The Curtis siblings received the text and immediately rushed to the hospital. They walked into the room and saw Sodapop on the bed, asleep after the exhausting ordeal.

Steve, Sodapop's husband, was sitting next to the bed holding their newborn son, Maxwell. His dark hair was visible through the blanket folds.

Darry's twin daughters, Jane and Lizzie, remarked that Maxwell had arrived early, just like their Aunt Cathy. The girls were excited to meet their new cousin.

Cathy's husband, Nathan, was on his way over. The siblings were all eager to share the joyous news with him.

Sodapop woke up and Darry immediately brushed the sweaty bangs out of his brother's face. He asked Sodapop how he was feeling.

Sodapop gave a tired smile and said he was feeling fine. He was just happy that Maxwell was safe and healthy.

Darry was relieved to hear this. He knew how much Sodapop and Steve had been looking forward to this day.

Ponyboy and Cathy smiled at their brother's contentment. They couldn't wait to spoil their new nephew.

Just then, the spirits of their deceased friends Johnny and Dallas appeared. They were happy to see the new addition to the family.

Johnny congratulated Sodapop and Steve, while Dallas teased them about the sleepless nights ahead. Both spirits were elated for their friends.

Darry, Ponyboy, and Cathy laughed at Dallas' teasing. They were glad that their friends' spirits could share in their joy.

Jane and Lizzie were fascinated by the spirits. They asked Johnny and Dallas about their lives before they became spirits.

Johnny and Dallas shared some of their stories, making the girls laugh. They were glad to see the joy in the room.

The Curtis siblings noticed that Dallas was a bit heavier. They teased him about it, not knowing the secret he was keeping.

Dallas just laughed and brushed off their comments. He wasn't ready to share the news of his pregnancy yet.

Sodapop, still tired but happy, looked at his family and friends gathered in the room. He felt grateful for all the love surrounding him.

Just then, Nathan walked into the room. He was thrilled to meet his nephew and congratulated Sodapop and Steve.

As the Curtis family and their friends celebrated the arrival of Maxwell, they all felt a sense of joy and contentment. It was a day they would remember fondly.

Johnny and Dallas, still in spirit form, continued to share their stories with Jane and Lizzie. The girls were captivated by their tales.

Sodapop and Steve, now parents, looked at their son, Maxwell. They knew they were ready for the journey of parenthood.

As the day turned into night, the Curtis siblings left the hospital, leaving Sodapop, Steve, and Maxwell to rest. They promised to visit again soon.

Darry, Ponyboy, and Cathy looked forward to the next day. They couldn't wait to spend more time with their new nephew, Maxwell.

Jane and Lizzie, on the other hand, were eager to hear more stories from Johnny and Dallas. They hoped the spirits would visit again.

As for Dallas, he decided to keep his secret a little while longer. He looked forward to the day he could share his joy with his friends.

The Curtis siblings, their family, and friends all had something to look forward to. They knew that the arrival of Maxwell was just the beginning of many happy days to come.