by Smith, Wendy
She smiles. “We’ll never be able to sleep in, will we?”
Laughing, I plant a kiss on her neck. “One day, when she’s older. Although maybe one day we’ll grow our family and still have to deal with being up all hours of the night.” I grin. “Then there are my four o’clock starts.”
I expect a laugh, but Ginny’s silent.
“Gin?”
“There’s something I need to tell you.” Her voice is barely louder than a whisper. But I have an inkling of what’s coming.
“What?”
Ginny rolls onto her back, and cups my cheek in her hand. “I don’t know if I can have children.” Tears well in her eyes, and I lean in, kissing each one as she closes her eyes.
“Talk to me.”
“I have endometriosis. It could make it really difficult.” She sighs.
I search her eyes and see only sadness. It stings my heart to see her like this. “It’s not the end of the world for me, Ginny. Whatever happens, as long as I have you, that’s all that matters. Look at how Ava came to us. We could always foster or adopt if it doesn’t work out.”
She blinks back more tears. “Are you sure? I know we should have talked about this before I moved in. But it caused so many problems in my last relationship. He didn’t understand. And then it never seemed like the right time, and—”
I cut off her sentence with a lingering kiss. “I’m sure. I never thought I’d be so lucky as to have someone like you in my life. Besides, we have Ava to raise, and that little girl is going to be spoiled beyond belief if you’re not here to rein me in.”
Ginny laughs, and the smile lights up her eyes. “Yes, we do have Ava to raise.”
“We’re all together, and that’s everything.”
“One of the reasons I wasn’t sure about moving in is that sometimes I struggle with pain. I didn’t want Ava to see that.”
I nod. “We’ll work through it with her together. I’m assuming that’s why you’re on the diet?”
“The doctor suggested it might help. There are studies …”
“Does it help?”
She shrugs. “It’s hard to know what helps. I’ll try anything.”
“We can talk to Drew.”
Her eyebrows dip. “I don’t know if I want to talk to your brother about my uterus.”
“I meant, he can refer us to someone. As if I’d let him anywhere near you. He must have a woman doctor he can suggest.”
Her concerned expression gives way to laughter, and I grin, as that’s what I wanted to see.
“You’re not alone now, Ginny. That’s the important thing. And you can tell me anything. I’ll be right here beside you.” I kiss her again, and lose myself in her until I hear little footsteps approaching.
“Owen.” Ginny giggles.
“I heard.”
The door flies open. “Breakfast,” Ava yells.
I laugh. “Ava. Aren’t you supposed to knock?”
Her eyes widen. “Sorry.”
“Come here.”
She climbs onto the bed, and I pull her into my arms for a hug. “I think someone wants breakfast.”
“Really?” Ginny says. “Whatever gives you that idea?”
“Just a hunch.”
Ava wraps her arms around my neck, and I hold her tight.
Whether or not Ginny and I have a baby of our own one day doesn’t matter.
I have everything I need right here.
29
Drew
I spend the night at the hospital.
By the morning, the colour’s returned to Hayley’s cheeks. The blood transfusions have worked a treat for her, and all she has to really worry about now is resting to recover from her C-section.
We just have to wait for the all-clear so I can grab a wheelchair and take her to the NICU.
As soon as the ward opens, Sonya appears in the doorway with a bouquet of flowers and two congratulatory balloons, one blue, one pink.
“Mum.” Hayley tears up again. She’s shed tears on a fairly regular basis since the babies were born yesterday. It makes sense. Her hormones will be raging, plus the added stress of surgery and being separated from the twins. There’s nothing I can do to help but be there for her.
Sonya enters the room, followed by David. While the two women hug and chat, he comes toward me, hand extended. “Congratulations, Dad.”
I grin. “Thanks, Grandad.”
He grips my arm. “You did well, Drew. That they all got through it is testament to the man and doctor you are. I keep thinking if we’d only checked on her more thoroughly earlier …”
“I’m not sure when the bleeding started. And it’s perfectly reasonable to be tired that late in a pregnancy. Especially a multiple pregnancy. You had no reason to think otherwise.”
He nods. “I know. I just wish we’d been able to do something to reduce the trauma.”
“Once she’s reunited with the twins, she’ll be so much better.”
“How are they?”
I pull out my phone. I sent them some photos by text yesterday, but there is a whole heap more on there now. I’ve been the one travelling back and forward to feed them. Hayley’s persisted with using the breast pump even though she’s been exhausted.
“They’re young enough that they might not have the reflex to breastfeed, so they’re tube-fed right now. It’s the best way to feed them directly, and it gives them a better chance of learning to breastfeed. We don’t want them getting used to a bottle unless we have to.”
He nods. “Hayley was a little early, but nothing like this. They’re getting the best of care?”
“They are.” I huff. “Though you might not like who her doctor is.”
“Who?”
“Marcus Johnson.”
I don’t need to explain any more as his jaw drops. “You’re kidding. Was there no one else?”
Shaking my head, I sigh. “I made it clear if he put a foot wrong I’d ruin his career.”
