While John disappeared down the corridor to get some ice for Fred, Carson stood up. It did seem that unlike the other Sheppard children, Meredith rather wanted to stay inside her mother. But there was no stopping nature, and she would be there soon enough.
"Shaun's doing really well," Carson told Fred with a smile as he hooked her up to a fetal heart monitor so they could track Meredith during the labor and delivery. "It's like he wasn't even born early. There's just something about this place."
He shook his head, still amazed by how well their little boy was doing.
"Cait is doing all right too. I think she's still adjusting after everything that happened, but we're just glad we didn't...that she's still here."
He took a deep breath before giving her another smile just as John came back. He checked that Meredith had turned just when another contraction hit. Looking at Fred when she asked if it was time, he shook his head and moved to check her again.
"Almost. I don't want you to start pushing quite yet," he told her. "John, why don't we get everything set up. She should be ready by then."
"What do you want me to do, doc?" John asked.
"Move in and sit behind her so she can lean against you while I get everything else." Carson quickly gathered the supplies he needed before calling for one of the nurses to come assist. Once they were all situated, John sitting with Fred, his arms wrapped around her, Carson checked her again. "All right, Fred...this is it. I think your wee one is ready."