Chapter Text
Kate and Sophie were kept in the hospital overnight after their fainting spells as a precaution, they were moved into a joint room so that the girls would stop complaining about being kept in the hospital, or stop them complaining as much anyway.
When they were discharged, Anthony and Benedict took them back to Aubrey Hall where they had pretty much opened up a florist for the amount of flowers they had bought for their wives and all four boys were waiting patiently next to their grandma’s, little drawings in their hands which they gifted their mothers after Mary and Violet finishing fussing over the two women.
Once in the house they were placed on the sofa and not permitted to move or lift a finger for the day.
The boys waited on their mother’s hand and foot, their husbands loitered and fussed until Sophie and Kate were unable to so much and sniff or twitch an uncomfortable muscle without their husbands turning into mother hens…
By the time they were into their final week up to their due date they were ready to pull their hair out or murder their husbands, and entire family.
Each Bridgerton and each Bridgerton’s partner, Posy, Hugh, Edwina, Richard and Mary had been roped into help and Kate and Sophie couldn’t get anything done. They could not go anywhere or do anything. Even on a morning when Kate was dropped off at Sophie and Ben’s or when Sophie was dropped at Kate and Anthony’s there was always someone watching…
Until a few days before their due dates, Benedict and Anthony both had a meeting, the last one before they would start their paternity leave for the impending arrivals of the third child and they had enlisted Colin into coming over to Anthony’s home to watch the girls, all four of the boys were out for the day with their grandmother’s as it was the half-term holidays.
Kate and Sophie just wanted an hour to themselves, to have a cup of actual tea rather than the shit Anthony was trying to force on them. Colin had come barrelling into the house and quickly complained about the lack of food in the house that wasn’t healthy and good for the baby…
“Seriously, Anthony expects me to babysit you two…” Colin said as he looked at the back of Lentil Crisps with disgust.
“Babysit??” Kate had said huffily.
“You know what I mean” Colin said with a smirk on his face.
Sophie let out an irritable huff as she tried to move and get comfy again on the seat “No we do not… we do not need babysitting. We are grown ass adults who have had two kids each… who…” she grumbled. “I swear these braxton hicks are driving me insane” she groaned. “Colin get over here and help me move. I can’t see my fucking ankles” she huffed.
Colin grumbled “You know, you two are a delight when you’re pregnant and irritable” he said sarcastically.
“If you value your life, you will not repeat that again” Kate said as she herself moved, to get comfortable which was easier said than done these days.
“It’s the truth though” Colin said as he helped Sophie up from seat and watched as she grabbed her V shaped pillow and repositioned herself on the sofa with a groan.
“Colin, we are both nearly bang on 9 months pregnant, we have feet in our damn bladders kicking us until we are bruised, we can’t get comfortable and I've not seen my feet for 4 months. When I do manage to get comfortable I need to pee… my back hurts, my boobs weigh a damn ton and all i want is a proper cup of tea… so either shut up… or get out” Sophie said
“This is not your home” Colin said sticking his tongue out at her
“Well it is mine and I’m echoing the sentiments” Kate said with a glare.
Colin raised his hands “fair enough… but you know what i’m like when I’m hungry” he said just as his stomach grumbled “i wish i had some of your cheese scones” he said to Sophie.
“I’ve not made any for months” she said “though I do think there are some in our freezer at home”
“Really?” colin said glumly “and you didn’t think to bring me any?” he huffed
“If you’re that bothered go get them” Kate said, rolling her eyes but sensing an opportunity.
“Yes because if I leave Ben and Ant won’t have my balls” he said shaking his head
“If they found out maybe… but Ben doesn’t know there is a portion in the freezer…” Sophie said, catching the look on Kate’s face and going with it.
“Really?” Colin said, his interest peaked.
“Really… i could give you my keys, you’d be gone like an hour tops… we’ll cook them here… so they need never know. And if they come back when they’re in, you can say I just talked you through it…” Sophie said with a grin.
Colin’s stomach gave a grumble. “You won’t tell either of the that I left?” he asked.
“We won’t tell a soul” Kate said with all the seriousness that she could muster.
“And you will just stay right here. No moving no nothing…” he said, talking himself into it.
“We won’t move a muscle” Sophie said sweetly.
“Gimme them keys” he said getting up to his feet “i mean it… don’t move!”
“Scouts honour” Kate said, failing to mention that she was never a scout but chuckled as Colin practically sprinted from the house.
