Blessings in Boston

Twenty-five year old Dr. Andrew Cook sat at his desk in his Philadelphia office. He was reading the latest medical journal while reviewing a patient's file. He glanced up at the clock on the wall. Colleen would be home from class in a few minutes. He smiled at the thought of seeing his beautiful wife again. He missed her during the day. He shook his head to clear his mind and looked back down at the file. Nothing he read was similar to what his patient had. It was frustrating him. He had already read every medical book and journal he and Colleen owned.
Hearing the door open with the ring of the bell, he looked up to see Colleen walk in. She seemed so full of life lately. Her checks just flushed with the color of vitality and life. Andrew smiled as she stopped and put her tiny hand to her rounded belly. She giggled. "Andrew, come feel." She said as their baby kicked.
Andrew got up and walked over to her. He put his larger hand over hers as their baby continued to kick. In the meantime he passionately kissed her.
"I've missed you so much Colleen,” he said once their kiss had ended.
"I've missed you too,” she agreed. "I'll be home with you now though, today was my last day of classes before the baby is born,” she added.
Andrew nodded, “I know." He smiled, and then kissed her again.
"How was your day?" she asked noticing the medical books and journals crowding his desk. "Frustrating!” Andrew sighed.
Colleen walked over to the desk, “Can I help you find something?" she asked looking back at him. Andrew smiled, then walked up to her and kissed her neck.
Colleen tilted her head to the side and bit her lower lip, a smile on her face.
"Andrew?" she playfully questioned.
"Hmm?" he asked.
"You have work to do,” she said.
"Yes, I do,” Andrew said. He stopped kissing her neck and sat down at his desk. He sighed.
"Mr. Hayward's symptoms don't match anything I've read,” Andrew said finally.
Colleen saw his frustration. She pulled a chair up to his desk and sat beside him. “Let me see the file,” she said lovingly.
"I've read every book we own Colleen,” Andrew said as he pushed the file over to his wife. "I just can't figure out what it is Josiah has,” he added.
Colleen smiled. "I have an idea, why don't we call it a night and close early,” she said after reading his notes.
Andrew smiled back at her. He looked into her eyes. A passionate, yet serious look was in his eyes. "Besides, the baby's hungry,” she said rubbing her belly.
Andrew grinned. His thoughts were elsewhere.
"Andrew?" Colleen said.
"Yes Love?" he answered.
"Our baby is hungry,” she said.
"Alright, we'll get a quick bite to eat and then go home,” he said, his eyes lighting up at the thought of home, and a romantic night with his wife.
Colleen giggled, knowing exactly where his thoughts had gone. "We got a couple letters from Boston,” she said changing the subject. She got up and walked over to where she had put her Anatomy book. She took two envelopes out of the book. "I put them in there so I wouldn't lose them,” she added.
Andrew smiled, as she handed him the letters. "A letter from Uncle Cyrus." He said happily, opening the first envelope. "You open this one Colleen, it's from your Grandmother." He handed the other envelope to his wife.
Andrew's smile faded. "Uncle Cy is sick,” he said.
"Oh no,” Colleen gasped.
"He's asked us to take care of his practice till he is well again,” Andrew explained handing Colleen the letter.
"Gramma wants us to come for a visit,” she said handing Andrew her letter.
"Well, I guess we're off to Boston then,” Andrew said.
"But first, lets go eat or the baby won't ever stop complaining,” she said rubbing her belly.
“Alright,” Andrew said, laughing a little at their active little one.

***********************************************************

The next day Andrew bought their train tickets to Boston, while Colleen stayed home and rested. She was feeling somewhat uncomfortable and so Andrew advised her to stay home. He was glad the trip to Boston wasn't as far as Colorado Springs, knowing Colleen wouldn't be able to endure such a long ride at this stage in her pregnancy. Andrew sent a wire to his Aunt Rose letting her know when they’d arrive.
Andrew rode his horse Rockwell up to his Main Street practice and he and Colleens adjoining home.
"May I take your horse to the stables for you Doctor?" the stable boy asked approaching Andrew as he dismounted.
"Yes, thank you Joseph,” Andrew said smiling at the brown haired fourteen year old. Andrew climbed the steps to the door as Joseph led Rockwell away.
Colleen met Andrew at the door. She threw her arms around him and kissed him.
“Feeling better?" Andrew asked.
"A little, yes,” she said shutting the door.
"That's good," he replied.
"I saw Dr. Phillips today," she replied.
"Oh?"
"Yes, the baby is due any time now, within the next two weeks,” she said.
"I can't wait to meet our little one,” Andrew said putting his hand on her stomach. Colleen sighed.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"Andrew..." she began. "What if the baby looks like Joel?" she finished.
"Oh, Colleen,” Andrew said pulling her closer, "I knew something was bothering you today."
"I've been worrying about that for awhile now," she answered.
"Shhh...I'm sure he will look just like you," Andrew said before kissing her again.
"But what if SHE doesn't?”
"Don't worry," Andrew comforted.
She nodded.
"I bought our train tickets,” he said.
"Did you?"
"Yes,” he said holding her close. "I'm glad Boston isn't a long trip for you,” he added lovingly.
"Me too,” she agreed.

