Strength Of The World

On the way to the hospital, Peyton’s contractions became more frequent and a whole lot stronger. She called her doctor to let her know that her water had broken, and once they had arrived there was a room waiting for her. They were checked in quickly and the doctor came in to check her progress. “Okay, looks like you’re about 6 centimeters dilated. Did you want an epidural?” Peyton nodded. “Please. I know it’s still a little early right? I mean my due date isn’t for another two weeks.” “Peyton, everything is going to be fine.” The doctor said, placing her hand on her shoulder. “Babies are born at thirty-eight weeks all the time. Just relax.” Peyton smiled at the older woman, she had been her doctor for years. “Okay. I got it. Thank you.” “No problem, I’ll get the anesthesiologist up here soon to give you that epidural.” Peyton nodded and Zack thanked the doctor before she left the room. They looked at each other and Peyton sighed heavily. “You need something baby?” Peyton gripped the rails of the bed as another contraction came on, “I need that fucking epidural.” She told him. He rubbed her leg as she breathed through the contraction. Once it was over she immediately relaxed and there was a knock on the door. “Knock knock.” Becky said, entering the room. “Holy shit did everyone show up at the same time?” Peyton laughed. Her parents, Zack’s parents, Johnny, Lacey, Matt, and Val all entered the room. “Pretty much.” Val shrugged. Everyone was still in their wedding attire, which made Peyton laugh. “What’s so funny?” Daniel asked her. “You guys are so dressed up, and I’m over here in a hospital gown with a fancy updo.” “I think she’s losing it.” Johnny whispered loudly to Matt, who punched his shoulder. Peyton’s contractions were even stronger and more frequent now, and the next one she had made her tear up. She looked at her dad helplessly, and he grabbed her hand so she could squeeze it. “You’re okay baby. Trust me when I tell you that it’s so worth it.” Her mom said putting her hand over her daughter and husband’s.

The group sat around and talked and waited for the anesthesiologist , while Johnny was monitoring her contractions on the screen. “Holy shit that’s a big one, Pey.” He said. “I fucking know, Jonathan.” She said through clenched teeth. “Johnny, maybe you should sit down before she kills you.” Lacey told him, pushing the man toward a chair. Peyton smiled at her in thanks, and Lacey patted her leg. There was another knock at the door, and the nurse came in. “Okay, I need to check her progress, you guys mind giving her some privacy?” “Yep. I’m outta here.” Johnny said, walking over to give Peyton a hug. “I’m gonna wait in the waiting area. He’ll be here soon, I know it.” He grabbed Lacey’s hand and headed out the door. “We’re going out there too. I love you, Pey. You’ll do great!” Val said encouragingly. Matt squeezed her foot and gave her a smile before following his wife out the door. “Our parents can stay in here. It’s okay.” Zack told the nurse. She nodded and discreetly checked the laboring woman’s progress under the sheet. “I know it’s uncomfortable sweetie. I’m sorry.” She said, seeing the pained look on Peyton’s face. Zack was at Peyton’s side, holding her hand and rubbing her head with his free one. She had Val take all of the pins out of her hair, so now it was hanging freely in loose curls. “Okay Mama. You’re eight centimeters!” The nurse said excitedly. “The anesthesiologist should be here any minute, so as soon as you get that epidural it will probably be time to push. I’ll be back in a little bit to check you.” Peyton thanked the nurse and looked over at their family. “I hope you guys are ready for a new grandson.” She chuckled. “Honey, I’ve been ready for a grandson for years. I always knew Zachary would marry you.” Maria Baker told her. “He definitely made the right choice.” Peyton smiled at her, then smiled up at Zack, who kissed her head. “Hell yes I did.” He smiled. There was another knock at the door, and Brian and Michelle appeared. “Hey guys, how’s it going?” He said, coming over to hug Peyton. “You two are supposed to be at the airport right now.” She scolded. “Don’t spoil your honeymoon because I’m in labor.” “Are you kidding me Pey? We weren’t leaving until we met our nephew.” Michelle told her, “We changed our flight to tomorrow. Mexico will still be there.” “Well it doesn’t look like it’s going to be much longer.” Zack told them. “She’s already at eight centimeters.” “Holy shit. That was fast.” Brian said. “I bet you were in labor all damn day but you were too stubborn to say anything.” “I was.” Peyton smiled sheepishly. “I was going to tell Zack we needed to go to the hospital once you guys left the reception, but apparently my body had other plans.” “Peyton.” Her mother scolded, “It’s fine mom. See? We’re all fine.” Peyton said, clutching the bed rail, “Except these contractions really fucking hurt.” “Did someone order an epidural?” The anesthesiologist said, appearing on the other side of the door. “YES PLEASE.” Peyton said loudly, causing the entire room to laugh. The anesthesiologist kicked everyone out into the waiting room, except Zack, whose job was to hold her steady so the anesthesiologist could place the catheter in her back. “That’s fucking awesome.” He said in awe. “It doesn’t feel awesome when you’re having contractions on top of it.” Peyton snapped. Once he was finished, the anesthesiologist helped Peyton lay back and asked her if she needed anything. “Could you get the nurse? I think I have to push.” The man nodded and quickly left the room. “Wait, are you sure?” Zack asked her. “I think so. I think it’s go time, Zee.” She smiled. “I’m scared.” She said quietly. “Hey. You’re gonna be fine. I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere.” The nurse entered the room and checked her again. “Okay Peyton, it’s time. Let us set up really quick and once the doctor comes in, you can start pushing.”

