracle her body was performing—Amelia bringing new life into the world, a task he could never hope to do.

“I never knew my grandparents, only through stories—just like my mother,” he added softly.

Luciano was aware of the risks childbirth held, but he took care to focus on Amelia’s needs and wants.

The waiter quickly looked away when Luciano glared at him and returned with their food a few moments later, as Amelia spoke.

“Oh yes. They are so excited about the twins. Every time I go in to see them recently, it’s ‘Oh, look how big you are! Are you ever going to have those two?’ or ‘Shouldn’t you be in the hospital?’” she chuckled.

“With twins, they expected me to give birth almost a month ago, but it seems they are taking their time and may just make it to my due date. Though there is already a C-section scheduled for next week if they don’t come by then,” she said, growing a bit red as she rubbed the back of her neck with an awkward smile.

“But I think you’d really like my grandparents. They aren’t all there anymore, but they’re still pretty sweet. They love to play cards,” she added softly.

Amelia was genuinely happy to know there was love in her life, despite being a single mother. Her grandparents appeared priceless, as Luciano had always been taught to hold the elderly in high regard. Considering their experience, it was something Luciano could only aspire to.

“My father's brother, my uncle, is in a nursing home as well. I play the spades card game with him when I visit; it helps him keep his mind sharp despite his deteriorating condition,” Luciano said, ensuring to remain respectful.

Amelia savored her meal as he spoke, the size of the meatball certainly intimidating.

Luciano wanted to lighten the mood, noticing Amelia scowling at her meatballs.

“Don’t let the size fool you,” he quipped. “I'm sure your tummy will have room for at least one.” He said this as he took a bite of his authentic Italian-style pizza.

“You mentioned you’re due for a cesarean next week. The father of your twins— is he expected to be there?”

It was a hard question to ask, but even so, it didn’t hinder Luciano's plans to be by Amelia’s side. This was something he would never want her to face alone, even if someone else believed they could come into her life at any moment.

She smiled and loved spending time with the elderly as well; many of the other residents were also anxiously waiting for her to give birth, having adopted her as their own granddaughter. Everyone wanted to touch her belly and hold the twins when they arrived.

The food was great, but the meatballs were a little intimidating. However, his comment did make her laugh—until he asked about the father.

She sighed and set down her fork, holding her belly with a sad, almost angry look.

“No. He won’t be there. He’ll never meet his children, and they will never know about him. We did. Dated for a while, but he was manipulative. Kind of abusive. I wanted to wait until marriage. He... he decided he didn’t want to wait anymore, so...” Her voice shook a bit as she remembered everything that happened. It was painful to talk about, but she thought it was probably best he knew.

“He, um... he came by the shop one day and asked again. When I said no, he... he beat and raped me... I... I woke up in the hospital a few days later. A customer had found me and called for help. I found out about the twins shortly after. It was pretty scary for a while. I spent almost half the pregnancy in a safe house while the court worked things out and put him in prison. It... it’s okay, though. I’m okay. There’s nothing to worry about,” she said, looking up at him again and forcing a smile, still holding her belly almost protectively.

Luciano was subdued as Amelia spoke, though inside his heart raged a maelstrom. To think this man lacked patience and self-control—fortunately for him, he was in a place outside of Luciano’s reach. Were Luciano ever to see him, his words would pierce his mind and his hands would tear his body. Yet, a portion of guilt gnawed at Luciano, filling him with grief. Seeing how Amelia clutched her belly was enough to reveal how she felt about the subject.

“Forgive me for bringing him up,” Luciano said softly. Despite the chatter of the other patrons, all Amelia could hear were Luciano’s words.

“He’s behind you now, and I hope you can move forward, knowing where your heart should be.” He reached for her, taking one of her hands, which was precariously resting on her belly. Sure, her love belonged to her children, yet Luciano wanted to tell her that his love could be hers—not just with his words, but with what he would do for her.

Their touch made her insides flutter, and her tendons contracted. Amelia felt the urge to moan, hoping she was just feeling Braxton Hicks contractions or perhaps indigestion.

Amelia’s frown slowly turned into a smile at his words, and she relaxed when he held her hand. But, unfortunately, that smile did not last. A contraction— and a rather strong one at that—made her face contort in pain as she clenched her teeth, fighting to stay quiet while squeezing his hand tightly.

“Mmm!... Hoo. Hoo. Oh. L... Luciano, I... I’m so sorry. I... c- can we go? Please?” That was all she could manage as she continued to squeeze his hand tighter and tighter, praying this wasn’t it. But she just didn’t know.

She needed to get out of there—to be able to move, pant, or moan as she needed—and this was not the place. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, closing her eyes for a moment, trying to breathe through it, but it was hard.

She waited for him, clinging to him as he helped her up, and with a small whimper, she waddled out of the building. Once they were finally outside, she turned and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest as she tried to focus on breathing and swayed.

Luciano held Amelia against him, his heart throbbing against his chest. When she held his hand back in that restaurant, the way she trembled was enough to nearly startle him. Luciano remembered the glances Amelia received in the dining room. The way she spoke, though hushed, still carried a tone of pain but also deep strength. Anyone else would have shrieked; Amelia simply murmured.

Now, Luciano held her as she tried to gain her bearings beneath her contractions. He knew she had the strength to walk to his car; Luciano also knew that Amelia had earned his strength.

“If you don’t mind me doing this, I would like to carry you, Amelia,” he said firmly, but with a hint of a plea. He wanted to tell her she didn’t have to endure this alone, and he would do anything to ease her pain.

But before Amelia could answer, Luciano was already lifting her into his arms. She was safely cradled despite her maternal size and delicate frame. It was as if, only for a brief moment, she felt weightless—only to realize another contraction was looming.

Luciano carefully placed Amelia in his vehicle, reclining her seat and securing her seatbelt snugly. Climbing into the driver’s seat, he looked at her, ready to speak.

“Back there...” he paused, choosing his words carefully, his concern evident for Amelia and her babies.

“Do we need to go to the hospital?” Luciano asked, knowing Amelia could sense where her contractions might be taking her. He wanted her to decide, though. Even if they returned to her home, Luciano was confident he could perform a home birth.

Amelia nodded, feeling so embarrassed, and allowed him to carry her to the car. Once there, she reclined her seat back, rubbed her belly, and tried to relax. When he asked about the hospital, she shook her head.

“Can... Can you take me home, please? The hospital won’t keep me unless my water breaks,” she winced again, trying to remember her breathing exercises. “I live above the flower shop,” she informed him as she closed her eyes.

When they arrived and he helped her upstairs, she held on to him once more. She was trembling as she started to sway again.

“Hoooooo... Hoo. I’m sorry that this is how our first date has gone. You... you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to, but... would you like to dance with me? Just for a moment? Just sway? I... I won’t lie, I’m scared, and it feels good to be in your arms. And I... mm!” she winced as her body began to tense again, and she started to double over, losing her senses or any idea of what to do.

Luciano opened Amelia's door despite her occupying her arms. Crossing the threshold, she was hit with the aroma of flowers. The scent was stronger than she was used to. Amelia could feel another contraction lurking—like the calm before the storm, only to ignite suddenly, crashing into her pelvic area as the pain ebbed at her muscles.

“Sway?” The idea tapped into his memories. His father had told him how his mother loved to dance, typically when she was pregnant with Luciano. His father would sway with her to soothe her aching labor pains.

“There’s a song I would like us to dance to,” Luciano said, then gently placed Amelia down, still holding her against him. They were in the living room, where only a light in the corner illuminated the space. The song "Sway" began to play as Amelia recognized Dean Martin’s voice.

Luciano returned his smartphone to his pocket and took Amelia’s hands.

“Amelia?” he asked softly, looking into her eyes as he drew her closer, touching her belly to his body. “May I have this dance?”

She whimpered and panted, holding onto him, smiling as she looked up at him. He was so good at remaining calm and helping.

“Thank you,” she breathed, holding onto him after moving his hands to her back. The pressure and rubbing eased some of her pain as she rested her head on his chest. It was such a beautiful moment that she never wanted to forget.

Eventually, the contraction ended, and she relaxed. She still wasn’t sure if this was the real thing or not and wouldn’t really know until her water broke—who knew when that would happen. She continued to sway with him, looking up into his eyes.

“You’re a wonderful dancer,” she observed, “and really good at this whole helping-with-a-baby thing.” She chuckled. “Have you done this before?”

She snuggled up to him a bit as the song continued. For the moment, she wasn’t in pain, but it really was the calm before the storm. Before the week was out, she’d give birth—and it was sooner than she thought.

She felt so relaxed in that moment that one of her hands moved to his cheek, pulling him close and kissing him.

As their lips met, it was as if the world, in that moment, stood still. There was a warmth between them, as if Amelia's body was going to melt into Luciano's embrace. With his tongue encroaching toward hers, she felt her stomach flip, sure that she would succumb to euphoria soon.

Though it seemed to be an eternity, time snapped back into reality. A Braxton Hicks contraction trembled in her pelvic floor, forcing their kiss to cease and causing Luciano to read her face. With a smile, he admired her strength, which continued to surprise him.

"Amelia... truth be told, I always wanted to be a doctor," he said softly. Though soon he would be more like an obstetrician. "Losing my mother compelled me to help others avoid the same."

Luciano pulled Amelia close, knowing what she was yet to endure had taken his own mother's life. His firm chest was a pillar to support her as they continued to sway, the music playing on.

She was in awe and bliss as they kissed, pressing their bodies together. Before her body tensed once more—this time, taking her breath away—she struggled to breathe, holding on to him. Then, she groaned loudly in pain.

“.......Ohhhhhhhhhhh,” she gasped and panted, her body forcing her to drop into a squatting position as she clung to him for support, listening to him. His story was sad but admirable.

As the song ended, she whimpered and groaned, holding him tightly and gripping her belly.

“Mn. Hooo. Nnngggg. Get out of me,” she quietly begged, tears forming in her eyes. It had been a long day, and she was tired, struggling to manage the pain. He was so helpful, but that didn’t mean this wasn’t still exhausting and painful.

“I'm so sorry. Would you mind helping me into a bath?” she asked, breathing heavily.

It disheartened Luciano to see Amelia endure such agony. He was her anchor as she withstood the turbulence inside her body. As she squatted, her belly nearly reached the floor, gravity's pull appearing to grow stronger as the night drew on. Luciano heard every whimper, every syllable she sang.

He considered suggesting inducing her, though that carried its own set of risks. Her body had a timer of its own, and he was determined to see her and her babies come through this unharmed.

“Absolutely, I understand that it’s been a long day.” Helping her to her bath wouldn’t prove to be a problem. Though her condition would limit her abilities, Luciano was careful not to impede what she knew better than he did.

Again, he knelt, locking his arms beneath her, and rose to carry her. Amelia wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling weightless despite the contracting muscles near her cervix.

With careful steps, Luciano took her from the living room to the bathroom, where he then helped her sit on the closed toilet. He noticed her bathroom held fancy soaps and feminine products, which nearly made him blush, though the sound of Amelia’s rhythmic breathing reminded him of her duty to her.

“Warm water should help with your aches and pains,” he said softly. Turning on the faucet and sealing the drain, the tub slowly began to fill with water.

Luciano then knew the next task before him: helping Amelia out of her attire.

She continued to focus on her breathing, always holding on to him as he prepared the bath. Normally, she would be so reserved about undressing, but in that moment, all she cared about was managing the pain, and she felt safe with him.

Taking a deep breath, she removed her top and shimmyed out of her pants with his help. All that was left were her bra and underwear. She blushed a deep red as they were taken off. Her belly was so tight, with slight bruising from the twins’ rough kicks, and her enlarged breasts looked just as painful as they leaked a small bit of premilk.

Holding onto him, she slowly and carefully made her way into the warm water and sat down before reclining back. She continued to breathe and winced a bit, but the water helped a lot, and she visibly relaxed, spreading her legs slightly as she closed her eyes and held his hand, taking deep breaths.

“Thank you,” she said quietly before pulling him in for a kiss. Part of her wanted him in the water with her, resting against his strong torso as she massaged her back, but she dared not ask him to do such a thing.

Amelia's bare body was divine, from her curves to her blemishes. Her belly occupied the majority of her bathtub, barely submerged beneath the water's surface. Her bosom was engorged, Luciano noticing her erect nipples leaking colostrum, which in fact reassured him. To know that Amelia could easily feed her own babies was a relief; using formula or a nursemaid was optional but inferior.

Her grip on him was tight, as if their bond could break and she might lose him forever. Yet, their kiss broke, and Luciano spoke.

“Amelia...” He searched his mind for the right words, looking away from her, not wanting to stare at her bare flesh. “I understand that your nerves ache and your muscles are strained.” He was about to suggest something he was unsure Amelia would be comfortable with, but in his heart, he knew his intent was only to help her.

“If you would have me.”

Amelia continued to breathe steadily, one hand holding Luciano's and the other resting atop her round midsection. Steam rose from the water as she stirred it, trying to find the perfect position.

“I could sit behind you, massage your neck, knead your back, and rub your posterior.”

He felt his libido jolt as blood rose, brightening his face.

She continued to relax in the tub. Usually, the contractions had eased up by now, but these ones weren’t. They were becoming steady. Timed. It terrified her, but she couldn’t deny it—labor was close.

When he asked about sitting behind her, she smiled and started to cry.

“Could you be any more perfect? I... I actually wanted to ask if you would be willing to do such a thing, but I was afraid to ask.”

She sniffled very slowly, sitting up and moving forward to make room for him, but she would not let him undress without one more kiss. She smiled into the kiss as one of the twins kicked. It was a little movement—so cramped that her whole belly moved with it.

As he undressed, she tried not to watch but couldn’t help it. He was handsome—his work had made him very toned, and with his personality, she had never desired to be with someone more. She shook the thought from her mind, refusing to ask for that—not on their first date, not while she was about to give birth. No matter how badly she wanted him, she would wait.

When he moved in behind her, she carefully relaxed back against him, placing one hand behind his head as she focused on breathing once more. And when he began to massage her, she couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her mouth as she put her head back against her legs and relaxed.

“Ohhhhhhhh. Hooooooooo. Mmmmmmmm. Thank you,” she hummed softly, feeling relaxed.

This was good. She needed this—to relax and rest while she could. Labor would be unforgiving, and she would need her strength.

Luciano's heart skipped a beat. It was a response to the wistful sound Amelia made. Although his carnal instincts were heightened and his libido was nearly consuming him, Luciano maintained his composure and held his self-control.

In his mind, he was simply performing his duties as an aspiring doctor, serving as her midwife. Yet, in his body and, more notably, in his heart, Luciano was determined he could be everything Amelia wanted him to be.

Not simply because she was beautiful, or because she was sweet—not even because her body was performing a miracle he could never hope to do. Amelia was strong, smart, and sensitive. Alone, she had done so much, and Luciano, he wanted to discover what they could do together.

"Are you alright, Amelia?"

Her moans made Luciano’s hairs stand on the back of his neck as he ensured she had space to wiggle and move. His hands trailed down her back, meeting the base of her spine. He was sure her contractions had taken their toll on her; all he could do now was hope she could make it to her due date. If not, he would have to prepare.

Pushing his hands into her flesh, Amelia felt her nerves tingle from his firm touch. This made her belly heave with deep breaths as her babies began to settle, kicking softly and nudging gently.

The mother-to-be continued to focus on her breathing as she lay against him. Occasionally, she shifted uncomfortably, arching her back before he began to rub. She spread her legs wide.

“Hoo hoo. Hoo hoo. Hoo hoo. Mmmmmmmmmm. Haaa haaaaa. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh,” she groaned loudly, a mixture of pain and pleasure, holding the sides of the tub with the next contraction.

At his inquiry, she put her head back once more and nodded.

“Yes, thank you. It feels so good. But I… I swear the contractions are getting stronger,” she strained, not realizing she was starting to dilate as she panted.

Finally, relaxing once more, she looked up at his face tiredly and held his cheek.

“Thank you for staying,” she whispered, kissing him deeply again and again.

“Mmm,” she smiled before relaxing once more. “I’m so tired and feel really nauseous for some reason.” She whimpered, reaching for his hand and squeezing it gently as she tried to relax.

She desperately needed rest if she was going to give birth soon.

The water was beginning to lose its warmth, and at this point, Luciano and Amelia were starting to prune beneath its depths. With each cry she made, he was sure to alleviate her agony in the only way he could. Her grip would tighten, and his touch would cradle her.

"Tired?"

Knowing that Amelia was exhausted came as no surprise. She had been enduring labor pains throughout the day. For her contractions to be this strong, Luciano knew he would have to count the time between them and how long each lasted, though now it was difficult to tell.

There was a fear lurking in Luciano's mind—if Amelia's strength ran out, he would have to get her to a hospital for an emergency C-section. Yet, she wasn't scheduled for one yet. For now, all he could do was wait on Amelia, tending to her as best he could.

“If you would like, I can help you into bed,” he offered.

Luciano also feared their night might end prematurely if Amelia believed her labor wouldn’t progress in the coming evening.

As he remained behind her, his hands continued to press against her back and above her buttocks. Her convex navel jostled as her belly bulged from the life inside. Labor was imminent, and Luciano knew he needed to stay close by.

She nodded tiredly and, very slowly, with his help, got up. She held on to him to avoid falling as he assisted her out of bed. She winced as she moved, waddling about, trying to remove her nightgown and put on a fresh one.

“It’s late. If you want, you are more than welcome to stay on the couch,” she said, holding her belly as she sat on the edge of the bed. She looked so exhausted at that moment.

“You can help yourself to anything in the kitchen if you're hungry,” she added, breathing a bit heavily as she tried to lie down and rest.

He knelt before her, as if Luciano was prepared to receive what Amelia's body was about to bear. As she sat, her belly hung, hiding her soft sex, whose depths were beginning to dilate but whose confines refused to break. Luciano knew he could rupture her amniotic sac with the right tools, but he didn’t have anything available to do so.

As the springs in her mattress creaked, he nodded in agreement, not without first helping Amelia.

“Let’s get you comfortable first.”

Luciano took her soft hand into his, serving as her guide as he gently shifted her body from the edge of the mattress to its center. Tucking her in proved difficult, as he tugged the sheets from beneath her, only to then snuggle them across her swollen body. Amelia's belly occupied most of her sleeping space, though knowing her bed would soon be shared by two small lives tugged at Luciano's heartstrings.

“Is there anything else you need, Amelia?” he asked, with a heavy heart.

She whimpered softly as he tucked her in, her eyes already heavy and closing as she shook her head.

“No. I... I think I’m okay. Thank you so much,” she whispered, drifting off and not seeing him leave the room.

It was only about three hours later when the contractions woke her again. She groaned as she sat up, feeling nauseous. Breathing heavily, she forced herself out of bed, waddling toward the bathroom, stopping before she even reached the door and holding onto her dresser, gasping as her water broke.

The contraction that immediately followed was stronger than any she’d faced so far. So unprepared that it took her breath away, she fell to her knees, trying to call for him.

“L... Luciano... Hoo hoo. Hoo hoo. Ohhhhhhh... Nnnnnngggg... Hooooo... L... Luciano... Luciano!” she cried out loudly in her final effort, kneeling on the floor on all fours, unable to do anything but sway as she groaned.

“Oooohhhhhh... Luciano, my water broke. It hurts. Please help me... oh gosh, I can’t do this!” she cried, burying her face in the floor as one hand moved to her belly.

Like a bolt of lightning, Luciano sprang from the sofa in a swift motion. He heard the pleas of a woman in distress—Amelia, the love he would do anything to protect. Without hesitation, he gathered towels, pillows, and water, knowing he had to act quickly to ensure the safety of Amelia and her babies.

In her room, Amelia could feel her contractions growing closer, and they seemed to last an eternity. She wanted to cry, but her body kept her on the floor, groaning through the arduous labor pains. Her belly nearly touched the ground beneath her; if she was going to give birth, she would have to move—yet not without Luciano’s help.