***********************************************************

They left the next morning. Colleen was excited about going to Boston again.
"Will you be alright my Love?" Andrew asked looking at his wife as she sat. She winced in pain as she did so.
"I should be,” she said smiling at Andrews concern. "My back is just hurting me a little today,” adding to explain.
Andrew nodded as he sat beside her. "Your Grandmother is sending a carriage for us."
"So we're stayin' with Gramma then?"
"Well, she did ask us to stay with her on Beacon Hill,” Andrew said nodding.
"What about your Uncle?" Colleen asked trying to get comfortable.
“We will go over and see him once we're settled,” Andrew answered. He watched Colleen, a concerned, worried look on his face.

***********************************************************

Colleen slept while the train sped towards Boston. Andrew sat reading a newspaper, occasionally looking at Colleen to see if she was okay. He was anxious to meet the little child that he had promised to raise 6 months ago when he found Colleen. He worried too that the child would have the features of his violent, cruel father Joel Lambert. He still had a hard time forgiving the man that had taken Colleen, beat her, and gotten her pregnant. Even now that Joel was spending life in prison in Europe, Andrew worried that one day he would get out, and come back to take Colleen and their child away from him. It was Andrew's worst nightmare.
Colleen stirred in her sleep, and opened her brown eyes to notice Andrew staring at her. "Andrew?" she questioned.
"Hmm...?" he asked.
"Are you okay?"
"I was just thinking about Joel, and how glad I am to have found you,” he admitted.
"I'm glad too, Andrew," she said laying her head on his shoulder. "And I'm glad the baby will have you as its father and not Joel,” she added putting her hand to her belly. Andrew smiled and put his larger hand on top of hers.
"I'm glad too,” he agreed, “I can't wait to meet him."
"I can't wait to meet HER either,” Colleen said. "It's going to be a girl."
"No, it's a boy, I can tell.”
"Next stop...Boston station!" The ticket man called stopping Andrew and Colleen's argument.
Andrew smiled and kissed Colleen, "If it is a girl, I hope she's as beautiful as you." He smiled making Colleen blush.

***********************************************************

The Carriage pulled up to the Quinn Mansion a little after two pm. Andrew climbed down from the seat, and gently and carefully lifted Colleen down and put her on the ground beside him.
"You don't have much luggage Dr. Cook,” the carriage driver said taking two suitcases down from the back.
"No, we don't, " Andrew agreed ringing the doorbell.
"Yes?" the butler said upon seeing Andrew and Colleen at the door.
"He's new,” Colleen whispered to Andrew, not recognizing the servant at the door.
"Please tell Mrs. Quinn that her Granddaughter and Grandson-in-law are here,” Andrew said.
"Yes sir. Please come into the parlor to wait for her,” the butler said taking their suitcases and leading Andrew and Colleen into the parlor.
Colleen sat on the couch and waited. Her back was bothering her again, and she was feeling a bit weak. Andrew looked at her worriedly.
"Will you be alright?" he asked her with questioning eyes.
"I think so."
Andrew picked up a book from a table and stood reading it while they waited for Elizabeth.
"Andrew? What are you reading?" Colleen asked.
"It's a poetry book,” he said.
"Andrew, Colleen...what a pleasant surprise to see you here so soon," Elizabeth Quinn said walking into the parlor. Colleen stood up with Andrew's help. Andrew held her steady with his arm resting on her back, noticing that she was feeling a bit dizzy and disoriented. He looked at her with a concerned look on his face.
"Are you alright my dear?" Elizabeth asked looking at Colleen. She noticed that Colleens face had gone pale.
"Just a bit tired, that's all,” Colleen said.
"Then you two should get some rest, we'll visit later,” Elizabeth said. "Marius!" she called.
The butler appeared. "Yes, Mrs. Quinn?"
"Please show my Granddaughter and her husband to their room."
"Yes Mrs. Quinn,” he said leading Andrew and Colleen out of the room. Andrew held Colleen steady as they walked up to their room.
When they got to their room, Andrew shut the door as Colleen lay down on the bed.
“Colleen, you're worrying me," Andrew admitted walking over to the bed.
"I'm worrying myself Andrew," she said as Andrew lay down beside her.
"You looked like you were going to faint down there," Andrew said worriedly.
“Something's not right Andrew."
"Shhh...everything will be okay,” he answered holding her close. He put his hand on her belly and gently rubbed it. He hoped everything would be okay.

