Dr. Spellman had to watch his sister die when she went into labor prematurely. He refuses to let the father of his baby ruin his children’s lives, but he is helpless when he comes for them five years later. “Breathe. Breathe, Leah, it’s going to be okay.” Thomas stared at Leah as he jogged past the gurney she was lying on. She had gone into labor early, and the hospital staff was rushing her into the operating room to deliver her triplets via cesarean section. Her face contorted into a grimace as she tried to control her breathing. “Much better.” Thomas smiled at her. It took all his willpower to hide the fear in his heart, but Leah needed him to be strong.
When they reached the operating room, one of the nurses turned to stop Thomas from entering. “You know you can’t go in there, Dr. Spellman,” she said. “Just the father…” “You’re not going in,” Thomas snapped. “I’m going in to support my sister, not as a doctor.” “Still not a good idea.” The nurse shook her head. “This is a high-risk situation, and you may be tempted to step in.” “I’m a pediatrician, not an obstetrician,” Thomas replied, “and I won’t do anything to jeopardize my sister’s health. Please, there’s no one else to be by her side. Leah needs me.”
The nurse stepped aside. Thomas changed into his gown as the nurses prepped Leah for surgery, and was soon at her side. “I don’t like this,” Leah murmured. “It’s too soon… what if something happens to one of my babies?”
“Don’t even think about it.” Thomas took Leah’s hand in his. “We’ve been over the health risks a hundred times, Leah. We’re prepared for anything.” Leah smiled at him. “You’re right. I don’t know how to thank you for supporting me through all of this. You’re the best big brother anyone could ask for.” “I told you I’d take care of you and my nephews.” Thomas squeezed Leah’s hand. “So don’t worry about a thing.” The operation progressed well. Thomas held Leah’s hand as he peered over the protective covering around her belly. His heart sank as he saw the first of his nephews emerge.
Thomas watched anxiously as the nurse took his nephew away to be cleaned and wrapped. So great was his concern for his premature nephews that he didn’t realize Leah was in pain until the anesthesiologist announced a sudden drop in blood pressure. All of time collapsed into a single instant; the interval between Thomas’ heartbeats, the silence of a held breath as he saw how pale Leah was. He said something to her, but she could never remember his words afterward, only how she struggled to focus on him. “Stay with me!” He took Leah’s face in his hands and turned her head to look at him.