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"Triplets! What? How? During our initial scan, we were informed that we are having twins. Will you please explain how they triplicated?”, Tim asks. His eyes widen with shock, as if they are about to pop out of their sockets.
Lucy says nothing; her thoughts are racing to make sense of the situation, but she can't seem to put them into words. Her facial expression is not quite decipherable. After her second ultrasound at the eleventh week, the ultrasound tech informs her and Tim that they're expecting triplets, even though they had been told she was carrying twins during her first scan. She can even hear all three heartbeats, which she acknowledges is a remarkable feat. But she can't fathom how this could happen.
Dr. Baker, Lucy's OB-GYN, walks into the scanning room just as Lucy and Tim are about to confront the technician. The doctor seems to have deduced that something very serious has happened from Tim's and Lucy's facial reactions. Her face, too, mirrors the couple's expression as she lays her eyes on the screen of the ultrasound machine. She grabs the wand from the technician and positions it on Lucy's stomach, performing the scan herself as if to be certain.
Once Dr. Baker is certain that what she just witnessed is accurate, she regains composure and addresses the perplexed couple reassuringly: "Mr. and Mrs. Bradford, there is nothing to be alarmed about. Yours is a case of the hidden baby. It is rare, but not unheard of. It appears that two of your triplets share a placenta and amniotic sac, while the third triplet has its own placenta and amniotic sac and must have been concealed behind their two siblings in Lucy's womb during the first ultrasound. Nonetheless, as they continue to develop, they are becoming visible. The medical term for this is dichorionic-triamniotic pregnancy, also known as Di-Tri babies. These are…"
Tim cuts off Dr. Baker mid-sentence with, "Does this pose any risk for Lucy? Doctor, please let us know if my wife is in danger from these babies. Lucy is going to be alright, right? Will there be complications for Lucy?" Lucy notices worry, concern, and fear written all across Tim's beautiful face. She knows Tim's fierce protective mode kicks in whenever he perceives danger to her. Therefore, in an effort to calm him, she places her hand over his and attempts to call him by saying, "Babe, please; let the doctor finish."
Lucy observes Dr. Baker with an expression of anticipation. With a sympathetic yet encouraging tone, Dr. Baker replies to them, "As we have already discussed, people who come from families with a history of multiple births tend to have multiple births. And, as we already know, Tim is one; hence, this is completely normal for you. Also, all of your tests, including today's, have come back normal. So, there's not much to be worried about. There is no indication of any abnormality. She seems to be doing great, and so are your babies."
Tim says nothing in response, which worries Lucy a bit. But then Dr. Baker looks at Lucy with an understanding expression and says, “However, I'd like to point out that all pregnancies come with complications, and multiple pregnancies more so. Therefore, it is preferable that Lucy be monitored closely during the duration of her pregnancy. She needs to be extra cautious. I would recommend that she stay on bed rest once she enters her third trimester. But if you both feel overwhelmed by the number of babies, then we can also perform a procedure called multifetal pregnancy reduction. In this, we remove one or two of the embryos. Although she is still technically in the perfect time frame for the procedure, my professional advice…"
Lucy, however, interrupts the doctor with a furious headshake, her eyes flashing with rage as she exclaims, "Stop. We are not doing this procedure. I will not allow any harm to my babies. I don't care if it's risky or not; I simply won't do it. I want all of my babies."
"It's alright, Lucy. Relax. Even I wouldn't recommend this procedure because it increases the danger of miscarriage. Nonetheless, it's my duty as a doctor to present you with all the available options. In the same way that it is my duty to inform you of all the risks associated with having multiple pregnancy, this process will be quite taxing for you. Anemia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and hyperemesis gravidarum are some of the significant risks. In addition, it is more likely that you will need a preterm C-section, which can result in low birth weight for the babies. But then, proper prenatal and postnatal care will reduce the chances of this. Moreover, I would like to remind you that your test results have not yet revealed any complications. Therefore, you have nothing to worry about. But remain regular with your checkups so that any risk can be detected early or avoided all together," Dr. Baker reassures Lucy with her comforting smile.