He moved as quickly as he could, dressed only in his unmentionables, holding in his grasp everything he thought they might need. Amelia was then rocked to her core as another contraction erupted, forcing trapped amniotic fluid to be expelled and her cervix to dilate further.

“Amelia?” She heard her name called by a man she had only met today—a man who loved her, a man who was going to be there for her.

It hadn’t even been five minutes since the last contraction, and her current one was more painful than the last, a tear running down her cheek as she panted, calling for him again through pained breaths.

“LUCIANO!—oohhhhhh... Hoo hoo. Hoo hoo... please,” she whimpered, gritting her teeth, reaching for anything to hold on to.

When he entered, she reached for him in relief, continuing to rock on all fours.

“Luciano. It hurts. I feel like I’m going to be sick,” she cried, only relaxing slightly when the contraction ended.

“Help me, please. They— they’re less than five minutes apart. God, I don’t know if I can do this. I’m so scared. Luciano, it hurts,” she stammered, holding on to him, losing her composure as she panted on the verge of hyperventilating.

She had no idea how dilated she was, but she was definitely in the second stage of labor and knew that within a few hours, she’d be pushing—if the twins even waited that long.

Luciano's heart sank briefly. Seeing Amelia in that position could only mean one thing: he was determined never to leave her side again, and he was going to help her perform a miracle.

"I came as fast as I could."

Luciano then knelt beside her, placing one hand on her back and the other on her belly.

“Your breathing, Amelia,” he said softly but firmly. Luciano tried to breathe in a pattern for Amelia to mimic, to help ease her pain. As she was on the verge of hyperventilating, he knew he had to help her regain focus.

“You’re doing great, Amelia.”

Her breaths became more controlled as she exhaled through her mouth and inhaled through her nose.

“I’m going to check... how far you’ve dilated...”

This was something personal to her, yet he knew he had to do it to help her. Quickly washing his hands, he returned to her, just as a bead of sweat traced down her forehead.

“I’m here for you...” Luciano murmured, trying to convey calmness without force or indignity.

His fingers delved between her legs as Amelia fought the urge to yelp from the pain of her contractions and Luciano’s invasive assistance.

“You’re dilated ten centimeters. You need to—”

Luciano paused, thinking of how much she meant to him, then gently removed his hand to continue.

“We need to get you into a comfortable position.”

As he guided her with his words, his spare hand traced her back and belly, searching for any signs of tension.

“We could move you to the bed.”

Lifting her wouldn’t be a challenge, as his strength had been proven before, though Amelia was in a very delicate position now. Luciano knew he would have to be extremely careful.

“Or I could help you back into the bath.”

He considered how the water might lubricate the process, which could work in Amelia’s favor. Though he had an idea of what might be best, he understood how personal it would be for them.

Amelia should use gravity to help her give birth. Lying down would be counterproductive. She should squat and push, with him supporting her.

She held on to him tightly as a tear rolled down her face, and he coached her through her breathing.

“Mn! Hoooo... hoooo... hoooo... hoooo... Mn! Ah!”

She nodded when he said he’d check how far along she was, but the act made her gasp and tense up slightly. Her eyes widened when he told her her progress.

“Mn! Nnngh!” she groaned, her body trembling.

She didn’t feel ready for this, so she focused on her breathing again and slowly tried to stand with his help.

“L-let’s go back to the bath. I— oh! Oooooooohhh... Hoo hoo... hee hoo... hee hoo...”

She held on to him tightly as she doubled over, curling around her belly, fighting the unmistakable urge to push.

“Mngh! Ah! I... I don’t think I’m making it to the bathroom,” she whined, breathing heavily and dropping into a squatting position.

“I feel like I need to push. Now! Oooohhhhhh...” she groaned loudly in pain as she rocked and clung to him.

Her mind was racing, and she was so scared. Nine months she’d waited and prepared, but now that it was finally happening, she was terrified. Gritting her teeth, she fought the urge to push or scream.

Amelia had to conserve her strength. Luciano knew that if she struggled against herself, he feared what could happen. Amelia could pass out from the pain, tear her soft flesh, or— and he refused to acknowledge the worst— he focused only on what he could do to prevent difficulties.

"Amelia..." His firm tone caught her attention.

"I need you to push... during all of your uterine contractions."

This was going to be painful, and if he could, Luciano would gladly take her pain in her stead. He knew that once one fetus began to descend, labor would become easier. They were close to the bathroom; hopefully, the waters would prove useful.

"I'm going to take you to the bath," Luciano suggested. Since Amelia's babies had been submerged in amniotic fluid for nine months, it made sense they should be born in water.

"I need you to stand with me."

He could have carried her, but for now, he would be her pillar, assisting with every waddle of her waltz. Holding her, they began to sway, as if they were dancing again, toward the bathtub.

She whimpered and cried, shaking her head.

“I can’t, please. It hurts,” she whined as he forced her to stand and guided her into the warm bath. Meanwhile, the contractions only grew stronger and more frequent, almost constantly.

Once in the water, she moaned, feeling some relief as she reclined slightly, breathing heavily, her belly visibly tightening.

“Ah. Ohhhhh... Hoo hoo,” she panted, holding her one thigh and shakily reaching for his hand as she surrendered, letting her instincts take over as she tried to push.

“Mn! Nnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggghhhh! Ooohhhh... Luciano...” she whimpered, writhing in pain. The first push hadn’t been very strong, but it was a start as her body screamed for her to push again.

“Nnnnnnnnnnnnngggghhhh!!!!” she panted, laying back and holding her belly, already starting to sweat.

“Luciano, I’m scared. What... what if I can’t do this?” she breathed, closing her eyes and tilting her head back.

Amelia was positioned with her legs up. The sides of the bathtub served as makeshift stirrups, elevating her pelvis. Compelled to push, her pelvic floor contracted as her abdominal muscles seized and tightened. Luciano felt her grip tighten, nearly enough to pop his knuckles.

“Amelia, there is nothing you can't do. You've made your parents proud as a daughter. You've impressed me as a woman. And you're going to succeed as a mother. You... can do this,” Luciano said, as another contraction erupted.

The force of it nearly caused Amelia to reel, yet she maintained her composure despite the urge to shriek.

“Amelia!” Luciano called in a concerned tone. He was certain the bathtub, although filled with water, lacked enough space. Amelia... was gigantic. Her belly nearly touched each side of the tub. Its size hid her sex—if Amelia began crowning, Luciano wouldn't be able to tell.

Amelia needed more space.

“We should move you.” His concern was evident.

“The bed? Do you think we can make it there?”

Amelia breathed heavily as he spoke, then jerked with the next contraction that forced her up, curling around her belly.

“Hoo! Hooooo! Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggghhhhhhhhh!!! Gah!”

She laid back once more, trying to catch her breath. She could sense the concern in his voice, and it worried her. Was something wrong? He had suggested the tub, and she hadn’t been in there long, but she trusted him.

“C— Can you help me? I’m not sure I can get up or really move. I... I can feel it. There’s so much pressure. It huuuuurrrttsss... oooohhhhh,” she let out a guttural groan with the next contraction, forcing herself to sit up a bit and hold on to him through one more push so he could move her afterward.

She laid her head against him when it ended and whimpered as he lifted her from the tub and carried her to bed, drying her off in the process.

In bed, she was propped up against pillows, breathing heavily, her legs spread wide as she fought the urge to push once more. But doing so only increased her pain.

She reached for his hand, needing his guidance and comfort as she panted. The bed was softer and more spacious, helping in some ways, but she’d lost the pain relief that came with the warm water.

This was going to prove difficult. Still, the bathtub had been somewhat useful, though a proper birthing tub might have been more appropriate.

“Amelia...” Luciano caught her attention as their eyes met. He began to breathe in a controlled manner, leading by example; he was determined to help her.

In the tub, gravity was working against her, but on the bed, she needed gravity to work in her favor.

“I need you on your hands and knees.”

Though the suggestion intimidated Amelia, she nodded in response. Rolling over to her side, a contraction struck her once more. She clutched the side of her gravid belly as Luciano’s hand met hers.

Her teeth began to grit, and her tongue nearly dried out. With his hold steady and his grasp gentle, Amelia moved onto her hands and knees, her belly hanging beneath her, along with her sex.

“You can push through these contractions. I’m sure of it,” Luciano comforted her, holding her hand with one while rubbing her aching back with the other.

She trembled and whimpered, breathing heavily but trying to synchronize her breaths with his as the contraction raged through her body.

“Heeeee hoooooo heeeeee hoooo heeeeee hooooo mnnnn!”

She winced as her breath caught in her throat. Still terrified, she couldn’t stop thinking about her twins. Her two precious little girls were trying to make their way into the world. Soon she’d be holding them, and everything would be fine, but she had to push through the pain first.

She hadn’t gotten much sleep and was still exhausted, praying this would go quickly. But something told her it wouldn’t—and she still had a long road ahead of her.

As he held her hand and back, she felt so much comfort. Despite her fear, she didn’t feel alone.

Looking him in the eyes, she nodded and squeezed his hand tightly, pushing as long and hard as she could with the next contraction.

“Mmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggaaaaaahhhhhhh... ahh... ahhh... mnnn!!!”

She panted, her body stiffening. She could feel the baby very slowly moving downward toward her opening.

Squeezing his hand tighter, she buried her face in his neck, stifling a scream as she groaned and continued to push as hard and long as she could.

There was a shift in pressure in Amelia's pelvic floor. Although the discomfort remained, she was certain something had changed. The sound of her moans left Luciano bewildered yet resolute. He had no doubt in her tenacity, certain she could do this. Yet, if her pain overwhelmed her and she passed out, he feared he would have to save not only her babies’ lives but hers as well.

“Amelia, you're incredible...” His fingers twitched in her grasp as his other hand migrated to her gravid midsection.

As he pressed into its surface, he sensed that one of the babies was in a different position, which could spell good news.

“Amelia...” he addressed her gently, knowing what he was about to do was very sensitive, “I'm going to check your cervix again...”

He understood what that meant for them. His hand retreated from her belly to her loins. There was a discernible heat radiating from it, and in one fluid motion, his hand dove inside her.

At that moment, Luciano found something. It was slick—more so than its fleshy surroundings. As his fingers examined its surface, he could feel a patch of hair beneath the jelly-like coating.

“Amelia!” There was joy in Luciano’s voice as he cheered.

Removing his hand, he cleaned it with a nearby towel.

“Your baby! She's almost here!”

He felt guilty for having met Amelia’s child before her, yet it wouldn’t be long now before Amelia would hold her baby girl.

“We need to push,” Luciano said, holding Amelia’s hand as another contraction ensued.

Amelia smiled faintly as he encouraged her. He was so very kind. She knew that what she was doing was the most natural, beautiful thing in the world, and yet she felt anything but incredible. But when she heard his excitement and realized the baby was coming, her smile grew, mixed with disbelief and anticipation.

With a newfound strength, she bore down as hard as she could, breathing heavily as her body trembled from the immense effort.

“nnnnnnnnnnnggggghhhhhh!!!! Hoo hoo Hoo hoo nnnnnnnnnnngggggghhhhhhhhh!!! Mnnn mn Hoo nnnnnggggaaahhh!!!!”

She pushed and pushed, forcing her oldest into view before it would disappear once more, until finally it began to crown, bringing a whole new level of pain.

Taking away her breath, she couldn’t stop the agonized scream from escaping her mouth as it felt like her body was being ripped in two and set on fire.

“Mn! NnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggAAAAAHHHHHH!!! Aaaahhhhhh! Oh! Oh god, it hurts! Hoo hoo! I can't! Make it stop! Please! It burns! Lucianooo!!”

She sobbed, struggling to force herself to push more as her face pressed into the sheets, writhing in pain.

"Amelia!" Luciano spoke softly, his hands gently meeting Amelia's body with a tender touch. Her shrieks were enough to stir his fears—a deep fear of losing Amelia, just as his mother had died giving birth to him. He knew he had to act. Luciano was determined to help Amelia through this.

"I'm going to need you to push once I’m in position..."

The last time he checked, Amelia's baby was nearly at the threshold of her sex, so Luciano climbed behind her, placing his hands on her hips. Her flesh was soft and coated in sweat. There, he moved his hands beneath her, feeling Amelia's crowning child.

"Amelia! She's nearly here!"

He looked to see the top of a baby's head, its hair clinging to her scalp, cranium bobbing inside Amelia's vulva.

"I'm here to help..." Luciano held a towel as his hands tried to assess how much farther Amelia would have to stretch.

"When you feel another contraction..."

Amelia sensed one encroaching on her uterine walls.

"PUSH," Luciano roared.

Amelia screamed in pain again and again as she sobbed and pushed. But hearing her baby was coming propelled her to keep going. As Luciano yelled for her to push, she felt the next contraction and pushed as hard as she could, screaming in agony.

“Nnnnnnnnnggggggaaaahhhh!!!! Ahhh!!! Hoo hoo. Hoo hoo. I can’t, Luciano, I can't. Oooooohhhhhhh!!!!!”

Her body was being stretched to its limit, threatening to tear as she panted and cried. Each painful breath slowly forced her child's head out into Luciano's awaiting hands—more and more until, finally, with a strong push and a small pop, the head emerged, allowing the body to follow for what would be the most difficult part.

“NnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggAH! Haaa haaa. Oooohhhhh. Hooo... mnn,” Amelia dropped her head onto her arms, trying to catch her breath in the brief moment of relief.

Just a few more pushes. All she had to do was deliver the shoulders, and the rest would come quickly. But she was so tired, her mouth so dry, tears running down her face. Her engorged breasts leaked and dripped, ready to feed her new little ones.

There, with cheeks chubby and face scrunched, Luciano saw what would be the beginning of Amelia's family—hopefully, his as well.

“Amelia...” Luciano was relieved as his hands gently held the baby's head. The child was slippery, to be sure, but there was a soft towel eager to swaddle her.

“She’s so beautiful.”

The sight left Luciano breathless, his heart pounding against his chest, and his muscles flexed to support Amelia in every way he could.

“You can do this. You’re more than capable. You’re their mother, and the woman of my dreams.”

Luciano was leaning forward, though Amelia couldn’t see him; his face was flushed a deep red. He held the child's head while rubbing the base of Amelia’s spine.

“When another contraction comes...” Luciano took a deep breath. “Push...”

She continued to whimper as her body trembled and twitched, trying to expel the child. But hearing that she was right there, and feeling how encouraging he was—his gentle rubbing at the base of her spine—she knew she could do this. She didn’t know how she was possibly going to deliver a second, but right now she needed to push. And hard.

As he spoke, she took a deep breath and put everything she had into a strong push.

“Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggghhhhhh!!!!! Hoo hoo nnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggaaaaaaaahhhhh!!! Mmnnnnn,” she groaned loudly as one shoulder came free.

Her words echoed through her mind, even though she was currently unable to answer—too focused on delivering the baby.

“Nnnnnnnnnnggggggghhhhhhhhh!!!! Ooooohhhhhh!!!! NnnnnnnGgggggggaaaaahhhhh!!!” she cried out in pain as her second shoulder came free.

As the baby's head popped free, Luciano cupped Amelia's child in his hands—one behind the head and the other behind the shoulders. With gentle guidance and a slight tug on her small body, Luciano pulled the baby free, just as the child exclaimed a boisterous cry. The sound was unlike anything either of them had heard.

"Amelia! You're—"

As Luciano spoke, he was carefully cleaning the new member of the family. Her crying continued, and Luciano’s words returned.

“A mother, Amelia.”

He then reached for the child, grabbing her umbilical cord and giving it a gentle tug. Severing the cord, he clipped the end still attached to her with a plastic clip he had previously retrieved from the kitchen.

Amelia was compelled to turn over—to hold her child—but before she could do so, another contraction rocked her body, and her second unborn child writhed against her uterine walls.

As her daughter was born, Amelia collapsed onto her side, breathing heavily and exhausted. She glanced at her baby girl, tears of joy running down her cheek as she smiled brightly. Her cry was the most beautiful thing in the world, and in that moment, she wanted nothing more than to hold her close and comfort her—to kiss her as she nursed and fell asleep.

But before she could, Amelia winced again with a groan and curled around her belly.

“Luciano... can I— ngh! Ooooohhhhhhh. Hoo hoo. Hoo hoo,” she began to pant once more, gripping the sheets while still lying on her side.

And before she realized it, she was pushing again from that position.

“Nnnnnnnnnnnngggggggghhhhhhhhhh. Hoo hoo. Nnnnnnnnnngggggghhhhhh!!!!!!”

Delivery of the twins should have been quick and easier, but after the first push, the new mother could already feel that something was wrong.

Amelia could feel pressure in her upper abdomen. Though her belly was still swollen, her other baby was positioned high in her uterus.

“Amelia?” Luciano looked at her as he held her child. With one hand, Luciano reached toward Amelia, examining her baby bump, which held one more small life. His hand explored the expanse of Amelia's gravid girth, and it was then that he discovered something.

“Amelia... your other baby... she—”

This could easily be remedied, Luciano thought; he had to try.

“Her head, it's here.”

Luciano touched the top of Amelia's belly, just as her uterine walls flexed and dilated.

“I’m going to have to try to turn her around.”

Luciano extended his reach, offering Amelia's baby to her.

“I need you to hold her...”

Amelia's bosom swayed as she turned to see them, her areolas stiffening and her nipples leaking.

If Luciano couldn't turn Amelia's unborn child, he might very well have to pull her from between her mother's loins.

She winced and groaned, breathing heavily, and slowly turned onto her back, supported by some pillows, allowing gravity to still assist her. Hearing that her little girl was breech made her heart race, and her mind filled with worry. She knew this could be dangerous for both of them, but there was still hope.

Nodding through pained breaths, Amelia spread her legs once more, exposing her throbbing sex as she reached for her daughter. The tiny newborn still cried, and the moment she was in her mother’s arms felt surreal. Amelia’s breath caught in her throat as she looked at her now rooting daughter in awe, a bright smile spreading across her face as she instinctively positioned her to nurse.

The baby latched beautifully and immediately began to suckle, Amelia holding her tiny hand with tears in her eyes.

“H-hello, little one. Oh, just look at you. You’re perfect,” she whispered, holding her close, never wanting to let her go. She glanced at Luciano for just a second, giving him the okay to work and whispering a thank you before focusing once more on her daughter.

“Very soon, your sister will be here. Don’t worry. I’m sure you miss her already,” she cooed, kissing the newborn’s tiny head.

To Amelia, holding what was once inside her was surreal—almost euphoric. Her daughter’s tiny hand wrapped around one of Amelia’s fingers. As she held her, Amelia felt her bosom grow tender, her areola leaking colostrum into her daughter’s mouth.

"Amelia... I’m going to try to move her," Luciano said, his gaze locked onto hers.

Amelia then felt her pelvic floor flex, and her uterus contracted. Her grip on her child remained tender as Luciano pressed into Amelia’s belly, pushing on her unborn daughter, causing the baby’s body to bulge beneath her mother’s belly.

“Any pain?” Luciano inquired, his concern clear—sure that Amelia’s safety was just as important as delivering the baby.

Amelia could feel her sex quiver as her body compelled her to push. Excess amniotic fluid expelled from her womanhood as Luciano repositioned her unborn baby from feet first to head down.

Amelia couldn’t take her eyes off her little girl as she continued to cradle her, adjusting the towel to keep her warm while she hungrily suckled. She only nodded as Luciano got started and let out a small whimper when he pressed on her belly.

“Mn... hooo... a little. I... I feel like I need to push,” she answered, beginning to breathe a little heavier once more as her free hand grabbed her thigh.

She grit her teeth and tilted her head back before bringing her chin to her chest.

“It hurts. Ngh. Luciano, I have to push. Ooohhhhhhh. Hoo hoo. Nnnnnnnnngggggggggghhhhhhhhh,” she grunted and strained, pushing as hard as she could while still being careful of the newborn in her arms.

