The Arrival

Tessa had taken both her husbands to task over the months since they arrived in the North Woods. They served her night and day in more ways than one. Luckily the grandparents were hip to a witch pregnancy and knew that they needed alone time. Erik and Marissa spent a lot of time with their grandparents and Erik had also met some other young people to hang out with.

Tessa was getting more tired and was sleeping in most mornings. While one husband would walk the children to their grandparents, the other would stay and wait on Tessa. This morning Jacob satyed with Tessa and cuddled next to her in bed. Tessa’s eyes fluttered open and Jacob said, “Morning Darlin’. How’re you feeling?”

“Not very well,” she said.

“What’s wrong Tess?” Jacob asked as he ran his fingers down her cheek.

“I’m just tired. Do you mind getting me some water?” asked Tessa.

“Of course. I’ll be right back.” Jacob kissed her cheek then got out of bed. When he got to the kitchen, he poured her water then walked back upstairs. When he opened the door, he found Tessa on the floor on all fours, panting and shivering.He dropped the glass on the floor and leaped to her side. “Tessa what’s wrong?”

“They’re coming, the babies are coming.”

“Oh my god, what do I do Tessa? Tell me how to help you.”

“Just stay here, don’t leave me,” she said.

Jacob put his arms around her and she tried to sit up, she put her head into his chest and leaned against him as another contraction began. She groaned and grabbed his arm and squeezed as her face wrenched up. “Oh god Jacob, it hurts,” she said. He kissed her head and said, “I’m sorry darlin’. Is there anything I can do?” Tessa shook her head no.

Then Jacob heard the door shut, “Logan get up here now,” Jacob yelled.

Logan ran up the stairs and into the bedroom. “How far apart Jacob?” Logan asked as he knelt beside Tessa.

“What?”

“Her contractions, how far apart?”

“Uh...I don’t know. Not long, maybe a few minutes. We need to get her to the infirmary.”

“No, no, there's not time. She can’t walk and we can’t carry her like this.” said Logan.

“Go get a healer Jacob. We’re going to need some help,” said Logan.

“Ok, ok,” Jacob said. He kissed Tessa’s forehead and said, “ I’ll be right back.” Then he ran out of the room.

Another contraction came and Tessa dropped her head to her hands and gritted her teeth, trying not to scream. “Shh, it’s ok sweetheart. It’ll be over soon,” Logan said as he stroked her back.

“Why do we keep doing this again?” Tessa asked through quivering lips.

“Because I’m so irresistible. You can’t keep your hands off of me,” Logan said sarcastically.

“I think I have a potion for that.”

Logan laughed and said, “Too late for that Mrs. Hexom." He kept rubbing her back and said, “I love you Tess. You’re doing such a good job. I’m so proud of you.”

Jacob came back with Imara and Eliza. “Do you mind giving us some room please?” asked Imara as she came to Tessa’s side.

“Do you want us to leave?” asked Jacob as Logan looked at him sideways.

“No Jacob, you don’t get to leave, the party’s just starting” said Imara.” But can you both go wash your hands please and grab a few towels?”

When they came back, Tessa was laying on her back and was beginning to push. “Alright daddy #1 step on up.”

Logan knelt down beside Imara as she guided the first baby out and cleaned it up. She placed him in Logan's arms and he said, “Hello Andrew. I’m your daddy.” He crawled up to Tessa’s head so she could see him and she smiled then leaned over and kissed his head. Then it was time to push again.

“Alright Jacob, come on down,” said Imara. Jacob knelt down on her other side and watched as Tessa gave birth. He held out his arms as Imara placed the second baby in his arms and he brought the little boy close to his chest, afraid he would drop him.

Jacob looked in his eyes and was awestruck as the baby blinked at him. His eyes teared up as he looked up at Tessa. She smiled at him then said, “His name is Michael." Then Jacob looked back down and whispered, “Hi Michael.” He blew out a long slow breath then leaned in and kissed his forehead then crawled to Tessa so she could see her son. She looked at him as tears poured down her cheeks then she kissed his little nose.

Once Imara and Eliza were finished getting Tessa cleaned and changed, they helped her to bed while the two men held their sons. Then the front door opened and closed. Logan handed Andrew to Tessa so she could feed him then he headed downstairs thinking Isabelle was back with the children. When he got to the bottom though, he saw Jacob standing in the foyer.

“Hi dad.”

Logan didn’t say anything he just closed the distance between them and threw his arms around Jacob. “Jacob, thank god you’re here. Thank you. Thank you. Your mothers going to be so happy.”

“Where is mom?” asked Jacob. But then he heard the baby start crying and smiled.”When?” he asked.

“About twenty minutes ago,” said Logan.

Jacob laughed and patted his dad’s shoulder. “Congratulations!”

Logan motioned to the stairs and said, “Come on, I got a couple of surprises for you.”

When Jacob entered their bedroom, the first face he saw was Eliza’s.

Eliza gasped and put her hand on her chest. She thought she must surely be seeing things. “Oh my god,” she said as she ran into his arms.

“Hi honey,” said Jacob.” I sure have missed you Eliza.” Eliza lifted her head up from his chest and kissed Jacob. Then she said, “I’ve missed you too, so much,I can’t believe your here,”as she hugged him again.

Then Jacob released Eliza and went to Tessa. She had just finished feeding Andrew and was sitting up in bed. He leaned down and kissed her on her forehead then said, “I’m home Momma.”

Tessa said, “ Thank you Jacob.”

The senior Jacob had been quietly sitting in a chair by the wall holding Michael when Jacob came in. Young Jacob hadn't notcied him yet. It was like looking in a mirror. Logan has told him that his son favored Jacob but it was amazing. They even sounded alike.

Finally he stood and put his hand out to Jacob. “Jacob, I’m your uncle Jacob. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Jacob leaned in but instead of shaking his hand he gave him a hug. “I’ve been hearing about you my whole life. I can’t believe I finally get to meet the famous Uncle Jacob.” Young Jacob looked down at his baby brother and then rubbed his fuzzy head. "Hey little buddy. What's his name?" Uncle Jacob smiled proudly and said, "This is Michael." Then the younger Jacob patted his uncle’s back a few times and let him go before going back to his mother.

Logan said, “ Not that I’m gonna complain Jacob but what are you doing here?”

Jacob smiled at Eliza then said, “I'm getting married, remember?”

Then Jacob looked down at his new brother and said, “So who is this handsome little pup?”

“This is littleman is Andrew.” said Tessa about the baby in her arms.

“Mikey and Andy huh? So hand him over Momma,” said Jacob as he reached down and scooped him out of Tessa’s arms. He stood there looking into his new brother's face, then he leaned down and sniffed his little head.”You sure make some pretty babies Momma.”

“I do, that’s for sure,” said Tessa.