That had been hours ago, and the only thing keeping Alyssa and the team from storming the waiting room in a show of moral support was the fact that they were still searching for Addis and Emerson. They hadn’t wanted to intrude with a phone call. If the news was bad, Cord and Sara would need their privacy as they tried to come to terms with whatever had happened.

The lightness in Cord’s voice, as much as his words, forced a loud expulsion of relieved air from Alyssa’s chest. The nervous energy in the room instantly evaporated.

‘We’re all fine. They’re still running some tests, but the bleeding’s stopped, and despite Sara being annoyed about being placed on complete bed rest for the duration of the pregnancy, both she and the babies are resting but safe.’

‘Hold on a second. The team’s all here, and they’ve been waiting to hear word, so let me fill them in.’ Alyssa knew the smile in her heart was evident on her face, as well. ‘Mom and Dad-to-be and twins are doing fine. They’re still running tests, and Sara’s confined to bed rest, but everyone’s good.’

Cheers and thunderous claps of high-fives erupted before Sandra awkwardly hugged Hal with one arm. Joe, as usual, grimaced hearing the word twins, and Alyssa imagined he was reliving all the sleepless, colicky nights his Hailee had brought him and his wife and thinking how much more exhausted Cord and Sara would be with two.

‘We all wanted to be there—’

Cord interrupted her. ‘I know every single one of you would’ve dropped everything if you could’ve. Speaking of which, any luck so far?’

Alyssa sighed and rubbed her temples with her free hand. ‘Not yet. But we’ve only been at it for a few hours. However, the team’s managing just fine, so I don’t want to see you until tomorrow – at the very earliest. And if you need more time… Well, Sara and the babies come first. Understand?’

Chortling, Cord agreed. ‘Understood. And speaking of, Sara’s awake now and mouthing “Say hello from me.”’

‘Hello from all of us. Now all four of you get some rest and check in again later if you get a chance.’ They spoke another minute before Alyssa ended the call.

Adrenaline still high but waning now that she knew everyone was fine, she pushed back her chair, wound her hair into a ponytail, grabbed her empty mug, and said, ‘I’m going to get a refill. Why don’t we take ten to rest our eyes and then get back to it?’

‘Don’t have to tell me twice,’ Hal said, whirling his chair around and rolling himself out behind Alyssa while Joe, Tony, and Sandra scattered in different directions in search of food, drink, and whatever else.