The moment they heard the door shut they both sighed “well that was easier than I thought” Kate chuckled. “Do you really have a portion of the scones in your freezer?” she asked
“I think so…” Sophie grinned “if not there is lemon cake on the bench that i’d been craving so he’ll get distracted and eat that”
Kate laughed as she rolled herself and pulled herself to get feet “and Ben won’t notice it’s gone”
“That man wouldn’t notice the cake if it got up and walked across the room at the moment given how protective he has been” Sophie said as she wiggled herself to the end of the sofa and let out a huff and a wince.
“Hicks?” Kate said
“I think so. Feels like them anyway… they’ve been on and off all week. Ben’s been beside himself all week whenever i’ve winced” Sophie said as she heaved herself to her feet.
“God Anthony’s the same, I dropped my hair bobble and went to bend down to pick it up yesterday and he screamed at me so loudly he woke Miles up…” Kate said.
“I know we wanted them to be more attentive…” Sophie said
“But this takes the piss?” Kate asked with a chuckle.
“Very much so” she said, the two women took each other’s arms and headed into the kitchen, in search of a proper cup of tea.
No matter how much the doctors told them, no matter that they got their Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Georgiana, both doctors, to tell them that one cup of tea a day wouldn’t hurt them… and it hadn’t hurt either of their previous pregnancies… neither were having it…
Benedict had thrown all the tea and coffee out, only ever drinking tea when he wasn’t around Sophie in an attempt of solidarity but Anthony just tried to hide his… much like him trying to hide the mallet of death every year before the retreat… Kate always found it.
“It’s the proper stuff as well” Kate said brightly as she held up the box of tea and Sophie let out a little squeal of happiness as Kate managed to get the teapot out and had the kettle boiling.
Sophie had been reaching for the sugar when a wave of pain hit her stomach, stretching across her stomach and she let out a gasp of pain as the sugar bowl fell to the floor as she stumbled back, her hands on her stomach when she felt that now familiar trickle and then sudden wave of water coating her legs as Kate turned around her mouth wide in shock “Sophie!”
“Oh fuck. Oh fuck…” Sophie said with a grimace.
“Those weren’t braxton hicks were they” Kate said pulling a face.
“It would appear not…” Sophie said “i… we probably need to ring colin…”
“Where is your hospital bag…?” Kate asked
“I don’t know if Ben brought it in… it might be in the car…” Sophie said.
“Then we need to ring him, they should be getting close to lunch for the meeting” Kate said, ignoring the kettle and running, or waddling anyway, into the next room to get her phone.
Sophie tried to follow “i erm… i’m gonna need to borrow a skirt or something…” she said to Kate who just nodded and waved her friend towards her bedroom “go help yourself. I’m sure something will fit…”
“Sorry about the kitchen,” Sophie said with a grimace.
“At least it was the kitchen and not the sofa” Kate teased as she made it into the living room.
As she leaned down to get her phone, she felt her own stab of pain in her stomach but deciding it was just a sympathy pain, she picked up her phone, let out a breath and dialled the number she knew she was about to send into a flurry of panic.
It took only three rings before he answered… “Kate… what’s wrong??” came Benedict’s slightly out of breath pant.
Kate, unable to help herself, said “what makes you think something is wrong?” she said brightly.
“You would be ringing your husband if you just wanted a chat… and Colin is supposed to be with you so he’d be calling me…” Benedict’s voice came down the phone, sounding irritable.
“Fair enough… Sophie’s water’s have broken and well…”
“YOU WHAT?” Benedict cried
“Calm down… but you’ve got her hospital bag you didn’t bring it in… and i can’t go anywhere with her without it. Well that and I need Colin to get back…”
“Where is Colin??” Benedict asked, as he yelled to Anthony that they had to go now.
“Shit…” Kate swore, not meaning to actually give the third Bridgerton brother away
“Kate… what’s going on?” Anthony asked having wrestled the phone of his brother to speak to his wife and could hear the Second Bridgerton brother screaming and swearing in the background wanting to know why his brother wasn’t with them.
“Sophie’s water’s broke… Ben has the bag… and Colin left temporarily…” Kate said.
“Where has he gone, he was under strict instructions…” Anthony said sounding irritable.
“He went to get the scones from Sophie’s freezer but just hurry up… we’ll meet you at the hospital, Colin will be back any minute and we’ll just head over…” Kate said.
“How are you?” Anthony asked.