***********************************************************

That night they joined his Aunt and Uncle for dinner. His Aunt Rose had sent the invitation along with an old friend from Andrew's childhood, with the promise that Ryan would be there. Andrew hadn't seen Ryan when the invitation arrived, it was left with Marius. Andrew accepted the invitation only after making sure Colleen would be well enough to go. She said that she would be, so they called a carriage and went.
Andrew eagerly and excitedly awaited catching up with his old friend. Even though Andrew and Ryan were almost seven years apart, they still enjoyed hanging out during Andrew's teen years. Ryan was like the little brother that Andrew never had. Now that Ryan was in his teens, Andrew was anxious to know what he was up to.
"You never told me about Ryan,” Colleen said as they drove to the Cook estate on Commonwealth Avenue.
"Didn't I?" Andrew asked, "Must have slipped my mind."
"How did you and Ryan meet?"
"His parents live next to Uncle Cy and Aunt Rose. He used to follow me around, I was like his role model."
"He must have been very young,” Colleen said.
"He was ten years old when his parents moved into that house."
"So, how old is he now?"
"He should be either sixteen or seventeen,” Andrew said smiling.
Colleen left the conversation at that as they turned the corner onto Commonwealth Avenue.
"He's like a little brother to me, Colleen,” Andrew admitted before the carriage stopped at 1043 Commonwealth Avenue.
Ryan played with a dog in the small front yard of his parents' house as Andrew got out of the carriage and helped Colleen down.
"Andy?" Ryan called looking at Andrew.
Andrew turned to see the bright eyed blonde haired young man walk over to them with his dog at his side. "Hello, Ryan." Andrew said. "I'd like you to meet my wife Colleen."
"Gosh she's pretty!" Ryan exclaimed.
Colleen blushed and put her head down to hide her embarrassment.
"Yes, she is...she's beautiful,” Andrew added smiling at his bride.
"Nice to meet you, Ryan,” Colleen said finally.
"Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Cook,” Ryan said politely.
"Hello, Andrew!" Mrs. Hawthorne called from the porch as she waved.
Andrew led his wife over to the Hawthorne estate. "Hello, Mrs. Hawthorne,” he said smiling, "This is my wife, Colleen,” he added when Amelia Hawthorne's gaze fixed on Colleen.
"Wife?!" she asked looking at Andrew with a surprised face. Then she looked back at Colleen. "Well, I'll be! Nice to meet you dear." She said.
"Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Hawthorne,” Colleen said.
"You can call me Amelia, Dear,” the older woman said smiling at Colleen.
"Doesn't seem like that many years have gone by since Ari...” Amelia began.
“So what have you been up to lately, Ryan?” Andrew said, changing the subject and giving Amelia a warning look.
“Although I guess you're right, little Ryan was almost fourteen when you took that job out in Colorado." Amelia said.
"Yes, he was." Andrew said tousling Ryan's hair as he stood beside Andrew. Ryan shook his head, and tried desperately to fix his messed up hair. Colleen giggled.
"I'm going to Medical School next fall Andy, already been accepted." At sixteen Ryan was already as tall as Andrew.
"Yes, Harvard accepted him a few months back,” Amelia said smiling at her son.
“That's wonderful, Ryan." Andrew said smiling at the young man.
"When is your baby due, Mrs. Cook?" Ryan asked, then noticed his mother's startled face and felt embarrassed he’d asked.
Andrew laughed a little, "It's okay Amelia." He looked at Ryan, "Anytime now."
“So it will be born in Boston?" Ryan asked.
"Yes, it will be born in Boston,” Andrew said.
"Come get ready for dinner, Ryan!" Amelia called.
"We shall visit more at dinner, Andy,” Ryan said smiling.
"I look forward to it,” Andrew said smiling.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cook," Ryan said to Colleen.
“You too, Ryan,” Colleen said smiling.

