Chapter Text
June 23rd, 1993
Bill was addressing the students receiving the Presidential Scholars Awards in the tent out on the South Lawn, Hillary was not with him for this event. With the heat index they all agreed it would be best she stay in the residence. After Bill left her in the kitchen on the 2nd floor she began to feel some rather noticeable discomfort, she had experienced Braxton Hicks with Chelsea so she chalked it up to that. She took her slippers off and walked on the floor with her bare feet which seemed to help slightly. Bill would speak to the students for about 20 minutes then he wanted to meet and shake hands with them. There was to be a lunch in the East Room that Hillary would attend… or so they thought.
She finished eating her fruit and then went to the private bedroom's bathroom to brush her teeth and get ready for the luncheon. As she approached the sink a sharp shooting pain went through her as if an arrow was slicing through her.
She gripped the counter top so as not to lose her balance, after what seemed like a minute the pain stopped. She looked at herself in the mirror and she knew… baby Clinton is on his way.
She finished brushing her teeth and then picked up the phone that was in the bathroom and called down to Sally the President’s executive secretary. "Good morning thank you for calling the President’s office.“ "Sally, good morning it’s Hillary.” "Good morning ma'am, how are you feeling today.“ Hillary smiled a bit. "I’m feeling extremely pregnant.” Both of the ladies chuckled. "Sally, is the President done with the event on the South Lawn?“ "No not yet ma'am he should be wrapping up the speech in a few moments and then he will pose for pictures and shake the students hands. Is there something you need?” Hillary hadn’t had a contraction in a while so she suspected they had a little bit more time. "No, no can you let him know as soon as he is done that I need him in the residence.“ Sally is now starting to sense the nature of this call is not merely the First Lady calling to find out his schedule. "Right away ma'am.”
“Thank you so much Sally.” They hung up. When Hillary turned back toward the sink, it happened. Her water broke.
Sally with 2 Secret Service agents came running to the tent and Bill noticed it out of the corner of his eye. His heart started to beat a bit more rapidly, this could mean a number of different things but what he wasn’t sure. Sally whispered in the Mack’s ear and he then turned to face Bill, nodding at Sally he went up on stage to Bill. Mack made sure to whisper. "Sir.“ Bill held his gaze but he waited for Mack to finish. "The First Lady needs you sir.” As the words came out Mack smiled and Bill now realized what was happening. Bill turns to the remaining students. "If you will all excuse me, we want to get you inside for the luncheon and I want to apologize in advance because it turns out I may be a bit late to the luncheon.“ The crowd gathered and the students understood what he meant and they all began to cheer as Bill darted off the stage and waved to the people. Bill ran up to the back portico and made his way through the doors to the Residence and he didn’t even wait for the elevator he ran up the stairs 2 by 2. He made it to the 2nd floor and asked the agents where she was. "She is in the private bedroom sir.” "Thanks.“ He darted down the hall and into the room and their she was on the bed having a contraction. He rushed to her and kissed her forehead. "Hello sweetheart.”
She crushed her eyes shut as the contraction was deep and Bill grabbed her hand. "Squeeze my hand Hilly.“ Finally when the contraction was over she looked at him. "Bill they are about 8 minutes apart. We have to get to the hospital now.”
Carl, Bill’s head agent came into the room. "Sir, the motorcade is ready to take you both to the hospital.“ Bill who was down on one knee next to Hillary on the bed looked at the door. "Thank you Carl, could you send Sally in please.” As Carl departed Sally entered. "Yes sir?“ Bill not taking his eyes off Hillary.
"Sally can you please head into the closet and on the floor is a brown leather bag with my name sown into it. That is her hospital bag and everything she needs. Can you please take it to the motorcade right now while I get her down to the car?” Sally was already at the closet door before Bill finished, she picked up the bag and came to the foot of the bed. "Good luck ma'am.“ Sally smiled at her knowing she wouldn’t see her again until after the baby was born and out the room she went running down the hall with the bag. "Honey, we need to slowly get you off the bed and we need to make our way to the elevator. Where are we at with the contraction timer?” She was looking at his watch on his left wrist. "We have about 6 minutes before the next one.“ Bill put his right arm under her back and tilted her up and with his left guided her off the bed. She was up standing now and Bill had his right arm around her waist and his left hand holding her right and they began the walk to the elevator.
"Bill, we need someone to call our parents and someone has to get Chelsea at her friends house.” Hillary said as they walked. "Don’t worry honey I will get Sally to make the calls to the family and the Secret Service is already bringing Chels to the hospital.“ She looked up at him and smiled with a little tear in her eye. She was so overcome by the moment, the heartbreak that summer of 1984 to now the joy in the summer of 1993, her baby was on his way. Hillary started to squeeze his hand hard. "Bill your watch!” He showed her his watch.
