## Chapter 2: The Delivery

The memory of the chaotic events leading up to Dorothy's hospital admission flooded Lucas's mind as he stood by her bedside. He had been so calm and collected when they had first decided to have a home birth with Blanche's help, but things had quickly taken a turn for the worse. It had started early that morning, when Dorothy had woken up with contractions. Blanche had been over, and they had all been excited to welcome their new baby. But as the contractions had intensified, Dorothy's pain had become unbearable. Blanche had tried to help her manage the pain, but it had become clear that they needed to get her to the hospital. Lucas had helped Blanche load Dorothy into the car, and they had sped to the hospital, sirens blaring. Lucas's heart had been racing with worry as he had held Dorothy's hand, trying to keep her calm. When they had arrived at the hospital, the doctors had quickly taken over, rushing Dorothy into the delivery room. The next few hours had been a blur of activity, with doctors and nurses rushing in and out of the room. Lucas had been by Dorothy's side, holding her hand and trying to support her through the pain. And then, suddenly, their baby had been born. But as the doctors had begun to tend to Dorothy, Lucas had noticed that something was wrong. She was bleeding heavily, and the doctors were getting increasingly worried. Lucas's anxiety had spiked as he had watched the medical team scramble to save Dorothy's life. He remembered feeling helpless, unable to do anything but watch as the doctors worked to stabilize Dorothy. He had been praying, silently begging for her to be okay. And now, as he looked at her, he was overcome with emotion. Dorothy's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at Lucas, a faint smile on her lips. "Hey," she whispered, her voice weak. Lucas's face contorted in a mix of emotions as he looked at her. "Hey," he replied, his voice cracking with emotion. Dorothy's gaze drifted around the room, taking in her surroundings. "Where...where am I?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're in the hospital," Lucas replied, his voice soft. "You had to be rushed here after the birth. There were some complications." Dorothy's eyes locked onto Lucas's, and she reached out a hand. Lucas took it, holding it tightly. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice filled with regret. Lucas shook his head. "You scared me to death, you know that?" he said, his voice shaking. "I was so afraid that you wouldn't make it. I thought I was going to lose you." As he spoke, Lucas's emotions got the better of him, and he broke down in sobs. Dorothy's eyes filled with tears as she looked at him, her heart aching with love and compassion. "I'm here," she whispered, her voice weak but full of reassurance. "I'm not going anywhere." Lucas nodded, still crying, as he looked at Dorothy. He knew that he had been given a second chance, and he was determined to make the most of it. He leaned forward, gently kissing Dorothy's forehead. "I love you," he whispered, his voice still shaking with emotion. Dorothy smiled, her eyes filling with tears. "I love you too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. As they lay there, holding hands and looking into each other's eyes, Lucas knew that this was just the beginning of their new journey together. They had been given a second chance, and they were determined to make the most of it.