Yet, while it felt like something had changed, something still worried her. Something still didn’t feel right. He hadn’t been able to adjust for long, and she worried if it had worked, as her body screamed for her to push again.

“Nnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggghhhhhhh!!!!!”

Amelia felt her contractions rock her exhausted form. As each pelvic muscle spasmed inside her, all she could do was bear down and muster all the strength she had, yet her struggles seemed in vain.

“Amelia?” Luciano could only watch in disbelief as her baby refused to budge, and her womanhood continued to heave without yielding results.

He reached for her, placing a hand on hers, which held her thigh, and another on her shoulder, as if to embrace her.

“Amelia... your strength is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and yet...” Luciano then touched her taut yet malleable belly. “You’re more tired than you feel. I don’t want to give up on you. If we’re going to save our second baby, I’m going to have to go in.”

Luciano’s words, knowing his heart was hers, were nearly enough to bring Amelia to tears. Yet, there was a part of her that wanted to show him she could do this—she could squat and use gravity to her advantage, giving birth to her second baby girl.

She squeezed his hand, panting and breathing heavily as she shook her head.

“Mn... N... No. I... I can do this. M... Maybe if I just change positions?”

She whimpered, looking at the now sleeping newborn in her arms. She kissed her tiny head and handed her to him to place in a nearby bassinet.

As much as she didn’t want to let her go, she needed to focus. With his help, she slowly and painfully moved to a squatting position, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Please don’t let me go,” she whispered through the pained pants.

And then, as hard as she could, she began to push once more. Her body twitched and trembled from the effort as she held on to him, pressing her chin to her chest.

“Nnn... Mn... Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnf... Ggggggghh...!!! Hoo hoo,” she whined, pushing again, needing him to be her strength as she looked into his eyes with her own tired ones.

Amelia's bare body was coated in a thin film of sweat. Her hair clung to her face as her arms held Luciano's neck tightly. As she squatted, Luciano knelt, with one arm around Amelia's back and his hand on her thigh. Her belly hung beneath her, and her sex quivered, sensing another contraction encroaching.

“Amelia, you're strong. To bear not one daughter, but two...” His words lingered with her, though her second child was still lodged inside her aching uterus.

He began to rub her back, then leaned his head toward hers, shortly withdrawing to kiss her crown. His soft lips met her forehead, tasting Amelia's sweat against his tongue.

As her cervix dropped and her baby moved, Amelia was compelled to push more.

She whimpered in pain as she held on to him. His words made her melt, and a small smile graced her face. But she felt anything but strong. She was exhausted and just wanted to sleep and hold her babies.

She leaned into the kiss as she began to push again.

“Nnnnnnnnnnnnngggggg...jhjhj. Hoo hoo... Luciano, it hurts so much. I... I don’t know if I can do this. I’m so tired. Hoo... nnnnnnnnnnngggggggghhhhhhh...!”

She whimpered and yelped as she clung to him. The sun was high in the sky once more, and rays of sunlight shone through her window as tears streamed down her face.

She buried her face in his neck as her body shook.

“Nnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggg... h...h... Please. Please get out,” she begged her baby, her calm demeanor turning desperate and panicked.

As her words echoed through her bedroom, Luciano held Amelia as she shook against him. Amelia's feet trembled, and her knees quivered. Her moans turned into a roar as she felt pressure in her body change—an intense sensation as if her insides shifted downward toward her pelvic floor.

An eruption of amniotic fluid fell from her, and from between her loins, her baby's head emerged, coated in bodily fluids.

“Amelia! She’s—”

Before Luciano could finish, his hands reached beneath her. His hand became slick as he cupped the soft surface of Amelia—the second little girl.

“She’s nearly here. Her shoulders are the last hurdle.”

“Hoo hoo, Hoo hoo, oohhhhhhhhhh. Nnnggghh! Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!” Amelia panted as she felt the change in pressure, then let out a scream as the head crowned. Looking Luciano in the eyes, she sobbed and held on to him tightly, feeling her youngest move with each pained breath.

There was some relief as the head was born, but she wasn’t done yet. She whimpered, reaching one hand down to try to feel the baby. Feeling her soft hair took Amelia’s breath away and renewed her sense of urgency as she tightened her grip on Luciano’s shoulder and pushed as long and hard as she possibly could.

“Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggggggaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!”

The sound of Amelia's groans did little to deter Luciano. Despite her bellows, Amelia still held a maternal beauty that made his knees weak and his spine tingle. Her ability to bear life flawlessly left Luciano in envy—a pain he could never imagine and a feat he could never endure.

As Amelia's grip threatened to break Luciano's bones, he did little to repel her. He was her rock, her foundation; Amelia was free to do with him whatever she needed to. He would give anything to ensure the safety of her babies and their mother.

The child's head sank as Amelia pushed, expelling excess fluids, only for Amelia to feel a change in pressure—a feeling that nearly made her shriek. Her daughter was drawn back inside her, with Amelia's cervix nestled around the child's neck.

"Amelia!" Luciano’s heart sank as he reached for her. There was a heat radiating from beneath her, yet her child's head had withdrawn.

"Amelia, it's okay. Just push when the next contraction comes, okay?" Luciano then moved both of his hands beneath her, feeling his palms against her labia majora. Her pubic hairs brushed against his fingertips. Luciano was ready to catch Amelia's second daughter.

"Don’t be afraid. I’m going to catch her. No harm will come to you or her."

Luciano knelt between Amelia’s legs as she squatted, arms around his neck, with his hands beneath her belly. Amelia then felt a contraction strike her pelvic floor, compelling her to push with all her might.

She whimpered and sobbed, overwhelmed by more pain than she’d ever experienced. She threw her head back, gritting her teeth and stifling another scream as the baby retreated back inside her a bit.

“I can’t!” she cried, but Luciano’s encouraging words were just what she needed as he cradled her daughter’s head.

Through tears, she looked at her oldest in the bassinet, swallowed another sob, and nodded, pushing as hard as she could.

“Nnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!! AaaaaaaaaahhhHhh!!! Haaa haaa hoooo. Nnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!”

She trusted Luciano. Trusted that it would all soon be over. That her daughters would be okay. That she would be okay.

Soon, she would be holding them. Soon, the excruciating pain would be gone, and she would be able to rest. Soon, they would be a family.

It was as if something snapped—a relinquishment of the pressure that had resided in Amelia's body. Then she felt her daughter drop in a fluid motion—from the bulge in her belly, through her aching birth canal, out of her tender sex, and into Luciano’s hands.

Beneath her, a cascade of bodily fluids erupted onto Luciano’s hands and forearms as he held a small girl who was adamant about making her presence known. Her lungs filled with air, and her wails were louder than her older sisters’. Luciano felt his stomach stir as a tear formed in the corner of his eye.

He tugged on her umbilical cord, severing it and clipping its end.

“Amelia.” Luciano looked down, then back to Amelia, placing his forehead against hers. “She’s... beautiful.”

Despite her baby being covered in blood and other substances, Luciano’s heart soared.

“The afterbirth?”

The wave of relief that washed over her was euphoric as she breathed heavily, though it was not as surreal as seeing her little girl. Tears streamed down her face as she reached for her. Her heart melted at her cry, and she quickly held her close to her chest, now sobbing with tears of joy.

“Thank you,” she cried, soothing her daughter. “Thank you.”

Amelia was an absolute mess of sweat and fluids as she deeply kissed the man in front of her, then carefully sat back, utterly exhausted. Both twins were crying now, and Amelia asked to hold them both.

Resting against the headboard, she looked at the newborns in her arms with a bright smile. Her body still quivered from exhaustion, snapping her out of her trance.

“Oh. Yes.” She kissed her little girls before pushing once more, though it was not nearly as strong or painful as the delivery.

“Welcome to the world, my sweet girls. I love you so very much,” she whispered.

There, on each bosom, Amelia held her daughters close to her body. Their little hands kneaded her breasts, which in turn allowed more milk to leak from her areolas. As her nipples rose to meet her babies, Luciano removed the afterbirth that had once nourished Amelia’s little ones. In some cultures, the afterbirth was used in gardening or preservation by other means, though Luciano was comfortable disposing of it accordingly.

“You’ve performed a miracle today,” he said, then knelt beside her, maintaining eye level with Amelia as she breathed deeply, her daughters continuing to nurse.

“Amelia... to share this experience with you... has shown me what matters most in life.” Luciano’s tone was firm, sure to maintain his composure. “Raising your daughters is something you don’t have to do on your own.”

His words conveyed a clear message, though Luciano hoped in his heart that Amelia heard him.

“I would be complete... if you...” He reached into his pocket to retrieve something. “Would be my wife.”

Luciano held out a small box, which contained a ring.

Amelia looked at him with a tired smile and rested her head on his shoulder as she watched the twins nurse. She gazed into his eyes, taking in and cherishing every word—until he proposed.

Her heart stopped, and she was speechless as tears streamed down her face once more. Then all she could do was kiss him.

“Yes,” she whispered. “Yes. Luciano, I will remember this day forever. This has been such an incredible experience with you and me. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you being here with me for this. I love you.”

She said it softly, then kissed him again, cherishing the moment.

She wanted to get cleaned up but wasn’t sure if she could move. And there was another matter to attend to. Now that he was to be her husband and their father, she wanted his input.

“What should we name them? I was thinking of Rose Ann and Lily May, but I’m open to more suggestions,” she said quietly, as the newborns fell asleep, snuggled up to her chest. They were identical to each other, as well as their mother.

Luciano pondered her inquiry as he looked at his budding bride-to-be. Amelia's hair was unkempt, and her body was naked. Her bed was soaked with blood, sweat, and tears, and the sheets were askew, with her pillows haphazardly supporting her.

"Rose Ann? Lily May?" Looking at the girls who mirrored their mother was breathtaking.

Luciano gently moved Amelia's bangs that clung to her perspiration-coated face. "Those names are beautiful. I wouldn’t expect anything less from the woman I love."

He then stood to meet her. "If you would have me, I’d love for you to take a bath. It’s been a long night, and you’ve more than earned your rest. Unfortunately, I can't feed the girls while you relax." Luciano said jokingly, as he admired her daughters' newfound hunger.

"Amelia..." Luciano leaned toward her face and delivered a soft kiss across her lips. "I love you."

She smiled tiredly, leaning into his touch. The mention of a bath was a welcome one.

“I love you too, Luciano. So very much,” she said, looking at the little sleeping angels in her arms. “I would love a bath. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so disgusting,” she chuckled. “And they should be okay for almost two hours before they need to eat again. That should be enough time to clean up, and maybe get something to eat. Also, there’s a number for the doctor and pediatrician on the fridge. We should probably have them checked just to be safe.”

She watched him with the newborns, wincing a bit as she slowly moved to the edge of the bed. Her body was sore, and her sex was throbbing as she moved. While she was glad she hadn’t torn, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to sit properly anytime soon.

Sure, I’ll give them a call. See if they can see us today or set up an appointment,” Luciano said as he cradled her little ones snugly.

Amelia felt the space where her babies used to reside. Her belly was soft and malleable, though she still bore the stretch marks of her crowning achievement. With her nipples erect, they expelled a steady stream of colostrum—so clear she could feed her babies more than they could eat.

With that thought, Amelia considered using a breast pump to store her excess. She could think about being a nursemaid; her bosom was gravid, as she had nearly grown three cup sizes for this pregnancy. Still, she wanted to ask Luciano if he would be okay with that.

“Need me to help you to the bath? I could always put the girls in their bassinets unless they start crying again,” Luciano said with a chuckle as he held a baby in each arm. It was clear he was flexing for Amelia, as his biceps were sharp and sturdy. To him, she was beautiful despite her sweaty sheen, bloody privates, and matted hair. Luciano would tell her that, though he wasn’t sure if she would take it the right way.

She smiled, watching him with her girls. It felt strange not to be with them, even though they were right in front of her. But she nodded, having him place them in the bassinets and help her to the tub.

Her movements were slow and painful as she held one to him and carefully stepped into the shower. She stood there for a while, her legs shaking, letting the water wash everything away. After a nice king-sized bath, she cleaned herself up and slowly made her way back to the girls, standing and admiring them as they slept. They were so precious. So perfect. And she loved them more than she could possibly express.

Looking at Luciano, she smiled and did what she could to help him clean up.

“Did you have a nice shower?” Luciano inquired as he began to bundle the sheets. “I would have loved to join you.” He said, his face flushing a red hue.

“But I managed to find a pediatrician who would be available to see us in a few days.” Luciano was gathering the dirty linens and placing them in the laundry hamper. “That will give us some time to get twin car seats, diapers, and other things I wish I had gotten earlier.”

He was embarrassed to mention it, knowing they would need these things but might forget about them entirely.

“You look beautiful, by the way, Amelia.” Grabbing the laundry hamper, he walked past her and placed a gentle kiss on her soft cheek.

She chuckled and smiled. “Thank you. Though I felt so disgusting, I’m not sure you’d want to take that shower with me. It looked like someone died. Maybe the next one?” She smirked and kissed him.

“That’s great. I do have some newborn diapers in the nursery.” She smiled and picked up Lily, who stirred immediately, calming against her mother’s chest as she was rocked.

When he said how beautiful she looked, she blushed a deep red.

“Oh, thank you.” She didn’t feel beautiful at that moment, but his words were so sweet, and she kissed him softly.

Luciano had stepped out to begin the laundry, and as he'd imagined, Amelia had earned rest in her own clean bed.

“Where are the clean sheets?” he inquired, though this wasn’t his own home.

Luciano made a mental note of where items were located—from medicine in the bathroom to food in the cupboard—wanting to be sure he could retrieve them at a moment’s notice.

“Don’t worry, I’ve found them.” His voice held a tone of success, taking joy in serving Amelia.

Returning, he pulled the fitted sheet across the mattress, lifting the bed to tuck in the corners.

Living above her shop was cozy and convenient, but with her twins, perhaps Amelia would consider moving into his home.

“Amelia? Do you feel like you have enough space?” Luciano inquired as he placed the pillows in position and arranged the comforter.

Seeing her bed made by him, Amelia was tempted to crawl in, imagining herself squirming underneath the blanket to get cozy.

Amelia continued to rock Lily as she responded to Luciano, telling him where things were. Once the bed was made, she carefully laid the twins on it before slowly crawling in herself, letting out a very satisfied sigh as her aching body settled down.

“Ahhhhhh. Mmmmm. Thank you... ummm yes? I think so. Why do you ask?” she inquired, watching the newborns breathe softly, swaddled in their little blankets. Her body felt heavy, and as the adrenaline of birth wore off, she was growing more tired, and the pain had become more difficult to ignore.

Still, she tapped the bed, inviting him to lie down as well, blushing as her stomach growled.

Amelia could feel her body gradually adjusting to no longer being pregnant. Despite feeling lighter now, she was exasperated and more focused on rejuvenating her strength, allowing every muscle in her body to rest.

Luciano returned to her side; as his gaze met hers, he noticed how her face flushed and her hair clung to her damp skin. With a gentle smile, he fluffed her pillow and adjusted the comforter for her.

“You’re always welcome to stay with me,” he said. All he had was his word—Luciano was determined to care for her and her babies as if they were his own. Becoming a father, a husband, a better man—these were all things he knew he could never do alone.

She smiled tiredly, with a hand on the twins as they slept, curled up to each other. “Or, you could move in here if you’d like? I own the place, so you don’t have to worry about rent or anything,” she said.

Years later, she stood on a stool, preparing for her wedding in nothing but a bra and lacy underwear, as the seamstress measured her. A hand moved to her once more large belly, and she smiled happily, telling the story of how they met.

“So he was buying flowers for his mother?” the seamstress named Stefanie replied, her hands pressed into Amelia’s navel as she measured Amelia’s waist during her 38th week of pregnancy.

A plastic measuring tape was wrapped around Amelia as she stood atop a platform surrounded by three mirrors. In the reflection, she saw a familiarity in how she looked. When she met Luciano, Amelia was nearly as far along in her first pregnancy, but this time, it was different. She wasn’t expecting twins again.

“You were pregnant at the time too?” Stefanie asked, her voice vibrant as their romantic tale touched her heart and brightened her spirits.

Amelia looked and saw that she had more stretch marks adorning the side of her belly. Luciano would always insist they were beautiful—or that they were a testament to her strength. Still, he wasn’t against using stretch mark cream; if that was ever something Amelia wanted, he mentioned he would love to rub it in for her.

“How many are you expecting now?” Stefanie interrupted and inquired.

“Yes, to take to his mother’s grave, actually. And we went for dinner afterward, but ended up leaving early because I was having contractions. Hours later, he was still there with me as my water broke and helped me deliver the twins. It was quite the first date. Now, we’re actually expecting triplets. I kind of thought they’d arrive before the wedding, but now I’m just praying they wait until it’s over,” she chuckled, rubbing her belly.

She certainly hadn’t been expecting to have multiples again, but she was still excited. And this time, she didn’t know the genders—though she suspected Luciano did. She just hoped this birth would go quickly and smoothly, with no complications. Her doctor had recommended a C-section, but she wanted another home birth and even made sure to get a birthing pool this time.

Stefanie was taking measurements of Amelia’s neck and bust. Though her bosom was tender, Amelia did little to reveal it. Carrying triplets came with its difficulties, as their space was limited—and they made sure to let Amelia know that. More often than not, Amelia would feel a small foot drag against her uterine wall or a cranium bash into her bladder. It was as if none of her babies could find comfort, which made giving birth all the more anxious.

“Making a dress for you won’t be difficult. Though, given these measurements, keeping it in the family would be challenging,” the seamstress chuckled, since the dress she was going to make would be for a very pregnant woman.

“So, how old are your twin girls now?” Stefanie asked as she knelt beneath Amelia, measuring the girth of her hips, which caused Amelia’s belly to block her view of her seamstress.

A hand rested on her belly and back as she spoke.

“They’re almost five, and so excited to be starting school soon. They’re going to be our little flower girls. Oh, they are so excited! They keep asking if it’s tomorrow. It was so cute. Oh—here—I have a photo,” she said, reaching for her phone on the nearby desk and showing it to her.

“They can’t wait to meet the little ones, either. I decided I didn’t want to know the genders this time, but Luciano does,” she smiled, taking gentle breaths.

Amelia’s breaths caused her belly to heave. Stefanie looked at the photograph Amelia had shown her; the resemblance was uncanny—both Rose Ann and Lilly May resembled their mother.

“I see where they get their cuteness from,” Stefanie commented.

As Stefanie then measured Amelia’s shoulder and forearm, her cellphone rang in her hand. Looking at the screen, it was Luciano. Seeing his name and face made her heart flutter; the love they shared was in bloom, just as it was the day they met.

Placing the phone to her ear, Luciano spoke. “How’s the seamstress appointment going? I know I’m supposed to wait for you to call when you’re done, but I couldn’t help but... you know...”

Amelia was so close to her due date; Luciano’s concern was understandable. Yet, hearing his voice was enough to stir her stomach and send a tingling sensation down her spine.

“I’m sorry, it’s Luciano. I’ll try to make it quick,” she said to the seamstress before answering with a sweet hello.

“Hey, honey... It's okay. Yes, I know. Thank you. You’re so sweet. We’re almost done. The little ones are just fine. I think they’re sleeping at the moment. And no, I haven’t had any contractions. We’re okay. I actually think they may be asleep right now.”

She smiled, rubbing her belly as she spoke to him for a moment.

“Do you want pizza for dinner? How are things at the shop?” she asked. “Tell the girls I love them, and I’ll see them soon, okay? I love you so much, Luciano. Thank you for checking on me. Love you. Goodbye.”

She hung up and apologized once more to Stefanie.

Luciano was relieved to know that his budding bride hadn’t gone into labor. He would hate to think that Amelia would be in labor before they could have their wedding. Truthfully, they were already legally married, but at the time, they didn’t have the means for an extravagant wedding. Saving up their money, they could afford the wedding of her dreams—though her childhood expectations had been far more exaggerated.

Luciano was wearing an apron as he prepared a bouquet for a customer. There was a headset in his ear as he finished talking to Amelia.

