My favorite nurse, Betty comes in. “its time to feed the babies are you sure you’re up for it.”

Me - “Yes.”

Betty - “I’ll get a chair for you.”

Me - “I’d like to walk.”

Brian - “no get the wheel chair please.”

Betty - “Yes Mr. Littrell.” I raise an eyebrow at him.

Me - “Mr. Littrell?”

Brian - “Yeah I’ve been spending a lot of time in the nursery.”

Me - “How are they doing?”

Brian - “Good they are both healthy just small.”

Me - “I’m glad you came to see them.” The nurse comes in and he wheels me to the NICU.

This is only the second time I’ve held them and the first time I’ll be feeding them. My doctor didn’t want me moving around to much and the boys needed to stay in the NICU.  “How am I going to feed them both at once?”

Brian - “Actually we’ve been going by weight. Noah, then Thomas.”  I look at him with a raised eyebrow.  “Okay, I’ve actually been here a lot.”

Betty - “You should see him we only had to show him how to change their diapers once and he had it down. Most fathers refuse to do it.”

Me - “Well I always knew he’d be a good dad.”

Betty - “Since you are both here I’ll go get the birth certificate forms to fill out.” She leaves and we spend some time with the kids just the two of us. Brian watches while I feed Noah. “Here we go, now I’ll leave you two for awhile. If you need anything I’ll just be next door.”

Brian picks up the first form, it’s for Thomas.

Brian - “okay first name?”

Me - “T-H-O-M-A-S”

Brian - “Middle name?”

Me - “E-L-L-I-O-T-T

Brian - “Last name?” He looks at me.

Me - “That’s a tough one.”

Brian - “I know how to spell my last name.”

Me - “Well why do they get your name?”

Brian - “Because I’m their father.”

Me - “And I’m their mother.”

Brian - “I want my kids to have my last name.”

Me - “like I don’t. I’m the one that’s going to be raising them they should have my last name.”

Brian - “What do you mean you’re the one raising them. You think I’m just going to let you take them and do what ever you want.”

Me - “No you can visit.”

Brian - “Oh this is getting so complicated.”

Me - “Let’s skip it and come back to it later.”

Brian - “okay.” He fills out the rest of the form and then Noah’s. We decide on the middle name of Bradley for Noah because it just sounded right. Soon everything was filled out except the last name. The kids where feed so we went back to my room. Nick and Summer were there waiting for us.

Nick - “hey guys, we saw you feeding the babies.”

Me - “Aren’t they perfect.”

Nick - “yes they are perfect little red raisins. How can anyone think that some thing so wrinkled can be cute.”

Brian - “this from the guy with two pugs.”

Nick - “Leave them out of this.” Brian helps me back it to bed. Nick has the stupidest grin on his face.

Me - “What are you two grinning at?”

Nick - “I wish you two could see how perfect you all look in there. It was like you were this happy little family being put on display for every one else to admire and strive to achieve.” Brian and I look at each other. He just smiles and shakes his head.

Brian - “We’ve already picked a middle name for Noah.”

Nick - “oh that hurts, that’s not what I was getting at at all. I just feel like this is the way things are suppose to be.”

Me - “You feeling okay Nicky?”

Summer - “He’s fine, just retarded.  So what name did you came up with?”

Brian - “Noah Bradley.”

Nick -  ‘Noah Bradley what?”

Me - “Well, that’s under debate.”

Nick - “Oh. You could always flip a coin.”

Me - “I’m not going to decide their names by flipping a coin.”

Nick - “why not never underestimate the power of fate. I heard that George Washington flipped a coin before cross the Potomac…”

Summer - “Delaware.”

Nick - “Whatever. Just think what could have happened if he didn’t cross it.”

Me - “Have you been watching the history channel or something.”

Nick - “Yeah I burned out another N64. But anyway I’ve got a quarter here what do you say?” I look at Brian.