The corners of David’s mouth curl, and he gives me a proud look.
“And then I hit him.”
“You did what?”
“After the surgery. Once I knew Hayley was safe. I smacked him in the face. It’s probably a miracle I didn’t get thrown out of the hospital.”
David laughs. “I would have sorted that out. It’s nothing that man doesn’t deserve.”
“I couldn’t help it. I watched him perform the C-section, deliver our children, stitch Hayley back up, but it wasn’t enough. He caused so much damage to her.”
He grips my shoulder. “She’s so much stronger now. I’m so proud of both of you.” Letting go of my shoulder, he nods toward Sonya. “We’ve decided we’ll wait to see the babies. It’s not fair if we spend time with them when Hayley hasn’t been able to.”
“My brother arrived yesterday, and we went to the NICU. He spent more time worrying about his daughter back home and not a lot looking at the babies, but he did come up with the idea to FaceTime Hayley from the NICU. It works a treat.”
David grins. “How is Adam?”
“Oh, not that brother. Owen.”
His eyebrows knit. “I thought only Adam had children.”
“It’s a long story. Short version is that after the wedding, Owen ended up with a daughter he didn’t know he’d fathered. She’s living with him now, and I’m so glad because that poor kid got shipped around after her mother died. It’s reinforced the fact that I’ll have everything sorted so that Hayley and the kids are provided for after I’m gone.”
He nods. “I’m going to make sure you’re all well looked after, too. And it sounds like Owen’s daughter’s in a better place now.”
“Very much so.”
“And now you have two of your own to raise.” He smiles. “I’ll be retiring later in the year. It’s time. There’s nothing I want more than to be able to spend time with my grandchildren.”
“I’m sure Hayley will love that, too. We might have to stay at your place for a couple of days
before we head home. I don’t want to rush her.”
“When will she be able to go home?”
“Maybe in a week or so. The babies are doing well, but we need to get their feeding established, or at least on the way to that, and they need to gain weight. But I think they’re a little bit further along than we thought, just small, so that might not be too tough a battle.”
He nods. “Anything you two need. Between you and me, Sonya is more than ready to go out and buy two of everything for our place so you can stay whenever you need to.”
“I can buy portable cots. At least the car seats are sorted and in the car, so I don’t have to go and do that.”
David claps me on the back. “Leave it with us. We’ll sort everything out.”
It’s hard to say yes to. The one thing I’ve been looking forward to doing is being able to support my family without help. But I know under current circumstances, it’s easier to swallow my pride and let him and Sonya take care of things.
Then I can focus on Hayley and the babies.
* * *
It’s nearly midday when Marcus appears.
“Sorry I’m late. Another emergency. But I’m pleased to tell you that from what I’ve been told, you’ll be able to get out of bed and see your children today. I know it must have been hard.”
Hayley’s all tears again, and I slip my arm around her shoulder.
He turns to me. “There’s a wheelchair being brought in. Hayley can go to the NICU to see the babies. Just don’t let her do any lifting.”
I grin. “I’ll make sure I hand her the twins.”
“I know you’ll take the best care of her.” He turns to walk away, looking over his shoulder as he reaches the door. “For what it’s worth, Hayley, I should have listened to you. You’re an excellent midwife.” He nods toward me. “And I reckon you’ve found a good one here.”
She reaches for my hand as he disappears. “I never thought that would happen.”
“Maybe I punched some sense into him.”
Her mouth falls open. “You did what?”
“I couldn’t help it. He understood. It wasn’t the most adult thing I’ve ever done, but it felt so good.”
A smile spreads across her face. “I love you.”
“I love you. And I’ll always do whatever it takes to protect you and the kids.”
“I know.”
Five minutes later, a wheelchair is brought in and I help Hayley into it. She’s in tears before we make it all the way into the room. She moves to stand, and I place a hand on her shoulder, pushing her gently back into the chair.
“I’ll get them.”
I go to our daughter first. The nurse smiles as I open the incubator and take her out. The twins are developed enough that they can come out for us to hold. They just need help keeping warm to stabilise their blood sugar. “Here she is.”
Hayley gasps, and I place one baby in her arms. Tears roll down her cheeks as she holds our daughter close, and my eyes prick with my own tears watching them.
“Do you want a minute with her before I get the other one?”
She nods. I think if I place both twins in her arms, she’ll melt down.
“I’ve missed you,” she whispers, raising the baby to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“She’s missed her mum. But she’s doing so well. They both are. It won’t be long before we can all go home together.”
Hayley nods, reaching for me with her free hand. “I’m sorry if I’m crying a lot right now.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, princess. The last few days have been a rollercoaster.”
“She’s so beautiful, Drew. We made her.”
“We did good.”
She lets go of my hand and strokes the baby’s cheek. “She’s my princess.”
I lean over, pressing a kiss in her hair. “Yes, she is. Want me to get our little prince?”
“Yes, please.” Her eyes shine, and I love how happy she looks. After a very stressful couple of days, Hayley has all she needs right here.
