As Rosalie prepared to give birth, Dr. Rachel offered reassurance and comfort to her patient.
She mumbled, "Everything is going to be fine, very soon." The first few hours before delivery were torturous as the babies contracted and kicked around. When Rosalie's water broke and the excruciating pain started, she was brought to the hospital immediately.
She leant against Alex's chest as Rachael guided her through the delivery: "Breath in, good, breathe out, that's it. Push!" she whispered. The pain was unbelievable as she held on tightly to Alex's hands. He whispered words of encouragement and support in her ears while she panted and pushed.
"Alright, I can see the head now. Give it one more push, Rosie," the doctor said. She was exhausted, but for the sake of her puppies, she made one more determined effort. As soon as she heard the angelic sound of her puppy's first cries, her head flopped over Alex's shoulder in a helpless position.
"It's a boy!" Rachael said with elation as she handed the first child over to her nurse, and then she turned her attention to Rosalie. She had just reached the point where she believed it had ended when the excruciating pain began all over again. "You're doing terrific, Rosie. Give it a little of a shove; yes, that's it, excellent girl."
She had just given birth to a baby boy, and she glimpsed him being wrapped in a blue blanket after being cleaned with warm water. The mere appearance of him sparked a surge of untapped energy within her. She gave one last push, and then the misery was over as Rachael held out a wailing baby.
"It's a girl!"
'Oh my! I have a healthy set of a baby boy and a baby ' Rosalie thought.
Alex leant in close and gave her a peck on the back of her head. He leant down close to her ear and said, "It's OK now, sweetheart. It's over."
"Thank God, they are just two!" Rosalie sighed. Alex chuckled.
She felt tired, but she wanted to see them. She held out her hands to take her babies. Rachael seemed to understand what she wanted. While the nurse cleaned and clothed their new baby girl, the physician held and examined their newborn son. Rachel gave him to Rosalie. She cradled him in her arms and cooed lovingly at him. Alex looked like he was going to cry! He caressed the baby's head tearfully.
The nurse then passed their daughter to Alex. He stared at the little thing in his arms.
"Give her to me," Rosalie croaked. He obliged, and she held both of the pups in her arms.
"They're beautiful," she whispered to him. He smiled and kissed her forehead again.
"Thank you, my love; this is the most wonderful gift ever," he whispered, and she agreed with him as they stared at the newborn baby.
Later that morning, her family stopped by to meet the newborn babies. Scott was cuddling his brand-new grandchildren in both of his arms. He gazed upon them with a sense of utter wonder and contentment. Rosalie paused for a few seconds before reopening her eyes. Even though her body was still in pain, as soon as she saw her handsome son and stunning daughter, all of her weariness was gone. Her son and daughter were her world. A simple glance at her children was all it took to give her a fresh supply of energy.
Melissa cooed and then walked to Sarah while Scott held Rosalie's daughter in his arms. The new puppies made both aunts ecstatic. Both of them were competing to hold the babies.
Alex made himself comfortable near the bed and smiled warmly as he sat down next to Rosalie. He handed their son over to Rosalie so she could hold him. It was an unusual experience to feel like a mother. Is this how her mother first felt when she looked into her daughter's eyes for the first time?
He patted the son's delicate fingers tenderly and whispered, "I love you with all of my heart." While his eyes were still closed, his little fingers reached out and grabbed his father's index finger, squeezing it as tightly as he could.
Amelia moved to sit by her side and gently stroked her hand before asking, "Have you given any thought to their names?" Scott approached her and wrapped his arms around her tiny waist as he stood next to her.
As Rosalie handed her newborn child to her mother, Alex chuckled and said, "Yes."
Alex announced with immense pride, "This little one's name is Ethan Greyson."
After receiving his newborn daughter from Melissa, Alex took her into his arms and gazed tenderly at the sleeping infant before announcing, "And her name is Ava Greyson."
"Perfect," Rosalie's father remarked with a satisfied smile. As an afterthought, he immediately added, "The Greystone Pack now has an heir."
Oh, right? That fact had never occurred to Rosalie before. Her young Ethan would eventually become just as brave and strong as his father. As they both watched their newborn puppies sleep soundly, she reached out and gently caressed Alex's arm before laying her head on his shoulder.
Alex leant up close to her ear and murmured, "Our little Ava will grow up to be just as lovely as you." The baby made a few twitches, but she did not fully awaken while she was in his arms. Rosalie marvelled at the paleness and smoothness of her daughter's skin as she tenderly caressed her face.
"She even has red hair like you." Alex grinned.
"Just pray she doesn't have an adventurous streak like Rosalie." Amelia joked.
Rosalie chuckled and replied, "I think she'll have a good balance of both our traits." The couple shared a loving smile as they watched their babies sleep peacefully.
Martin had called a little while earlier to congratulate them and promised to visit soon. Grace was due in the next three months. She had finally found true happiness. Martin was happily in love and living contently with his true mate. Everyone had found their rightful place. Ironically, all this happened because of one mistake, but Rosalie had no regrets.