The Final Countdown

The days had finally started to dwindle, and Dorothy's due date was just around the corner. She and Lucas had prepared everything they could think of, from diapers to onesies, and were as ready as they would ever be for the arrival of their baby. But despite their preparations, Dorothy's emotions were in overdrive. She was excited to meet her baby, but she was also nervous about what lay ahead. As she sat on the couch, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, Lucas came over and sat down beside her. "Hey, how are you feeling?" he asked, putting a gentle hand on her belly. Dorothy took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm feeling... anxious, I guess. I just don't know what to expect." She looked up at Lucas, her eyes searching for reassurance. Lucas smiled and wrapped his arms around her. "You'll be amazing, Dorothy. We've prepared for this, and we'll figure it out together." He pulled her close, and Dorothy felt a sense of calm wash over her. But as the hours ticked by, Dorothy's anxiety began to build. She paced back and forth across the living room, her mind racing with thoughts of labor and delivery. Lucas tried to keep her calm, but even he was starting to feel a little on edge. Rose, Blanche, and Sophia had all offered to be on standby, ready to rush to the hospital at a moment's notice. Dorothy was grateful for their support, but she was also a little overwhelmed by all the advice and well-meaning chatter. As the evening drew to a close, Dorothy and Lucas decided to take a walk around the block to clear their heads. The Miami air was warm and humid, but it felt refreshing after being cooped up in the house all day. As they strolled, Lucas took Dorothy's hand, and they talked about their hopes and dreams for their baby. Dorothy felt a sense of peace wash over her, and for a moment, she forgot about her worries. But as they made their way back home, Dorothy suddenly felt a pang in her lower back. She stopped and doubled over, her hand on her belly. "Lucas, I think it's starting," she said, her voice trembling. Lucas's eyes widened, and he quickly grabbed her hand. "Let's get you inside and call the hospital," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. As they rushed into the house, Dorothy felt another pang, this one stronger than the last. She knew that labor was progressing, and she was both excited and terrified. Dorothy and Lucas quickly gathered their bags and set off for the hospital, their hearts racing with anticipation. As they drove, Dorothy felt the contractions getting closer and closer together. She was scared, but she knew that Lucas was by her side, and that together, they could face whatever lay ahead. The drive to the hospital seemed to take forever, but finally, they pulled into the parking lot. Lucas helped Dorothy into the wheelchair, and they rushed into the hospital, ready to meet their baby. As they made their way to the labor room, Dorothy felt a sense of excitement building inside her. She was about to become a mother, and her life was about to change in ways she never could have imagined. The doctor and nurses were waiting for them, and they quickly got to work. Dorothy was monitored and hooked up to machines, and Lucas was by her side, holding her hand. The contractions were getting stronger, and Dorothy was getting more and more uncomfortable. Lucas tried to keep her calm, talking to her and coaching her through the pain. As the night wore on, Dorothy's body began to prepare for the final push. She felt a sense of exhaustion wash over her, but she knew that she was almost there. And then, just as the doctor was about to tell her to start pushing, Dorothy felt her water break. A gush of fluid flooded out, and she suddenly felt a wave of relief wash over her. But as she stood up to move to the birthing chair, Dorothy's legs gave out from under her. She felt herself falling, and Lucas caught her in his arms, holding her close. "I'm okay, I've got you," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. Dorothy looked up at him, her eyes wide with fear. "My baby," she whispered. Lucas smiled and nodded. "The doctor is right here. Our baby will be here soon."