Lil's twin boys and Bernie's on the way.

Gary was in time to show his EXPECTANT FATHER bracelet to get into the ward and then to Lil's room.

There was already a cry from one infant, off to the side being cleaned up. Lil was still pushing, red-faced, blonde hair lank and damp.

Two. Right. Twin boys. Gary waited, watching. Bernie stepped up to his side and held his hand. Her own pregnancy, started the same night as Lil's, was due to be complete soon.

Lil's second baby came into the world. Another cry joined the first.

Lil looked at him, bleary-eyed with her efforts.

It was going to be a busy couple of decades for all of them, and not exactly what they'd planned. But in the last few months, they'd been putting the pieces together. Now they had to step up.