***********************************************************

At dinner, Colleen had a hard time eating. Rose had decided on Chicken for the menu, knowing it was Colleen's favorite. Unfortunately Colleen couldn't stand the smell.
"Colleen, are you okay?" Andrew whispered, seeing her pale face.
"Anna, please bring Colleen a salad and take away her plate of chicken,” Rose said to the cook, taking care of the problem then and there.
"Thank you,” Colleen said as Anna took her plate.
"Why can't you eat chicken, Mrs. Cook?" Ryan asked, not understanding.
"The baby must not like it,” Andrew explained for his wife as she drank some water.
"Oh, I see," Ryan said. Then he took a bite of his chicken.
Andrew smiled at his sick Uncle, who was trying desperately to sit up and eat with his family.
"I was thinking Andrew..." his Uncle began, he took a bite of his meal, "With my illness, it's going to make it hard for me to work much. I'd like to ask you to take over my practice here in Boston. I could help you on days I feel well enough, and on the other days, you could do quite well on your own,” Cyrus Cook finished.
"Yes, it would be nice to have you and Colleen here in the city,” Rose said happily.
"What about Colleen and school?" Andrew asked.
"Yes, I go to school in Philadelphia,” Colleen said.
"How does Harvard sound?" Cyrus said smiling.
Colleen gasped.
"Harvard doesn't accept women!" Ryan interrupted.
"I'm on the board of directors, and I know that Colleen is a good student, so I will recommend her for the next semester," Cyrus said. "That is, if you'll be ready, my Dear,” he said, referring to her pregnancy.
"She should be ready,” Andrew said thinking.
"Good,” Cyrus said. "It's about time Harvard accepted women to their school,” he added.
"Is it alright if Colleen and I discuss it?" Andrew asked.
"Oh yes, quite alright,” Cyrus said smiling. He had a feeling that his nephews mind was already made up, and he could tell from the sparkle in Colleen's eyes that hers was quite made up as well.

***********************************************************

Colleen lay awake in bed resting her head on Andrew's chest. Andrew drifted between sleep and consciousness as he combed his fingers through her long wavy reddish auburn hair.
"Andrew?" she whispered.
"Hmmm?" he asked.
"I would like to move here, especially if your uncle can get me into Harvard."
"It does sound like a wonderful opportunity for you."
"Please can we move here?" she asked.
Andrew thought awhile. "Yes, we will move here,” he answered finally.
Colleen sat up in bed and looked at her husband, her eyes bright. She kissed him. "Thank you!" she said after their kiss had ended.
Andrew chuckled, "You're welcome."

***********************************************************

Andrew and Colleen told Cyrus of their plans the next morning. Cyrus smiled happily, and Rose hugged Colleen.
"How lovely, my dear,” Rose said as she hugged Colleen.
"It will be nice to have you back home, Andy,” Cyrus said.
Andrew nodded.
"And we will be able to see our Grand niece or nephew," Rose said smiling at Colleen.
"Niece,” Colleen said.
"Nephew,” Andrew said at the same time.
Cyrus and Rose laughed.
"Whatever it is, it will be good to have it here where we can see it," Rose replied.
"Yes, it will be nice," Cyrus agreed as the doorbell rang.
The butler let in Ryan.
"Good Morning, Andy," Ryan said happily hugging Andrew.
"Good Morning, Ryan,” Andrew said.
"Hello Ryan...did you sleep well?" Colleen said sweetly.
"Hello, Mrs. Cook." Ryan said looking at Colleen, “I just realized that we will be in the same graduating class at Harvard,” he added.
Colleen smiled, “We will indeed!”