Brian - “I don’t want to keep fighting about this.”

Me - “Me either. You call it.”

Brian - “Okay.” Nick flips the coin. “Tails.”  It lands on the bed tails side up. Brian lifts his hands up and gives out a cheer. “I’m going to go tell Nurse Betty.” He leaves the room.

Summer - “Think of it this way. Atleast you don’t have to worry about changing the names when you and Brian get married.”

Me - “He’s marrying Christine remember.”

Nick - “No he’s not. Trust me, she has completely flipped about this whole babies thing.”

Me - “I know.” I tell them about her little visit. “And Brian heard the whole thing.”

Nick - “Excuse us. Yes!”  They high five.

Me - “Nicholas, you should be a little sad for your friend.”

Nick - “Oh I am. But he’s going to be so much better off with you.”

Me - “What makes you think we’re getting back together.”

Nick - “Jessica come on. You guys just had some babies together and he’s here spending time with you. Even after…”

Me - “Even after what I did to him. Yeah he is but we are just trying to sort things out. Getting back in to a relationship with him is more then I can handle right now.”

Summer - “well yeah not now but you’ll see.”

Me - “If I agree with you will you shut up.”

Nick - “yeah.”

Me - “Okay then you’re right. Brian and I are getting back together.”

Nick - “That’s what I wanted to hear.” Brian comes in.

Brian - “hey I hate to run off but I’ve got some business to take care of. You going to be okay if I leave.”

Me - “Yeah Nick and Summer are here.”

Brian - “Okay I’ll come back tonight if you don’t mind.”

Me - “I don’t mind.” He kisses my cheek and then leaves. Summer gives me a told you so look. “Shut up.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Brian had called Christine and had her meet him at the hall where they were going to have the reception. She came floating in with her mother and aunt.

Chris - “Hey Hun. Are you ready to get things back on schedule? Cause I talked to the manager and the room is still open Friday night.”

Brian - “I thought I told you to come alone.”

Chris - “What it’s just my mom.”

Brian - “could you ladies excuse us for a minute.” They walk out and shut the door. “We need to talk.”

Chris - “You’re not postponing the wedding again are you?”

Brian - “no...”

Chris - “Good okay the church has an opening….”

Brian - “Christine I can’t marry you.”

Chris - “What?”

Brian - “I visited Jessica at the hospital today…”

Chris - “She told you I came to see her.”

Brian - “No not exactly.”

Chris “I just went to tell her that I wished her and the babies well. That I would help her in any way possible. I know how much you want those children in your life.”

Brian - “Was that before or after you called them bastards.”

Chris - “I would never say such a thing about your kids. I don’t know what she told you but it’s a lie. She lies all the time she just hates me so much and I’ll never know why. Even after she attacked me that New Year’s I never thought badly of her.”

Brian - “Chris, save it okay. She didn’t tell me anything. I was standing outside her door when you were talking to her.”

Chris - “You must have heard me wrong.”

Brian - “No I didn’t.”

Chris - “I’m sorry I said those things but she started it. She said when she found out she was pregnant she was going to ask you for money but then thought that ruining your wedding would be more fun.”

Brian - “Just stop okay. I heard the whole conversation. I would have never guessed that you could be so cold and heartless. She might have said that she was fine and could talk to you but she wasn’t. She just had two babies and you’re going to go in there and attack her with vicious insults about her children that are just two days old. You can’t think of anyone but yourself and I realize that now. And I can’t marry someone like that. I’m sorry.” He
gets up to leave.

Chris - “Oh you’ll be sorry alright. This isn’t the end of this not by a long shot.”

Brian - “Yes it is. Good bye Christine.” He leaves her standing in the middle of the room that had been decorated for their reception.  She looks around and sees the big heart with Christine and Brian written on it. She goes over and rips it down then proceeds to tear it into little pieces as she plots her revenge.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Nick had went out and got a Playstation for my room.  We were still playing it when Tristen, Kevin, and Loren came in.  I was nervous because this was the first time that I had seen him.  He had his hands behind his back so I didn’t see the big bouquet of daisies.  He had a very stern look on his face.  Tristen jumped up on the bed.