“Okay, I love you. Goodbye, my love,” he said.

Lily was sorting gift bags, while Rose moved ribbons from a box onto a counter.

“That was Mommy. We’re going to pick her up soon,” Lily said.

Amelia was unable to drive, but given her condition, Luciano was adamant about being her chauffeur.

Amelia was getting her clothes on while Stefanie was making notes for the wedding dress she had been commissioned to create.

“I’ll get to watch you walk down the aisle in this,” Stefanie said, holding a sketch of the wedding dress they had discussed earlier.

“Oh, Stephanie, thank you so very much. It’s absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait. Thank you,” she said, carefully hugging her before leaving.

When she waddled outside, her family was already there. She slowly moved down the steps and kissed her husband, then her girls in their car seats.

“Hello, my love. Are you ready to go home? Mommy ordered pizza for tonight,” she chirped, eliciting squeals of joy from her princesses.

Once in the car, she sighed, sitting back and taking slow, deep breaths, with a slight wince as she rubbed her belly and held Luciano’s hand.

“Thank you,” she said quietly. She loved him so much and appreciated how much he cared for and helped her, especially now. Small things had become exhausting, and her body almost always ached, but it would all be worth it. They had triplets on the way—they just had to wait until after the wedding.

“Hoo—two more weeks, little ones.”

The ride was calming; Amelia could feel her babies-to-be settle down. Like their older sisters, car rides soothed their unborn bodies. Her belly nearly filled the passenger side. She had to lean her seat back, yet Rose and Lily didn’t mind sitting close to each other behind their adoptive father.

With one hand on the steering wheel, Luciano reached for his blossoming bride, placing a hand on her swollen belly.

“Nervous?” Luciano asked as they pulled into the flower shop. With their family growing, he knew they would need to buy a bigger house.

“Pizza!” Lily pointed out the window, where a car with the restaurant’s logo was parked on the curb.

Luciano stepped out to meet Amelia at the passenger side door. With a gentle hand, he took her palm as she held her belly with her other hand. Lily and Rose were crowding the delivery woman, curious about what their mother had ordered for everyone.

“Amelia?” Luciano spoke softly as he helped her to her feet, placing a hand against her spine and holding her other hand, their fingers intertwined.

“We should have the wedding sooner—before our family becomes three members bigger,” he said, then leaned forward to kiss the peak of her gravid belly.

Amelia was exhausted and in pain as she clung to Luciano, moving slowly. The car ride had relaxed her a bit, but it was becoming cramped. At the mention of moving the wedding, she nodded.

“But will that give Stephanie enough time to finish the dress? What about everything else? I just... don’t want to throw everyone off,” she admitted before approaching the delivery driver, thanking them, and paying for the pizza.

“Okay, girls. Inside, please. Be careful on the steps,” she said, slowly waddling and holding onto Luciano once more.

By the time they reached upstairs, she was already out of breath and wincing as she plopped into a chair at the table and served the girls their food.

Luciano was helping Amelia serve dinner.

“Here...” he said as he helped Amelia into a comfortable seat. The dining room chairs were nice, but Amelia had temporarily outgrown them. The chair she used was meant for lounging, resting, and relaxing—everything a mother-to-be could ask for.

“Once the dress is ready, we’ve got the catering planned, and our venue booked,” Luciano said as he handed Amelia a plate with two slices of supreme pizza and a side of chicken wings.

“I’m not thrilled about the idea, though I just wanted you to consider it. We wouldn’t cut any corners, by any means,” he added.

Lily and Rose were grabbing seconds despite not finishing their pizza crusts. As Amelia savored her meal, she could feel her babies react to her eating—squirming against her insides as she quelled her raging appetite.

“Besides, your dress will be made to fit you right now,” Luciano said, reaching for Amelia and placing his hand on her rounded belly.

She nodded tiredly and rested a hand on Luciano as she enjoyed her pizza. Under their hands, her belly tightened and twitched slightly as it tried to prepare the triplets inside for birth.

When the girls finished their food and went to play, Amelia sat back, breathing softly as she closed her eyes.

“Mm. Hoo... okay. Let’s have the wedding early... Honestly, though, I just want them out. This is hard, and I’m tired of being pregnant,” she said quietly.

“Are you sure you’re still good with a home water birth?” she asked him, spreading her legs a bit. Her hips had begun to widen, and it was painful but nearly impossible to keep her legs together.

“Hoo... just a little longer. I can do this. Just a few more weeks. And then... lots and lots of pushing. I’m really not looking forward to that again,” she admitted.

“It was so nice having you there last time, but it still hurt like you wouldn’t believe. Although I heard the more you have, the easier it’s supposed to be... I guess we’ll find out,” she added.

Luciano gave a soft chuckle. “The birthing pool should serve us in our favor.” He took the dishes from Amelia, then knelt beside her. Taking the sole of her left foot, he began to massage it, rubbing Amelia’s heel and kneading her ankle.

“We could always talk to our doctor,” he said. His hands then moved to her calf and thigh. “A cesarean could serve as an easier option.”

Luciano then turned his attention to Amelia’s other foot. She could feel her pelvic floor flex as her uterine walls contracted, causing her belly to heave.

“Though, I’m confident in your strength to deliver our babies,” he added.

Amelia couldn’t see Luciano, as her belly blocked her view of him. She then felt his head brush against her underbelly.

“It’s close to bedtime. I have to get Rose and Lily ready for bed,” she said. He then kissed the bottom curve of her tummy. “And you too, Amelia.”

Amelia tried to relax in the chair as Luciano massaged her feet and legs. They had become so swollen recently that she was starting to think they’d never be the same.

A small moan escaped her lips as he continued, and she tipped her head back for a moment, thanking him.

“Thank you,” she breathed, rubbing her belly before wincing and shifting uncomfortably as she felt her belly contract. Her breath caught in her throat as she curled around her belly, breathing a bit heavier.

A whimper escaped her mouth as she reached for Luciano’s hand.

“Mmn... Honey...” she managed to say, trying to focus on her breathing as she continued to shift uncomfortably.

Amelia could feel her uterine walls contract as her pelvic floor shifted. She wasn't sure if her contractions were starting yet; this was too early. Her hands rested on the expanse of her body as she squirmed against Luciano’s massage and messages.

“I wish I could spoil you more,” she murmured.

Luciano then stood, leaning toward her, resting a hand on Amelia’s belly and kissing her forehead.

“Let me get the girls ready for bed. I’ll be right back,” he said. Luciano turned to leave, calling out Rose and Lily’s names.

There was a brief silence until Luciano called out their full names. It was clear that Rose and Lily were adamant about playing and not going to bed.

Amelia stretched her legs and parted her toes. Her spine tingled as she flexed her aching muscles. She could feel her uterus pressing on her bladder, which gave her the urge to get up.

Luciano returned to Amelia, holding out his hand.

“They wanted to stay up and play. Lily was sure she’d be an older sister soon. Rose agreed and was convinced they’d miss it,” Luciano said jokingly, as Amelia could feel her hairs stand on the back of her neck and her areolas stiffen.

Amelia was growing more concerned as time passed. When Luciano first walked away from her, she tried to breathe through the pain, but it was becoming persistent.

“Ngh... hoooo... hoo... Come on, little ones. Just a little longer, please,” she whimpered, shifting uncomfortably.

When Luciano returned, she gratefully took his hand and stood, only to bend over with a groan once she had.

“Mn... hooo... I really, really hate to say it, but... they... they will be right,” she whimpered, squeezing his hand tightly.

“Oh gosh. Bathroom. Now, please,” she panted, trying to waddle as quickly as she could to the bathroom.

Silently, she prayed that the pain would stop and the triplets would wait. But she also knew that if it was truly time—once her water broke—there would be no stopping it.

Was it better to just wait it out? Or should she tell Luciano and go to the hospital? But what were the chances they would keep her if she did that? Maybe she should just call the midwife center.

She didn’t know, but her mind was racing.

Luciano could sense the urgency in his blushing bride’s breath. The tile of the bathroom floor was cold, and walking on it in bare feet was spine-tingling.

Amelia glanced at the mirror to see her maternal glow nearly bring her to her knees. Yet, there was Luciano with his hand in hers and a hand on her side.

With a steady grip, Amelia carefully squatted, then sat, her hand clenched in her husband's. Her belly was nestled between her knees as she then felt a pressure inside her dissipate.

Expelling a sigh of relief, she could feel the pain within her subside as she gently leaned to clean.

“That was close,” her husband said in a lighthearted manner. Though, in truth, he wasn’t far off. With the pain Amelia felt, she expected to reach and find herself crowning, though the pressure was still nested in her uterus and not in her pelvic floor.

“Ready for a bath?” Luciano suggested.

Not that Amelia minded being pampered and spoiled, but being this pregnant came with its difficulties and pain.

Amelia sighed as she rested her elbows on her knees and held Luciano’s hands. Her head leaned against him as she took a deep breath. She trembled as she went to clean herself and nodded at the mention of a bath.

She looked exhausted, with one hand gently caressing her belly.

“It hurts,” she whimpered. “I want them out... everything is painful, and I feel like I can hardly do anything myself. It’s been months since I’ve been able to put on my shoes. And... I’m so tired. I know they’ll be worth it when they arrive, but... I know what’s waiting for me until that moment. And I don’t want to,” she sniffled, crying softly.

She was afraid of how things might go, and everything that was happening was catching up with her, making her more tired and emotional than she already was.

Amelia’s words pulled at Luciano’s heartstrings. Seeing her exasperated demeanor, he knelt and leaned into her. Her belly was between them as Luciano held her hand tightly.

“I know this is hard for you,” his tone became solemn. “The burden of bearing all our children is something I will spend my entire life trying to repay you.”

He then reached for her taut, firm tummy.

“From our beautiful daughters, Rose Ann and Lily May,” he whispered. His words nearly caught in his throat.

“To our three new family members in here.”

Luciano was sure of what he said, but Amelia felt her face flush and tears catch her bangs as her babies inside her began to stretch and curl against each other, causing her belly to move and contort.

She sniffled, burying her face more into Luciano’s neck as he caressed her belly.

“Thank you,” she whimpered, trying to even out her breathing again. But the little ones deciding to stretch was painful, causing her to tense and twitch a bit before relaxing.

After a moment, he helped her into the tub. She continued to hold his hand and rest her head against him as she tried to relax, taking slow, deep breaths as the warm water eased some of the pain.

“Thank you... for everything. For always helping and being so loving. With all your help with the girls, the shop, and around the house. Just... thank you,” she whispered.

Luciano poured bath salt into the water. "100% natural magnesium salt flakes," the package read, as the steam from the water assisted her breathing and opened Amelia’s pores.

“Amelia...” Luciano held his beloved’s hand. “We only get one life.” He drew her hand to his lips, gently kissing her ring finger, which held a diamond that couldn’t hold a candle to the love he had for her, despite its size.

“If I had to do it all over again, I would,” he said softly. His fingers rubbed her knuckles. “I would do whatever it took to be in your life, Amelia. Everything I do would be devoted to making you and our children happy.”

He reached for her swollen body, then felt a small foot brush against his palm.

“I know this is painful, and if I could endure this pain in your place, I would,” Luciano whispered. He stroked her belly as she wiggled against the bath, spilling a small fraction of water.

“Just know that I love you. Always have. Always will.”

He leaned into her, and their lips met in a loud, tender smack—kissing each other as if they were young lovers discovering love for the first time.

She smiled softly as he spoke, holding his hand and relaxing before they kissed. It was a beautiful and intimate kiss, full of love and longing.

After she slowly washed her hair, he helped her wash her body before gently assisting her out of the tub and into their room. She put on a nightgown and crawled into her pregnancy pillow in bed, snuggling up to him. She loved sleeping in his arms.

Snuggling up to him at night—either spooning or with her head on his chest—was her favorite place to be, especially after a long day, and today had been especially long.

“I love you so much, Luciano,” she whispered, kissing him once more before falling asleep.

Amelia’s U-shaped pregnancy pillow formed around her gravid body as her husband, Luciano, nested behind her, with his pelvis pointing toward her posterior and his hand resting against the side of her tummy. There, he felt their babies squirming inside their temporary home. Though Luciano couldn’t help it, he began to stroke Amelia’s tummy, rocking the bed gently with his body.

Amelia could feel his warm breath reach the nape of her neck as his soft words escaped his lips:

“Hush, little baby, don’t say a word.”

Amelia’s face reddened with embarrassment.

“Papa’s going to buy you a mockingbird.” He was singing a lullaby, just like he would for Rose and Lily, though this time it was for her buns still in the oven.

She wanted to chuckle, as Luciano was just being sincerely silly. But as his whispers reached Amelia’s ear, the pressure in her abdomen became more docile, and her babies’ movements grew soft and sweet. His gentle rubs continued until he essentially soothed her unborn children.

Luciano then leaned toward Amelia, his lips brushing her earlobe as he whispered:

“Sweet dreams, my queen.”

Amelia smiled at his sweet singing. It was wonderful to see how fatherly he was. She let out a soft, satisfied sigh and yawned as the triplets fell asleep.

“Goodnight, my love,” she whispered, kissing him once more before slowly drifting off to sleep herself, snuggled happily in his arms with a hand on his, his hand resting on her belly. She cherished these moments and thought about them often.

The next morning, she slowly got up and prepared to open the shop, but not before making breakfast for her family.

Amelia’s belly occupied most of her kitchen space. Though living above her flower shop was convenient and, more importantly, delightfully scented, it was not without its limited room. With Amelia’s income from the shop and Luciano working part-time, now was a good time to consider buying a bigger place or, at the very least, building onto their current home.

Amelia was careful in the kitchen, watching where her tummy would reach, as she certainly didn’t want to bump into anything otherwise. During her first pregnancy, more often than not, Amelia would knock over the occasional vase or two. But now, being much bigger from carrying triplets, she wasn’t breaking things so much as pushing them out of the way.

Despite her size, she remained graceful. Gliding instead of stepping—if anyone watched her cooking in the kitchen, they would think she was dancing.

As Amelia looked at the frying pan she was holding, she then felt a presence behind her. A hand reached to touch the side of her belly, while another gently rested on her shoulder. Amelia blushed with a warm smile as she heard a familiar voice.

“Good morning...” Luciano’s suave words made her gasp softly. As he then tried to mirror her movements—his hands gently holding her—Luciano was careful not to hinder his talented bride.

“Amelia?” Hearing him say her name made her heart flutter, knowing Luciano had a habit of waiting on her in everything she did.

“Do you need a hand?” His hands stroked her side, belly, and shoulder.

Amelia smiled, cooing a soft good morning to him as she swayed and leaned against him before bestowing a gentle kiss.

“Good morning, my love. I’m actually almost done, and I think the girls may already be up. They just haven’t come out yet. Mm,” she hummed, rubbing her belly. “Good morning, little ones. Are you hungry too?” she chuckled.

“You can set the table if you’d like and pour the girls their orange juice,” she added, waddling about before she heard the phone ring. She quietly answered it and spoke for a bit, looking very excited.

“Okay. Thank you so very much. We’ll be there,” she said before hanging up.

"Honey! Guess what!" she said excitedly, dancing around. "My dress is ready! Oh, I’m so excited. I can’t wait to see it!"

"Stefanie must have been up all night working on it," Luciano said as he set the table, placing the plates in their proper positions, then pouring orange juice into plastic cups.

"Be sure to remind me to give her a big tip." Luciano thought Amelia's seamstress might have simply wanted to be paid as soon as possible, or perhaps she was worried that if she took too long, Amelia might give birth before she could even finish.

"After breakfast, we could get it," he continued. "Although, I would love to see how you look with it on—"

Luciano set the utensils on the table just as Rose and Lily began to enter the dining room. "Good morning, momma!" Rose exclaimed as she entered, first to see her mother. "What smells good?" Lily inquired as she bumped into Luciano. "Oops, morning, papa!" she said, giving him a big hug from behind and burying her face into his back.

"How are the little loves of my life?" Luciano asked as he pulled out Lily's seat, pushing her in, then proceeded to do the same for Rose. "We're excited to see mommy's dress," Rose replied. Luciano thought the girls must have overheard Amelia's conversation on the phone.

Amelia was beginning to prepare everyone’s portions when she felt a swift kick against her kidney. The sudden jolt made her freeze, as it was indeed painful but certainly manageable. Luciano shot a worried glance her way. Then he addressed their daughters:

“I can’t wait to see mommy in her wedding dress on the wedding day too, but daddy can’t see her wear it yet. It’s bad luck for me to do that today.”

He continued talking to Amelia’s daughters as her babies continued to move against her insides. They must have been hungry, as the aroma of breakfast was making Amelia salivate, and her stomach growling was likely stirring her boys.

“Good morning, Rose. Good morning, Lily,” Amelia said with a smile, kissing each of their heads. “I’m glad you’re excited. Papa is excited too, but papa has to wait until the wedding to see it,” she giggled, kissing his cheek before making plates of food for the girls. “This morning’s breakfast is pancakes and sausage with fruit cups.” She smiled, setting their plates in front of them before taking a seat herself.

Under the table, she gently rubbed her belly as she ate with them, trying to stay relaxed. But it had become difficult to sit for very long. After breakfast, she helped clean up, asking Luciano if he could help them get dressed.

Luciano had planned on getting the girls dressed. Though their mother was better at helping choose their attire and fixing their hair, living with three girls had taught him a thing or two. As her family departed to get ready, Amelia was cleaning up the remaining dishes from breakfast. There were leftovers, which Amelia neatly stored away in some Tupperware — not without savoring another piece of sausage first.

Despite being so close to giving birth, this pregnancy left Amelia with more wiggle room. Where originally the simplest task would leave her exasperated, now she managed to glide eloquently through everything she did. Her gravid belly led her every step as she hummed a delightful tune. Her girls returned just as she finished tidying the kitchen.

Then she heard Luciano’s voice.

“Need a hand, Mommy?” he called, a nickname Amelia once heard from Rose and Lily when they first entered her life. The boys in her tummy would have to learn to call her that, too, but hearing it from Luciano always made her nearly giddy.

He was dressed, as were her daughters, though she felt an inkling to fix their hair, as their daddy only managed to brush their lengths through. Luciano approached Amelia from behind, holding her waist as she placed a clean dish in the cabinet.

“Need a hand getting dressed?” he whispered in her ear.

Although their intimacy never came before their family, Luciano managed to remain romantic—whether through the things he would say or the things he would do.

Amelia smiled as Luciano came up behind her, giggling a bit at his sweet words that always made her blush. She finished the last dish and nodded, turning to face him and wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Yes, please,” she cooed, kissing him. “But first… let me just do their hair real quick,” she chuckled, calling the girls over.

In a matter of minutes, their hair was braided and tied off, and they scampered off to play once more. With a satisfied sigh, Amelia held her belly and watched them before taking Luciano’s hand and waddling to the bedroom, where she picked out her outfit. He helped her get dressed, a slow and somewhat painful process, but she was thankful for his help.

The hardest part was her shoes, and she blushed a deep red as he knelt before her and gingerly placed them on her feet. She then pulled him close and shared a warm, deep kiss.

Finally, she grabbed the girls’ little travel backpacks filled with snacks, lunch, and some activities, and she walked down to the shop with them.

The shop was about to open soon. Luciano turned the door sign to read "Back in a few," setting the dial to his estimated return. For now, he needed to get Amelia to her wedding dress.

“Have you got everything you need?” he inquired, double-checking things in the store before their departure.

Rose and Lily gave their dad an enthusiastic nod, and Amelia nodded in agreement with their sentiment.

Luciano held open the shop door as Amelia’s daughters pranced through its threshold, with Amelia carefully gliding behind them. After locking the door as everyone exited, Luciano quickly returned to Amelia’s side, taking her hand beneath his as his arm nestled against her waist.

He carefully seated Amelia in the passenger seat, ensuring Rose and Lily were buckled up in the back and adjusting Amelia’s safety belt around her midsection.