**********************************************************


Later that night, Colleen began a letter to Colorado Springs. Andrew made plans to get their things in Philadelphia delivered to Boston. They fell asleep late that night wrapped in each others arms. The next morning, Andrew began working in his uncles office. Colleen stayed home to rest. She was feeling quite uncomfortable now.
Colleen sat in the parlor in her Grandmothers Mansion, reading a medical book when Andrew walked in the door. His eyes lit up upon seeing Colleen. He walked into the parlor and leaned down to kiss her gently before taking an envelope out of his pocket.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Open it and see,” he said smiling.
She smiled, as she opened the envelope. Inside was a key. She looked at her husband, "What does it go to?"
He sat down, and took her hand, "A house. It belonged to my parents before they died," he explained.
Colleen put her hand to her mouth and gasped.
"It's our house, Colleen. It's in the country, about three miles from Boston."
"We won't live in the city?" she asked.
"No, we will commute by horse and carriage every morning, but we will do quite fine."
Colleen nodded.
"Would you like to go see it today?" he asked. His eyes lit up.
Colleen smiled excitedly, "Yes!" she said.
They explained to Elizabeth what they were going to do, and left for the country. They rode for what seemed like a long time to Colleen. She wondered how long it would take for them to get there. Andrew took her hand, and smiled at her as they drove up to the house. It was a beautiful home with a large oak tree in the front yard. The porch enclosed around the house, and in the back could be seen an elaborate stable. Colleen looked at Andrew, and smiled.
"Oh Andrew, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed.
Andrew smiled, as the driver of the carriage stopped in front of the house. He climbed down, and then reached up to take Colleen's hand to help her down.
"Thank you, Mykel,” Andrew said to the driver, " You may leave, we will be back to the city a bit later." He smiled at Colleen.
Colleen looked at Andrew wondering how they would get back.
Andrew held his hand out to her, and she took it. He led her to the house. On the front porch there was a beautiful porch swing.
"Oh Andrew...it's so beautiful!" she said again.
"Do you still have the key?" he asked with questioning eyes.
Colleen nodded as she reached into her pocket and pulled out the key. She handed it to her husband. Andrew opened the door, and then unexpectedly swept Colleen up in his arms and carried her over the threshold.
"Andrew..." she began, but Andrew stopped her by kissing her.
"Welcome home, My Love,” he said after their kiss had ended.
He set her down, and Colleen gasped at the view she took in. There were ornate stairs that led to the second floor. The house had beautifully polished wooden floors. On the left was a large parlor with a fireplace, and to the right was a music room also with a fireplace. Andrew showed her around. The kitchen was the biggest kitchen she had ever seen. There was a library, an office area for him with a separate door to the outside. Upstairs there were seven bedrooms, and one huge master bedroom with a fireplace. In the house there were three bathrooms. Another staircase led to the third floor. There were three more bedrooms up there, and a storage space.
"Andrew, it's huge!" Colleen exclaimed after seeing it all.
"Yes, it is quite large...if you don't like it, we could move somewhere else,” Andrew said.
"No, Andrew, it's wonderful!” Colleen said.
"Well, I thought that the bedroom next to our room would be perfect for a nursery for the baby," Andrew said, putting his hand to Colleen's belly.
Colleen looked down at his hand and smiled, “Do you remember living here?" she asked.
"Well, the room I told you about for the baby...it used to be mine when I was a child,” he said smiling, "I remember Mama, she used to tuck me in, and sing me a lullaby in Norwegian..." he added.
“You don't talk about your parents much,” she said.
"There are a lot of things I don’t talk much about...” he said, “So, lets go look at the stables." he added changing the subject.
He led her out of the house to the stables. Colleen was surprised to see a man in the stables attending to the horses. The fact that there were horses in the stables also surprised Colleen.
"Hello, David." Andrew said shaking the man's hand.
“Andrew!” David said smiling.
"David, I'd like you to meet my wife, Colleen." Andrew introduced. David nodded his hello. "Colleen, David Anders is one of the servants. When my parents died, they left the house in Davids’ parent's care until I could take it, when his parents died, he took over the estate's care," Andrew explained.
"Davey..." A young woman began coming into the stable. She stopped upon seeing Andrew and Colleen. She walked over to David.
"Andrew, Colleen, I'd like you to meet my wife, Shannon,” he said introducing the red haired girl.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Anders,” Andrew said smiling.
"Call me Shannon....please, " she said smiling back.
"Shannon here is the cook, and housekeeper," David said, "I originally hired her for that, and well...we fell in love and got married,” he said smiling at his young wife.
Shannon blushed.
"Are these horses ours?" Colleen asked.
"Yes, they are...well, all but Rocket, he's mine,” Shannon said smiling.
"Shannon has such a love for horses,” David said.
"Have you seen the kitchen, Colleen?" Shannon asked taking Colleen's hand a leading her out of the stable. Andrew and Colleen shared a loving glance before she walked out the door.