Tim's concerned expression is visible from the corner of her eye. But she plans to deal with that later and continues to quiz the doctor about her other symptoms, worried that they aren't harmful to her babies in some way. "What about my terrible morning sickness since the beginning of my pregnancy? I seem incapable of keeping anything down without immediately throwing it up. I've had difficulty sleeping recently. In addition, I am incredibly bloated and achy. Even though I'm only in my third month of pregnancy, my belly has already begun to show. Should I be concerned with these? Can these symptoms have any significance? Are these symptoms dangerous for my babies?"
With a remorseful expression on her face, Dr. Baker informs Lucy, "Lucy, dear, these signs are pretty common in multiple pregnancy, are nothing serious, and won't harm your babies. But I'm sorry; I can't help you much with these symptoms other than jotting down some herbal teas that will help you with morning sickness and nausea." Lucy breathes out a sigh of relief. The doctor continues, "However, if you maintain a regular schedule of prenatal check-ups and take your vitamins and iron supplements as prescribed, none of these issues should pose any threat to you or your unborn babies." The doctor then writes Lucy a prescription that includes all of the medications and teas. Lucy thanks the doctor as she leaves, giving Lucy and Tim some privacy so Lucy can change, and the couple can leave.
Lucy wipes the gel from her tummy, and then Tim lends a hand to Lucy to help her get off the ultrasound table and get dressed. Tim says little, only that they should hurry because traffic is light at this time. To which she agrees. On their way out, they pick up all of the medications and teas that Lucy has been prescribed. During the ride back, she notices that Tim doesn't speak much except when necessary.
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Kojo's bark serves as a welcome as they enter their house. The dog stands on his hind legs, placing his front paws on Lucy's breast while he licks her face. Kojo has taken to giving her this greeting ever since she has stopped bending down to pet him since she found out she is pregnant. With a joyful giggle, Lucy gently strokes his soft fur. Tim proceeds to distance himself from the duo and makes his way towards the kitchen, simultaneously asking Lucy to freshen up while he readies their dinner. Lucy nods and heads to their ensuite bathroom, leaving Kojo with a final kiss on top of his head.
Once inside the bathroom, Lucy takes a proper hot bath rather than a quick shower. As she soaks in the warm water of her bathtub, her achy muscles begin to unwind. She then contemplates how to navigate the whole triplet situation. She decides to enlist Nyla's aid to meet Hick's wife, Sophie, as she is cordial with her. She wants to meet Sophie since she is the only person who has been in her situation and can thus help. What is it with Metro Sergeants and triplets? She wonders to herself. The thought of this makes her smile a little. She also thinks she should consult Angela to find a reliable nanny. She hopes they can afford one for at least the first two years, after which they will be able to transfer the infants to the daycare where Nyla has enrolled Leah. Yet, before she can do any of this, she must first discuss these matters with Tim. However, he hasn't said much since learning about the triplets, so she is uncertain as to how much of the information he has processed. And this makes her more anxious.
After her hot bath, while getting dressed, Lucy admires her little baby bump in the full-length mirror of their bedroom. She then lovingly caresses her belly. She still can't believe she's nurturing not one, not two, but three little beings inside her. Her eyes well up with joyful tears of disbelief. She has always known she wanted more than one child since she understands what it's like to grow up as a single child, and she never wanted her child to face that fate. But it wasn't until she fell for Tim that she ever considered having three children; she still remembers what he said about wanting to have three kids, watch them grow, and have kids of their own. And she is simply thrilled that she will be able to fulfill Tim's long-cherished dream.
When Lucy finally comes out into the hall, she finds Tim still in the kitchen. He tells her that dinner will be ready in a few more minutes and that she may relax till then. She nods in agreement and opts to postpone the discussion until after dinner. Kojo then strolls over to her as she sits on the couch, channel surfing absentmindedly, and he snuggles up next to her. She then coos, "Hi, big boy. You are going to be a big brother to three little babies soon. Won’t you love them, boy? Won’t you?” The dog seems to acknowledge her with a bark. She continues to pamper Kojo by brushing the back of his ears. While he rubs his snout on her tiny baby bump. He appears to be attempting to form a bond with her unborn babies. This causes a new surge of happy tears in her eyes.
