49

“How long now, Mom? How much time?" At Roman's insistent question, she huffed as she fought the pain to answer.

“What your mother is trying to say is that she doesn't know, but she hopes it's soon,” Alexander told the boy, who was looking at Gwen gasping in pain in the hospital bed.

“Little boy, you really shouldn't be here,” the nurse scolded and Roman pouted.

“But I want to see my new little brother.”

“Soon, young man, your mother is almost done,” the nurse said, smiling.

“When, Mom?” he asked once more.

Gwen suddenly gasped, startling Roman, who started to cry. Picking him up, Alyssa bent them over the hospital bed and gave her sister a kiss.

“Wish Mom luck, Roman. We'll be in the children's room waiting,” he told them before quickly pulling the child out of the room.

After they left, Alexander sat next to Gwen and patted her head. When another contraction came, she squeezed his arm, making him shiver.

After she left, Alexander sat next to Gwen and stroked her head. When another co