When morning rolled around I was anything but bright eyed and bushy tailed. Between the constant nurse checks, the uncomfortable bed and feeling like I wrapped my car around a tree.....because I had......the only reprieve I found was sleeping against Chris for scattered hours through the evening and night. Trying to eat the toast and fruit I was having for breakfast was bleak.

"Not doing it for you this morning?" Chris asks, looking at the barley touched food on my plate.

"I'm not sure this really does it for anybody," I replied, holding up the wimpy looking piece of bread. 

“I see your point, but I have some news that might cheer you up." He said with a small smile.

"You're hiding a plate of pancakes behind that pillow?" I said sarcastically.

"Sadly no. The detectives said they can do a phone interview so they don't have to come up here and bother you, we can call them after you finish pretending to eat," he chuckles. "And after that if you're feeling up to having enjoyable company my mom was going to bring the boys up to see you." He finished with a smile.

"I would love that," I said happily, "I want to see them before she is born. We don't have any time left, just the 3 of us. That makes me a little sad. The last few weeks have been crazy. I don't feel like I got to really soak in being pregnant with her and now it's over." And just like that I'm sad again. Stupid hormones!

"Baby it's ok to be sad about that, the boys are so excited to meet her don't worry about them, and we still have today with your belly. Let's soak it in as much as we can, ok?" He said, kissing my head.

"And we can ask them to bring you better food for lunch when they come." He added excitedly. That brought the smile right back to my face.

"Ok that does sound nice," I said. 

After I gave up on breakfast Chris called the detectives and I told them as much as I could about what happened yesterday, there was red paint transfer on my car so they assumed it was a red vehicle. But unfortunately I couldn't tell them more than I told Chris last night. I did share about the phone calls I was receiving and they agreed the time of the last phone call and the crash seem connected, especially with the threat made.

"We're going to ask that you don't answer any calls you don't know from this point onward. Don't go anywhere alone and call if you see or hear anything that seems even a little unusual or suspicious around you." 

A couple hours later my door opened to balloons, flowers, and 2 very excited little boys! Tears well in my eyes as they climbed in bed with me for careful hugs.

"We brought you balloons mommy! I picked those out myself." Noah told me pointing to the festive balloons he proudly picked for me. "And Connor got you flowers mommy!" He went on excitedly, "and we went to Chick Fil A! We got your favorite Ms Racheal said so." He finishes holding up a to go bag in my face happily and I can smell their delicious chicken soup. It is my favorite!

"Thank you both so much. I'm so happy to see you! And I love my presents!" I gushed at them. Ms Racheal came over to the bed to kiss my head and rubbed my belly. Connor was quiet as Noah gabbed, but he handed me my roses and had a smaller bundle of wildflowers too. 

"These are for Vivienne when she's born tomorrow," he told me softly. "Does your arm hurt a lot?" He asked, looking at my bandages. I took the flowers and hugged him tight.

"I love these and so will she, I just know it. It doesn't hurt that bad they are taking good care of me here and Chris is making sure to help me." I told him reassuringly. 

We all ate lunch together talking about the new house and only about happy things we were looking forward to. Ms Racheal told me about the plans to take the boys furniture shopping for their new rooms over the next couple of days, everything would be delivered to the new place. Chris took lots of pictures on his phone of just the 3 of us and a few of just me and my belly. I haven't felt this cherished in a long time. This is exactly what I need before everything happens tomorrow.

"How was your lunch with Kate?" Ms Racheal asks me.

"Oh I didn't get to tell you guys yet! She may have a job opportunity for me, painting!" I exclaimed. I told them all about the coffee shop and what the owner is looking for.

"She's supposed to contact me with more information soon," I absolutely beam at them. They stay for a few hours almost until dinner time. I snuggle the boys and they talk to their sister, Ms Racheal reassures me about moving into the house offering any help I need getting things set up. Chris took pictures the whole time so I had memories of my last pregnant day. 

It was the best afternoon I could have hoped for given the situation. I can feel myself falling even more in love with Chris and it kind of scares me. It's more intense than with Eric, I haven't felt this level of connection with anyone else. As hard as I tried I couldn't hold in the yawn that finally escaped me. I didn't want this to end but I couldn't deny I was starting to fade.

"Ok guys why don't we call it a night," Chris says standing from his perch next to me. He starts helping his mom gather the boys and their things, turning to Noah he exclaims,

"the next time I see you you're going to be a big brother!" Noah jumps into his arms for the biggest hug then comes to me and hugs and kisses me. Connor comes over and hugs me tight as well bringing tears to my eyes, he's been through a lot and I can't wait until we are settled in our new place and we can start our new normal. Once we're alone Chris looks at me mischievously,

"Want to take a shower? They said you can't shower alone so I HAVE to shower with you."

"She said I would need 'assistance' in the shower..."

"Same thing," he replied, wriggling his eyebrows.

"You know we can't do anything, why are you so excited about this?" I asked, chuckling slightly.

"I still get to see you naked so, let's go!" Laughing he helps me stand from the bed and we slowly waddle into the en suite bathroom. 

Chris uses the handheld sprayer to wet my hair and body then lathers my hair taking a moment to massage my scalp and neck. After rinsing my hair with the warm water he starts on my body. Running the washcloth over my round breast and belly, his hand dips lower and pulls a quiet moan from me as he cleans my swollen folds. He smiles then moves down my legs, lifting each foot and cleaning between each toe. If hearts could come out of my eyes right now like in cartoons they would. Turning the water off he leans away, reaches for a towel and a small pain starts on my left side. Before I can even mention it to Chris I feel dizzy.

"Fuck! Oh my God! Larkin!" Chris shouts when he turns back to me.

"Help!" Blood is gushing down my legs. My knees give out a second later but before I can hit the cold shower floor strong arms encircle me.

"Help! Nurse! Nurse please!!" He screams again, clutching me to him.

"Look at me baby, keep your eyes open!" But I can't, I'm so cold I start to shiver. People rush in the room, I can feel more hands on me. I barely notice the pain from my injuries as I'm lifted and placed on a gurney, I feel myself start slipping into unconsciousness.

"Call Dr. Voss!! Prep O.R 5 now!" Someone is yelling around me. More hands are on me then I feel myself moving. I' m so cold but I've stopped shivering. Someone grabs my hand and it's so warm.

"Larkin," Chris is crying, "I love you. I'll be right here when you get out." I feel his lips on my hand, I want to open my eyes but can't.