“7 minutes apart now.” Just before they made it to the elevator they had to stop while her contraction subsided. The agents had the elevator door opened and ready for them to step inside. It may be just one floor but to Bill at that moment it took forever. They exited the elevator and tried to quicken their pace to the motorcade, before she had another contraction. They got her into the car and Bill jumped in right after, she was resting her back against his chest and he had her hands in his. Within a matter of a few minutes the motorcade was racing out of the White House on it’s root to George Washington Hospital. The press had caught word and they were starting to gather outside the hospital as were over joyed citizens.
Her next contraction was a deeper pained one and she was squeezing Bill’s hand really hard. He was helping her with her breathing, he remembered it from when he went to classes with Hillary before Chelsea was born. It caused the folks in Arkansas to wonder a bit of their new young Governor, but he wanted to be a part of the whole process of his daughter’s birth. This time was no different and yes he was going to push his way in the delivery room if he had too again.
Agents that had arrived at the hospital before them were already getting the staff up to speed and the floor Hillary would on cleared of all none critical patients. Chelsea had arrived and she was waiting for her parents to arrive.
Notably excited that finally her baby brother was on his way. Soon Chelsea noticed that the agents were heading toward the door which meant her parents were close by.
“4 minutes out sir.” Carl turned back to tell them.
The hospital staff was ready, all outside and lined up one had a wheel chair ready for Mrs. Clinton and the on call OBGYN was there just in case Carol didn’t make it in time. Once they got closer to June, Hillary called Carol to come back to Washington to be ready to deliver the baby. Carol received the call and within minutes of hanging up the Secret Service was at her door and speeding her to the hospital. The Secret Service hadn’t done this in a while but they were very well prepared for the moment Hillary went into labor.
The motorcade pulls up to the Emergency Room doors of the hospital and Chelsea stands up ready to greet her parents. Bill’s door is opened and he jumps out and then helps Hillary out and the staff brings the wheel chair for her to sit. Hillary’s assistant Caprica has the bag and without missing a beat they all enter the hospital. Hillary looks up and sees her beautiful Chelsea and she puts her arms out to her. Chelsea runs to her mom. "Hi mommy, he’s here!“
With a big smile on her face. "Yes sweetheart he is here, now dad is going to be with me but Caprica will sit with you. Is that okay?” Hillary always the worrier. "It’s totally cool mom.“ Hillary looks up at Bill with that look of ‘These kids with their hip lingo.’. "Sweetheart I will come out and get you once everything settles down.” Bill says to Chelsea and he hugs her and kisses her on the top of her head. Chelsea then kisses her mom on the cheek and they wheel Hillary off to the delivery room.
The contractions are getting very close now. 3 minutes apart and Carol has just arrived. She comes into the room with Bill and Hillary. "Mr. President, Hillary. You two ready to have a baby?“ Hillary just nods because she is in the middle of another contraction and Bill whose hand is being squeezed very hard now. "Hi Carol. Doesn’t matter if we are ready or not. He’s on his way.” Carol laughs. "Hillary I’m going to check and see how dilated you are right now okay?“
Again Hillary just nods. "Good news everyone. We are very close to 10 centimeters. He’ll be here very shortly.”
The last few centimeters took some time but from the time they had arrived at the hospital to the time Hillary became fully dilated it was 6 hours. Everyone in the room was in the maternity paper gowns and Bill even had a hat on. "Oh, Billy you look so cute with your little hat.“ Hillary was radiant and Bill was more in love with her now than ever if that was even possible. "I think I’ll wear this to the next Press Conference in the East Room, what do you think?” Hillary just giggled and touched his cheek. "You’ll definitely intimidate the Republicans honey.“ Carol came in and looked at the fetal monitor and then checked her cervix. "Hillary?” Still staring deep into Bill’s eyes, she turned to Carol. "Are you ready?“ She squeezed Bill’s hand and nodded yes.
“Alright kids let’s meet your son.”
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"Push Hillary, Push” Carol was instructing her. The sweat was pouring off her forehead and Bill was doing his best to keep up with wiping her brow. "Okay relax. Take a few deep breaths.“ Bill was rubbing her head and giving her words of encouragement. "You are doing so good my darlin’.” "Okay Hillary, time to push again.“
Chelsea was in the family holding room and the TV set was on CNN and the live reporting outside the hospital showing the crowds with signs and the excitement in their faces. The banner on the screen read First Lady in Labor.
Chelsea was proud she was so happy when her parents told her that she was going to have a little brother and she was even more excited when they told her they were using the name that she suggested. Her parents always made her feel so important and this was no exception, her brother was named by her and she hadn’t even met him yet.
"Baby you are almost there, I promise one more big push and it’ll be over."