Going to the incubator, I take our son out. Hayley holds her arm to take him, and for a moment, she’s holding both our children. It’s the most beautiful thing I think I’ve ever seen. “I’ll take her in a second, but I want a photo.”
Tears stream down her face again, and she laughs. “Don’t you dare show anyone what a mess I am.”
“You’re allowed to be. And no one needs to see this. It’s for me.” I snap the picture with my phone. “The three loves of my life all together.”
“Drew,” she says softly.
“Love you all.” I reach for my daughter while she studies our son. My heart swells at the sight of this tiny creature with her perfect fingers and toes, her big blue eyes. She’s just as beautiful as her mother, and she owned me at first glance.
They all do.
My family.
30
Owen
We spend the next few days moving Ginny’s stuff into my place.
My flat is full, but so is my heart. The three of us are finally a family. Although it’s been like that for months, having Ginny with us all the time makes it more real.
We go to bed the first night, and I look around the room. A few days ago, it was all my clothing, and a few items of Ginny’s. Now there are boxes stacked in the corner, her things overflowing from them. But now I have my girl here, a little mess doesn’t matter.
“I love this,” she says, climbing into the bed beside me.
I pull her into my arms. “This is just the start.”
“What do you mean?”
I kiss her, long and slow, stroking her breast. “We’re right at the beginning. There’s so much more good stuff for us to come. I’m sure of it.”
She scans my face. “I love you. I love Ava. I love being with both of you.”
“This is where you belong.”
Ginny lets out a contented sigh as I drop my head to her breast, suckling at her nipple where my hand’s been. She’s mine, but I feel the need to claim her all over again. This really is the first night of the rest of our lives. Together.
Running my fingers down between her breasts and over her stomach, I keep my attention on her nipple as I find her clit with my fingers. I stroke her gently, and the tiny gasps coming from her lips tell me she likes it.
“I want you inside me,” she whispers, thrusting her hips toward me.
“All in good time. There’s no rush.”
Her body tenses, and I bite down gently on her nipple. I want every little piece of her tonight, and I want her to feel everything. She needs to know just how much she’s loved and wanted.
She shudders, letting out a long, low moan. I love this woman. I love that she’s the only one I’ve had in my bed, and that she’ll be the only one.
Her fingers rake my scalp when I go down on her. I’m so in tune with her body, I know how far I can take her, how much I can push. She’s perfect, and she’s mine.
“Roll over.”
She stares at me for a moment, fear in her eyes. The last time we tried this, she said I was in too deep and hurt her. Now I know what the problem is, maybe we can work with what we can do. “Owen?”
“Do you trust me?” I grab a condom from the drawer.
She nods, and rolls onto her stomach.
“Get up on your knees and lean back.”
I pull her into almost a sitting position. From here, she can control how deep I go, and I get to touch her.
Sliding her onto my cock, I move slowly, my hands on her hips to show her just how in control she is. Reaching up, I grasp her breasts, planting kisses on her back as she drives us together.
“All I want is for you to feel safe with me. To know I won’t hurt you,” I whisper.
“I’ve always felt safe with you.”
We move so slowly, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. One day she’ll trust me, and we’ll ditch the condoms. I haven’t even approached that conversation yet, but the thought of b
eing inside her without them drives me crazy.
“Owen.” She throws her head back, and I slip one hand down to her clit, stroking and teasing until her pussy grips me tighter.
I’m almost caught by surprise by my own climax, triggered by hers, and we fall onto the bed in a sweaty, happy mess.
“I just need to get rid of this.” I pull the condom off, and push myself up.
She grabs my arm. “I’m on the pill. It helps with the endo.”
I grin. It’s so tempting, but there’s something I need to get done first. Something I want to do for her.
“I’ll get tested first. I usually get tested for my annual check-up, but I should have done it when we first got together.”
Ginny nods, a smile spreading across her lips.
I’ll do whatever it takes to make Ginny happy.
When I climb back into bed, she curls up beside me, my arm under her neck. It doesn’t take long for her breathing to even out, and I know she’s fallen asleep.
“I love you,” I whisper into her hair.
Because I do. From the day I looked into those green eyes for the first time, I was smitten. Even if back then, I didn’t realise just how much. Her caring nature, her complete acceptance for my changing situation, her calmness—everything about Ginny leaves me breathless, and hopelessly in love.
She wriggles in her sleep, and my throat constricts at the way my body moulds to hers. Never in a million years did I think I’d feel this way.
My hand slides over her stomach, pulling her in tighter, and she lets out a faint sigh.
I love her.
* * *
The other thing I love is our days together.
Ava’s playing with her increasing number of toys in her room.
We’ve talked so much about it, but I have the paint now, and next weekend we’ll start decorating her room the way she wants it. Ginny has big plans for making it a room fit for a princess.
Now she’s moved in, Ginny’s also started taking turns with me cooking dinner. I’ve even let go and am less possessive about my kitchen. Everything I have is hers.