The room was buzzing with excitement. There were nurses getting supplies ready, one wheeling in a baby bassinet, another with a scale. And eventually the doctor appeared at the end of the bed, gowned up and ready to deliver the baby. “Okay Peyton, you’re going to push down toward your bottom. We’ll count down from ten and then you take a breather and then go again. You ready?” Peyton nodded and got into the position to push, Zack right beside her. “Okay, and push!” After about thirty minutes of pushing, Peyton was exhausted. She laid back on the bed and looked up at Zack. “I can’t push anymore.” “Peyton, you’re almost there. His head is right here, one more big push and it will be out.” The doctor told her. “Come on baby, you can do this. One more push and we meet our son.” Zack said encouragingly, running his hand through her hair. His kissed her forehead and she got ready to push again. “Okay. Let’s do this.” She said weakly.

Five minutes and two big pushes later, a cry filled the room. Peyton laid back on the bed, completely exhausted as the doctor laid her son on her chest. “Say hello to your mama.” Peyton looked down at the baby, then up at Zack, who had tears rolling down his face. “Baby, you did it. I’m so proud of you.” He whispered, kissing her softly. “Dad, do you want to cut the cord?” The doctor asked. Zack nodded, and the doctor showed him where to cut. The nurse took the baby to get him cleaned up and weigh him, and Zack followed. “You okay, mom?” Another nurse asked Peyton. She nodded and laughed, “I’m pretty sure my epidural just NOW kicked in.” The nurse laughed and went to turn the pump off. “Yeah I don’t think you need that now.” The doctor chuckled and cleaned Peyton up, and a nurse helped her change into a clean gown. “Okay Mama, he’s all clean.” The nurse said, placing the baby in her arms. “Six pounds, nine ounces. Perfectly healthy.” She smiled. Peyton thanked the doctor and nurses who helped and asked them to bring their parents in. “If you need anything, just yell for us.” They closed the door, leaving the new parents to stare in amazement at their brand new baby boy. “We made this.” Peyton whispered. “He looks just like you, babe.” Zack kissed her head and smiled, “With his daddy’s looks and his mama’s brains this kid will be unstoppable” Peyton laughed and leaned her head back against the bead. Just then the door opened, and everyone in the waiting room came in. “I know you said just parents, but we couldn’t leave your brothers and sisters out there waiting.” Maria told them with a smile. Peyton smiled brightly and positioned the baby so everyone could see him, “Guys, meet Lincoln Lewis Baker. Linc, this is your crazy family.” “Wait, Lewis?” Brian said, faking disgust. Zack laughed loudly. “Yes, Lewis. That was my grandfather’s name. And I probably wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for Johnny.” Peyton told him, “Besides, Elwin is a horrible name.” The entire room erupted into laughter. “Val, Brian, come here and meet your godson.” Val’s eyes filled with tears, and Brian’s face lit up. “Godson?” Zack nodded. “You know it buddy.” “Can I hold him?” He asked looking at his pseudo sister. “Of course.” She said, leaning up and showing Brian how to properly hold the baby. “Hey little buddy. I’m your uncle Brian.” He said softly, “Welcome to the family, kid.”

Notes

Guys! Make sure you read chapter 51 before this one! I posted two in one day!