Driving off, Amelia could feel her belly rise and fall with every breath. Her due date was drawing near, and looking at her body, a part of her would miss being pregnant. Despite the pain and discomfort, everything else involved held such a powerful meaning. More importantly, Luciano understood what that meant, and he held in his heart that Amelia wouldn’t have to endure this alone. They would experience every day of this miracle together.

Pulling up to the seamstress's storefront, Luciano helped Amelia out of her seat first, as Rose and Lily eagerly rushed to see their mother’s wedding dress. With a jingle of the doorbell, they entered, Luciano last to follow. Then Stefanie’s voice called to them: "Took me all night." Her voice sang as Lily and Rose ran to her, inquiring about the dress.

Luciano then spoke: "I’m thankful you were diligent in our order." He thanked her. "I hope you will be joining us for the wedding."

Amelia smiled as they arrived at the shop. She couldn’t wait to see the dress but really didn’t want Luciano to see it until their wedding day.

“Thank you so very much,” she said, taking her girls by the hand. “Come on, let’s go see,” she added with a bright smile, walking with them to the back, telling Luciano they wouldn’t be long.

When she saw the dress, Amelia wanted to cry.

“Oh, Stephanie, it’s perfect! Absolutely beautiful. Thank you,” she said, smiling and wiping her face.

The seamstress then slowly helped her try it on. That only made it more exciting as she looked at her daughters.

“What do you think, girls?” she asked, holding her belly and looking in the nearby mirror.

Amelia looked at her reflection and felt her face flush, and her hair stand up on the back of her neck. Her gown was flowy—a ball gown-style cathedral dress that shaped her body perfectly, despite being ready to pop.

Rose pressed her hand against her mother’s midsection, pulling Amelia back from her daydreaming.

"You're beautiful, Momma!" Lilly exclaimed as she ran her fingers through her mother’s gown.

Rose placed her other hand against her mother’s abdomen.

"Mommy? Are you getting married or making me a big sister first?" she asked.

Amelia couldn’t help but giggle. She had the inkling that her babies wouldn’t join them until after the wedding, though in truth, she couldn’t be entirely sure.

"How does it fit?" Stefanie inquired, stepping to look at Amelia from every angle. Before Amelia could answer, she felt a sudden jolt from within her body. Her pelvic floor flexed as her cervix contracted. Amelia managed to refrain from moaning, though Stefanie could sense her distress and reached out to her. Amelia could feel her babies fighting for space within her womb, yet in her heart of hearts, she knew they had to wait a little longer.

"Are you alright?" Stefanie asked, her hand meeting Amelia’s as she pressed against her convex navel. But before Amelia could respond, something squirmed within her, moving against Stefanie’s hand. "Oooh!" Stefanie exclaimed. "That was a strong kick!" Her cheeks blushed a deep red as her hand continued to search the surface of Amelia’s belly.

"Mommy?" Rose joined in, touching Amelia, while Lily looked on in curiosity.

Amelia winced as she held onto the seamstress, focusing on her breathing and nodding. "Mn... hoooooo," she whimpered, closing her eyes for a moment. She urged the little ones to wait—just a few more days. Feeling her daughters' hands on her belly, she smiled softly. Her free hand rested on both of her daughters, letting them feel the movements of their siblings.

"Hopefully. And I’m pretty sure mommy and daddy will be getting married first. And then you’ll be a big sister," she said before looking at the seamstress once more. "Maybe I should get dressed again. Luciano may be starting to worry."

The seamstress helped her undress and redress, carefully placing the dress in a special bag. "Thank you once again, so very much. I really do hope we see you at the wedding." Amelia smiled, hugging her, then ushered the girls back to their father. She slowly waddled behind, holding the dress and handing it to her husband with a smile.

"No peeking," she chuckled and kissed him.

Luciano welcomed his bride-to-be with a firm hug. Amelia's belly pressed against him as he felt movement stir beneath the surface. "I'll remain patient," Luciano said with a smile, though he was eager to proceed with the wedding. It was like him to worry, as Amelia, Lily, and Rose held precedence in his mind.

Amelia could feel winded from trying on her dress earlier, as Luciano was always a pillar of support. "You should see her dress, Daddy!" Rose exclaimed, her eyes bright and wide-eyed as she sang praises of the gown Stefanie had made.

"Slow down, honey," Luciano murmured. "Remember, it has to be a surprise." With a huff, Rose concluded, while Lily giggled at her sister's plight. They sojourned to the vehicle, returning to the flower shop that was also their home.

Luciano was quick to help Amelia out of her passenger seat, taking care that her large, unmarked bag didn’t snag or tear on anything in the car.

Looking toward the door, Amelia saw a line of customers waiting to enter. The sight of the line filled her with a sense of joy—this was a life she no longer had to face alone. She was pregnant and due within the coming days.

She had two beautiful daughters who carried the love she gave them in everything they did. And she had her husband, Luciano, who was there to cherish and protect her, supplementing her strength with his own.

Amelia smiled at the line and apologized to the customers as she opened the shop and quickly got to work. However, it soon became exhausting. She winced, holding her belly as she leaned on the counter and swayed. “Easy, little ones. Please,” she begged, trying to even out her breathing.

With a small whimper, she reached for Luciano through grit teeth. It didn’t take long for him to be at her side, holding her up and coaching her through breathing. Amelia laid her head on his chest as she held her belly.

“It hurts,” she said quietly. “I feel like they are dropping.” She was right—their triplets were almost all in their birthing positions, and it seemed they were as restless as their mother, slowly swaying with him.

Luciano held Amelia's hand tightly. As he leaned his head down to hers, his breath reached the nape of her neck. "Tomorrow, then?" he asked. He then rocked against her as Amelia began to breathe rhythmically. "I could make a few phone calls—make sure things can be moved to tomorrow."

Luciano then rubbed Amelia's backside as he slowly guided her to a comfortable seat. "Let me handle the store for the remainder of the evening." He eased Amelia into a cushioned chair in the corner of the shop, her posterior planted as she released a deep moan.

Luciano departed to service a few customers before returning with a pan of water. "Here, you can soak your feet." he knelt beside Amelia, taking her calf in his hand, removing her shoe, and placing it into the water. Her ankles swollen and her soles sore, a soak was welcome after working most of the day. After helping her second foot into the pan, Luciano proceeded to add Epsom salt to the water.

"Think of this as a throne, and you are a queen giving orders," Luciano smiled, encouraging Amelia. Despite giving her some rest, he wanted to ensure she had a hand in everything he did. Kissing her midsection, he stood to resume his duties as her subservient.

Amelia was thankful for the rest, as customers came by to ask how she was doing. Children who frequented the shop would even step up to her, asking, "Why is your belly so big?" or "Did you swallow a beach ball?" Their curiosity made Amelia giggle. Seeing the hustle and bustle of her store filled Amelia with warmth. She took pride in getting to know the people of her community, sharing her own stories and listening to theirs.

She squeezed his hand. “Are you sure? I don’t want to cause any trouble. It could still be a few days,” she said, a hand resting on her belly as she sighed.

He blushed as he tended to her. He was always so kind and tender to her, and she often felt she didn’t deserve it.

She spent time talking to the customers and children. Occasionally, she shifted uncomfortably or would stand and sway. She ate lunch with her family and tended to the girls in a back room for nap time. She even rested with them for a bit. And when the day was done, she helped them upstairs to prepare dinner.

Luciano had already taken the initiative to begin preparing dinner. He had made the evening meal earlier that day, knowing how busy they might become. Despite Amelia's nap, her strength still waned. It was clear that her babies were demanding a lot from her, and as their mother, she delightfully obliged.

She met Luciano in the kitchen. He wore an apron that read, "Kiss the cook, and tip him with beer." It was a gift from a few Christmases ago.

"I have thought about what you said," Luciano said as he filleted the steak strips and placed them into the wok to be fried. "We don't have to rush; what will be perfect." He spoke comfortably, though his worry was evident—his anxiety over Amelia's pregnancy weighed heavily on his soul.

"Besides, my sister is coming, Alice." Her name gave Amelia an uneasy feeling. Clutching her swollen belly, she felt her unborn children stir from hunger as she thought about what Luciano had said regarding his older sister. How she blamed him for their mother’s death.

"She said she's eager to meet you," Luciano continued. "She can't wait to meet her nieces." Luciano flipped the contents of the wok as he cooked.

Amelia twitched at the mention of Luciano’s sister. “She could have met them at any time. We’ve invited her for multiple holidays,” the mother-to-be grumbled. “But I’m happy you will get to see your sister again,” she added, rubbing her belly and grabbing some ice from the freezer in a cup to eat.

In the last few weeks, she’d hardly been seen without a cup of ice chips. She briefly looked at the girls playing before setting the table, slowly needing to sit and rest when she finished.

The girls soon came to the table, and when the food was ready, Amelia helped serve them. She ate happily with her family, knowing that the number of meals they shared as a family of four was numbered.

Amelia held a hand to her tummy as she ate. She was certain that her babies-to-be would settle down if their mommy simply rubbed them gently. Still, it was as if they used her belly as a bounce house, nudging her neighboring organs as they tried to make sense of their surroundings.

"Amelia?" Luciano’s gaze was locked on the woman of his dreams. Their eyes met as she still had a fork in her mouth. "I know Alice has been incorrigible," he said with a heavy heart. "But everyone else will be there. Now's a good time for her to see us."

Rose and Lily's ears perked up. "Auntie Alice is coming??" Rose inquired. "We’re going to meet the legend?" Lily chimed in. Luciano laughed. "She's real, I assure you," he replied.

"Why haven't we seen her?" Lily asked. Luciano tried to keep the mood light. "Daddy and your aunt don’t get along too well," he chuckled.

Rose was twirling her stir-fry. "Why?" she murmured. The question made Amelia’s heart sink as her babies on board finally settled. Luciano answered, "She’s just upset at daddy for something he had no control over. I’ll explain it to you when you’re older."

Luciano returned his attention to his meal. Rose whined. "Well, that’s just silly."

“Yes, sweetheart. It’s silly, but we don’t need to talk about it right now. Now, please finish your dinner,” Amelia said, continuing to eat.

Afterward, she bathed the girls and helped them get ready for bed. Tucking them into bed, she read a story and sang a lullaby before kissing them and heading out to the living room with her husband.

“Would you like to watch a movie or something?” she asked, wrapping her arms around him as much as she could. She couldn’t wait to properly hug him again, as they rubbed noses and kissed each other softly. She loved this part of the day—when they could just be together. It was quiet, relaxing, and very much needed. She slowly sat on the couch and snuggled up with him.

Amelia's posterior sank into the couch cushion as Luciano drew her close to him. With an arm around her shoulder and his head leaning toward her, he reached for the remote to turn something on. "Are you in the mood for anything in particular?" Luciano suggested.

Though these quiet nights were few and far between, Luciano was sure to make the time they had together count. When Rose and Lily were just babies, they would often wake their parents up at 2- to 4-hour intervals. Luciano would be the one to come to their call more often, using the excuse, "You carried them for nine months, Amelia. It's only fair I get to hold them just as long on my own."

On nights when Amelia was left to fall back asleep, she would hear the rocking of a chair and the sound of her mate singing a lullaby. Those nights were going to return very soon.

"I'm in the mood for something with a story about a family, where they overcome a conflict exclusively for them. Overcoming it draws them closer together—like The Kids Are All Right or Away We Go. Though the latter would be more for us," Luciano said with a soft smile, reaching for Amelia's swollen belly and gently stroking her bump as her babies on board squirmed from his touch.

Amelia could feel her face flush. Looking at him, she realized Luciano wanted to soothe her wants and needs—perhaps starting with a kiss.

Amelia snuggled up to him, rubbing her large belly. “Hmmm. I’m not sure what I want to watch. Those all seem like good ideas. Why don’t you just choose?” she said, putting a hand up to his face and rubbing his cheek with her thumb for a moment while she looked at him.

She loved to just look into his eyes and admire him sometimes. He was so loving and strong that she wondered how she had ever lived without him. It wasn’t long before her lips met his, kissing him softly yet deeply and passionately, as one hand rested on her belly with his.

“Mmmm. I love you so much,” she said quietly. She turned to face him as much as she could and wrapped her arms around him, kissing him again with a tender smile—never wanting to let go.

She truly cherished the alone time with him and made an effort to always show him just how loved and appreciated he really was.

Their passion ignited. Luciano held his lips to Amelia's. As his hand met her neck, cupping her jaw, Luciano tilted his head, and their kiss deepened. His tongue danced with hers, their breath mingling, the warmth between them feeling distinctly different. Luciano's other hand clasped her fingers, and his palm gently rested atop her vast midsection.

Their intimacy was enough to make Amelia's hairs stand on the back of her neck, her temperature rising as her thoughts began to swirl. Every fiber of her body screamed for more. Luciano then moved his kiss to her neck, his lips behind her ear and along her throat. The contact was nearly enough to make her shriek, but as her thoughts threatened to escape her lips as words, Amelia felt a nudge from within her.

Her babies on board began to stir, making her tummy tumble and toss. The spherical shape of her belly contorted in different directions, causing discomfort and slight pain. Luciano stopped and looked at her.

“Amelia?” Concern tinged his voice. “Are you alright?” His hands then focused on her maternal burden, his fingers searching the surface of her midsection for her babies-to-be.

“We could watch something light-hearted. What do you think about The Father of the Bride?” he said with a smile, snuggling close to the woman he couldn't live without.

She happily kissed him back, moaning softly as he kissed down her neck. “Mmm...mn,” she winced slightly, holding on to him a little tighter. Her breath caught in her throat for a moment before she let out a shaking breath as his hands roamed her belly. She watched it move as she took slow, deep breaths, and he inquired about her.

She squeezed his arm slightly and nodded to reassure him as she relaxed. “Yes... I’m fine... sorry. Hmmm. I don’t know. Have you ever seen The Proposal? I’m kind of in the mood for that right now,” she smiled and kissed him softly once more as she relaxed, grabbing a blanket and draping it over them.

"The Proposal?" Luciano then took the remote, activating the streaming service on the television. He hugged Amelia close as the light from the television was the only illumination in the room.

"I haven't seen it," Luciano said tenderly, just as he pulled up The Proposal from the menu. "I'll try not to analyze too much detail." Luciano apologized in advance, as he had a habit of pointing out plot progression and character development.

"Though..." Luciano's hand then reached back to Amelia, one arm around her shoulders. His spare hand met Amelia's taut abdomen, rubbing circles around her navel as he softly pushed her tummy. The feeling wasn't uncomfortable, but the pressure made Amelia gasp softly.

Withdrawing his palm, he cupped her underbelly and spoke. "Could I get you something before we start? Perhaps some popcorn? Or I could fetch you a fruit salad?" Luciano's hand stroked back and forth across Amelia's baby-filled belly, then moved to her thigh, giving a soft squeeze.

"A drink of water, maybe? Or a foot massage before bed—my treat," Luciano chuckled as he adjusted the volume on the TV and started the movie, pausing once the studio logos appeared.

Amelia smiled brightly as she snuggled up to him. “Oh, I think you’ll like it. It’s a wonderful comedy,” she said, giving him a very brief summary. Her smile only grew wider as he held her belly, then gasped softly.

“Easy, my love. Please,” she reminded him before thinking about what she wanted. “Actually, that sounds absolutely wonderful. Please. Popcorn is good. Can I have some cheese to put on it too? And an ice water — with ice all the way to the top?” she asked with hopeful, eager eyes.

Ice and cheese had become her kryptonite, and it showed in the no-tune of either. The idea of a foot massage was enough to make her blush. It had been months since she could see her feet, and finding shoes for the wedding had been a chore and a half with how swollen her legs and feet were. She was very self-conscious about them but appreciated how much Luciano wanted to help ease the pressure and pain.

They would often sit on the couch, with her propped up against him and her feet elevated on the armrest or on some pillows. This took a bit of effort with her size and the pressure she now felt, but it was still doable or could be adjusted so her feet rested on his lap as he massaged them.

She loved watching movies with him, but recently hadn’t been able to stay awake for more than half of one. However, this time she was determined.

Luciano left as the opening credits remained paused, giving Amelia the opportunity to stretch out on the couch. Not that she didn't mind sitting forward, but given her condition, stretching her legs out would certainly be preferable. From the kitchen, Amelia could hear the hum of the microwave as the bag of popcorn began to snap. Luciano started a pot to boil, placing another bowl atop it and filling that bowl with cheese. The steam from the boiling water heated the bowl just enough to turn the solid cheese into a liquid.

Just as the popcorn finished, Luciano removed it from the bag into a large bowl, drizzling some melted cheese on top. With the remaining cheese, he placed it into a smaller bowl so Amelia could periodically drizzle cheese onto her popcorn. Fetching a glass, Luciano filled it with as much ice as it could hold, then poured filtered water into the glass.

He returned with a big bowl of popcorn, a small bowl of cheese, and a tall glass of mostly ice and water.

“Forgive me for taking so long,” Luciano said, noticing that his expecting bride had stretched out on the couch, patiently waiting with her belly atop her and the blanket swaddled around her. With every breath she took, her midsection rose and fell, occasionally jolting as one of her babies-to-be tried to find the perfect niche.

“Want to lay on the couch? I could sit with your legs on me. If you get sleepy, I could always tickle you,” Luciano said jokingly. The thought of being tickled made Amelia blush, as Luciano often harbored no mercy when it came to that. Still, with a trio of boys in her belly, he would have to go easy on her.

Amelia stretched out on the couch, propping herself up with pillows as she rubbed her belly, smiling as it moved with each little kick. She chuckled softly, following their movements. “Hello, little ones. Just hang on a little longer. I want you out too. Trust me. Mommy is very tired of being pregnant and wants to hold you,” she sighed, looking into the kitchen and watching the beloved father of her children inside her.

She smiled brightly and thanked him as he came back with the treats, only to blush and frown at the mention of tickling. “Thank you... noooooo. No tickling, please. Just remember, there are three babies ready to be born laying on my bladder. If you tickle me too hard, you’ll be the one cleaning up afterward,” she grinned before placing her feet in his lap with a relieved sigh.

“Mmmmmm. Thank you,” she moaned as she ate some popcorn and he rubbed her feet. She was so relaxed that once the popcorn and ice were gone, it didn’t take long for her to fall asleep during the movie.

Luciano looked at her as he heard the sound of snoring. It appeared Amelia had fallen asleep during the scene where Margaret was meeting Andrew's family. Luciano smiled as he thought back to how Amelia had met his father for the first time. The encounter had gone better than the fictional one they were watching, though Luciano carried a heavy heart knowing he never met Amelia's family.

His father was far more jolly than Luciano, and he spoke with an accent that made understanding him difficult—at least to anyone outside the family. Luciano owed it to his father for teaching him how to become the man he was, and the loving husband he had turned out to be.

Luciano looked at Amelia, grabbing her ankles as her breathing caused her belly to heave up and fall down. He pulled her big toe to his mouth and gave it a gentle kiss, hoping that would wake his bride-to-be.

“Amelia?” Luciano inquired, delivering another kiss to her foot. “Are you ready for bed?”

Amelia pulled away, stirring in protest with a groan. “Mmmmnnnn. No. I wanna sleep... just five more minutes,” she whined, rolling onto her side with a yawn. A few minutes later, she sat up and stretched.

“Hm? Is it over already?” she asked, resting a hand on her belly before slowly standing. “I... I’m pretty tired. Do you want to go to bed?” she asked, not realizing he had asked the same question as she began to waddle off slowly, stopping halfway down the hall. She held her belly and leaned against the wall, wincing and whimpering slightly.

“Easy, little ones. Please. Hoooooo. Hoooo,” she breathed. She reached for Luciano to steady herself and for comfort, breathing out, “Just a few more days. Please,” she begged the children inside her.

Amelia's juicy belly hung beneath her as her stride carried her to the bedroom. With Luciano as her rock, he helped her into her pajamas. As her attire wrapped around her curves, Luciano gently took Amelia's hand, teasing her down onto the mattress. The springs gave a subtle squeak as Amelia's size occupied a considerable portion of the bed.