“I’m… fine” she said
Anthony didn’t like the sound of her “I’m fine…” but left it… and promised to meet them at the hospital.
The moment the phone was down, he dialled Colin’s number…
“Yo bro!” came Colin’s voice, clearly over a car speaker.
“Don’t yo bro me!” Benedict yelled as he’d wrestled the phone off Anthony and put it on loud speaker.
“What’s going on??” Colin asked, sounding confused.
“Where are our wives?” Anthony asked, putting a hand over his brother’s mouth to stop him yelling at their brother.
“Next door?”
“Bullshit Colin, try again…” he tried
“Alright, alright I left for like 30 minutes… i am sure they’re fine!” he said
“Well they’re not!” Benedict yelled, wrenching his older brother’s hand away from his face.
“What has happened?” Colin asked, speeding up the car in a bit of a panic.
“Sophie’s waters have broken, you need to get back and get her to the hospital, we have the bad but it’ll take too long to get there and bring them ourselves…” Anthony explained shoving Benedict into his own defender’s passenger seat and slamming the door on him.
“Right of course” Colin said immediately “can i do anything else?”
“Yes… i mean we’re still going to kill you but our wives come first… can you bring Kate’s hospital bag, don’t let her see you do it though… she’s not sounding right… and i’d rather be safe…” Anthony said
“Sure where it is…” Colin asked
“By the bedroom door, it's the Corgi one…” he said, Colin could practically hear his older brother rolling his eyes at the bag
“Right, sure. I’ll meet you there. I’m just pulling back up to your house now” Colin said.
“Good. see you soon Col” and Anthony was off.
Colin unfastened his belt and ran from the house, he was in such much trouble with his brother’s he knew that but the terror of something happening to either of his sister-in-law, and the trouble he would get into from Penelope and his sister’s was what drove his legs up the stairs and bursting through the door.
“Sophie? Kate?” he called out.
“Living room” Kate called out as Sophie a grumble of pain.
“Great… right Anthony and Ben just rang me… cheers for dropping in the shit but can you get Sophie in the car? I just have to grab something for Ant…” he asked.
Kate nodded
“Have you rang my mum?” he asked as Sophie and Kate got up
“Yes. and Mary, they’ve got the boys, going to keep them overnight…” Kate said as the two heavily pregnant women waddled out of the house.
Colin ran up stairs, grabbed the bag and then with some quick thinking grabbed another bag with some of the boy’s toys in it, and would use that as the reason if asked…
Kate and Sophie had managed to fold themselves into the back of Colin’s BMW with difficulty but they were in.
Colin clambered in and “right, it won’t be long Soph… Ben’s gonna meet us there” Colin said as he backed them out of the drive and away.
Kate was there, helping Sophie with her breathing. Kate had been there through every step of the way for the first two, she had come to the lamaze classes when Benedict hadn’t been able to make it and having done this twice herself, they were pros’ now.
It was helping keep Kate’s own nerves at bay with the breathing exercises, she knew her time was coming up, she knew she was close as well but this was still a few days early, Edmund had been early, Miles had been late… and she had a feeling this one was likely to be early as well but she just wasn’t sure when.
When they got to the hospital, Anthony and Benedict were already waiting for them, Bridgerton Enterprises was closer to the hospital than Anthony’s home, Benedict had a wheelchair waiting for his wife and he rushed over when he saw her being helped over the car park by Colin with a cry of her name.
His fury at his brother long forgotten for the moment, as he gave Sophie a chaste kiss and wheeled her off. Anthony took his wife’s arm, after slapping Colin over the head “how are you feeling?” Anthony asked Kate, as they walked slowly towards the maternity ward.
“A little sore… a bit like I was a few days before Edmund arrived” she admitted. There was not much point in lying to him when it was 4 days away from their due day… she could, like Sophie had, she could go any moment, and whilst she was aching, she didn’t really feel like her contractions had started.
“Maybe we should get you checked out whilst we’re here?” Anthony suggested.
“Let us concentrate on Sophie and Ben” Kate said with a smile “if i am still feeling uneasy when our new nephew has safely arrived into the world then i’ll get checked out”
“If you’re sure,” Anthony said, not sounding convinced.
“Anthony, just calm down please. I am not about to go into labour as well.” Kate said with a smile
Colin who had finally caught up with them, having rung Penelope to say he was going to stop to bring Kate and Anthony back laughed “Yes because the odds of you both getting knocked up at the same were so high” he grinned.
