"Even though." I reach out to stroke Clara's cheek with one finger. "Emma, a year ago, I was alone in my penthouse, convinced I'd never find real love. And now—" My voice catches. "Now I have everything."
"Wehave everything," she corrects gently.
I smile and nod in agreement.
James finishes nursing and immediately falls asleep against Emma's chest. I help her gently settle both twins back into their bassinets.
They sleep peacefully, side by side, their tiny chests rising and falling.
"I should sleep," Emma says, and she's already drifting off, her eyes heavy.
"Sleep." I pull the blanket up over her. "I'll watch them."
"Grant—"
"I'll wake you if they need you. I promise. But right now, you need to rest."
She wants to argue. I can see it in her eyes. But exhaustion wins, and she lets herself sink into the pillows.
"I love you," she whispers.
"And I love you."
Within minutes, her breathing evens out into sleep.
I settle into the chair between the bed and the bassinets, my body aching but my mind too awake to rest.
I don't know if David will ever truly come around. Don't know if he'll walk his daughter down the aisle at our wedding, or teach his grandchildren to play golf, or any of the other moments I've pictured in my more optimistic fantasies.
But he wrapped gifts for them. He told me to take care of them.
It's a start.
Clara shifts in her sleep, making a soft sound. I reach over to rest my hand on her tiny belly, feeling the rise and fall of her breathing.
So fragile and perfect. So completely dependent on Emma and me to keep her safe.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out carefully, not wanting to wake anyone.
A text from Samantha.
Samantha:Congratulations, Dad. I'm so happy for you!
My throat goes tight. I type back with one hand.
Me:Thank you! That means a lot.
Samantha:I'll visit tomorrow if that's okay? Want to meet my baby brother and sister.
Me:More than okay. They're lucky to have you as their big sister.
A pause, then:Samantha:I'm lucky too. See you tomorrow. Give Emma a hug from me.
I set the phone down, my heart full.
I feel a sense of rightness so profound it's overwhelming.
This is it. This is everything.