Tim whistles and signals Kojo to come get his dinner. Lucy wipes her tears and tells Kojo, "Go, boy, have your dinner." Kojo does as he is told and heads for his food.
Once done with Kojo, Tim then plates Lucy's and his food. He serves her pasta and ginger ale, then helps himself with the same. As she sees Tim sipping his ginger ale, Lucy recalls when she and Tim first found out about her pregnancy, and Tim made the promise, "Lu, I won't be eating or drinking anything that you can't. We are in this together." This brings a smile to her face. She thinks, but what has changed today? Why is Tim acting so aloof since they found out about the triplets? She finally musters her courage and decides to speak with him.
So, Lucy, while fiddling with the pasta on her plate, speaks up: "Hey, babe, as we are about to have three tiny terrors now, don't you think we should discuss all the logistics beforehand? We have much to figure out. Even if we have ample time, I can guarantee that it will pass in a flash. And I want us to be completely ready. I think I should probably ask Angela if she knows of a reliable nanny whose salary would fit in our budget. We would require one for at least the first two years. We need to take a look at the expenses. We can't touch the proceeds from the sale of your childhood house since that will be used as college funds for our kids in the future. Also plan to talk to Hicks's wife, whom Nyla apparently knows. Sophie, Hick's wife, is a member of the LAPD’s branding and promotion team. Hearing about her experiences as a working mother of triplets will help me figure out what I need to do. I suppose by doing all of this, we will be able to avoid a few bumps." A nervous laugh escapes her lips, betraying the anxiety that has taken hold of her.
Tim doesn't say anything; he simply nods his head. As far as Lucy can tell, he hasn't paid attention to a single word she's said. She puts out her right hand and gently squeezes Tim's left, asking him, "Baby, are you okay?" Tim snaps out of the trance he was in and says, "Yeah, I am fine."
"You do not seem to be? What’s wrong? Please, babe. Could you please be vocal?" Lucy inquires, her eyes welling up. She is done suppressing her anxiety. Her pregnancy hormones take over, and she begins to dread the worst. So, despite her best efforts to stay calm, she spits, "Tim, tell me right away if you're not ready for three babies. You know I can take care of these babies by myself. Right? If you don't want anything to do with us, I'll leave right away! Just say it." She then takes her hand off of Tim's and caresses her belly.
Tim's eyes widen in shock and pain as he glances at Lucy. "What? Lu, NO. Please don’t say that", he says. He leaves his chair, kneels near where Lucy is sitting, and cups her face in his hands. He looks at her tenderly and pleads, "Please, baby, don't leave me. Don’t even think about it. Please, I will die without you. I beg of you, don't leave me, please." He is emotionally overwhelmed to the point of tears.
Tears of rage and hurt stream down Lucy's face as she surrenders to the overwhelming surge of emotion. Her hormones and anxiety are driving her insane. She's sick to her stomach because she is unable to comprehend how a day that was supposed to be the happiest of their lives ended up being one of the worst. She stutters through sobs, " Ti... Tim, please talk to me. Tell me what's going on in your head and why you're acting so weird. Please help me understand; your silence is freaking me out. I'm going to explode if you don't share your thoughts.”
Tim looks at Lucy with red-rimmed eyes and says, "I did this to you. It's all because of me. I come from a family of bizarre genes. The doctor even said that multiple births tend to run in families. And my family has so many multiple pregnancies, which is why you will have to endure all the pain that comes with multiple pregnancy. Luce, I'm so scared that something will happen to you, no... no... I don't even wanna think of a life without you. I'm so so sorry, baby. It's all my fault."
