by Tl Reeve
“You just had to have the better birth story, didn’t you?” Danielle teased.
“Well, when you’re pushing not one but two babies out, you better do it in style.” Keeley laughed. “How are you feeling?”
“It’s getting easier. Doc says I’ll be out of here in a couple days, with him.” Danielle pointed to Nicolas, who’d been asleep.
“I’ll bring you home,” Kalkin said. “Hopefully we can all leave at the same time.”
Keeley frowned. “I didn’t want to stay. I wanted to go home. I did all the hard work there.”
Danielle laughed. “Not so easy. You’re here now. They’ll make you stay.”
“This is not Hotel California,” Keeley muttered. “I can leave.”
“Yep, you’re fine,” Kalkin said. “I agree with Danielle. Stay, relax. Today was unexpected.”
She glanced up at the clock and shook her head. “You make it sound like it’s late afternoon, it’s only eleven.” She wouldn’t tell him the time surprised her too. From start to finish, it had taken her and Kalkin three hours to birth the babies and arrive at the hospital. It took longer for the doctor to see her and the nurses to care for the twins.
“It does feel like a whole day has passed, doesn’t it?” He switched babies with Danielle.
Kalkin had a natural touch with kids. When Danielle had Nicolas, he’d been the only person to hold him, due to his size and the complications with Danielle. Keeley couldn’t imagine what she would do without her sister now. Both of them had been through so much, and they made it to the other side, for the most part.
She didn’t think about Caden. She wouldn’t even consider Kalkin’s twin. If anything, Keeley and Kalkin would take Danielle and the boys in. It would be difficult in the beginning, but she’d do anything for her sister because she figured out, all their lives as much as she thought she protected them, in all reality it had been Danielle.
She took the bumps and licks along the way. She’d been used as the pawn. She’d been the one to take the bullet meant for Kalkin and almost lost her life. “You’ll stay with us for as long as you like.”
Danielle frowned. “I have to do this, Keeley. I need to stand up. If I don’t, everyone else wins.”
Keeley nodded. “Okay, but we’re here for you.”
Ella gave a whimpered cry.
“And someone needs you right now.”
A second later, Colin began to wail his hungered outrage to the world. Keeley, with the help of Kalkin, got them situated in bed and began to nurse her twins. She stared down at her children in wide-eyed wonder. Only a few hours ago they'd been inside of her, sitting against her bladder, killing her back. She caressed their cheeks as they continued to drink. Their soft grunts delighted her. They would grow up to be strong and healthy shifters.
“Where are my babies?” Mrs. Martin entered the room next. She ambled over to the bed while Keeley continued to nurse. “Oh, look at them.” She folded her hands together and sighed. “Three healthy, beautiful Raferty babies. I am so proud of you, Keeley and Danielle.”
A slight flush crept into her cheeks, and Keeley noticed her sister’s cheeks were pink as well. “Their names are Ella and Colin.”
Excitement permeated the air. Mrs. Martin's features grew bright with happiness. "Oh, my. Oh, my, oh my. A boy and a girl. This is indeed special. Congratulations, dears."
“Thank you, Mrs. Martin,” Keeley murmured, wiping a tear from her eye. “For everything.”
For the next few hours, a steady stream of pack members visited her and Danielle in Keeley's room. They brought gifts and food for everyone, including the staff who cared for Keeley and Danielle. While the babies slept, she ate. By the time everyone left, she was ready for a nap. Maybe staying in the hospital was the best decision made for her. Already the aches and pains were getting the best of her and the stitches were uncomfortable.
She snuggled into Kalkin’s arms and closed her eyes. “What a day this was.”
Kalkin kissed the top of her head. “I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
ALSO AVAILABLE
By TL Reeve and Michele Ryan
Kalkin
Apache County Shifters, Book 1
COMING SOON
Caden
Apache County Shifters, Book 2
Teacher
Apache County Shifters, Book 2.5
Unbreakable
Leaving the Past Behind, Book 1
ALSO AVAILABLE
By TL Reeve
Waylaid
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
TL Reeve, a multi-published author with Cobblestone Press, Decadent Publishing, Evernight Publishing, and Loose-Id, was born out of a love of family and a bond that became unbreakable. Living in Alabama, TL misses Los Angeles, and will one day return to the beaches of Southern California to ride the waves at Huntington Beach. When not writing something hot and sexy, TL can be found curled up with a good book, or working on homework with a cute little pixie.
You can sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bv07fn
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Michele Ryan is an author with Decadent Publishing, After Glows Publishing, and now Twisted Erotica Publishing. Michele embraced her creative passion and co-authored several books with fellow author and best friend TL Reeve. Michele has also published two solo novellas.
Michele is a lifelong resident of the state of New Jersey, along with her husband and three children, whom she refers to as her hobbits. When Michele is not plotting or writing, she can be found either volunteering at her children’s school or reading.
Twisted E Publishing, LLC
www.twistedepublishing.com