Chapter 48
Oliver Ferraz
I was leaving the hotel to go home, prepare dinner, and take it to Alice when someone ran past me. She looked familiar. I heard several people shouting “pregnant woman!” and headed toward them.
To my surprise, I saw my little one lying on the ground, moaning in pain, with a clear liquid running down her legs. I didn’t think twice—I scooped her up and ran to the car, which is always waiting at the hotel entrance.
“To the hospital, Pedro!” On the way, I sent a message to the group she’d created, letting everyone know the babies could arrive at any moment. I also called Karla and asked her to go straight to the hospital.
When we arrived, she was already waiting for us at the door.
“I’m on call today. What happened? Who was the crazy woman who pushed Alice?” The only thing I caught was the name Andréa. If anything happens to my wife and my children, I swear I’ll kill that bitch—I thought to myself.
Finally, they decided the babies would be born today—there was no way to wait any longer.
I’ll admit I’m nervous and scared, but also incredibly happy, because soon I’ll see my babies’ little faces.
Then I realize I never asked Alice if she’d already chosen names—but that’s for another time.
Right now, my little one needs me, and I want to be by her side every second. They are my life.
And that’s exactly what I do. I give her my full support, staying right there beside her—it’s all I can do right now.
She’d decided on a natural birth. When we got to the delivery room, I noticed she was already exhausted. I’ll have to be strong for her and stay steady.
Karla tells her to push. We’re at the point where everything depends on Alice, but exhaustion is holding her back. I take her hand, lean close to her face, and say:
“My love, I know you’re strong. You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met.
You’ve been through so much and never wavered…
Now, our children need you, your strength, your determination.
I know I can’t help much, but know that I’m here, and I won’t let go of your hand until I can look at all of you and see that you’re okay.
So I’m asking you: bring our babies into the world, please. I’ll be here until the end.”
She looks at me, and I see tears in her eyes. I knew that moment was ours, and no one could take it away from us. She just nodded, confirming she was ready, whispered “thank you,” and from that instant on, I witnessed the most beautiful scene God can give us: the birth of our children.
When it was all over, I could only look at her and say:
“Thank you, my little one. I don’t have words to express my eternal gratitude for sharing this magical moment with me.
I know it was hard, but it was the most perfect thing I’ve ever witnessed.
I’m the luckiest, happiest man in the world because of these gifts.
” I say it with tears in my eyes and give her a quick kiss.
I know it was wrong, but the moment called for it.
I was happy, and nothing and no one could take that away from me.
Alice was exhausted, so I asked all our friends and family who were there to come back the next day. But of course, they wouldn’t leave until they’d seen our boys, who were born beautiful, strong, and crying their lungs out.
My little one was sleeping, and I kept watch over all three of them. I went to the nursery every hour to look at the most beautiful boys in there. I’m such a doting father—I can’t wait to spoil them rotten.
“Pretty soon you’re going to wear a hole in the floor with all that pacing.” Karla comes up behind me, smiling.
“They’re so beautiful… I’m completely in love with my kids.”
“Beautiful and strong. Despite being born premature, they’re doing great. Small, but perfect. Let’s let mommy rest a bit, and as soon as she wakes up, we’ll take them both to her.”
“She went through so much…” I say. “I wished I could have taken the pain for her, but she was amazing. I’ll never forget this moment.”
“Alice is incredibly strong. She’s been through a lot and never let it break her. You’re lucky to have a woman like her,” Karla says.
“Yeah… I know. I’m damn lucky. She gave me the greatest treasures. I didn’t appreciate her the way she deserved back then, but now everything’s going to be different. I’m here, and I’m going to make up for it.”
“I hope so. Well, I’ve got to go—there are more mommies waiting to see their babies. If you need anything, call me.”
“Thank you, Karla. For everything you did for her and for my kids. You weren’t just her doctor—you were the support she needed so many times.”
She smiles, pats my shoulder, and says:
“I just did my job, as a doctor and a friend. Good luck!”
I watch her leave and turn my attention back to the two boys who’ve already stolen my heart. They’re fine, and I head back to the room—I need to be there when Alice wakes up.
I sit in the chair beside the bed, watching that wonderful woman and thinking about how lucky I am to have her in my life. I end up dozing off right there, leaning over, holding her hand.
I wake up minutes later to Alice caressing my face.
“Hey… sorry, I dozed off. How are you feeling?”
“I’m the one who slept forever—it’s already dark out,” she says, looking out the window and smiling. “I want to see my babies. Where are they? Can you take me to them?”
“Easy, little one. One thing at a time. I’ll call Karla, and if she gives the okay, I’ll take you to our babies. They’re beautiful and strong, just like their mother.”
I press the call button beside the bed, and a nurse comes in shortly after. She checks Alice's blood pressure, asks how she's feeling, and tells her she'll help with a bath. Catarina brought her bags and the babies' things, so she has everything she needs.
After a while, Karla comes through the door. They talk briefly, and she gives the okay for our children to be brought in—but first I need to ask if they have names yet.
“What about names? Have you chosen them? I didn't ask before… I'm sorry.”
“Yes. I never had a family, but I owe so much to your father. I decided to honor him, so they'll be Edgar and Emanuel. I hope you don't mind.”
“Of course not, my love. They're beautiful names, and my father will love them. It couldn't be more perfect. Thank you for that,” I say, kissing her hand, tears in my eyes, touched by the tribute.
Her dinner arrives and I help her eat, and before long we're waiting for our babies, who arrive shortly after. We savor that beautiful moment as a family—yes, because now we are one.
All that's left is for her to take me back… but I won't rest, even if it takes a lifetime, until that happens.