Tilting her head, Ashley chuckles as she sees Mia, dressed in a robe, leaning against the headboard of their bed. Her legs are stretched out, one crossed over the other, as she reads a book. Ashley removes her robe and hangs it on the rack beside their bed.
Slowly, she climbs onto the bed, wearing only a sports bra and shorts, and rests her head on Mia's legs. She gently touches Mia's baby bump. "Can't believe we're having kids—triplets, no less," Ashley murmurs, kissing Mia's stomach.
Mia closes her book and places it on the bedside table. She strokes Ashley's hair gently, a soft smile on her face. "I didn't expect it either," she says. "I was shocked when I got the results at my OB-GYN appointment."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner? I could've come with you," Ashley says, holding Mia's hand in both of hers.
Mia laughs softly. "You were in the States. How could you have come with me then?" she teases.
Ashley frowns, her concern evident. "You know I would've dropped everything for you," she says, kissing Mia's hand. "You shouldn't have been alone through this, especially with triplets. It's just too risky." She sits up, her brow furrowed in worry.
Mia smiles, touching Ashley's cheek with her free hand. "I'm fine, really," she reassures her. "The doctor said I'm only six weeks along."
Ashley still looks concerned but nods. "Feeling anything strange? Cravings?" she asks, reaching for Mia's hands, holding them gently. "Tell me anything you want. I'll buy it. How do we end up with triplets when my genes only had twins?" she adds with a soft laugh.
Mia chuckles. "Maybe I always prayed for three kids, and the universe decided to gift me with triplets," she says with a wink.
Ashley rolls her eyes, laughing as she shifts beside Mia and pulls her into a hug. "But seriously, I'm telling Mom I'm not coming into the office until you've had our babies," she says, her voice filled with resolve. "I don't want to risk anything happening to you or the kids." She presses a kiss to the top of Mia's head.
Mia rests her head on Ashley's chest, wrapping her arms around her. "I'm really lucky to have you," she murmurs.
"I'm the lucky one," Ashley replies softly, pulling Mia closer. "Gosh, can we handle taking care of three babies? I mean, there are three of them, and you only have two boobies," she says, laughing lightly.
Mia pinches Ashley's waist playfully. "That's what formula is for, babe!" she teases. "Oh, and I haven't even given birth yet, and someone's already been breastfeeding off of them," she adds with a sly grin.
Ashley laughs, raising her hands in surrender. "Guilty as charged, sugarplum," she admits, as they both share a lighthearted moment.
Mia was full-term, waiting for the babies to arrive. She glanced over at the kitchen counter while sitting on the couch, gently touching her swollen belly. Ashley was perched on the bar counter, a laptop in front of her with headphones on.
Ashley smiled at her as she removed one of the headphones. "I'm in a meeting. Do you need anything, wife?" she asked, her eyes flicking to Mia.
Mia shook her head. "Go on, just continue with your meeting," she said, her voice calm but with a slight smile.
A few moments later, Mia's smile faded as she frowned, gripping her stomach. She felt a contraction building, her breath catching. She looked at Ashley, who was still speaking into the laptop, oblivious.
"Ash!" Mia called out, her voice tight.
Ashley raised her palm, signaling that she couldn't talk at the moment. "Babe, I'm in a meeting—"
"Ash!" Mia called again, this time louder, her voice laced with urgency.
"Ash!" she shouted once more, this time with desperation in her tone.
Ashley, realizing something was wrong, looked at her. "Wife, I'm on a—"
"Idiot! My water broke!" Mia hissed, feeling the warm liquid between her thighs.
"What?" Ashley's eyes widened in panic. She hastily removed her headphones and quickly excused herself from the meeting. In a flash, she was at Mia's side, lifting her with surprising strength.
"Breathe, wife," Ashley said, though her own breath was uneven as she tried to calm herself. "I've got you."
Mia nodded, trying to breathe steadily despite the contraction still rolling through her stomach. Ashley, with the help of their housekeeper, swiftly guided Mia to the car, where the essentials had already been packed for this very moment.
Ashley opened the back door for Mia and gently helped her settle into the seat. As the housekeeper climbed in to assist, Ashley turned to the driver's side, her hands trembling as she fumbled to start the car.
"Okay, calm down, wife," Ashley said, trying to reassure Mia, though her own anxiety was evident. She forced a deep breath. "I'll get you to the hospital."
Mia stifled a laugh, trying to smack some sense into Ashley. "Idiot! I'm the one in labor, but you're the one breathing like you're the one giving birth?" she teased, though the pain in her stomach made it hard to keep the smile on her face.
"Sorry! It's my first time doing this too!" Ashley exclaimed, starting the car. She took another deep breath and put the car in gear. "Hold on, wife, I'll get you to the hospital."
When they arrived at the hospital, Mia was quickly wheeled to the emergency room for a cesarean section—Ashley had opted for this over a natural delivery, knowing how risky it could be with triplets. Pacing back and forth in the waiting room, Ashley anxiously bit the tip of her thumb, her mind racing as she awaited news of Mia and their babies.
After what felt like an eternity, Mia was wheeled out, along with their three children.
"Mrs. Amosa," the doctor called, smiling warmly. "Congratulations to you and your wife," she said. "The babies are all healthy," she added, gesturing to the three tiny bundles being wheeled beside Mia's bed.
Ashley's throat tightened as she reached for Mia's hand, then for the babies. "It's two boys and one girl," the doctor said with a soft smile.
Ashley nodded, her eyes filling with emotion. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice thick.
"We'll bring them to your room. You can check on them there," the doctor advised, and Ashley followed without hesitation, her heart swelling with love for the little family they had created.
"Goodness!" Ashley whispered to herself, watching as the nurses brought the babies into the private room. "They're cuties."
Inside the room, Ashley peeked at the babies, who were sleeping soundly in their tiny cribs. Mia, still unconscious from the anesthesia, was resting peacefully.
A soft groan drew Ashley's attention. She looked at Mia, whose eyes were slowly fluttering open.
"Wife," Ashley whispered, her voice soft as she stroked Mia's hair gently. "You're awake."
Mia blinked, her voice groggy. "Babe? Where are our babies?" she asked, her vision still blurry.
"They're right beside you," Ashley said with a smile, pointing to the three cribs. "Do you want to see them? I can carry them to you one by one. The nurse taught me how," she said, grinning with pride.
Mia nodded, still groggy. "Yes, please," she murmured.
Ashley walked over to the cribs and gently picked up their only girl, cradling her carefully in her arms. She brought the baby over to Mia. "Look how beautiful she is," Ashley said softly. "She's our only girl."
"Wow," Mia breathed, a smile spreading across her face. "Our little Raelle," she whispered.
Ashley nodded, glancing at the other two babies. "And these two are Raegan and Raean," she said.
She glanced at Mia, her heart full. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.
Mia tilted her head, puzzled. "What for?"
"For keeping our babies safe, for delivering them safely, and for keeping yourself safe," Ashley said, her voice filled with gratitude. She leaned down to kiss Mia's lips softly. "I love you. I couldn't ask for more. You and our kids are more than enough for me."