Adventures In An Alternate Dimension Book 2

Chapter 51 - From Cravings to Cradles: Welcome Caleb & Levi

Vannessa's POV

The rhythmic snores of Eric beside me were a soothing counterpoint to the symphony of butterflies going absolutely bonkers in my stomach. It was 3:17 am, the witching hour for restless moms-to-be and apparently, for pregnant women with a sudden and ravenous hunger. Tonight's craving? A classic – peanut butter and banana. Not exactly gourmet, but the thought of creamy peanut butter cradled between slices of soft, pillowy white bread with a perfectly ripe banana mashed in between was pure nirvana.

Throwing off the covers, I padded barefoot across the cool hardwood floor, wincing slightly at the unfamiliar sensation. We'd recently moved in with my Aunt Ashlynn after we lost our apartment. The hustle and bustle of four grown men – Ashlynn's husbands, Thor, Skylar, Emmett, and Jacob – had taken some getting used to, but their constant good humor and overflowing helpfulness had made the transition smooth. Tonight, however, the house was blessedly quiet.

The kitchen light cast a warm glow on the familiar countertops. I rummaged through the pantry, locating the jar of peanut butter tucked on the top shelf. Skylar, bless his baking-obsessed soul, kept the house well-stocked with all sorts of goodies. Next came the bananas, a vibrantly yellow bunch nestled on the fruit stand. Grabbing a loaf of bread from the cabinet, I began to assemble my masterpiece.

Just as I spread the peanut butter on one slice of bread, a jolt of warmth shot through my lower body. My breath hitched. It couldn't be... could it? Panic bubbled up, a cold counterpoint to the heat spreading down my legs. My water. It had broken.

The half-assembled sandwich was forgotten on the counter. With a whimper, I stumbled towards the stairs, the floor suddenly uneven beneath my feet. My hand landed on the banister, white knuckles gripping the smooth wood as I called out, "Ashlynn? Aunt Ashlynn?" My voice, usually steady, came out in a shaky warble.

Footsteps – heavy, familiar – boomed down the hallway from the opposite end. Ashlynn emerged from the darkness, her sleep shirt billowing around her. Her worried frown deepened as she saw my stricken face. "Vannessa? What's wrong, honey?"

Tears welled up in my eyes. "My water broke, Ashlynn. It's time."

Ashlynn's worried frown melted into a reassuring smile. "Alright, alright. Don't panic. Stay put, I'll ask Thor to get Eric and we'll call your mom." Barking orders into her phone, she called out, "Thor!"

A moment later, a sleepy-eyed Thor lumbered into the hallway. Ashlynn, bless her efficiency, had apparently briefed the guys on our double-bun-in-the-oven situation. "Thor, honey, get Eric. We're heading to the hospital."

Thor rumbled a confirmation and disappeared back down the hallway. As Ashlynn helped me onto the couch, the phone clattered on the table. "Mom!" she answered, her voice calm and comforting. "It's Vannessa. Her water broke. We're on our way to the hospital. Yes, I already called Carlisle and Renesmee. Meet us there."

A wave of relief washed over me as I saw Ashlynn's calm competence. She moved around me like a whirlwind, grabbing my pre-packed hospital bag, stuffing a fluffy blanket around me, and helping me into my slippers.

Just then, Eric burst through the doorway, a mix of sleep and concern etched on his face. "Vannessa! What's happening?"

"Water broke, love," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "We're going to the hospital."

Relief flickered in his eyes before morphing into a fierce protectiveness. He scooped me into his arms, his strength a familiar comfort. "Don't worry, honey. Everything's going to be okay."

At that moment, Jacob, bless his werewolf senses, materialized at the doorway. We'd always joked about his uncanny ability to sniff out trouble, but tonight it came in handy. "The car's ready," he said, his voice gravelly with sleep but steady.