With deep breaths, Amelia regained her composure, as even the most mundane tasks were becoming taxing on her body. Though her body would remain the home of her babies-to-be for a few more days, Amelia knew those days couldn't come soon enough. Releasing a soft moan, her hand gravitated toward her belly as Luciano sat beside her.

"Amelia? I know this has been difficult for you," he said. Being pregnant was a burden only Amelia could bear, and in some moments, Luciano felt helpless to assist the woman who held his heart.

"All I can do is thank you..." His hand reached for her gravid girth, and his palms stroked the curve of her abdomen. Then he felt a gentle nudge originate from inside — the blow was enough to cause Amelia to gasp, then whimper.

"For the gift of life." Luciano drew closer to her. "This is our family." He cupped her underbelly. "To our love." He leaned in close to kiss Amelia goodnight.

Amelia snuggled into her pregnancy pillow, smiling softly at him between whimpers. She thanked him and squeezed his hand as she drifted off to sleep. The next few days would be rough. She would struggle with the pregnancy more than ever before, but when the day of the wedding came, she felt great—energized.

She stood in a room with her girls, helping them into their little flower girl dresses and kissing them. She did her hair and laughed with her bridesmaids. She couldn’t wait to see Luciano. Her heart was racing as she held her belly and looked at her dress. She had no idea that morning, when she woke, that her wonderful feeling was the calm before the storm.

Luciano had left earlier that morning, and while he was gone and she was using the bathroom, she was pretty sure her water had broken. “Just wait a little longer, little ones. Please,” she said to herself, before the maid of honor helped her into the dress. As she did, Amelia held on to another bridesmaid as her belly contracted. The contractions were certainly manageable. She was almost certain they could get through the day. After all, her labor with the twins had lasted well over a day.

She smiled brightly and looked at herself in the mirror as her daughters stood next to her.

“Alright, girls. Are you ready?” she asked, carefully bending down and kissing their heads.

The procession began, and Amelia breathed through a contraction once more. She quickly looked at a clock—just under 30 minutes.

“We’ll be okay. Just hang on. A few more hours,” she whispered, rubbing her sore belly before the doors opened. When she saw Luciano, she smiled brightly and slowly waddled down the aisle to meet him, her daughter standing not far from him, awaiting their mother.

The pews were filled with valued friends and family, standing on either side. All eyes were on Amelia, whose wedding dress was a sight to behold. Her veil shrouded her face, and her gown’s train followed behind her. In the audience, Amelia saw Stefanie, who smiled at her, admiring the work she had done.

Each step was careful as Amelia held her bouquet. She felt her pelvic floor contract and flex. Though she wanted to moan, Amelia maintained her composure. The guests knew Amelia was due any day now, as they watched her gravid belly lead every step she took.

Looking forward, she saw Luciano standing at the altar, anxiously waiting to meet her. Beside him was his best man—his father. Across from them, Amelia’s bridesmaids, each with a warm smile and matching dresses, stood ready.

Amelia made it to the altar, taking a deep breath after the seemingly long walk. But as she stood there, she felt her uterus drop, and her cervix began to dilate. Suddenly, she could feel a drop of amniotic fluid trail down her thigh. All Amelia could do was focus, as Luciano’s gaze melted away her worries.

As the preacher instructed them, Luciano was the first to read his vows. "Amelia," his words were as suave as the day they met. "You're my whole world. Everything I do is for you. There’s nothing about you I would change. I stand here today to tell you—and everyone here—that I will continue to love you, our family, and our life—from now on, and even through death."

Amelia was then instructed to read her vows. In the back of the crowd, Alice watched instinctively.

Amelia somehow managed to keep her composure through the contraction. Though not unbearable, they were starting to get stronger. As she stood in front of her groom, she took his hands, listening to him recite his vows, and any doubt about being in labor disappeared. She quietly took slow, deep breaths, trembling from excitement and nerves with everything that was happening.

“Luciano, you are my world. From the first time we met...” she continued with her vows, her mind racing as she looked him in the eyes. Could he tell? Could anyone else? A joyful tear ran down her cheek as she finished her vows, squeezing his hands a little tighter before they exchanged rings.

When she wasn’t speaking, she focused on maintaining her composure. Thankfully, the next contraction waited until they kissed for the first time as husband and wife. Her gravid, contracting belly pressed against him as a soft moan escaped her during the kiss, but the smile never left her face.

They walked slowly down the aisle together, though it was much more of a graceful waddle. As the bridal party joined them, waiting to meet the guests, she held her belly and his hand as their daughters joined them as well.

The organ began to play their wedding theme as the crowd cheered and applauded the happy couple. Amelia was livid, her hand clutching her tummy as her smile met everyone's gaze. But as they made their way down the aisle, Amelia's stride triggered something. She could feel her insides shift as the pressure inside her belly sank deep into her pelvis. The sound of her churning insides was overshadowed by the roar of applause.

Amelia froze, her grip on Luciano's hand nearly breaking his fingers. She felt another contraction coming—her uterus flexed and bowed, all in an effort to set labor into motion. As Amelia's face flushed bright red, Luciano looked at her with concern seeping from his gaze.

"Amelia?" His voice was soft, yet sharp. He wanted to keep moving, but he realized they had only stopped briefly to distract the onlookers. He provided a gentle wave of reassurance. Then he leaned closer to her.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his thumb rubbing her hand she held.

“If need be, I can carry you...” Luciano was sure that his dedication to weight training wouldn't be wasted, as at this moment, Amelia might very well need to borrow his strength.

“Mommy? We have to get to the party!” Rose danced around her mother, while Lily stepped up and placed a hand on Amelia's swollen belly.

“We have to get to the reception! Don’t hold mommy back, okay?” Lily spoke to her unborn brothers, who were close to making their appearance.

In the back of the crowd, Alec noticed his sister-in-law's plight, fearing that Luciano’s babies might be too much for her. He reached for his phone, as if to call an ambulance.

Then Amelia felt a sharp pain in her lower back, as the discomfort intensified, rocking and rattling her fertile body.

Amelia began to pant as she squeezed Luciano’s hand. “Hooo... heee... hooo... heee... hooo... Mn! Ngh... I’m trying, ladies. I’m sorry,” she apologized to the eager little girls, stifling a groan.

“Luciano... please help me,” she whimpered, trying to keep her composure in front of everyone. She winced slightly as he picked her up, carrying her out of the church just in time for the contraction to end. Amelia whimpered, catching her breath as he set her down.

She immediately began to sway, resting her head against him and holding her sore belly.

“Thank you... honey... it’s time,” was all she could manage as she looked up at her new husband.

“I’m... I’m pretty sure my water broke before the ceremony,” she admitted, trembling as she focused on her breathing.

As Luciano heard his wife’s response, his heart sank, knowing now that Amelia was only delaying the inevitable. Inside the church, people looked toward the exit with worry and a soft clamor of concerned voices. Alice placed her phone back into her purse and rushed to her nieces.

“Mommy is going to be okay,” she reassured, kneeling beside Rose and Lily, whose faces reflected shock. Luciano’s father stepped toward them, kneeling down and holding their shoulders.

“Your father will take good care of your mommy,” he said with a gentle smile.

Outside, Amelia felt another contraction strike her body. The force was enough to make her release a husky groan as she clutched her dress, lifting the gown. Without hesitation, Luciano knelt beside her as Amelia struggled to breathe.

“Amelia?” Luciano looked at her as she leaned her head back, reeling from labor pains.

“You can do this,” he said softly. Then he reached beneath her, his gaze fixed on her belly.

“Breathe with me.” Luciano took her hand and saw her pregnant belly jolting and bouncing with each contraction. Reaching for her, he felt her womanhood and plunged his fingertips into her, touching her cervix. Amelia couldn’t help but shudder.

Standing up, Luciano scooped her into his arms. He embraced her, supporting her legs and her backside. She gasped and moaned once they found their footing, arm around Luciano’s neck and another cupping her underbelly. Her dress swayed beneath them, and Luciano looked at her with concern.

“You’re dilated, but not to 10 centimeters yet,” he said softly.

He held her close as he carried her to the car.

“I'm going to get you home.” Luciano placed Amelia in the back seat, the seatbelt holding her as her body occupied the entire seat.

Amelia kissed her daughters goodbye before gasping and groaning as Luciano checked her progress. She felt horrible. She had been so excited for the reception, but now they would most likely miss the whole thing. She looked her new husband in the eyes, trying to follow his breathing, but the contractions were getting stronger and closer together. She didn’t know for sure, but guessed she was around 4 centimeters and entering active labor.

Once in the car, she let down her guard and groaned loudly in pain.

“Oooooooohhhhhhh. Hooooooo. Hoo hoo. Ngh! I’m so sorry,” she whimpered.

“I really wanted to at least make it through our first dance. Oh! Hooooo,” she whined. “Ohhhhh, why did it have to be now? Oh gosh. Heeeee hoooo, heeeeee hoooo, heee hooo...”

Then, with a trembling voice, she asked, “Luciano, do... Do you think the girls will be okay? What about all the guests?”

Amelia's moans were muffled by the vehicle as contractions gripped her body, causing her to rock the car in response. Luciano reached over, holding her hand as he kept one hand on the steering wheel.

“It wasn’t your intention to give birth on your wedding day,” Luciano said softly, as his bride bellowed in the back seat. Amelia’s knees buckled, and her sex throbbed as the bumpy ride did little to ease her pain.

“I told Dad to lead everyone into the reception area,” Luciano added lightly.

As they pulled up to the flower shop, Amelia’s belly bubbled and croaked, another contraction causing her gut to rumble. Her breaths remained rhythmic as Luciano hurried from the car to meet her at the door.

“The wedding is just on a brief intermission,” he said, gently carrying his blushing bride into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and sobbed into his chest.

“We will be back with three new family members,” he whispered, pressing his forehead against hers.

“For now... I need you to breathe,” Luciano said softly as he carried her across the threshold of their home and up the stairs, where the birthing tub was waiting and ready.

Removing Amelia’s dress proved difficult. Her swollen belly filled the gown, and she could only moan through the contractions, which intensified in strength. Now naked as the day she was born, Amelia sat in the birthing tub, holding onto the rim and spreading her legs between her tummy. Veins bulged across her engorged belly, and stretch marks adorned its sides.

As Amelia tilted her head backward, Luciano began filling the tub with warm water. She bobbed her pelvis between contractions, but when one struck, she froze and moaned, feeling her pelvic floor flex and her uterus squeeze.

While filling the tub, Luciano removed his tuxedo, wearing only swim shorts. Reaching for her thighs, his hand dove into her womanhood. He climbed into the tub behind his wife, gently supporting her back as she sat against his chest.

He leaned into her ear and softly said, “You’re 8 centimeters dilated. You’re almost there. You’re doing great.”

Amelia gasped and groaned, struggling to breathe as Luciano went behind her. The pain was almost unbearable, and she clenched his hand, squeezing it tightly. Her body trembled as she pressed her head back onto his shoulder.

“Hoo hoo... aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh,” she moaned in pain, closing her eyes as one hand supported the underside of her throbbing belly.

“Luciano... it’s progressing too fast. I—I don’t know if I can do this. Oooooooohhhhhhh. Heeeheee hooooo. Heee heee hoooooo,OOOOOOHHHH!!!”

With each breath, her belly moved, and she writhed in pain.

“I... I can’t. It hurts. Oh God, it hurts so much. Please. I can’t,” she begged, freaking out. She remembered the twins’ birth and how difficult that had been, and now this one was already moving much faster and was more painful. She worried she didn’t have the strength for it as her back arched and she cried out in pain.

The contractions were minutes apart and only growing stronger, forcing the first baby closer to the opening of her birth canal. It wouldn’t be long before her body took over. As she squeezed Luciano’s hand as if her life depended on it, she lowered her chin to her chest and, with a guttural groan, started to push.

“Hoo hoo... Hoo hoo... ohhhh. Mmmmmnnnnn. Ah. Ah. Nnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggghhhhhhhhhh!!!”

She screamed as her body writhed in his arms.

Amelia could feel her birth canal filling. As her cervix held the crown of her first child, Amelia was compelled to begin pushing. With a guttural groan, she flexed her pelvic muscles, only to feel no change in pressure or sensation. As she steadied her breathing, another contraction ensued, rivaling the ones that came before it.

"Amelia... you can do this. You've done this before, and I know you can do it all over again," Luciano whispered, kissing her shoulder. One of his hands reached to massage her back as he rocked with her, causing the water in the birthing tub to swish.

Amelia looked down at her belly, fearing the worst.

“Focus on breathing and push,” Luciano advised. He took deep breaths himself, hoping Amelia would mimic them as he rubbed her belly’s side, feeling the life within churn.

Amelia panted as she laid back against Luciano, gritting her teeth as her back arched. Slowly, she began to listen to his breathing and mimic it herself. Not only did it help with the labor, but it also helped take her mind off some of the pain.

“Hee hee hoooo... heee hee hoooo... heee... hooo... hoo... hoo... ohhhhhhhhh!!! Nnnnnnnnggggggghhhhhh!!” she groaned, pushing as hard as she could, hearing Luciano’s quiet count to ten as he encouraged her to keep pushing.

“Hoo hoo... Hoo hoo... nnnnnnnnnnnggggggghhhhhh!!!! Gah!!” she gasped and groaned, her shaking hand reaching down to gently massage her sex, trying to feel for the child.

“L-Luciano… C-Can I ask something of you?” she asked nervously. She’d read somewhere that birth could actually be pleasurable if stimulated properly, and if not, it could still be used as a natural pain suppressant.

“This... it feels like it’s not progressing. I—I can’t birth three children like this. I just can’t. Ngh! C- Could you pleasure me? Please? Help me make this more intimate. And ooohhhhhh... Nghhhh!!! Hooo... Hoo... I need to do something about the pain. Please,” she whimpered.

Luciano felt his heart sink as his wife’s moans dulled to whimpers, and her words became broken and cracked. He knew in his heart that he had to act soon; he would do anything to ensure the safety of his wife and her children.

“Are you sure?” Luciano asked, counting through her breaths.

Amelia winced and nodded, too exhausted to beg any further. Luciano hesitated but knew exactly what he had to do. He climbed from behind her to face her front.

As another contraction erupted in her pelvic floor, Amelia bowed and leaned her head back, exposing her neck. It was then that Luciano pressed his lips to her throat, kissing the soft skin that had reverberated with moans earlier. The sound of her groaning vibrated against his lips as his kisses trailed down her body, to her chest.

His fingers intertwined with hers as their hands held each other. Luciano’s mouth met her bosom, where her erect nipple stood. He then took her areola onto his tongue, nursing what was already a tender part of her body. Their intimacy caused Amelia’s moans to shift from pain to passion. She squirmed against him, feeling her sex throb and her desire accelerate.

“Amelia...” His voice was deep and stern, as his loins began to swell, thickening to meet the woman who held his heart and needed his aid.

Amelia’s breathing evened out as she spread her legs as wide as they could go and leaned into the kiss. Her hand held Luciano’s, while her other rested on her still-contracting belly. His kisses felt good, and as his tongue danced around her swollen breasts, she moaned, arching her back slightly. It didn’t take much to express some milk; her breasts were already filled to the brim, ready to feed the babies she needed to deliver.

Gradually, her pained moans became mixed with pleasure.

“Oh... ohhhhhhh... mnnnnn... nnn... nngggghhhhhhh... Hoo hoo... oh... mmmnnn,” she gasped, holding his face and pulling him closer until their lips met, kissing him passionately and hungrily through the next push. She wanted more of him. He was irresistible to her, and as her desire increased, she clung to him tightly before tilting her head back, curling around her belly, and pushing as hard as she could once more.

“Ohhhhhhh... mmmnnn... nnnnngggghhhh!! Hoo—don’t stop. Please, don’t stop. I want you. Ohhhhhhh... nnnnnggggghhh,” she whimpered, pushing as hard as she could, causing her legs to tremble.

"We do this together," Luciano spoke. As the taste of breast milk was fresh on his tongue, he felt his manhood begin to throb beneath his shorts. Amelia's belly remained between them, as its surface jostled and jolted from her babies, unsure of what their mother was feeling. Luciano then turned Amelia to her side, so her belly moved beside her, as she gripped the edge of the birthing tub to brace herself.

As Luciano removed his trousers, he knelt over one of Amelia's legs, taking her other leg and lifting it up. Her lower body made an "L" shape as her husband sought to help her climax. With a kiss to her ankle, Amelia shuddered from the feeling it gave her, as his kisses then trailed down her calf and inside her thigh. The pleasure dispelled her pain, as her contractions continued to crash into her, wave after wave.

"Amelia..." His breath tickled her leg that he held. As Amelia felt Luciano's hand reach to touch her belly, the other held her ankle into the air. Luciano groped the expanse of her body, cupping her closest breast, pinching her stiff nipple.

A drop of cream secreted from her bosom; Luciano caught it with his thumb, taking it to his lips. He felt a pressure rise in his pelvis as his shaft swelled to meet his woman. Luciano's length pulsed with his beating heart, as the tip pointed towards Amelia's clitoris, and with a gentle nudge, his cock pushed between her labia and across her clit.

Amelia shrieked in surprise, not knowing if Luciano was intentional or simply missed her eager hole. Repositioning his pelvis, Luciano aimed his tip to her vulva, pushing his solid member into her vaginal opening, as every inch of his manhood kneaded her throbbing vaginal folds.

"You will always have me."

Amelia held the side of the pool, breathing heavily as he continued to kiss her. A smile formed on her face as he kept kissing her. She gasped when he entered her, not expecting him to do so, but as he began to move, she couldn’t help but moan blissfully.

“Ohhhhhh... Oooooohhhh... Oh, Luciano... Mmmmnnnn,” she panted, putting her head back as her sex tightened around him with the next contraction.

“Mnnn... Nnnnnnggggghhhhhh... Ohhhh,” she began to push again, reeling from his pounding into her. It was pain mixed with bliss as she pushed as hard as she could.

Then she finally felt a shift—the baby was coming. She reached for his hand and immediately started to push again, through blissful moans, counting and continuing to make love to him.

"Focus on pushing against me..." Luciano's body moved in a fluid motion as his pelvis pumped into Amelia's. He could feel her birth canal swath his manhood in her velvet-like flesh. The motion of their bodies caused the water to splash from either side of the tub, though Luciano's thrust was firm but cautious.

With each contraction, Amelia's birth canal squeezed his cock, milking his shaft, as if to siphon his seed.

"That's a girl. You're doing better than I could ever hope," he murmured.

Leaning forward, Luciano met Amelia's ribs with his lips, kissing against them. This was an attempt to dive deeper into her sex, though his length pushed through her dilated cervix. With a gentle push, Luciano went as far as he could, causing Amelia to shudder and moan.

Suddenly, Luciano encountered something with his member, forcing him to immediately retreat from Amelia's loins. She felt a pressure drop toward her cervix as it dilated to hold what would be the first of the three babies.

"Amelia, I'm sorry, I felt our—" Luciano's tone was nurturing as his hands reached for Amelia's tender sex, confirming what he already knew. Amelia had to begin pushing.

Amelia panted and moaned before he quickly pulled out. It was as if they had realized together— the pressure had built up, and her body was screaming for her to push. Her back ached as she shakily reached for his hand, curling around her belly and pushing as hard as she could.

“Oh... Hooo hooo... Nnnnnnnngggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Mnnn... Ngh...” she gasped.

She rolled so she was sitting up and pushed again, feeling his hand there made her tremble. She didn’t want the pleasure to end; she wanted to enjoy this process as much as possible. Groaning through the next push, she listened to him guide her with encouraging words and counting.

Luciano was beneath Amelia as she parted her legs and bore down, her body readying itself. Kneeling beside her, Luciano reached for Amelia's sex, where his fingers then glided through her folds.

Suddenly, he felt what he already knew—lodged in Amelia's cervix was something spherical, slippery, and soft. With her rhythmic breaths, he could feel it bobbing forward and back.

