The Baker, Part 2: Sous Chef

Chapter 40

"Goddammit, Ben, you son of a bitch!" Cassie screamed in absolute pain as another contraction hit her like a train. Ben grunted and bit his bottom lip as she crushed his hand in hers. "Christ," he croaked out. A nurse came in a moment later and asked, "How's mummy and dad doing?" While Ben tried to give her his best fake smile, Cassie screamed once again and crushed his hand. 

The nurse whispered to Ben, "I'll bring you some ice." He gave her a grateful nod, then turned back to his wife. "You're doing great, baby. Just a few more minutes and we'll find out if you need that c-section or not. Just keep squeezing my hand all you want."

He's never regretted a choice of words more in his life. 

A few hours later, he had a bag of ice over his hand, Cassie was knocked out from exhaustion and there was still no word on whether or not she needs a c-section. Ben's patients was wearing thin, but so was Julie's. She came into the room once Liam was settled with Kelly and Leo and has been going in and out to bother the doctors and nurses for updates ever since. 

Finally, a nurse came in and gave them news they did not need to hear. "Unfortunately, Doctor Roberts is...unavailable." Ben practically shot out of his seat. "Unavailable?" He asked. "What in the hell do you mean, unavailable?" The nurse looked a bit freaked out, but he didn't notice. 

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cumberbatch, but I'm told he isn't answering his phone. They've been calling since you and your wife arrived. I've arranged for another doctor to come in and take over. He'll let you know if she needs a c-section." She left before Ben could scare her anymore. 

"This is unbelievable," he scoffed. "They couldn't tell us this three bloody hours ago? This is ridiculous!" He kicked one of the chairs causing Julie to jump and Cassie to jolt awake. "Ben?" She sleepily asked. He sighed, "Shit. Baby, I'm sorry, I just got angry. Go back to sleep, honey."

He smoothed his hand down her hair and watched as she started to drift off again. Unfortunately, the twins were starting to get impatient. "Oh! Oh, God!" She sat up and held on to her stomach. Ben took her hand and rubbed her back. "Breathe, baby, breathe."

Julie got a damp cloth and put it on Cassie's forehead. "That's it, that's my girl," Ben encouraged. "You're doing so well, darling. The doctor should be in here any minute now." As if on cue, a younger looking man came bounding through the door. 

"Hello! You must be the Cumberbatch's! I am Doctor Leroy and I will be filling in for Doctor Roberts tonight! Now, I've been told you've been in labor for a few hours, is that right?" Cassie nodded with a painful expression on her face. Doctor Leroy pulled up a chair and looked to see how dilated she was. 

He hummed in thought for a few moments, then said, "I want to give it a bit more time. If we don't need a c-section, then I don't want to give one. Unfortunately, you're only a few centimeters, dear. If this keeps up, then I'll get in there and get these two out myself. Alright?"

Ben nodded, then shook his hand. "Thank you," he said. "How much more time do you think she needs?" Doctor Leroy thought for a minute, then said, "Let's give it three more hours. If I don't see any improvement by then, I'll get started on the c-section straight away."

**

"Has it been three hours yet?" Cassie asked through gritted teeth. Ben was thankful she was now using the sides of the bed to grasp onto. "I'm sorry, baby, but no. It's been...well, it's only been about twenty minutes."

That made her start to tear up. "Oh, baby, no," he cooed. "Don't cry, sweetheart, it's alright. Hey, look at me. It's going to be okay." He took her hands and held on to them as she started to cry more and more. He kissed both of her eyelids, then pressed his forehead against hers. He gently shushed her, then continued, "It's alright, sweet girl. Do me a favor and try to get some sleep, okay?"