Sometimes Love Isn't Enough

Whatever It Takes

It's all systems go to get everything that we need on the bus for the baby. Between travelling, sound checks, shows, and arranging everything for the baby, it's  been a very hectic few weeks.   Brendon and I have finally managed to get everything set up on the bus. We now have a travel cot and a Crib in our bedroom. Space is very tight, but we will manage. We've also bought a double stroller for ease of moving two kids around. All the necessary guardianship paperwork has been filed and submitted to the courts. We are just awaiting confirmation of completion, which hopefully we should get in the next few weeks. I'm trying to keep it all together. Skai is now ten months, and it's going to be daunting having two children under the age of one. My new Mantra is Don't Panic! we've got this. Brendon comes through from our room carrying Skai.
"Hey babe, you ok? You're looking kinda stressed. You've got that wild-eyed look."
"I'm fine, Bren..." I lie
"Carlyn, look at me." He says, placing a finger under my chin and lifting my head to face him. "I know you're lying, babe. You're chewing your bottom lip. Talk to me."
"I might or might not be panicking slightly about us having two kids under one and how we are gonna manage.." I sigh.
"Carlyn, we will manage." he states gently. "You're a great mum, and in case you've forgotten, we have a shit tonne of family around us to help."
"I know, Bren.. you're a great dad as well, but I hate relying on others to help us. It's not fair on Mike, Nicole, or Dan. They didn't sign up for any of this."
"I know Carly, but they are more than happy to help. They love being involved with Skai. Are you having second thoughts about this, babe? I know I'm asking a lot of you..."
"NO! Never that child is ours. I'm just being silly and overthinking things." Brendon puts Skai down, who instantly toddles towards Dan as Brendon wraps me in a hug whispering. "It's only natural to be apprehensive. You have no idea how much I love and appreciate you."
"I know you do. I love you too, Bren."

**Time Skip 5 weeks**

Elise's due date is rapidly approaching. We have a little break in the tour, and we're currently staying in a lovely hotel in Seattle. Everyone's enjoying their diwn time. All the guys are out doing their own thing, sightseeing or whatever. We have another 3 days off before we hit the road again. Brendon and I are chilling in our room, whilst Skai is having an afternoon nap when his mobile starts ringing.
"If Dan's lost again!! I swear we are getting a tracker fitted to him." he laughs, picking up his phone.  I can only hear his side of the conversation, and I'm not really paying attention as I gather up my things and make my way towards the shower
"CARLY!!.....CARLY!...."
"Yeah, you don't need to shout..." He's looking rather pale. "What's wrong, Bren?"
"Elise's waters broke earlier this morning. She's in labour. Abby took her up to the hospital, She needs us to get up there."
"Ok. Don't panic..... I'll get changed quickly if you get Skai ready."
Once we are all ready, we head outside and hail a cab to the hospital.
"I can't believe this is really happening," he says. I can feel his leg bouncing up and down, trying to release some nervous energy. I place my hand on his leg, trying to calm him.
"Babe, everything will be fine." Once we arrive, Brendon pays the driver, and we head up to the Labour Suite.
"Hi, can you tell us which room Elise Whyte is in?"
"I'm sorry, sir, she's currently in labour. No one is allowed in unless you are a family member."
"We are, we are the baby"s parents!"
Looking at us, the nurse disappears. "Let me check. Please have a seat.". "Brendon, you're going to wear a hole in the floor." The nurse came back through. "I can take one of you through. Which one will it be?"
"Bren, you go. You're the father you should be there. I'll take Skai to the cafeteria and phone Nicole. Just let me know if you need me, ok?" He looks like a deer caught in the headlights. "Bren, go! I'll see you soon." I kiss him goodbye and head for the cafe, dialling Nicole as we go. Thankfully, she picks up quite quickly.
"Nic, hey, sorry to disturb you. Are you busy?"
"Hey, no, what's wrong?"
"We are at the hospital by the needle. Would you mind coming over?
"Is everything OK?"
"Elise is in labour, Brendon's in with her just now. I'm in the hospital cafe with Skai.."
"We are on our way!" They must have been nearby as they arrive 10 minutes later, all 3 of them. When Skai sees her Uncle Dan, she immediately goes to him.
"How's Brendon?" Mike asks. "He looked a little dazed and stunned when we left him." We've been waiting in the cafe for about an hour and a half when Brendon comes into the cafe. Skai has fallen asleep on Dan's shoulder.
"Carlyn...."
"Bren, what's happening? Is everything OK?"
"Carlyn, we have another daughter. She looks so like Skai."
"Another daughter? Oh Lord, help us." I laugh. "Are they both OK?"
"Yes. Elise doesn't want to see or hold her
They've taken her to the nursery while I came for you. Are you ready to meet our new daughter?"
"Oh god, Bren, I feel sick. I'm so nervous."
"Go guys, we have Skai. She's sleeping anyway, so go meet her." Nicole says excitedly.