Tristen - “Mommy said I have cousins to play with now, but they don’t look like they’re very fun.”

Me - “Well they are still really little.  Give them a few months and then they’ll be able to play with you.”

Tristen - “That’s what Stevie said about Ollie and he’s still not any fun.”  He pouts until he sees Nick playing Tony Hawk.  “Can I play too.”  Nick and Tristen are video game buddies.

Nick - “Sure.  Here I need a break.”  Summer was standing outside the door motioning him to join her.  Normally I would make a comment about their raging hormones but I’m too nervous about what Kevin is going to say.  Loren takes the other controller and tries to understand how the game works.

Me - “Hi.”

Kevin - “Hi.”  He gives me the flowers.  “Don’t do this again.”

Me - “I’m not planning on it.”  He sits on the bed.

Kevin - “You could have told me I can keep a secret.”

Me - “You couldn’t have kept this one.”

Kevin - “No but I would have made sure that you were okay and found a way for things to go more smoothly then they did.  You know you can talk to me about anything.”

Me - “I know.  Actually I do have some worries.”

Kevin - “About Brian.”

Me - “Yeah.  He’s been very understanding and everything but he’s still got to be really angry with me.  And your family probably is burning an effigy of me as we speak.”  He laughs.

Kevin - “Well they are upset.  But they’ll get over it.  It’ll take time but they will accept you.”

Me - “I’ve really made a mess of things.”

Kevin - “You and Brian will get it figured out.”

Me - “I’m so confused.” 

Kevin - “It’ll be okay kid.”  He playfully taps my chin.

Brian - “Is someone having a party in here?”

Tristan - “Cousin Brian!”  He runs to him and hugs his leg.  Brian is one of his favorite adopted uncles.  They play basketball together.  “Mommy said you’re a daddy now.”  Brian picks him up.

Brian - “Yeap in a few years you’ll have to teach your cousins how to shoot a three pointer.”

Tristen - “Nah I’m going to teach them to dunk.”

Kevin - “Not with the shortness genes they got.”

Me - “Hey.  There’s nothing wrong with being short.”

Kevin - “Sorry didn’t know you where so sensitive about it.”

Loren - “We should get to the airport your mom’s (Kevin’s) flight lands in an hour.”

Tristen   “But we just got here.”

Loren - “we can come back tomorrow.”

Tristen - “Okay.  Bye Jessie.”

Me - “Bye.”  It’s just Brian and I again.  “Hi.”

Brian - “Hi. Got quiet pretty quick.”

Me - “Yeah it’s nice not to have four people hanging over me at all times.”

Brian - “Do you want to be alone for awhile?”

Me - “No I’m fine it’s just sometimes their best intentions can be a little overwhelming.”

Brian - “yeah.  So do you need anything?”

Me - “Could you help me out of bed?”

Brian - “Are you supposed to be walking around?”

Me - “Dr. Kelley said that it would be a good idea to start slow so I’ll just take a trip to the window.”  Brian comes over and takes my arm and helps me to the window.  I lean on his arm for support.  It hurt worse then I thought it would.  I winch a little.

Brian - “Does it hurt?”

Me - “Yeah but I can’t stay in that bed anymore.  I feel like I haven’t walked in days and it’s making me crazy.”

Brian - “Well just go slow we aren’t running a marathon.”  A short balding man comes in just as we are getting to the window.

Guy - “I wouldn’t do that.”  We both turn.  “Hi I’m Bud Blue from the hospital’s publicity department.  We have a bit of a situation downstairs.”

Brian - “What kind of situation?”

Bud - “Some one has altered the media that Jessica’s had your babies.  We are not commenting on the situation and are trying to keep them downstairs, this floor is secured.  But I wouldn’t go to the windows unless you want to get your picture taken.”

