"Our children," he corrects. "And they're definitely taking after you with the stubbornness."
I smile despite the discomfort. Outside, the sun has set completely. The house is quiet except for us. In a few months, it'll be full of crying and chaos and two tiny humans who are already making their presence known.
Miles' hand is still on my stomach, feeling every movement. His expression is soft, content, slightly awed.
"We're really doing this," I say quietly.
He meets my eyes. "Yeah. We really are."
Chapter 14
Miles
We’re thirty-four weeks. Any day now…
Emma's reading "What to Expect with Twins" for the third time when she suddenly goes very still, and something about her voice when she says my name activates every nerve in my body.
"Miles."
I look up from my laptop where I've been pretending to review a Cabernet Sauvignon while actually watching her.
"I think this is it."
The book slides from her hands. She's staring down at the couch with an expression somewhere between shock and panic.
"It?" I ask, though I already know.
"My water just broke."
For approximately three seconds, I freeze completely. Then every bit of SEAL training kicks in.
"Okay." I stand, crossing to her. "Okay. We're prepared for this."
"Miles, the couch?—"
"I don't care about the couch." I help her up carefully. "How do you feel?"
"Wet. And terrified."
"Both valid." I'm already moving toward the door where the hospital bag has been sitting for two weeks. "Any contractions?"
"I don't know. Maybe? Everything feels weird."
I grab the bag—checked and rechecked approximately thirty times—and my phone. "Let's get you changed first."
Ten minutes later, Emma's in clean clothes and we're heading to the car. I help her into the passenger seat, trying to be gentle while also moving quickly because our babies are apparently ready to meet us right now.
"Wait." Emma grabs my arm before I can close the door. "Call Ryan and Brennen."
"I'll call from the car?—"
"No. Now. Before we leave. In case—" She stops, breathing through what might be her first real contraction.
I pull out my phone and dial Ryan, putting it on speaker.
He answers immediately. "Miles? Everything okay?"
"It's happening. Emma's water broke. We're heading to the hospital."