**********************************************************


Shannon led her into the kitchen. "Would you like some tea Colleen?"
Colleen sat down. "I would, thank you."
Shannon smiled as she put the water on to boil. Then she sat down beside Colleen. "When is your baby due?"
"Anytime now." Colleen said rubbing her belly.
"Are you excited?"
"I'm a little nervous." Colleen admitted.
Shannon smiled. "I'm sure you'll do fine."
"Thanks." Colleen smiled back. "How long have you and David been married?"
"Seven months now." She said. "It was a long engagement, and we courted for what seemed like forever."
Colleen smiled.
"How about you...How long have you and Andrew been married?"
"Six months." She said. Seeing Shannon's shocked face, she put her hand up to stop Shannon's question. "When Andrew and I were courting, I was kidnapped and forced to marry another man. The man took advantage of me, and I became pregnant. Andrew found me three months later, and he proposed and we were married shortly after.”
"Wow." Shannon said. "Who was the man?"
"I was kidnapped by my real father, and he held me at gunpoint at the alter...forcing me to marry Dr. Joel Lambert." Colleen said. The memory disturbed her, and Shannon was sorry she asked.
"Oh, the tea's done." Shannon said getting up. She took down two cups and poured the tea. Then she brought them over to the table.
"Do you and David live here?" Colleen asked.
"Yes, we stay in one of the bedroom's on the third floor." She said smiling.
Colleen smiled. She wanted to know more about this young woman. She thought of questions for her.

**********************************************************


"I have two horses that will be arriving by train from Philadelphia." Andrew told David as they looked at the horses.
David nodded. "Do you remember that we used to play when we were little?" he suddenly said.
Andrew smiled. "Yes, I do remember."
"When you went to live with your Uncle, I missed you terribly." David said.
"Yes, I missed you as well...but I was so angry at my parents for leaving me like that."
"I understand...I wanted to go see you in the city, but Mama and Papa wouldn't let me." David said.
"When I was younger, I never wanted to see this house ever again." Andrew admitted.
David sighed. "I'm sorry about your parents, Andy."
Andrew nodded, “I'm sorry about yours as well...how long since they passed away?" Andrew wondered, he had not known about John and Bethany's death until his uncle handed him the key.
"Almost three years ago." He said. " Papa died in January, and Mama died a few months later."
“I'm sorry to hear that."
"I honestly do believe though, that if Mama hadn't passed away when she did, and I didn't like food so much, I probably wouldn't have put that ad in the paper and hired Shannon." David said smiling.
Andrew smiled back. "Is she a good cook?"
"Oh Andy, good is an understatement." David said laughing. Andrew laughed with him.


**********************************************************


"I guess our husbands are getting along well." Shannon said upon hearing the men's laughter.
Colleen smiled.
"Now, what to make for dinner?" Shannon said thinking aloud.
“Let's make dinner together." Colleen said.
Shannon looked at Colleen. Then nodded. "What does Andrew like?"

**********************************************************


Late that night, Andrew hitched up the carriage that was in the stables, and drove back to the city. Saying goodbye to David and Shannon, they promised they would be back tomorrow after work to move in for good.
Andrew drove up to the Quinn Mansion, and left the carriage to the stable boy to put away. Colleen was quite tired, and feeling very uncomfortable. Andrew helped her up the steps to their bedroom, and also helped her get into her night dress.
"Are you okay, My Love?" he asked worriedly as Colleen sat on the bed.
"My back hurts quite a lot." She said gently easing herself down into a laying position.
"Well, you are due to deliver any minute now..." he began. Then smiled when he saw that Colleen was already asleep.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Sleep well my beautiful bride," he whispered.
He undressed, and lay beside her...slowly drifting off to sleep as he thought of the day. It was perfect.


