The doctors arrived and started to check Eric over. After a few minutes, the doctor looked up and shook his head.
"It doesn't look good, Z. The placenta is partially torn away from the uterine wall. He needs around-the-clock care and total bed rest, and even if everything is done right, he still may lose the child," he said.
Eric took a deep breath. "Someone find Randy. He went for a run."
Zach told Ty and Luther to place Eric on the gurney and use the elevator to take him to their room and help him get into bed. He would send a medical professional to check his vitals. Lex and Chris arrived to see what the problem was. Zach explained the situation.
"Catch up, Chris. I've got this," Lex said and ran upstairs.
Zach asked Chris what his grandson meant by he had this.
"When Lex and I worked in the Artificial Insemination program, this happened quite often, and a protocol was developed if administered early enough," Chris replied.
Zach looked at Chris. "Lead the way, young man. This is one event I want to see."
As they waited for the elevator trip upstairs, Chris spoke. "The patient must be placed on an inverted flat surface and a combination of a calming agent along with a triple dose cocktail of vitamins C, D, Potassium, Magnesium, and B-12. It has to be run at full flow and repeated every 6 hours for 72 hours. It has a 90% success rate if properly administered."
Upon arrival, Zach witnessed his grandson in full operation mode. He was like a 4-star general commanding his troops. Zach was amazed at him. Chris leaned over and said, "Now you can see why I love him so very much, sir. Isn't he amazing?"
Lex ushered everyone out of the room. He spoke to his grandfather in the hallway. "This is a no-drama and quiet zone for the next 72 hours, and there will be no exceptions. I've got my phone on vibrate if you wish to visit, but only one person for 5 minutes once an hour. Place my meals outside the room and buzz me. Find Randy and tell him these rules, but remember, I'm not being rude to anyone—I'm trying to save this baby and Eric."
Zach hugged his grandson and stood back as Chris kissed him.
"If I can help you in any way, let me know," Chris said.
"Please say a prayer and keep the faith," Lex replied.
Lex's statement shook Chris. It must be really bad, and when Zach saw the look on Chris's face, that told him volumes. He was going to call a family meeting.
As they got off the elevator, Randy walked through the front door and started to go upstairs. Zach called his name. "My office now, young man."
"In a few minutes. I need to grab a quick shower," Randy responded.
"Now Randy, NOW," Zach barked. He motioned to Luther and Ty to head to the office also. "And Chris, you come also. You can explain this better than I can."
Zach had his nephew sit down in the chair. Randy listened to his Mr. as tears formed in his eyes. Zach asked Chris to take over and explain the technical aspects of how Lex was treating Eric and the baby.
"Does any of this have to do with Eric slipping and almost falling getting out of the tub yesterday?" Randy asked.
"If he hit something or strained himself, it could have. I will relay this information to Lex just in case," Chris said.
Randy asked when he could see Eric.
"I'll call Lex and see when you can go see him," Chris responded.
Lex answered his phone and said it would be a good idea if Randy were to come upstairs for a quick visit, but Eric was unconscious and would be that way for the next 72 hours. Lex met them at the door to let Randy into the room.
"Can Ty go in with me in case I need some help?" Randy asked.
Lex agreed to this request. Eric was in bed, inverted, and feet up. There were wires everywhere on his abdomen and monitors everywhere beeping. Randy rubbed Eric's arm and face, then leaned down and kissed his lips.
"You stay strong. I need both of you to make it," he said.
Randy turned and walked towards the door when his legs gave way. Ty caught his cousin and picked him up.
"It's okay. I've got you, Cuz," Ty said.
Lex opened the door and let Ty out of the room. They both stepped out into the hallway. Lex looked at his grandfather.
"He will be okay. Ty, take him to the office to rest," he said.
Daniel and Hyden were waiting for Randy when he arrived. Ty laid him on the sofa. Daniel was in mother hen mode, making sure he was comfortable. A while later, Randy started to stir.
"Don't you dare try to get up. If you go down again, Ty isn't here, and I'm not in any condition to pick your big ass up, Cuz," Daniel remarked.
Randy thanked his cousin and rested. All of the family took turns to check on Lex, Eric, and the baby. At 3am Lex called Chris.
"Can you bring me a cup of herbal tea and some dry toast when you visit?" he asked.
"Not a problem. I will do that," Chris replied.
Chris arrived and handed Lex his tea and toast. Lex sipped the tea and tried to eat a little of the toast. Lex put the toast down.
"Now I'm even more nauseated," he said.
"When did you start feeling this way?" Chris asked.
"About an hour ago," Lex replied.
"The last few days have been very rough on everyone here on the ranch. I'm sure you will start feeling better once you can take a break and get some sleep for a little while. I can watch Eric and the baby for a while in the morning," Chris said.
Lex kissed Chris. "I'll hold you to that in the morning. Now get some rest yourself."
Zach arrived at 6am for his visit. He entered the room and checked on Eric. He laid his hand upon his cheek.
"Rest now, young Prince. The precious cargo you carry needs time to grow strong before he arrives," he said.
Claude looked over at his grandson. "Are you okay?"
Lex yawned. "Other than a little upset stomach and being tired, I'll be okay."
"Keep up your strength. Now that you're expecting, you might need to slow it down for a few weeks yourself," Claude replied.
Lex looked at his grandfather. "Grandfather, you've lost it. I'm not pregnant."
"Trust me, Lex. I've seen your glow on many young Genmen, especially their first time expecting. You and Chris are going to be excellent parents," Claude said and left the room.
Lex laughed to himself. Grandfather had lost his mind due to the stress. Maybe he was the one who needed to rest.