Brian - “Come on Jess back to bed.”

Me - “Great.”  He gets me back in bed.

Bud - “I was sent up to see if you want to arrange a press conference or have the hospital release a statement.  We will cooperate fully to make this as easy as possible.”

Brian - “Thank you.  Um, I have to make a few calls but stand by and I’ll let you know.”

Bud - “Okay I’ll be in the lobby on this floor.”  He leaves.

Brian - “I knew this was going to happen.”

Me - “I was hoping we had a few more days before some one told the press.  I wonder who said something.”

Brian - “I can tell you who it was.  Christine this has her written all over it.”

Me - “But why would she do this to you?”

Brian - “Because I broke up with her.”

Me - “You did.”

Brian - “Well yeah.  She’s not the person I thought she was.  She called my babies names.  I couldn’t be with some one like her.  I’ve got to make a few calls do you mind?”

Me - “No go ahead.  I’m going to go see the kids.”

Brian - “Actually could you stay.  This concerns you too and I’d just really like you to stay.”

Me - “Yeah I’ll stay.”  We request a speakerphone be brought to my room so I can hear what’s being said.  Brian calls Howie and gets the number for their management company.  He dials it and is connected with Paul.

Paul - “Hey Brian.  How is the wedding stuff going?”

Brian - “Um.”  I look at him.  “Oh god where do I even start.”

Paul - “What’s happened?”

Brian - “I’ll just give you the reader digest version.  A girl I was seeing last year just gave birth to twin boys.  I didn’t even know she was pregnant.  I’m not marrying Christine.  And there is a ton of press outside the hospital.”

Paul - “forgive me for being rude but are they yours.

Brian - “yes they are.”

Paul - “Well it’s six there nine here.  I’ll catch the next flight out don’t say anything until I get there.”

Brian - “The hospital has a public relations guy waiting out side for an answer.”

Paul - “Tell him for right now it’s no comment and tell everyone else to keep their mouths shut too.  Lock Howie and Nick in a room if you have to.  What’s the girl’s name?”

Brian - “Jessica Connery.”

Paul - “The one that directs videos?”

Brian - “Yeah.”

Paul - “Okay I’ll be there in the morning.  Try to lay low.  Don’t let them see you coming or leaving the hospital if possible.  Oh and one more thing.”

Brian - “Yeah.”

Paul - “Congratulations to you and Jessica.  I hope everyone’s doing well.”

Brian - “They are.  Thanks Paul.”  He hangs up.  “Paul’s a good guy he’ll get it figured out.”

Me - “I hope so.  So are you going to take off?”

Brian - “No not yet.  I’m going to go talk to that Bud guy and make sure that the babies are okay.  Sit tight I’ll be right back.”

Me - “I don’t want to sit tight.  I’ll just go wait with the babies.”

Brian - “Alright but let the nurse wheel you.”

Me - “Yes sir.”  He leaves and sends a nurse in to take me to the nursery.  We are rolling up when I see a dad taking pictures of his kids.  Then he shifts his position a little and I realize he is taking pictures of my babies.  “Hey what are you doing?!?”  He’s still taking pictures.  “Call security.”  The nurse leaves and this guy is still taking pictures but not of just the babies he’s also getting me.  “Drop the fucking camera.”  I didn’t realize that I had gotten out of the chair and I’m running towards this guy.  We fight for the camera and I get knocked to the ground.  He goes to run but I grab his leg and trip him before he can get too far. 

Brian runs to the nursery as soon as he hears me yell.  By the time he rounds the corner I’m getting helped back in the wheel chair and the guy is being escorted off the floor. 

Brian - “what happened?”

Betty - “You should have seen her.  I’ve heard of protective mothers but she was all out fighting.”

Brian - “You where fighting!”  I’m in so much pain that I’m curled up in a ball in the chair.  “Come on let’s get you back to your room.”

