**The Aftermath**

The doctors and nurses rushed in and out of Dorothy's hospital room, their faces etched with concern. Lucas watched in horror as they worked to save his partner's life. The beeping of the machines and the whispers of the medical team created a sense of chaos and urgency. As he waited for news, Lucas couldn't help but think about the events that had led them to this moment. He remembered the complications during the birth, the rush to the hospital, and the frantic wait in the emergency room. The memories swirled in his mind, making him feel dizzy and anxious. The doctor's words echoed in his mind: "She's stable, but we need to keep a close eye on her. She's lost a lot of blood, and we're going to need to monitor her closely to make sure she doesn't go into shock." Lucas felt a wave of relief wash over him, but it was short-lived. The doctor's words were laced with uncertainty, and Lucas couldn't shake off the feeling that Dorothy was still in grave danger. As he waited for permission to see Dorothy, Lucas paced back and forth in the hallway, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. He couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had been building up inside him since the complications had started. He thought about all the what-ifs, all the things he could have done differently. Finally, the doctor emerged and nodded at Lucas. "You can go see her now," he said. "But be prepared, she's still weak and in a lot of pain." Lucas nodded, his heart heavy with worry. He took a deep breath and steeled himself for what was to come. As he walked into Dorothy's hospital room, Lucas was met with a sight that made his heart skip a beat. Dorothy lay in the bed, her eyes closed, her skin pale and clammy. Lucas felt a lump form in his throat as he approached her bedside. He reached out and took her hand, his heart aching with love and worry. "Dorothy," he whispered, his voice shaking. "I'm here. I've got you." He sat down beside her, holding her hand and talking softly to her, even though she was still unconscious. The machines beeped and whirred around them, but Lucas tuned them out, focusing on the woman he loved. He thought about their baby, born just hours before, and how Dorothy had risked her life to bring him into the world. He thought about all the things he wanted to tell her, all the things he wanted to do with her. As he sat there, Lucas felt a wave of emotions wash over him. He was scared, he was worried, but most of all, he was grateful. Grateful that she was alive, grateful that the baby was healthy, and grateful that they had made it through the most terrifying experience of their lives. The hours ticked by, and Lucas never left Dorothy's side. He held her hand, talked to her, and waited for her to wake up. He knew it wouldn't be long, and he was ready to face whatever came next, as long as Dorothy was by his side. And then, suddenly, Dorothy's eyes flickered open. Lucas's heart leapt with joy as he saw her gaze lock onto his. She smiled weakly, and Lucas felt a surge of love and relief wash over him. "Hey," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Hey," Lucas replied, his voice shaking with emotion. "I'm here. I've got you." He leaned in close, his lips brushing against her forehead. Dorothy's eyes drifted closed again, and Lucas felt a pang of worry. But then she opened them again, and this time, her gaze was stronger. "Lucas?" she whispered. "I'm here," he replied, his voice firm. "I'm not going anywhere." Dorothy's eyes locked onto his, and Lucas saw the fear and uncertainty there. He knew that she was scared, and he was too. But he also knew that they would face whatever came next, together.