**********************************************************

Andrew woke up to Colleen sitting up in bed. She was crying out, and gripping her stomach. Andrew jumped up out of bed.
"Colleen, what is it?" he asked.
"The baby, it's time," she said breathlessly.
Andrew grabbed his medical bag from the dresser, and went to the foot of the bed. After examining her he found that she wasn't anywhere near ready to deliver. He joined her at the side of the bed and held her hand, gently letting her know that he was there for her every step of the way. He took out his stethoscope and listened to her heartbeat and the babies heartbeat.
"Colleen, you're doing well, my darling,”he said gently. He was scared. He'd never delivered his own baby before.
"Andrew, it hurts so much,” she cried.
"I know it does, my Love, but you must be brave....it's going to take awhile,” he admitted.
She nodded, then gasped as another pain overcame her. Andrew took her hand, and reminded her that he was there for her.
Andrew was so scared...but tried to regain his composure. As the sun was coming up, Elizabeth came in to hold Colleen's hand as Andrew examined his wife.
"Oh Lord, please let the baby come quickly,” he prayed in a whisper as he examined her.
Andrew wanted so bad to take away Colleen's pain. He prayed continuously for her safety, asking God to help her with the pain. Andrew moved to the foot of the bed and examined her again around noon, seeing that she was ready, he coaxed her to push...
After much pushing, at around one o'clock Colleen delivered a son, and five minutes later, a twin daughter. Colleen collapsed on the bed, exhausted. Andrew smiled, and wiped away a tear as he kissed his son and daughter again and again. Colleen smiled tiredly, as Andrew put the two little ones in her arms. He sat beside her, and wiped away a piece of her hair before kissing her forehead.
"I Love you,” he said smiling.
"I Love you too,” she sighed contentedly.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Very sore, but okay."
"The babies are so beautiful," Andrew said, "Like their Mama,” he added.
Colleen blushed, "What shall we name them?"
"How about we name them....." Andrew began.
"The boy can be Andrew...." Colleen began.
"No, not Andrew." Andrew said...a hint of sadness in his voice. Colleen tiredly dismissed it. "Then Andre` Byron,” Colleen said.
"Andre` will be fine,” Andrew said.
"And the girl can be named Rebeckah Michaela,” she said.
Andrew smiled. Perfect names for their two little reddish auburn haired babies.
"I'm exhausted," Colleen admitted.
"You should get some rest,” Andrew said, “I still have to go into the office today."
"Oh..." Colleen said sadly. She wanted him to stay home with her and their babies.
"I'm sorry, Colleen, but I will be home later today, and then we will move to the new house...that is if you, Andre`, and Becky are up to it."
"I think we should be,” Colleen said smiling. "Besides, I want Shannon to see them."
Andrew smiled. He kissed her before getting up, "I will see you later, my Love."
He leaned down and kissed each twin on the forehead, “See you two later as well."
Colleen watched as Andrew left. Then held the twins close, "Welcome to the family little ones."

**********************************************************


Andrew and Colleen drove up to the Cook Estate around dinner time. Shannon came out on the front porch to greet them. She gasped at the sight of a still quite tired Colleen holding two little bundles.
"They were born this afternoon," Andrew said smiling. He jumped down and took Andre` from Colleen, handing the tiny one to Shannon, and then took Becky. Colleen carefully climbed down from the carriage.
"Andrew is taking the day off tomorrow to move our stuff into the house,” she explained taking Andre` from Shannon.
"Come inside...I want to see them more closely,” Shannon said smiling.
"David....Andrew and Colleen are here, and they have a surprise!" she called to the stables before leading the Cook family into the house.
David ran to the back door and through the house to the parlor. "Is it food?" he asked jokingly.
Andrew, Colleen and Shannon all laughed.
"Come see their children, David." Shannon said smiling.
Andrew sat on the couch holding Becky, and Colleen sat beside him holding Andre`.
"They were born this afternoon," Andrew said smiling.
"Congratulations!” David said.
"What are their names?" Shannon asked.
"Well, Andrew is holding Rebeckah, and I'm holding Andre`," Colleen said before yawning.
"Oh, you must be quite tired,” Shannon said.
Colleen nodded.
"Listen...Andrew, your parents left cradles in the storage space upstairs. I can bring them down and put them in your bedroom," David said smiling.
"Thank you David, that would be great,” Andrew said smiling back.
David got up and went upstairs to get them. Shannon sat on the other couch. " I can't wait till Davey and I have children,” she thought aloud.
"You will in time,” Andrew said.
" I guess."
"Give it time,” Colleen said, “Spend time together, Andrew and I didn't get to."
Andrew nodded.
"Your children are beautiful," Shannon said.
"Thank you!" Andrew and Colleen said in unison. They smiled at each other. Colleen and Andrew retired to bed after eating some food. Colleen sung the twins to sleep, then snuggled close to Andrew as she laid her head on his chest. He smiled, then kissed Colleen's head. Andrew sighed contentedly.
Everything was perfect. They had two beautiful children, he had taken over his uncles practice completely, and Colleen began classes at Harvard the next term...they truly had Blessings in Boston.


The End