He wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “Always. Ready to meet the newest Sheppard twins?”
Before meeting Richard and Rose, I checked in with Emily. She looked small and pale and wouldn’t be awake much longer.
“Jamie told me you took care of him. Thank you.”
“Any time, but maybe not any time soon.”
“I agree,” Emily yawned her answer, then apologized.
“If you want, we can have everyone come back later,” I offered. It’d kill Ashley not to see Emily, but she’d understand.
“Who else is here?”
“Ashley, Jack, and Jay.”
“Will Jack and Jay be mad if I want to see Ashley next?”
That was so Emily, putting their feelings above her own.
“No, sweetheart, they won’t,” Jamie assured her.
Her eyelids fluttered until they finally closed.
Jamie beckoned me to the corner of the room.
The twins were sleeping, so I couldn’t hold them, but I didn’t mind. I’d have plenty of aunt time when I moved in with Jamie. For now, staring at their beautiful pink faces was enough.
“Did the doctor say when you can bring them all home?”
“They want to keep Emily overnight.” He glanced out the window. “I guess I should say, another night. If nothing goes wrong, I can take them home Sunday.”
“I’ll be there when you get home.”
“Have I told you lately that you’re my favorite sister?”
“I’m your only sister.” I bumped my shoulder against his.
“You’re still my favorite.”
“I love you, baby brother.”
“I love you too, big sister.”
We shared a few minutes quietly watching the twins breathe. Their mouths forming cute little Os as they slept.
On my way out, I asked, “Want me to break it to everyone?”
“That’d be great, except can you send Ashley in? Emily will be sad if I send Ashley home before they see each other.”
He was assuming Ashley would leave before seeing Emily.
Spoiler alert—she wouldn’t. Not unless Nathan carried her out of the hospital.
“Can do.”
With one last glance at the babies, I headed back to the waiting room. Now that I’d seen them, gravity seemed to have a stronger pull, and my eyelids fought to stay open as I delivered the news that Ashley would be the last person to visit Em tonight.
“What time should we come back?” Jay was already looking at his watch.