Lucy is at a loss for words as to how to respond, knowing Tim's proclivity to blame himself for everything. This is a trait he developed as a result of severe childhood trauma. Thus, she takes the measure she knows will prove most fruitful. She pulls him into an embrace, cradling his head on her chest while she hushes, "Don't. Timothy Bradford, you can't possibly blame yourself for your genetics! What if my genes are even worse? I mean, it's a possibility because I don't know anything about my father or his medical history. Will you blame me and hate me for that? Will you expect me to apologize for something that's not even under my control?" She then takes one of Tim’s hands and places it on her tiny bump, and with a tender but firm voice, she says, "Tim, these babies are the fruit of our love for one another; to feel guilty about them is to insult that love. Please, babe, don't. Also, didn't the doctor say that all my test results are normal and there is no cause for concern? Babe, all's fine. We have got this." Tim gives her an understanding nod.
"No, Lu! I'm absolutely thrilled! Being a dad has always been a dream of mine, and I already love these three little bugs. However, I was actually quite shocked at first, and then, after listening to the doctor mention all the issues you are going to face, it made me feel like shit. Also, we haven't exactly planned to get pregnant this early. We thought of waiting for at least two years after you got promoted to detective, but it's only been four months. I'm a bit worried about having three babies at such an early stage in your career," Tim says, remorse still palpable in his voice. But before Lucy can speak, he adds, "Baby, I've been thinking, and I've come up with a few ideas of my own that can really benefit us. Okay, so at first, I thought of retiring, but then I realized that we would need money in order to raise three kids, so I scrapped that plan. Then, I considered getting a job in private security; but you already know that my tolerance for rich snobs is almost nonexistent. Hence, I will be going for the lieutenant's job as Pine is ready to retire soon, and she has been pushing me to take up her job. I just have to clear the lieutenant's exam, and the post will be mine." Lucy is about to protest, but he stops her by putting his index finger on her lips and continues, "I know, I know, I have always said that the streets are where the real fun takes place. I've always found the chaos on the streets exciting, but I'm done with it. Baby, I realize that there is no greater adventure than being a father to our three babies; therefore, I just want to be a lieutenant who rarely sees action, mostly does paperwork, and returns home at a set time. We will also talk to Angela, Nyla, and Hick's wife about nanny, daycare, and taking care of triplets. Baby, I just want you to know that I'll do whatever you want to make sure you're comfortable. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate enough to witness and achieve everything I've ever wanted. I just want to take a step back and focus on being a really involved dad to our three little munchkins. It is time for you to take control of your career. Lu, I know you really enjoy your job, and you're seriously the best officer I've ever trained! And not only that, you're also the most empathetic person I know. If you were captain, you could really make a positive impact on the system and the public. I know you are more than willing to prioritize raising our peanuts, but, baby, I really want you to achieve all those career goals you've been dreaming of. I'll take care of things at home while you show everyone that a woman does not have to put her career on hold because she has kids. Luce, just allow me to be the husband who proudly cheers for his wife from the stands as she absolutely kills it on the field. We've already talked it over, and we're on the same page about not wanting more than three kids. Hence, once these three monkeys are born, our family will be complete, and I'll be getting a vasectomy. Wesley has undergone one and said that it was quite hassle-free. So, we don't have to worry about any future accidents." He concludes his heartfelt statement with a gentle exhale, leaning tenderly to place a sweet kiss on her precious baby bump, a beautiful gesture of affection for the three precious lives blossoming inside.
As Lucy experiences a surge of emotion, she begins to shed a new set of happy tears. "Damn these pregnancy hormones", she curses. She knows that Tim's devotion to her has no limits, but she is stunned by the extent to which he is willing to go. "How did I get this lucky, Tim? How can you love me so much? How, babe, how?" she murmurs as she pulls Tim closer, cradles his face, and kisses him on the lips.
