Difficulties

Elizabeth had had easy labor experiences with Aaron, Emily, Katie, and Tanya. Antoine's son, however, was a war. LaDonna had stuck it out with her for the first ten hours, but then had to go home to attend to her own domestic crisis. Elizabeth felt truly alone in this moment. Where was Antoine for the birth of his son?

Finally, twenty hours in, he appeared. He looked haggard, under high stress. If only his greed hadn't got the better of him, Elizabeth thought sadly. But still ...

"I'm glad you're here," Elizabeth said, kissing her husband. They needed to discuss the blowout, she knew. To figure out where they were truly headed. But that'd have to wait. First she had to push.

"I wouldn't miss it," Antoine said, looking a little guilty. He reached down, holding her hand tightly, and coached her through the birth of their son. They'd intended to name him after Antoine, but given their uncertain bearing, they named him Marcel. They held each other tightly, and then he looked at her soberly.

"We need to talk."