Anthony swatted at him but he ducked “you know I am going to kill you after this, as is Benedict” he said which caused Colin to pause.
“If you had had proper food in the bloody house i wouldn’t have left” Colin said
Kate grumbled at them “can we not do this now…”
Both Bridgerton’s whipped their heads around to look at Kate “we are here for Ben and Sophie… you two can kill and yell at one another later but our nephew is about to be born and i’d rather not have to spend time down in A&E with one of you” she huffed, letting out a long huff that was needed but she had to avoid stressing out Anthony.
Anthony and Colin looked at her, then at each other but acquiesced and followed Kate through the door in the maternity ward.
A nurse bustled over to them “are you here to book in dear?” she said with a smile to Kate.
Kate rolled her eyes. “No, my sister in law was just brought in, Sophia Beckett?” she said, trying not to lose her temper at the woman.
“Oh right yes, sorry just you’re…” the midwife blushed.
“Yes, I am due in a few days, but my waters are still very much intact and my contractions have not yet started… but Sophie?” she said as Anthony and Colin tried not to laugh.
“Room 6 at the bottom” the nurse said, her face a delicate shade of red now.
Kate nodded and waddled off down the room, as she pushed the door open she saw Sophie looking flustered “Ben sweetheart I need you to calm down. I’ve done this twice before, once naturally and once through c-section… I know what I am doing” Sophie said through gritted teeth.
“Oh thank god you’re here!” Benedict said to his brother’s and Kate “can you please convince my stubborn wife to get into the bloody bed”
Kate rolled her eyes “Ben… she’s right, she’s done this before. He’s not breech, it’s going to be fine” Kate said.
Colin just shrugged “I’ve got no idea what’s going on having never gone through this but i’d be listening to the women who have done this before” he said.
Benedict snorted at his younger brother before turning to his older brother who raised his hands “Ben, what happened the last time we didn’t listen to our wives?” he asked ans watched as Benedict sagged.
Anything he wanted to say was lost by Sophie’s contraction and her yell of pain as she clung to the end of the bed and Benedict decided to listen to his wife.
The next two hours were spent idly talking between Sophie’s contractions and Kate found herself breathing in time with friend, it seemed to quell her own nerves that were starting to arise. It had been a while since she had done this herself and she felt herself feeling quite queasy.
Colin caved to his own hunger as it got closer to 7pm and Benedict and Anthony were also hungry, Kate agreed to stay with Sophie whilst they went for food.
“Kate are you alright?” Sophie asked as she waddled around the room, stretching her legs.
“I’m fine” she lied.
“Kate, i’m your best friend, you might be able to hide from our idiot husbands and brother-in-law, and they might be watching me… but I am watching you and you’re breathing along with me…” Sophie said with her brow raised.
“It’s probably just sympathy pains” Kate grinned “but she’s having a good old wiggle and move around”
“Maybe see the midwife?” Sophie suggested
“I will when my nephew has arrived safely in the world” Kate said affectionately.
“You better” Sophie said as she started to pant, trying to control her breathing.
“I will… but let’s take your mind off this… have we got a name in mind for the little… oh… fuck” Kate groaned, as her stomach pain seemed to rival Sophie’s, her body arched over and she felt the familiar, yet unfamiliar sensation of the water trickling down her leg and then the wave of…
“KATE!” Sophie yelped and the squealed as her own contraction hit.
“Shit. shit. Shit” Kate said just as the door opened, Anthony and Benedict walking back in just in time and Anthony dropped the sandwich that he had brought back from Kate, seeing wife hunched over, her legs soaking… he knew instantly.
“KATE!” He roared rushing to his wife, as he screamed for a nurse.
Two midwives came rushing in and with a cry of “Oh my…” Kate was rushed out into another room, Colin was sent rushing to the car to get Kate’s bag, and to ring their mother and Mary to inform of the development.
Benedict looked at Sophie in disbelief, “what are the odds” Benedict chuckled as he sat down next to his wife.
“Probably the same as us being knocked up on the same day” Sophie said with an eye roll and a deep sigh. “Honestly”
Benedict grinned “well I am sure they’re in for a long wait like us” he said as he helped Sophie settle onto the bed.
Colin spent the next two hours running between the two rooms. He had no idea what was going on with the two women and decided to stop thinking about centimetres and terms, honestly just being at the hospital was making him both queasy and strangely broody.