Me - “They can get me there make sure the babies are okay.”  They wheel me away.

Brian - “Now what exactly happened?”

Betty - “Some guy was taking pictures of your kids.”

Brian - “I thought you said that this floor was secured.”

Betty - “Actually I think his wife did just have a baby.”

Bud - “Someone down stairs probably paid him to take the pictures.”

Brian - “I want them moved away from the windows.”

Bud - “Can we move them into Jessica’s room?”

Betty - “Probably.  I’ll check with the head nurse, but they’re not in any danger.”

Bud - “Okay do that, but for now atleast close the blinds.”  She nods and goes in the nursery.  “I’ll go down and see what’s been done with the gentleman with the camera.”

Brian - “Okay.”  He looks are the babies quick and then let’s Betty close the blinds.  I have been given a heavy dose of painkillers and Dr. Kelley was in delivering a baby so he thought he’d check up on me.

Dr. K - “Oh hey we’ve never been properly introduced.  I’m John Kelley.”

Brian - “Brian Littrell.”

Dr. K - “So you’re the reason I had to go through five security checks to get up here.  Well if you have any influence on this one tell her to take it easy.  Tackling people in halls is no way for a woman who is recovering from child birth is to act.”

Brian - “I’ll try but I’m not promising anything.”

Dr.K - “That’s all I can ask.  As for you, if you behave yourself you can get out of here in tomorrow.”

Me - “Really?”

Dr. K - “Yeap but cut out the gymnastics okay.”

Me - “Okay.”

Dr. K - “I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon.”  He leaves.

Me - “please don’t yell at me I didn’t know what I was doing until after the fact.”

Brian - “I wasn’t going to yell at you.  They might be moving the babies in here.”

Me - “That would great.”

Brian - “I think so.”

Me - “I’m going to call my parents quick so they know what’s going on?”

Brian - “yeah I need to call mine too.”

                So we let everyone know about our current situation and they promise to say nothing.  Unfortunately it means that no one can come to the hospital any more.  I hate to say it was a bit of a relief.  I like it being just Brian, Tommy, Noah and I.  With all the confusion they had forgot to bring my dinner tray to me so Brian went and got us some dinner from the cafeteria.  He came back with two plates of roast beef, mashed potatoes and carrots.

Brian - “Can you eat this stuff?”

Me - “Yeah.  It’s pretty nasty but you just put a lot of pepper on it.”  We eat in silence for a few minutes and then I finally work up the nerve to ask him what I’ve been thinking about for the past hour.  “So are you just going to stay?”

Brian - “what?”

Me - “Well sometimes the dads stay at the hospital with the new moms and it’s getting late and I was just wondering if you where staying?”

Brian - “I hadn’t thought about it but I guess I could.”

Me - “Are you sure?”

Brian - “Yeah this way I don’t have to worry about anyone seeing me coming and going.”  Betty comes in.

Betty - “Good news.  If their vitals are still strong in the morning you’re going to get some room mates.”

Me - “Good finally good news.”

Betty - “My shift is over but Janet is coming on and I’ll update her with the situation.  She’s very good and very trustworthy.  You won’t have a problem with her.”

Brian - “Thanks Betty.  Oh I’m going to be just staying is that a problem.”

Betty - “No not at all.  New fathers do it all the time.  I think there might be a cot somewhere.  I’ll see what I can do.”  She leaves and I finish my milk. 

Brian finishes his dinner and then takes our trays out.  He’s gone for a while so I figured he went to the nursery.  Betty comes back and says that they couldn’t find anything but that the couch was really comfortable.  I was actually asleep when Brian came back.  He stood over me for a little bit.  For the amount of shit going on I was sleeping peacefully.  He picked up the blanket and pillow off a chair and then tried to get as comfortable as he could on the couch.  After tossing and turning for half an hour he climbed up next to me and fell asleep.