Free And Baby Makes Three by Dahlia Rose Page A

Grayson’s way of getting ready for birth and Marie was feeling heavier and more uncomfortable. Brody was still working, of course. One couldn’t take time off from the military. But something was up, because he and Rafe had loosely mentioned a change may be coming so both she and Ivy were curious and a little worried. It had become one of the topics they spoke of frequently when they were together. Ivy was moving along in her pregnancy and mostly on bed rest because of some spotting she was having. Marie was worried enough that she called Ivy every day and Rafe took Bonnie to daycare instead of leaving her home for Ivy to manage.
    Rafe’s mother and father had become Ivy’s guardian, so to speak, and were at the house almost every day. But the lack of anything to do and boredom was driving Ivy crazy, so Marie planned prenatal massages for them at a local spa. When Ivy’s doctor signed off that she could go, Marie took the big suburban to pick her up.
    “This thing is a tank,” Ivy said as she climbed into the passenger seat.
    “With this belly, I can’t sit behind the wheel of the Acura anymore, let alone get down low enough to actually slide into it,” Marie said. “And it doesn’t have warming seats.”
    Ivy laughed. “Good point. It feels great on the back. You’ve got about eight weeks left. You must be excited.”
    “It’s April now. I wish that June would hurry up and get here.” Marie maneuvered the suburban toward the exit they needed. “I feel like a beached whale.”
    “You’re telling me, I feel completely useless just lying around.” Ivy sighed. “I cannot stand that Rafe and his parents have to take on such a burden.”
    “They don’t consider you or what you’re going through a burden, Ivy,” Marie said gently.
    “Well, the doctor said if I stop spotting for at least a week, he’ll let me get back to cooking and other light tasks.” Ivy clapped her hands. “I’ll be able to get off that darn couch and play with Bonnie.”
    “That sounds good. I’ll come over and hang out with you guys.” Marie laughed. “I wish you were going to the midwife clinic with me.”
    “Me too, but because I’m high risk we couldn’t take the chance. But I did sign up for a doula to be with us in the delivery room,” Ivy said.
    “You’re still going to be there, right?”
    “You know it. Brody will be an old pro at labor and delivery by then and he can keep Rafe from freaking out.” Marie laughed.
    Ivy chuckled. “Rafe’s mom is excited to watch Bonnie and Grayson.
    But there’s more news.”
    “Oh, do tell,” Marie encouraged.
    “It’s twins. The doctor confirmed yesterday, one of each.” Ivy was grinning wide.
    “Oh, my god!” Marie squealed. “Wait, how come they didn’t see this sooner?”
    “They did, but honestly they didn’t even know if one would make it let alone two and the girl is smaller,” Ivy replied. “We kept it close to the chest because Dr. Stein thought maybe we’d lose one, but they are both thriving.”
    “How is Rafe taking the news?” Marie asked.
    “Well, let’s just say he looks panicked when we talk about the babies,” Ivy said. “This is going to be my only birth. The doctor thinks it’s a miracle enough I got pregnant with all the scarring.” Marie felt her heart ache for her friend. She wanted more children eventually, but Ivy wouldn’t have that chance. “At least our kids will be growing up together.”
    “I hope so. I’m worried that our men may spring something bad on us,” Ivy said.
    Marie chewed her bottom lip worriedly for a moment before saying, “I believe it will be something good, for all of us.” 
    They pulled into the Oasis Spa and soon were getting onto memory foam covered massage tables that curved around their burgeoning stomachs. Their skin was warmed while the masseuse worked on their bodies. Marie actually fell asleep while she was being worked on. The pressure and tight muscles of her back eased and Grayson seemed