All Chapters of Third Wheel: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

TaylorBy late afternoon, the warm aroma of chicken and noodles swarms throughout the house. Cuddled under a blanket, Nya asleep at my feet, I shut off the TV and open my Kindle. I’m transported to Denver, Colorado, for more escapades of India Savage and her gang.As is usual when I read, time passes quickly. Kennedy emerges from the garage, causing Nya to flop from the sofa to the floor, before running to greet her. I rise much slower to avoid upsetting my stomach and the babies.“I should take her out,” I inform Kennedy.“Let me do it. You get right back on that sofa,” Kennedy orders. “You fixed dinner; it smells divine. I will take her out.”The two skip to the door and outside, as I tumble back into my comfy position on the sofa. Returning from the yard, Kennedy rewards Nya with a treat before looking my way.“Need a drink or a snack?” she asks.I start to shake my head but decide a snack would be smart. Hours flew by since I last nibbled. I ask for some pretzels and water. Kennedy

TaylorKennedy: be ready @ 5Me: I rememberKennedy: (thumbs up emoji)Me: craving French fries Kennedy: (laughing emoji)Tonight is the night. Jackson asked to take us out to eat and to a movie. For two weeks I’ve fought going stir-crazy in the house all day. I’m too large to bend over, so cleaning and exercising are out. I struggle to play with Nya; this kills me. She is so cute and at a very playful stage. I attempt to sit on the floor for a while every day and play tug-of-war and fetch with her. Afterward, my rising from the floor is a struggle. Dr. Harrison believes everything is just as it should be, but he requested total-bedrest this week. I’m to stand or walk only to the bathroom. Sitting and horizontal relaxing are now my day-job. Netflix and Hulu binge-watching fill my days. Premium channels and On Demand entertain me, too. Daytime TV is not my style. If only it was fall, I could watch all the holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel.At 4:45, I attempt to pee one more time

Taylor“The babies?” I cannot even form a sentence; fear clogs my throat. Tears well in my eyes as sharp pain forms in my lower back. I cringe, moving my hands to massage the area.“The babies need us to hurry, this happens sometimes. We move quick and the three of you’ll be just fine. You are experiencing back labor. The pain comes and goes, right?” Dr. Harding inquires.I nod yes. I’m scared. Dr. Harrison discussed the possibility of C-section with us at more than one appointment. I thought the fact I carried the twins full-term meant we were out of the woods. I told myself the twins were perfect, and my pregnancy was perfect. Nurses scurry here and there. An IV starts and my chart updates. An anesthesiologist enters to discuss my medical history and explain the spinal I’ll receive in the operating room. A nurse with razor and a tub of water in hand prepares to shave the surgical area. She smiles at me and claims my continued waxing made her task very easy. I attempt to smile throug

TaylorNurse Adams pushes buttons on my IV pump. “Do you have names picked out for your twins?” she asks, making small talk.I simply nod yes. I don’t want to divulge the names in case Kennedy or Jackson have changed their minds.Tears over take me; I can’t blame these on hormones. My time in the cozy family of three has come to an end. After months of company, I’m alone again. Although Kennedy and I struggled during the pregnancy, Jackson and I grew very close. I will miss our short evening walks, trips to sneak fast food, as well as times watching football games and ESPN. I hiccup.“Look who I have,” Nurse Johnson announces. “Time to meet mommy.” She wheels a bassinet in front and another behind her. My eyes take in the soft blue and pale pink hats. She parks the beds to the side and turns to me. “Are you ready to hold your twins?” I should say no. Kennedy and Jackson should hold them before I do. It’s not my place, but I cannot fight the overwhelming need to cuddle them to my chest

At the Same Time Near the NurseryJacksonI stand, peeking through nursery windows, watching the nurses flitter from one infant to another. My twins sleep side-by-side, soundly near the window. Taylor thinks I’m still with Kennedy. A nurse approaches my side.“Jackson, a gentleman approached the front desk requesting to visit with you or Taylor.”“Where is he now?” I ask, scanning the area. “Who is he?” “His name is Howard Buchanan. He is still at the front entrance,” the nurse informs.“Can he come to me, or must I go to him?” I question, running my hands through my hair, worrying it might be the neighbors coming to visit. “If you agree to see him, I can have them buzz him back,” she offers.I stare at my babies while I wait for Howard Buchanan to arrive. “Twins?” a deep male voice asks.I nod, not taking my eyes off my perfect little daughter and son to take in the stranger beside me.“I regret contacting you with all you are going through, but I needed to see you. I needed you t