Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 37781 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 189(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 126(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37781 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 189(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 126(@300wpm)
My rock’s right where I need him, and despite fainting when he found out we were having twins, he’s been the calming force between us whenever I get overwhelmed. I’m more grateful than anything that Bowdie insisted we come back to the States before I was too far along. Neither of us wanted to settle in London forever, but for me, it’s important as an American to have my babies where they were made.
Plus, I missed my dad and Lucy like nothing else. I’m amazed they still won’t treat Bowdie or me the same, even though they’re less aggressive than they used to be about the whole thing, but I rarely see Dad. Bowdie doesn’t like to talk about the fact that Lucy never visits. I thought bygones would be bygones, but even Bowdie’s messages to them both that I’m in labor haven’t changed their opinions about us.
I’m well into the birthing process in no time. Bowdie’s strong hand grips mine. His three-day beard growth scratches my forehead as he kisses away the sweat and tears, sharing every second of what’s a frightening but beautiful and amazingly painful thing all rolled up into a blur that feels like it’ll never end.
Then, just as quickly as it all came on, it’s over.
They’re here. Our babies. Perfectly healthy, over-sized, one-of-a-kind, beautiful, darling babies.
“They’re just perfect,” I coo, taking one and then another into my arms, Bowdie’s hands like giants compared to the tiny new lives.
“You’re perfect,” Bowdie reminds me, pecking my cheek and whispering he loves me. He tells me he’s glad everything went safely, too.
He’s smitten with the twins as much as I am. Another love at first sight we can share and cherish forever now. An actual family of my own… I can’t believe it still. It’s so surreal.
Little not-so-old Beth Parker, mother of two and married to the famous (in some circles) Dr. Bigg.
“I guess it’s just us four then,” I observe long after we’ve all been checked over and given the all clear, Momma and babies resting and hubby keeping watch over his brood.
Bowdie grunts and looks out the window, but the timid knock at my hospital room door has us both looking up.
“Can we come in?” Lucy asks timidly, her eyes shining with tears before I half croak, half squeal for her to get her ass over to me and check out these babies.
My dad strolls in, trying to avoid eye contact with Bowdie, but with these babies so fresh out of the oven, all six of us are fussing and gushing over the little ones. Everything that made Lucy and Dad so mad at us vanishes like magic. The twins are like a magic spell that changes everything back to the way it was before, but better.
Now we’re a bigger family by two more with Lucy and my dad. I can tell already that Bowdie’s planning some brothers and sisters for these two. That’s something I know I could get used to if they make me feel as special as I do today.
Mom, wife, and now best friend, and daughter all over again.
EPILOGUE
TWO YEARS LATER
Bowdie
“I’ll get it!” I call out to Beth, moving toward the door, walking like a jagged robot with one kid clutching each of my limbs. They all giggle like maniacs because the doorbell rang while they’re using me as a tree house in the living room.
Beth’s just changing into something without a milk stain because her dad’s coming over with Lucy. It’s Brad’s birthday, so we figured we’d have them here, and it could be just like old times—some ribs, a few beers for Brad, and then maybe even some board games if Beth can stay up that late. Neither of us gets much sleep these days, so anything after eight o’clock is considered “late” and maybe even risky.
Mind you, it’s not exactly babies keeping Beth up all night. It’s usually me busy trying to put another one in her, considering it’s our only real alone time once the kids are asleep. Fortunately for Beth and me, they are deep sleepers,
The bell rings again, and in my best tree house giant’s voice, I boom, “I’m coming! I’m coming!” The kids shriek with laughter and excitement because they know who’s here. It’s Aunt Lucy and Grandpa Brad who spoil these kids rotten every time they visit.
Beth’s shriek from behind me as I open the door grabs Lucy’s attention straight away, and the two of them are off like a couple of teenagers, leaving Brad and me to carry everything in. I mind the kids who cling to me like koalas, still young enough to be fascinated by everyday goings on but big and strong enough to hang on and interfere at a moment’s notice. They eventually tire of us menfolk once Beth and Lucy’s shrieks and laughs reach the kitchen. The kids scuttle off toward their mommy and Aunt Lucy.