“Congratulations. It’s twins.” Her voice became louder and I heard her say my name, but I wasn’t able to respond.
Those were the last words I heard before everything went dark.
Hands were slapping my cheeks. My eyes flew open and I stared into Dr. Sue’s concerned, yet amused, eyes. I struggled to sit up, raising my hand to my aching head. “What happened?”
Dr. Sue smiled. “I think you found yourself a little overwhelmed, Joshua, and you held your breath too long. You passed out. Luckily, I stopped you from hitting the ground too hard.”
I stared at her. I passed out? Searching my memory, I heard her words. “Twins? Rabbit’s having twins?”
Behind Dr. Sue, Rabbit spoke. “We’re having twins, Joshua.”
I pushed myself up, Dr. Sue putting a hand on my arm to keep me steady. “Easy there, Joshua.” I paused to get my bearings then closed the space to Rabbit, who was sitting up on the exam table regarding me with anxious eyes. When I reached her, I wrapped my arms around her, breathing her in. “Rabbit,” I whispered adoringly into her hair. “Baby.”
She laughed softly. “Babies, Joshua.” Her hand came up, cupping my face. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, but sat down beside her. Dr. Sue came over with a cup of water and watched as I drank it. “Your head glanced off the table a little, Joshua. Have Daniel check it before you go, okay?”
I nodded, my eyes focused on the paper in her hand. Smiling, she handed me the pictures from the ultrasound. “Everything is fine, Joshua. Lizzy is healthy. The babies are healthy. Your little family is doing fine.”
My hand greedily grasped the paper and I stared at the picture of our babies.
Two.
Two little rabbits.
I looked up. “Do we know what they are? Boy, girl?”
Dr. Sue shook her head. “Too soon, Joshua.” She turned to Rabbit. “Get dressed and I’ll meet you in the office to answer any questions and we’ll set you up with your next appointment.” She smiled widely. “I’ll clear a little extra time, because I know you’ll have questions, Joshua,” she laughed teasingly.
When she left, I turned and gathered Rabbit up in my arms again. “Twins, Rabbit. Two BG’s!” I whispered, excitement evident in my voice.
She pulled away and smiled; her happiness radiant. “Maybe two Jacks, or one of each, Daddy.”
I looked at her grinning. “Say that again.”
She cupped my face. “Daddy.”
I leaned in and kissed her deeply, my voice suddenly thick with emotion. “Thank you. I never thought I would ever father a child. And, now we’re having twins.” My hand covered her stomach, softly stroking, and I raised my eyes to her in wonder.
Rabbit’s fingers tenderly stroked my face. “I think that puts to rest the doctor’s ‘probable’ theory, Joshua. I’d say your swimmers are doing just fine,” she chuckled and waggled her eyebrows at me.
I laughed. “So it would seem.” I rubbed my head. “The news caught me off guard though. I don’t think I’ve ever passed out before.”
Rabbit leaned up and kissed my bruised forehead lightly. “We’ll go and see Daniel.”
I groaned. “He is gonna laugh his ass off over this.”
Rabbit chuckled and snuggled her head onto my chest. “No, he won’t, Joshua. The news was a little ... shocking. I had no idea, either. It’s probably a good thing I was lying down at the time.” She sighed softly. “This is gonna be a huge adjustment.”
I laughed. “I have never looked forward to adjusting to something as much as I am this, Rabbit.” I stood up, looking at her, my mind racing. “We need to get two of everything. Good thing we hadn’t ordered stuff yet. Do we need two nurseries? Do babies share a room? You need more rest. And lots of smoothies. More meat. I think babies need protein. I need to get a list of things we need to avoid from Dr. Sue. And classes, there are classes we should take. I should probably get more books. I’m sure there are special books about twins. I’ll ask Dr. Sue. Should I carry you around? Maybe you shouldn’t be walking … and maybe ...” My rapid ramblings were cut short when Rabbit placed her hand over my mouth.
“Relax, Joshua. Breathe. I can’t have you passing out again. One step at a time. But, most importantly, I am perfectly capable of walking. I don’t need you carrying me. Okay?”
Smiling, I kissed her soft palm, and stood up. I took in a deep breath and nodded. “Okay. Let’s get you dressed and go ask some questions. Then I am taking you home and making my little bunnies a smoothie.” I grinned. “They like them. No arguing with me … Mommy.”
Rabbit’s brilliant smile said so much.
“Okay, Daddy. No arguments today.”