As joy began to swell in Luciano's heart, he spoke to Amelia, who was enduring their labor of love.

"You're doing great. I can feel our baby's head. Just push with this next contraction. For now, breathe with me."

There was a calm before another wave was to ensue. Luciano's hands withdrew from her as he breathed in a steady pattern, but then Amelia felt something. Her husband's hands stayed with her sex—one parting her labia and the other dedicated to stimulating her tender clitoris.

The way he used his fingers to press against her erect flesh was enough to distract her from her breathing, but his gaze remained locked on hers, maintaining her focus.

His fingertip then slid side to side over her clit, and he took the opportunity to hold his breath and dip his head underwater. Amelia's view of him was already obscured by her belly filled with their baby, but she didn't need to see him to know what he was doing.

With a gasp followed by a groan, Amelia hugged Luciano with her legs as his head pressed into her pelvis, and his mouth met her labia. Luciano's tongue then pushed between her lower lips, flicking against her stiff clitoris.

Amelia wanted to bellow as her body squirmed against him, a dull pain beginning to build. Another contraction was drawing near, and as Luciano's tongue continued to dance with her sensitive clit…

Amelia held her belly as she rested against the side of the pool. With a low groan, she put her head back, trying to catch her breath and breathe with him, only to gasp and arch her back as she felt her husband pleasure her once more.

The pained groan soon became a blissful moan as her legs trembled from the stimulation between them.

"Mmmnnnnn... Ohhhhhhh... ohhhhojh... Hooooooo... Hoo hoo, oh honey, oh! Oooh!!!" she cried out, holding the backs of her knees as her body began to contract once more.

With a whimper and a deep breath, she pushed again, as hard as she could.

"Mn... Nnnnnnnggggggghhhhhh!!! Ohhhhhh... Oh, gosh... haaa... haaa... hoooo... oooohhhhh!!! Oh, don’t stop! It’s coming! Aaaahhhhh," the laboring mother squirmed, crying out in a mix of pain and bliss before pushing again as her body continued to tremble.

As Amelia's tremors caused the waters to crash and her husband continued, a feeling in her birth canal shifted. Luciano then gripped his wife's thighs, as if to ground her. Holding his breath was an easy task, as his mouth maintained its task. Contractions compelled Amelia to push, and Luciano guided her toward orgasm. His tongue smothered her most tender region, its warm surface a stark contrast to her own.

Amelia nearly dug her fingers into her knees as she felt Luciano's strategy change. He then drew one hand to her sex, hooking two fingers into her vulva, and stroked the tender ridges of her swollen G-spot. The sensation was euphoric as Luciano's hand played a symphony of sensitivity on Amelia's succulent sex. His tongue moved with her, as Amelia felt her libido reaching its breaking point.

It was as if the contractions embodied an indescribable pleasure, transforming her from pain to rapture. One hand probed her vulva while the other met her tummy, its surface heaving from Amelia's excited breaths. His palm then dragged toward her, stopping at her bosom. Amelia nearly felt the urge to escape but remained locked onto the man who had sewn his seeds into her and who intended to reap the ripe fruit.

Luciano's hand pinched Amelia's nipple; its rigid flesh was tender to the touch, as he had all the intent to push her over the edge. Just as Amelia was certain her loins would gush and her climax would take her, Luciano emerged from the water to catch his breath.

"Hooo—Amelia? Are you—Hooo—okay? Your breathing—it's—" His hands withdrew from her chest and thighs, moving to hers as she braced for the pain to return and the pleasure to take a brief hiatus.

Amelia felt an impulse to answer Luciano quickly and push him back to her pelvis, as the stimulation she received made her labor of love incredibly joyous. Luciano looked at her with confidence and stamina.

Amelia gasped and moaned as he continued to please her. As bliss took over, she kept pushing as hard as she could until he came up for air. Her breath trembled as she arched her back and moaned.

“Haa haa haa haa... hoooo oooooohhhhhhh! Mnh! Hoo. Hoo. It’s coming. I... I can feel it,” she said, squeezing his hands tightly before gasping with a smile.

“Ohhh... Oohhhhhh! Nnnnnnnnggggggghhhhhhhh!!! Hoo hoo... mmmnnnnn... Oh, L... Luciano,” she trembled, panting as she held him close and her body quivered.

Between her legs, a small gift of hair was becoming visible and disappearing with each breath.

“Hoo hoo... Nnnngggggggghhhhhh... Nnnnmmmmmmmm... ohhhhh... oh my love... my love, oh!” She reached her hand down to see if she could feel the baby, beginning to push once more, smiling at her husband through heavy breaths.

It was then that Amelia came into contact with something. As her hand searched between her legs, guiding toward her womanhood, she felt it. It was a tuft of hair, with strands wafting through the water.

As the contact made Amelia's gaze widen and her demeanor brighten, Luciano then reached with his hand to hers, feeling the cranium of their child bobbing with each breath Amelia took.

"Amelia?" His words perked her ears as their eyes locked. "We're almost there... steady your breaths. Push through your contractions."

His hand probed the circumference of the child's head, discovering that Amelia's body had a tight hold. Amelia's face was flushed, her hair clinging to her face.

Luciano continued to examine her, then took a deep breath as his concern softened into a gentle smile.

"I'm going to count down from ten. When I finish, I need you to push."

Luciano cupped his hands between Amelia's thighs, then leaned forward, kissing her bloated belly, causing Amelia to shiver and rock her knees.

"Here we go."

Amelia smiled as she continued to pant, trying to slow her breathing.

“Hoo hoo... Hoo hoo... Mmmmnnnnnnnnnnn... Nnnnnnnggggghhhhhhh... Ah!”

She struggled to keep pushing as he counted.

“Nnnnnnnnngggggggggggggg... ooooh... Hoo hoo... Hoo hoo... Hoo hoo... ohhh,” her body shook as she threw her head back and gripped the sides of the pool. The baby began to crown, stretching her opening as she grunted and pushed again.

“Ngh! Haaa... Hooooo... Hooo... Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggghhhhhhhh...!!” she gasped and yelped as her body twitched, stretching around the baby, desperate to deliver it and the two still waiting inside.

Her moans slowly turned to groans as she held her legs and tried to push again, as hard and as long as she could.

As Amelia felt her strength wane and her stamina deplete, Luciano gave her an affirming smile.

"Amelia—" There was energy in his voice as he looked below Amelia's hips. There, he saw the face of his first son. The baby's hair swam from his scalp, and his cheeks puckered as if to whimper. Luciano cupped the child's head in his hand, guiding the baby's entrance into the world.

"Our first baby. He's here," he whispered, almost with tears in his tone. To nearly hold his first son was enough to make his breath leave his body and his heart skip a beat.

With his hands guiding their child, he directed Amelia once more.

"We're nearly there, Amelia. You're doing so well."

Luciano shifted his kneeling position to create more space for his newly wedded wife.

"I want you to meet him. All it will take is a little push—"

As Luciano spoke, Amelia felt another contraction invade her pelvic floor. The pain propelled her to push, knowing that if she could pass her first son's shoulders, the rest would come easily.

Luciano gave Amelia a wink when their eyes met, then spoke again.

"Take deep breaths. Push with your contractions."

He said, still cupping his first son's submerged cranium.

Amelia laid back, breathing heavily. She was calm and relaxed. The warm water and her new husband's encouraging words helped her stay that way. She felt a brief moment of relief as the head slid from her body. Still holding onto her legs, she looked at her husband with a soft but tired smile.

“I can do this... wait. Him? We... we’re having a boy—” she was cut off by the next contraction as her face contorted in pain, and she groaned.

Putting her chin to her chest and curling around her belly, she bore down as hard as she could.

“Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggghhhhhhhhh!!!! Mnnnnnnnnnnn!!!! Haaa... Hoo hoo... Hoo hoo... Ohhhhh... Come on... Hoo... nnnngggggaaaahhhhhh!”

She never screamed. She didn’t cry. She simply whimpered and groaned as she forced her body to push even harder.

Until finally, the sweet rush of blissful relief washed over her as their son slid into his father's waiting arms.

Amelia laid back once more, watching her new husband pull the newborn from the water. Tears filled her eyes as she did. Seeing him like this—holding his son for the first time—was absolutely beautiful.

As much as she wanted to hold the crying baby boy close, she refused to disrupt this perfect moment before her.

“He’s here,” she whispered.

Luciano looked at the life he held, as the child squirmed in his grasp. The baby was a boy, and his lungs roared to life with a cry that was louder than his sister's debut.

"Amelia—" Luciano choked back his words as he turned his attention to the boy's umbilical cord. "He's beautiful."

He cut the cord and clipped the end before proceeding to swaddle the child in a nearby blanket.

"I couldn't have done this without you," Luciano said. "I owe this miracle to you, Amelia."

Feeling emotional, Luciano stood to take the child to a nearby bassinet. As he was still nude, Amelia couldn't help but blush at his physique.

Though this spark of joy rejuvenated their strength, Amelia doubled over as another contraction erupted inside her.

Luciano, placing the boy down and offering a pacifier, looked back at his wife, who was still in the midst of her labor of love.

"Amelia?!" he knelt outside the pool, placing his hands on her shoulders as he gently massaged her aching tendons.

He leaned close to her, his breaths steady and rhythmic.

"You've done so much for us, for our family. We're almost through this. With your breathing controlled and your contractions paced, you're going to bring life into this world as beautifully as the life we lead..."

As Luciano's words of encouragement came to a close, another contraction seized her. Clutching her belly with one hand, Amelia could feel her uterus flex and heave, her cervix gaping, and her sex quivering.

Her racing heart caused the veins on her belly to throb, and she leaned her head back toward her husband, who then kissed behind her ear.

"You can do this..."

Amelia watched him with a tired smile through heavy breaths. The newborn’s cries gave her encouragement. He sounded healthy and looked so much like his father.

“What do you want to name him?—ngah!”

She was interrupted by the strength of the next contraction, forcing her to curl around her belly with a groan. As one hand held her middle, the other gripped the side of the pool as her new husband quickly came to her side once more.

She whimpered and grunted, squirming uncomfortably as he spoke softly into her ear and massaged her shoulders. With a nod, she slowly turned so she was on her knees facing him, burying her face in her arms as she tried to keep her breathing even.

Her body heaved with the next contraction, eliciting a guttural moan as she reached out to hold onto him and began to push once more.

“Hooo... hooo... mn... Haaa... nnnnnnnnggggghhhhhhhh... haaa!”

She relaxed for just a moment before quickly pushing again, holding his hand as she did.

As Amelia lurched forward, she could feel her belly nearly touch the bottom of the birthing pool. As her bosom swayed, Amelia inhaled deeply and exhaled fully, her face contorted with discomfort.

“Amelia? I have a few ideas for names,” Luciano reached for her as he knelt, rubbing her shoulders and the back of her neck. He was sure she was enduring another contraction.

Returning to the birthing tub, Luciano positioned himself behind his birthing bride. His hands reached to her back, stroking the stiff muscles on either side of her spine. Then, Amelia felt a pressure build in her pelvic floor, followed by a stabbing pain. Throwing her head back, she voiced her agony with a deep moan as she rocked her body against Luciano.

“Here...” Luciano reached for her sex, his fingers delving into her. Amelia flinched from his penetration, shivering as she felt his fingers probe her cervix.

“I can feel him...” His words were stern.

“Amelia—”

Through the folds of her cervix, Luciano kneaded her, but his contact with their second child was fleeting as Amelia whimpered from his intrusion. Removing his hand, she gasped quickly as he proceeded to stroke the side of her belly, filled with their baby.

“He's at the threshold. Your strength as a mother will never cease to amaze me.”

Luciano then positioned his hands on her pelvis.

“Take deep breaths. When you feel another contraction...”

He leaned to kiss the base of Amelia's spine.

“Push—”

Amelia stopped pushing and panted through the contraction. The pressure she felt with this baby was significantly greater, leading her to believe the baby was larger than the last. She groaned as her husband spoke to her. His massaging had felt good, but her sex felt like it was on fire.

With the next contraction, she trembled and pushed as hard as she could, as Luciano began his count to ten once more.

“Nnnnnnngggggghhhhhhh... haaaaaaaaahhhhhhh... Hhhhhaaaassa... hhhhoooooo... L... Luciano, it hurts,” she whined through pained breaths as the head crowned.

“Ooooooooowwwwww... Hhhooooooo... Hoooo... Mngh! Mmmmmm... Gosh, please make it stop. It burns,” she cried, even though the water helped greatly, she was being stretched to her limit and at risk of tearing.

She tried to push again, but her efforts were weak and made no progress. She began to cry, breathing heavily, rocking on her hands and knees, desperately seeking any kind of relief as the head of their second boy remained in place.

Amelia felt her efforts were futile. The sound of her moans reverberated through the room, lingering in Luciano’s ears. Her second child was positioned at the threshold of her cervix. As Amelia's body swayed, tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.

Sensing her plight, Luciano stroked Amelia's back.

"I'm—" Luciano began, then took his hands to her posterior. "Going to check. Brace yourself."

His hands plunged into Amelia’s tender womanhood. The intrusion was enough to make her eyes widen and her mouth gape, releasing a soft moan. There, Luciano felt that the second child refused to budge. No progress had been made since the last time he checked.

Luciano withdrew his hands.

“Amelia...” he said softly, then knelt behind her. “We’re going to have to use gravity to our advantage.”

Taking Amelia’s hand, he gently stroked her aching flesh.

“We need to squat,” Luciano suggested, turning Amelia toward him so they faced each other. She squatted while he knelt. Her engorged belly pressed against him, the contents nudging against his chest. Luciano’s mind was filled only with thoughts of the family they would soon share.

“Amelia?” As they looked into each other's eyes, Luciano held his bride in a comfortable position, leaning toward her and kissing her. Their lips met, sparking a sense of urgency—a culmination of nine months of love.

“Breathe with me,” Luciano urged, taking rhythmic breaths. “Push when the contractions start.”

Amelia felt a sharp pain ebb into her pelvic floor as it crashed against her lower spine.

“Know that I love you,” Luciano whispered, kissing Amelia once more, his teeth grazing her bottom lip.

Movements were slow and painful as she continued to groan, resting her head on Luciano’s shoulder for a moment while he held her. She listened to his breathing, trying to mimic it as she kissed him. Resting against him once more in the squatting position, her face contorted in pain.

“I love you too,” she whimpered, then took a deep breath through the contraction and tried to push.

“Hooooo... hoooooo... Nnnngggggggghhaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh... Aaaaaahhhhhh... I can’t. I can’t. It feels like I’m being torn in two, Luciano. I can’t,” she cried, breathing heavily.

The baby’s head was at its widest point, stretching her to her limit as she grit her teeth, trying not to scream. Her body shook as her opening began to tear.

“Asaaaahhhhh... Ahhhh... I can’t. I can’t make it stop. Please,” she begged, gasping and panting as she held him tighter. Occasionally, she’d try to give a small push, but the pain in her sex was excruciating.

Luciano could sense that the pain Amelia was enduring was far more than she could bear. As the woman he loved pleaded with him, he contemplated how to act quickly.

“Amelia!” His words reflected his worried nature, as his heart began to race and her body trembled against him. Blood swam through the water beneath them, adding to her distress.

As Amelia’s arms clung to his neck and shoulders, she couldn’t help but bounce on the soles of her feet, causing her gravid bosom to hop against her belly. Luciano looked to see the surface of her midsection move as Amelia released a husky groan, another contraction plaguing her tender body.

“Amelia—” His hands traced her spine and made their way to her sex.

As agony twisted her features, Luciano remained close, acting as a lightning rod for each of her contraction’s strikes.

“I could go in,” he said softly. “Though I would need to lubricate your birth canal. The water does little for your tendon elasticity. There’s a perineal massage I could perform, if you’re comfortable with me doing so.”

Luciano had always wanted to be an obstetrician, and now it was his duty to prove that to Amelia.

He leaned his head toward hers as she hugged him tightly, fingernails digging into his skin, her teeth into his shoulder. Amelia muffled her screams as she took a moment to consider his plan.

“Whatever we do,” Luciano said softly, “you won’t have to do it alone.”

He quickly kissed Amelia’s sweat-covered forehead and her hair, offering her reassurance.

Amelia panted and screamed through the pain as she clung to him. The pain was quickly becoming more than she could bear, as the baby's head protruded from her sex.

“Get it out of meeeeee!!!!” she cried, then groaned loudly, “Nnnnnnngggggghhhhhhaaaaaaahhhhhh... Hoo hoo hoo... Hoo,” as she continued to try to push out of desperation.

Her cries echoed through their home as she looked at her new husband. She didn’t know how she was going to birth this baby—or the next one. Through gasps and sobs, she kept pushing.

Gripping his hand, her body trembled, and she fell to her knees once more.

“Ahhhhhhhhhh... Luciano, I can’t. I can’t do this, please. It hurts so much. I can’t. Get it out!” she begged him from her knees, her eyes drifting toward the sleeping baby she’d already delivered.

Seeing her firstborn son pulled at Amelia’s heartstrings. She then turned back to Luciano, closed her eyes, and leaned into him. Her new husband reached for her loins, holding one hand to her belly and the other to her pelvis.

“Amelia—” Luciano softly rubbed her tummy as Amelia swayed against him. She felt the urgency to push but hesitated, as Luciano took patterned breaths and looked at her with conviction.

“I’m going to push on your belly,” Luciano said gently. He stroked Amelia’s pelvic region, which remained sensitive to the touch.

“When I do, I need you to push,” he added. His hand examined her bloated belly until he could feel his unborn child's body. Amelia winced, sucking through her teeth as Luciano pressed against her tender tummy.

He felt the child's posterior and determined where the cranium was.

“When you're ready, I’ll push with you. Don’t strain yourself—allow me to do that for you,” Luciano said softly, as a familiar pain began to rise in Amelia’s pelvic floor.

Luciano could feel her belly heaving and her womanhood quivering. This labor of love—the one Luciano and Amelia were determined to succeed in.

Amelia whimpered and groaned, holding on to Luciano tightly. With a small nod, she began to push again, letting out an agonized scream as he pressed on her belly.

“Nnnnnnnn... Aaaaahhhhhh!!!!! Haaa haaa haaa haaa... I don’t want to do this,” she cried as the baby’s head slid free.

“Luciano, it hurts,” she whimpered, resting against him once more, holding his hand and squeezing it tightly. She needed his strength and support as she struggled to breathe through the pain.

“T—tell me what names you want to give them,” she managed to whisper. Slowly, she adjusted her position, tears streaming down her cheeks, then began to push once more, as hard as she could.

“Nnnnnnnnngggggghhhhhh... Ooooohhhhhhhh... Ngh!” she breathed heavily, resting against him again as she looked at him with tired eyes.

Amelia could feel her baby’s head drop into position as Luciano pushed with her contractions. Her cervix held onto the child’s cranium. Amelia could only bellow as her belly and bosom hung beneath her, feeling her baby’s body move through her birth canal.

The pain was excruciating, and the sound of her voice could have easily been heard from outside their home. Luciano had to comfort her, to take her mind away from the pain she was about to endure.

“Names?” Amelia nodded, biting her bottom lip. Luciano stroked her belly as she braced for another contraction.

“I was thinking of Gram for one of our sons—though I would spell it G-r-a-h-a-m,” Luciano said, trying to distract his blushing bride from her agony, her hair clinging to her face and tears filling her eyes.

“And for our second son, I was thinking of Clay, short for Clayton,” he added. Luciano smiled as his hand left Amelia’s belly and cupped her chin.

“Our boy in the bassinet is Graham, and our other boy is about to meet him,” Luciano finished, his voice gentle.

He reached for Amelia’s loins to feel a round surface lodged in her vulva. Hair clung to its surface, bobbing in and out with Amelia’s staggered breaths.

“His name will be Clay,” Luciano said softly.

As Luciano spoke, Amelia felt another contraction flood her body, crashing into the base of her spine in waves and compelling her to roar. Leaning toward her, Luciano did his best to comfort her.

