“I know.” Gabe met my eyes in the mirror for a second. “Still, precious cargo on board and all.”
Like that.
I smiled before adjusting the hat on Beau’s head. The ride home, which took fifteen minutes usually, took us about twenty-five. I didn’t have the heart to tease my mate. Because I knew how he felt, holding our little guys in my arms, seeing how small and fragile they were. I wanted to protect them from everything. If driving slower helped my mate feel like he was protecting us, then who was I to complain?
When we pulled into the ranch, I put my hand on each of my sons’ tummies. “Welcome home, little ones,” I whispered. “You have an amazing family who can’t wait to meet you, love you.”
“I bet my family is already at the house, waiting.” Gabe and I shared a knowing smile.
“I don’t mind.” Beau opened his eyes and stretched out his hands like a cat stretching. I put my finger in his hand, and his tiny little grip was surprisingly strong. I said a prayer that nothing would happen to Gabe or me, that he would never know that pain. I shook off that feeling, burying it for later. I couldn’t let fear creep into this day. “I can’t wait for everyone to meet them.”
“I have a feeling you won’t get to hold them much once the family lays eyes on them.” Gabe laughed.
I loved that there were so many people, that they’d never feel alone. Truth was, from the moment we’d had that ultrasound that said we would have twins, I’d been so happy because they’d always have each other. And if my new family was any indication, they’d always stick close and have a home to come home to.
The moment Gabe parked in front of our home, he took his seat belt off and turned to face me.
He took my hand in his. “You okay, baby?” I didn’t miss the concern and love written all over his face.
I nodded and looked between our sons. “I’m just so happy,” I admitted.
A huge grin spread across his face. “So am I, baby. So am I.”
Before we could say any more, the door to my left was pulled open, and Rhys was standing there.
“You guys have forever to make googly eyes at each other. I want to meet my nephews and godsons.”
“May I?” Rhys stroked down Rhett’s cheek.
I nodded, and like a pro, he unstrapped my son and lifted him, supporting his head before bringing him to his chest.
He lifted the baby so he could rub his cheek over Rhett’s head, and I saw my friend breathe in his nephew like he was learning his scent. His eyes teared up as he rocked him. “He’s so beautiful, Kee.”
I grinned at him. “We think so too.”
The other door opened, and it was Jon. “I have a feeling Rhys won’t let me at my grandson, but lucky for me, I’ve got two.”
“Beau would love to meet his Pop-pop.” Instead of lifting Beau out, Jon released the car seat from its base and lifted it out. “Easier for you to get out, hun. I know how you must be feeling.” We shared a commiserating look.
I loved our little guys, but I felt like I’d been through the wringer.
Our kids were taken inside without us. Then it was just Gabe and me. “How’re you feeling, baby?” he asked.
“Exhausted, but so very happy.” I sat with my legs dangling from the car, and I rested my head against my mate’s chest.
“We’re parents,” I sighed. “Can you believe it?”
“Some days, I still can’t believe you’re here.” Gabe joined our foreheads. “And I thank the Gods for that, but then I held our sons, and I was terrified because I’m so damn happy. There’s no misery to balance the happiness. I just want to hold the three of you close and never let go.” I wiped the tears that trailed down my mate’s cheeks.
“We’re going to have an amazing life. Our kids will too,” I said firmly and said a prayer to God that he listened and called on my parents to watch out for their grandbabies, my mate, and me. “What part of ‘you’re stuck with me’ don’t you get, alpha?”
The corner of his mouth quirked up.
“We’re gonna have dirty diapers, sleepless nights from teething, first steps. First word, which of course will be Papa.” That got a full smile. “We’re going to be there for all their firsts, and then one day, we’ll be the ones grabbing our grandbabies out of the car, playing keep away.”
“Promise,” my mate whispered in a choked voice.
“I promise.” I wanted every moment with this man, and I would work every day to make it so. Because there was no doubt in my mind that my stubborn alpha would show up for me every single day, and I planned to enjoy a whole lot of them with him.