Tim presses his lips lightly over Lucy's tear-stained cheeks, his gentle gesture simply adding to the flood of emotions welling up within her. And her eyes fill up with tears again. In the most loving and caring tone, he softly whispers, "Hey, hey, baby, please don't cry. I'm the lucky one, Luce! Just by being in my life, you make me feel like the luckiest man on earth. You could have picked anybody, baby, but you chose me, and you continue to choose me every day, making me the luckiest person alive. Baby, you're about to give me the best gift of my life. You are making me a dad when I thought I had only the potential to be an uncle. You're willing to go through so much to bring our babies into this world. The least I can do is be an involved father and a satisfactory husband to show my gratitude for nurturing these three tiny miracles inside you. Lu, baby, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a dad. I hope to become the kind of father I wished I had while growing up.” He then plants a little kiss on her nose, which has now turned bright red due to all the crying.
Lucy sees nothing but love and sincerity when she gazes into Tim's eyes. Thus, with a sense of relief and gratitude, she says, "Tim, let's agree we both are lucky. I couldn't have asked for a better husband and father for these babies. I have faith that you are going to be the best dad in this world, babe. I’m so ready to embrace this new chapter of our lives and cherish every moment with our three tiny pumpkins. And as for my career, your support means everything to me. I do want to make a positive impact, and I will definitely find a balance between being a mom and my job. We will figure it out, just like we always do."
Tim beams with adoration, his eyes shimmering with love, and envelops Lucy in a warm embrace, holding her close. He then says, “We've got this, Luce. We're a team. I'll always be by your side, supporting and loving you. Okay, now let me reheat the pasta, since you need to eat before taking your meds. After that, I will make you some calming tea, and then I will massage your feet. It'll help you fall asleep.” Lucy quips, "Aww... You're gonna spoil me completely during this pregnancy, aren't you, babe?” Tim replies, “That’s the plan! I mean, you are doing all the heavy lifting, so I think I can at least do the bare minimum. Also, once they are born, I plan to spoil these three peanuts too!” Both of them let out a soft chuckle. She then playfully rolls her eyes and says, "So, now I know who has to be the disciplinarian!" Tim nods enthusiastically in agreement.
Lucy comes up behind Tim as he reheats their food in the microwave, gives him a hug, and asks, " Babe, since we now also have a hidden baby, which means I have three buns in my oven, I'm curious; what do you think they'll be?" He turns to face Lucy without breaking her embrace, kissing the crown of her head. "Lu, I don't have any preferences; I just want them to be healthy. I want what you want," he says with a genuine smile. To this, she grins and responds, "Okay, then I say we will have three boys, whom I want to name Edward, Edmund, and Edgar." With a wicked glitter in her eye, she adds, "Aren't these names cute?"
With pleading eyes directed at Lucy, Tim utters, "Luce, I really love you very much, but I don't think I want our babies to have 18th-century vampire names." He then shakes his head to indicate a refusal. "Lu, baby, you know, I've always wanted to be a girl dad. So, I will be really happy if we have at least one daughter who will be an exact carbon copy of you." He continues by punctuating each word with a kiss all over her face.
Lucy giggles and responds, her voice filled with playfulness: "And then someone claimed that he doesn't have any preference. Tim Bradford, Mr., you are a lying liar who lies." Tim jokingly rolls his eyes at her and, with a teasing, affectionate voice, says, "You are a bad influence on me, Mrs. Lucy Chen Bradford!" Then he lovingly adds, "Jokes aside, Lu, but whatever we name them, I want them to have Chen-Bradford and not only Bradford in their names. Also, I would love for them to embrace and cherish both our cultures and feel a deep sense of pride in their identity." She is rendered speechless by his words, and she murmurs, "Tim Bradford, how are you even real?" He says nothing but simply kisses her forehead. She releases a gentle sigh, holding back tears, tenderly places his hand on her belly, and lovingly utters, "Tim, call it a mother's intuition or what, but I have a feeling that we're going to have two sons and a daughter."
Tim lovingly gazes at Lucy and whispers, "Two sons and a daughter sound just perfect." But the tranquility of the moment is broken when the microwave begins to beep. "Let's eat; I know our babies must be damn hungry by now," he urges.
Tim and Lucy spend the rest of their evening after dinner discussing the intricacies of the beautiful, chaotic journey of raising triplets that they are about to embark on, while Tim massages Lucy's swollen feet.