Kate had been shocked to learn she was actually further along than she had thought, after she had changed into the nightdress Anthony had ensured Colin brought along, her check showed she was closer to 8cm, she had been further along than Sophie had been at her last check up, who had been at 6.
So as the clock moved to 11pm and the Midwife and Doctor came in, confirmed she was at 10 and ready to head to delivery, she was shocked to learn Sophie had not yet moved, she was still in the other room.
Kate felt exhausted and worn out and felt for her friend but her own fear at giving birth now was taking over. She hadn’t done this for a while but the doctors seemed to be happy with the way it was going, she was healthy, her vitals were good and her baby looked and seemed to be strong so she was whisked off to the delivery room, Anthony changed and Colin ran off to tell Benedict and Sophie.
Sophie looked exhausted, having been in labour for nearly 12 hours, her waters having broken first but she hadn’t been that dilated when they arrived at the hospital.
“What do you mean she’s going to the delivery rooms?” Sophie whined as she breathed through her contractions which were now a lot closer together now.
“I don’t know… just that is what the doctors said, Anthony told me to tell you” Colin said “don’t snap my head off” he said grumpily. Colin was not good when he was tired and hungry.
Benedict scowled at his brother. “Go lie down in the waiting room Colin, go nap. It’s fine” he said. Colin grumbled but left as the murderous look he was getting from his sister in law made him a little fearful.
The minute the door closed Sophie began to cry “its not fair. I’ve been at this for hours” she sobbed at her husband. Benedict rubbed her back “i know darling, it won’t be long I am sure, everything is really close together now so I am sure…” he said as Sophie rode out yet another contraction.
Benedict hated seeing his wife in so much pain, hated seeing her cry and he knew she was exhausted and had never been happier when the doctors appeared at just after 1130pm and announced Sophie was ready to go to the delivery suite, and 45 minutes later their son came screaming into the world, 30 minutes after his cousin.
Kate and Anthony were already sitting in the joint room the nurses had set up for them, figuring it was easier for when family came the next day, a pink bundle in their hands, it was nearly 1am when Sophie was wheeled in, exhausted by happy as she grinned at her friend. The brother’s embraced and hugged on another as Kate and Sophie couldn’t do much but smile at one another.
“Want to do a baby swap for two?” Kate said sleepily to Sophie.
Sophie nodded and Benedict and Anthony each took their newborn and handed it their sister-in-law. “Do we have a name for the little bean?” Kate asked.
Sophie nodded “William Benedict Bridgerton” she smiled.
“Oh that’s lovely” Kate smiled.
“What about your little princess?” Benedict asked as he looked down at his niece, her features were far more delicate than either of her brother’s had been and it was clear that Anthony was likely to get his wish that his daughter would take after his wife and whilst Benedict did want his own daughter, the perfect miniature of his wife, he couldn’t find it in his heart to be jealous at that moment, he was too happy with his perfect tiny son.
“Charlotte” Kate said “after my mum”
“Oh that’s perfect” Sophie said as she trailed a finger over the sleeping babe’s cheek.
“Charlotte Sophia…” Anthony said.
Sophie’s head whipped up and she looked at her best friend and brother in law through watery eyes… “S..sophia?”
“It couldn’t be anyone else… you’re my best friend and yes i could have chosen Edwina but it felt right… the cry as she came into the world was just dainty and reminded me so much of her aunt and godmother” Anthony grinned.
That was it…
Sophie broke down into tears which caused little Charlotte and William to disturb.
The brother’s swapped their children over again and held them in their arms whilst their wives composed themselves.
Once the babies drifted back off to sleep, sophie following quickly, then Kate. Anthony and Benedict who were settled in their seat looked at one another “should we wake Colin?” Anthony asked
Benedict shook his head “let them all sleep…” he said looking between his wife, his newborn son, brother, his sister-in-law and new niece “it’s been a long day”
“It has… can we… can we maybe try not to do this again?” Anthony said “the last 8 months have been hell” he laughed quietly
“Totally worth it though” Benedict grinned happily.
“Definitely” Anthony said “but still…”
“Oh agreed… maybe let's not all go to Paris next year” Benedict laughed
“Yes because what happens in Paris doesn’t just stay in Paris,” Anthony said as he looked down at his daughter with sheer happiness and contentment.
Benedict murmured his agreement as he drifted off to sleep, the memory of their holiday in Paris, and their new additions to the family, just the perfect living memory of that holiday.