“Amelia. I know it hurts. But right now, through this pain, you’re performing a miracle—something I wouldn’t want any other woman to do. I know I’m asking for something I could never do myself. But—”

Luciano leaned in and kissed Amelia as she whimpered. “I wouldn’t want to experience this with anyone else but you—”

As Luciano finished, Amelia felt a pressure dislodge in her pelvic floor as the baby’s shoulders passed through her cervix, allowing the head to emerge from her vagina.

Amelia whimpered and groaned, holding on to her new husband as she continued to push.

“I... I like those names,” she managed to say between breaths, as her body trembled with effort. “Nnnnnnnnngggggghhhhh... Nnnnnnggggghhhhh... Hoo hoo... Ohhhhhh... oh, he's coming, Luciano... ohhh... oh, gosh... Nnnnnnnnngggggggghhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!”

She cried out in pain as she breathed heavily, slowly delivering their second son.

“Hoooo hooo hooo... And—what about the third?” she asked, forcing herself to push again in the hope of delivering little Clayton.

But the pain was still excruciating, and she pushed as hard as she could. Her body twitched and trembled from the effort, yet she persisted before finally laying against Luciano and relaxing as the baby finally broke free.

Luciano reached between Amelia’s thighs as her belly rested against his forearms. He lifted his arms, and Amelia continued to hold onto her husband. Between them was Clayton, wailing with all his might.

Looking down, as his forehead met Amelia’s, Luciano shifted his attention to the boy’s umbilical cord.

“Amelia...” Luciano rocked with his beloved bride as he proceeded to cut Clayton’s umbilical cord.

“Another miracle you’ve made,” he whispered. Then he leaned forward to help Amelia from her squatting position. She sat back, reaching beneath her bosom to her belly, where she felt her last child writhe within her uterus.

Looking up, Amelia saw Luciano’s bare body cradling their second son, the child crying in his father’s embrace.

“Allow me—” Luciano said as he stepped around Amelia, swaddling Clayton and placing him next to his sleeping brother, Graham.

The water in the birthing pool had grown cold, and Amelia could feel her body working against her. Her strength had waned, her energy depleted, and her zest had fled. Yet she had one more child to bear, and that thought alone was enough to make her heart sink.

The first two deliveries had been almost unbearable. She wanted to throw in the towel. She wanted to surrender and go to the hospital. Yet, like women before her, she held onto a flicker of hope—to accomplish what seemed nearly impossible: to perform a miracle coveted by her husband. A strength so profound it could bring Luciano to his knees.

As Luciano returned, Amelia felt another contraction clutch her pelvic floor. The sensation was enough to make her grit her teeth and sob. Though her husband alleviated her pain and offered comfort, Amelia still felt the urge to scream.

Luciano then stepped behind her, kneeling at her side. He placed his arms beneath hers.

“Amelia—” he began, then proceeded to count. “Let’s move you out of this pool.”

He helped Amelia to her feet, swaying with her as they danced previously. With steady steps, Amelia exited the birthing pool.

Seeing the newborn with his father was a beautiful moment—something she never wanted to forget. As she laid back, she breathed heavily, trying to catch her breath, still dreading the possibility of delivering another baby. She was exhausted and in pain. She wanted nothing more than to go to the hospital and be done with it, but the chances of making it there were slim to none.

She held on to Luciano as he slowly helped her up and guided her to the bedroom, only to double over upon arriving. She groaned, feeling the urge to push once more, and wrapped her arms around her new husband’s neck as she swayed, fighting the urge to push.

She whimpered and trembled, holding onto him and burying her face in his chest.

“Mn... nn... it hurts...” she managed to whisper. Standing felt right, but she didn’t trust herself to have the baby like that, so she fought against the overwhelming urges.

Amelia’s belly hung beneath her, her bosom pointed toward the floor. Luciano could feel her grip weakening. Though she held onto him, he sensed she was fighting against herself. If she had the opportunity, she would have collapsed beneath her own weight and succumbed to sleep.

Still, Amelia’s determination did not wane. Luciano helped her into bed.

“You’re almost done,” he said tenderly, as he laid Amelia on her side and placed a pillow beneath her head and her hip.

His hands met the side of her bloated belly, which held one more small life. As she breathed deeply, Amelia nearly passed out from exhaustion—only to be brought back by her husband’s soothing words.

“You’ve been perfect, Amelia.” His hands kneaded her side as she breathed in her mouth and out her nose.

“Your body has performed the impossible, all in the name—” he paused briefly—“of love.”

He then took her hand and leaned in to kiss her dry, puckered lips.

That quick kiss made Amelia’s lips tingle, but another contraction erupted inside her. She thrusted in bed and sobbed into her pillow.

Luciano’s heart sank as he watched his wife endure such agony. Yet, he had to focus—for her sake and for their family.

“Amelia—” he held her hand and rubbed her back. “One more baby. Push through your contractions. Breathe with me.”

He spoke as the cries of their sons could be heard, mingling with their mother’s distress. Luciano had to pacify them, but he also needed to tend to the woman he had given his life to.

Amelia cried out in pain, curling around her belly and screaming into the pillow as she sobbed, “Aaaaahhhhh... ahh... ahhh... G-go to them. Please! Nnnnggggaaaaahhhhhh!!!”

Her whole body shook as she cried and spread her legs once more. She watched her husband run to their sons, then brought her knees up, curling around her belly again, as she pushed, not having the strength to roll onto her back.

“Mn! Nnnnnnngh! Nnnnnnnnnnnngggggghhhhaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh,” she sobbed, stopping her pushing to breathe in through her nose and out through her mouth.

“Mmmm... Hoooo... hooo... get out of me. Please. I can’t do this,” she whimpered.

Amelia was alone, clutching her swollen body and curled into a fetal position as her contractions wreaked havoc on her. She felt lightheaded, her vision beginning to blur. Though her mind urged her to sleep, she noticed a silence coming from the other room. It was the sound of Luciano’s voice, singing softly—an effort to coo his two young boys. Their crying had ceased, and Luciano remained with them until he was certain he could return to Amelia’s side.

As she held her body, she felt her unborn baby toss and turn inside her, the discomfort enough to make her whimper. She raised her leg, exposing her sore sex. As her pores seeped and her body curled, Amelia began to pant. She bared herself, then flexed her pelvic muscles and pushed with what little strength she had.

Exhausted, she couldn’t keep her leg raised for long and lowered it again, just bending her knees as tears streamed down her face. She whimpered and pushed, one hand holding the pillow and the other pressed against her belly. She was so tired she wasn’t even sure her pushing was doing anything before she felt the familiar sensation of pressure building.

“Nnnnnn... Oooohhhhh... Hoo hoo... Mmm... Mmmnnnnnnnnn,” she groaned, pushing in her desperation to deliver the baby, unable to wait for her husband.

Carefully, she reached her hand down to try to feel for any sign of progress, closing her eyes as she did so.

There, Amelia felt her flaccid womanhood. Her labia was moist and warm, her vulva remaining slick and lubricated. As she examined her genitals, Amelia took a sharp breath, a contraction wreaking havoc on her pelvic floor and making her insides churn and croak.

Amelia's tongue clicked as she quickly withdrew her hand from her sensitive flower to her body. Swaying her hips, she endured a tumultuous contraction, her pelvic floor flexing and bowing. Using her pillow to muff her screams, she then felt something invade her birth canal — a hand with thin fingers, cautious and tender in its movements.

Amelia then realized Luciano had returned, kneeling behind her hips, as a hand confirmed her baby’s position.

“Amelia?!” His words seeped with concern as his examination continued, making her spine tingle and her throat shudder.

“The child—she’s—” Amelia wondered, though Luciano might have been mistaken. “Breech!”

Luciano’s confirmation made Amelia’s heart sink, as contractions flooded her uterine lining, causing her birth canal to knead Luciano’s hand and wrist. He then promptly withdrew his hand from her birth canal.

Upon hearing his observation, Amelia began to cry once more. She was completely exhausted and remembered how difficult delivering a breech baby could be.

“C—Can you turn it? Or... just call an ambulance... I can’t do this,” she whimpered, feeling defeated as she winced and groaned. She didn’t even have the energy to lift her leg, let alone change positions. Not to mention, once all of this was over, she still had three newborns to feed.

She had yet to hold either of the boys, and she greatly longed to. To simply touch them. To see their little faces properly.

With another groan, she closed her eyes again and reached for her husband's hand, trembling as she waited to see what he could do.

Luciano harbored a looming feeling—he had to protect his wife. He had to save her baby. Luciano knew he needed to call an ambulance; Amelia might require an emergency cesarean. He looked at Amelia, only thinking of saving her life.

Turning his gaze around the room, he spotted her cellphone and rushed to retrieve it. Amelia continued to rock in bed as her contractions pressed on her pelvic floor, causing her belly to jostle and strain. Maintaining her breathing, Amelia fought to stay awake. If she passed out, she could very well put her baby in danger.

Luciano dialed 9-1-1 as an operator soon answered. He returned to his wife’s side, holding her hand as he spoke calmly.

“My wife—” Amelia then released a husky moan that could be heard over the line, “We’re having difficulty delivering her baby—” Amelia took patterned breaths as she howled through her rampant contractions. “Her baby is breech.”

Luciano looked at Amelia and nodded while holding the phone. He provided their address and remained on the line.

“Amelia?” he said softly, squeezing her hand. “The ambulance is on the way. They’re going to help me perform an EVC. Are you ready?”

Luciano’s heart was filled with worry as tears filled Amelia’s eyes, causing her face to flush and her hair to cling to her cheeks.

Amelia gasped and groaned loudly, trying to muff her screams into the pillow. Her whole body trembled as it attempted to expel the child on its own, only increasing her pain. She barely had the strength to hold her husband's hand as she tried to spread her legs, speaking through exhausted sobs.

“It hurts... Luciano... it’s coming... I can’t do this... please...” The next thing that escaped her mouth was an agonized, guttural scream as her body lurched forward, curling into a ball as the baby moved lower into her birth canal.

If help did not arrive in the next few minutes, she would have to find the strength to deliver the breech baby herself. With each passing second, her hopes of doing so diminished, along with her strength and health, as she now struggled to breathe.

Where Amelia's grip was weak, Luciano's hold was firm. He could feel his heart pounding as her words grew soft and dull, only to energize with each wave of pain. He could only comfort his blushing bride with his words and touch, as his spare palm stroked Amelia's back.

"I'm going to try to rotate our baby, Amelia," he said gently. Yet as Luciano went to press on Amelia's belly, she quickly shrieked, shuddered, and sobbed, the pain remaining excruciating and heartbreaking for her husband.

Amelia needed an epidural and a cesarean. As Luciano withdrew his hand, sirens could be heard outside their front door.

Unfortunately, it was much too late for an epidural, and there was almost no chance of making it to the hospital in time for a cesarean. Amelia looked at Luciano through weak, shallow breaths as she heard the siren, crying out once more in pain.

Three paramedics entered their home; one went to check on the boys, while the other two moved to the still-laboring mother. Her vital signs were not good and were steadily dropping. The babies' conditions weren’t much better.

As Amelia lay on the bed, they carefully propped her up, turning her onto her back and spreading her legs. Upon examination, it was found that the baby was too far into the birth canal to turn without causing more distress, and Amelia would have to push with forceps to assist.

She already looked like death as they quickly administered an IV and some morphine before instructing her to push. Struggling to stay conscious, she looked at her new husband, then pushed as hard as she could, screaming as the forceps were wedged inside her already torn and throbbing sex.

She pushed for what felt like an eternity as the paramedics slowly helped to ease the baby out, finally revealing the tiny rest of their youngest child. Amelia’s vitals continued to drop; she trembled and began to fade from consciousness amid everything happening around her.

She was given oxygen and another drug as they yelled for her to keep pushing.

“Nnnn... Nngggg... ooooohhh... Nnnnnn... Hoo... Hoo... H, honey,” she whimpered, her back arching, body twitching and writhing in pain, before the paramedic was able to pull the baby free, and Amelia passed out.

Amelia was finally at peace, though she wasn’t conscious to know it. Luciano’s eyes widened with panic as his gaze traced every inch of Amelia’s sleeping form.

“Amelia? Amelia!?” Luciano held his wife’s hand as her breaths remained peaceful and her heart steady. The paramedics spoke to Luciano, then motioned for him to step back as they carefully moved her from the mattress onto a stretcher. An IV continued to deliver fluids into her arm, and they attached an oxygen mask to her face.

“Amelia?” Luciano looked at the woman he wanted to spend eternity with and quickly thought of his mother. “Amelia,” he repeated softly. He kept his distance as the paramedics secured her into the stretcher.

“You’ve given birth to our third son,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “Wake up so you can meet him.” Fighting back tears, he turned his attention to his boys as Amelia was taken from their home and into the back of an ambulance.

As they drove, Amelia’s eyes fluttered beneath her eyelids, her consciousness flickering as they quickly made their way to the hospital. Luciano held his sons, cooing to them and feeding them, while on the phone.

“Dad,” Luciano said softly, trying to burp his youngest who had just finished his bottle. “It’s Amelia. I need to get to the hospital. I need to get to her.”

His father answered as the girls danced around him, excited to hear about their siblings and thinking it was the call to come meet them. When his smile turned into a frown, the little girls grew worried.

“Alright. How are the babies? Are you able to get them in car seats, and will we meet you at the hospital? Or do you want me to keep the girls here for a little longer?” the man asked his son, knowing what was most likely going through his mind.

“Are you going to be okay?” he added.

When he hung up the phone, the girls were silent.

“What’s wrong, pap-pap? Are our brothers or sisters here? Are they okay?” they asked, concerned.

He reassured them as best he could, getting them ready to go and quietly telling Alice what was happening.

As Luciano focused his attention on his sons, his thoughts only centered on Amelia’s health and well-being. To give them equal attention, he took a moment to think solely of his wife. He meant what he said when he recited his vows—those words truly embodied his commitment. His life was hers, through sickness and in health; he was devoted to her unconditionally.

Then, Luciano heard a subtle knock on the door. Still holding Clayton, with Graham and Lily sleeping nearby, he met his father and daughters at the doorway.

“Dad—” Luciano began, but his father shook his head as if to stop him.

“Luciano,” his father said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I got to her. Alice is on her way.”

Luciano hugged his father briefly, then proceeded to hand him Clay. He kissed Rose and Lily on their foreheads as he vaguely explained their mother’s situation.

Despite not being their biological father, Luciano knew he would guide them as any father should — because family meant so much to him, especially since he grew up in an incomplete home.

He made his way from their house to the hospital; the speedometer rose, and his heart raced. Rushing inside, he quickly asked for Amelia’s room number and then headed to her location.

Entering her room, the first thing he heard was the steady beeping of her heart monitor. Moving to her side, Luciano took her hand as the sound of the equipment broke the silence.

“Amelia...” Luciano wanted to sob, but he refused to give up hope. He knew Amelia would pull through, and they would raise their family together—one day at a time.

The girls squealed with delight when they saw their father holding the tiny baby. They eagerly wanted to hold them and learn their names, jumping up and down, not understanding the weight of the situation.

When he entered her room, Amelia looked pale and weak. Many monitors and IVs were attached to her, including one with blood. When she heard his voice, she didn’t have the strength or energy to respond, but her heart began to beat a little faster, and she let out a soft groan.

She longed to hold her babies—to see them and to give them the much-needed milk from her engorged breasts. When she felt his hand, it twitched, and slowly, she reached back to hold it. Moments later, her eyes began to open.

She looked at him, then around the room for the newborns, before looking at him once more. She worried for them and had no idea where they were, but she found comfort in his presence. As she started to close her eyes again, she still listened to him.

The sound of Amelia's EKG broke the silence of her hospital room. Luciano held her hand, fighting back tears as he spoke softly to her.

“The doctor said you were dehydrated. Your body succumbed to exhaustion. Bed rest should be all you need.”

Luciano was still distraught inside. He felt as if this was his fault—he could have taken more time to be a better midwife for her. He could have asked for help; he should have called a doctor. Yet, he himself was nowhere near the title. Now, his newly wedded wife was lying in a hospital bed because he hadn’t taken better care of her. Deep down, he felt he had failed her.

“Rose and Lily were ecstatic to see our boys,” he added, his thumb gently rubbing her palm. “They’re back at home with Dad. He said Graham was your spitting image.”

Luciano smiled, holding onto hope that Amelia would wake up soon—that their life together wouldn’t end before it truly began.

Amelia's hand slowly curled around his, gently squeezing it, before her eyes gradually opened a while later. Her tired gaze swept around the room before meeting him.

“Hey...” she said softly, her voice hoarse. “I’m sorry... Did you say we have three little boys? How are they? What did you name our youngest? How are the girls? Can I see them? All of them?” she asked tiredly but eagerly.

Though she was still in pain, all she wanted at that moment was her family—her girls and her newborns, with her new husband.

Slowly and painfully, she tried to sit up.

“Are you okay?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Luciano didn’t hesitate. He embraced Amelia now that she had finally returned to him. Her questions dispelled any doubts he harbored in his heart, knowing now that their life was no longer in darkness but basking in the light.

“Amelia—” he said softly, his voice trembling with emotion. This would be the first time Amelia had ever seen her husband like this. Once a stern, rigid, and nurturing man, he now resembled a mournful, light, and anxious boy—coming to terms with growing up.

“I was so worried—” he began, but he didn’t want to remind her of how he tended to worry, so he stopped himself. Instead, he leaned down to kiss her on the forehead, then looked back, forging ahead.

“Yes. You’re the proud mother of three sons,” Luciano continued, his composure returning. “They’re back at home with Dad, doing just fine. You haven’t met Duran yet.”

He paused, then added with a small smile, “Though I’m sure you can explain to him why he’s the youngest of his brothers.”

Luciano choked back a few words, then softly added, “Rose and Lily are eagerly waiting for you to come back home. They said they aren’t ready to babysit three newborns just yet.”

A swell of hope rose in his soul as he spoke.

Amelia smiled tiredly. “Duran. I like it... Any idea when we can go home, or if your dad will bring them here? I... I haven’t even gotten to hold them yet,” she said with a frown.

They’d just spent nine months inside her, and being so far away from them now was actually painful. She wanted them close, and she wanted her whole family to be together.

“How are they? Is everyone okay? I really wanted to see the girls’ first reactions to them. I feel like I’m missing so much,” she sighed, a hint of frustration in her voice.

She hated being in the hospital but understood why. Still, it didn’t make the situation any easier.

Amelia's words struck a chord with Luciano. This was the first time she had been away from her children for this long. Rose and Lily didn’t have school yet, and she had already been pregnant for 18 months of her life.

“Amelia. They’re out in the waiting room,” he said gently.

Amelia’s eyes lit up. “Really? Can I see them? Please?” she begged, trying her best to sit up more.

Soon after, her children were brought into the room. Lily and Rose sat on the bed with her as the boys were handed to them. She cried tears of joy, seeing them all together. They were perfect.

While nursing two of the boys, she kissed her new husband. “I love you,” she whispered softly.

As they gathered, focusing on the life they were about to build together, Luciano commented how they had to leave the altar and that the reception had to go on without them. Luciano's father chuckled and said that the wedding was beautiful anyway.

Rose and Lily told their mommy that Stefanie wanted to meet the boys, since she had made a dress to fit their mother while they were still in her belly.

The doctor entered to discharge Amelia, now that she was healthy enough to leave. With the family's collected joy, Luciano gently eased Amelia into a wheelchair, carefully lifting her from the bed, adjusting her legs into the seat, and making sure she could feed their third son. His father gathered their things, while Rose and Lily helped by holding her wheelchair steady.

Despite being discharged from the hospital, Amelia still felt exhausted. She was sure that a night’s rest in her own bed would surely rejuvenate her strength.

As they piled into the car, Amelia reached for her belly, reminiscing about how she had been filled with life—knowing in her heart that she would raise her family with the man she loved.