Hillary looked at him and she could see he was trying to will all his strength to her, she was very tired and this was a lot on her tiny body. Chelsea was delivered via C-Section so this was the first time she was actually birthing their child and it was draining her. But Bill encouraging her was getting her through this last bit. Bill looked down at her and was deep in her eyes. "I love you so so much Hilly, you are so close honey.” She gave him a soft smile and nodded and she rose back up and dug down deep for the last push. "One more Hillary, here we go. Push!“ Hillary used all the remaining strength she had left in her little body and she pushed as hard as she could and yelled out and finally she fell back, she truly had absolutely nothing left. "Good job Hillary, he is out.” Bill kissed her forehead and wiped her brow one more time, she was so exhausted. "Mr. President would you like to cut the cord.“ Before he could answer they heard it… their son start to cry.
Hillary’s eyes welled up with water as did Bill’s and he leaned down to kiss her.
"He’s here baby. He’s here.” Bill then stepped around with Carol to cut the cord. Before Bill could really get a look at their son Carol whisked him over to the incubator, they were cleaning him up. "Bill.“ Her voice so soft and faint.
"Yes my love.” "Is everything alright?“ Bill looked at Carol and she nodded with a smile. "Yes honey they are just cleaning him and wrapping him up.” A few minutes later Carol walked over with a blue bundle in her arms. "Hillary, Mr. President meet your beautiful and very healthy son.“ Carol placed him in Hillary’s arms and she stared at his cute little scrunched up face and then up at Bill.
"He’s perfect Bill.” He had a tear coming down his cheek. "Yes he is and so are you my love, so are you.“ Bill kissed the top of her head and rubbed her hair and looked down at his son in his wife’s arms.
Bill left the deliver room as they were moving Hillary and the baby to their private room, he went to see Chelsea. "Chels.” She shot up and ran to him.
“Daddy. So?” While giving Bill a big hug. "He’s perfect.“ Her mother’s big smile on her face. "How’s mom?” Bill kissed the top of her head. "She is excellent, she is very tired but she is doing great. She needs a bit of rest before you can come in and see her okay princess?“ Chelsea smiled. "No worries dad, Caprica and I are playing cards we are rad.” Bill just smiled and shook his head. "Caprica if you wouldn’t mind getting her some dinner. Also can you let Sally know to go ahead and have Dee Dee make the announcement, please. I need to get back in with Hillary.“ "Of course Mr. President. Can you let her know I said congratulations?” "Of course, she’ll be happy to hear that.“ Bill turned to walk back to the private room with Hillary.
"Sally, wait one second… Mr. President?” Bill turned back to look at her.
“Congratulations sir.” He nodded and she continued to talk to Sally. "Let Dee Dee know to go ahead and make the announcement. He’s here!“
Bill slowly opens the door and makes his way to Hillary who has been holding their son and just falling deeply in love with him by the second. "How are my beautiful wife and son?” Hillary looks at Bill with a big smile and her apple cheeks really apparent. "Oh we are amazing. I’m falling in love with another man though.“ Bill laughs. "Well I think I am okay to share your love with this one.” "How’s Chelsea?“ "She is using those teenage words again, but I think she is thrilled.” Bill came to the side of the bed and kissed Hillary on the lips. "Caprica is going to get her some dinner and I had her call Sally to go ahead and have Dee Dee make the announcement. Plus my mom and your mom have been informed. Your mom is on her way and mamma will be here Friday.“ Hillary just smiled, she was so exhausted and she couldn’t think anymore. "Here honey, hold your son, I am not sure you have been able to yet.” Bill takes him from Hillary. "No I hadn’t but hey mommy gets top priority. Caprica wanted me to tell you congratulations.“ Hillary smiled. But when she saw Bill look at his son in his arms her heart felt so warm. "Hey little man, we waited a long long time for you. So many people are so excited to meet you, your big sister, your grandma’s, the entire country but more importantly me and your mom and very excited.” Hillary just watched her man with his big giant heart over flowing while talking to her little man. Life could not get any more perfect than right now in this moment.
“Ladies and gentleman please take your seats."
"I am happy to report tonight the President and First Lady have welcomed a beautiful 7 pound 6 ounce healthy baby born into the world tonight at exactly 6:47pm. The First Lady is doing very well and she will be staying in the hospital for a few days we will have exactly how long probably later tonight once she has finished resting. Chelsea is with them at the hospital and I am told she is very excited. The President wanted me to read this statement for you now.” Dee Dee in the White House Press Room
“My fellow Americans, today I am not just a proud American, President and father but I am an extremely proud husband. Hillary and I are so very grateful for all the prayers, letters and cards of support and well wishes we have received in anticipation for our healthy son. We cannot thank you all enough and we are pleased that soon we will be able to introduce you all to our son, Henry James Clinton. Thank you and may god bless you all.”
Hillary watched Bill take their son to the the window to show him all the lights.
“Henry you don’t know this yet, but everyone is about to know who you are and they are waiting very patiently to meet you. Mom and I are going to take a few days with you first, mom is a little protective.” Baby Henry lets out a big yawn, Bill smiles turns back to look at Hillary. Who is radiant!
“I love you Hillary. Thank you so much for giving me the two best gifts of my life.” Hillary teared up but smiled. "I love you too Bill. Thank you for giving me those two best gifts as well.“
~The End~