Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
“Loretta?” Gemma whispers, then looks at Dad and me.
“Forgiveness heals the heart,” Katie's mother finally says. “She did the right thing.”
I nod, keeping my opinions to myself.
Eventually, we're told Katie will be kept a few more hours because she was so dehydrated. Everyone says their goodbyes. Her parents offer to take Owen with them, so I stay with her. Eric’s doing recon in the hospital, keeping tabs on Brittany, and texting me when he learns something new. Apparently, a police officer has been stationed outside her door to keep guard. As soon as she's released from medical care, she'll go straight into police custody.
I pull my chair next to the bed, wanting to be as close to Katie as I can.
“The thought of losing you nearly destroyed me,” I admit. “I wouldn't have been able to continue without you.”
Her soft eyes meet mine. “I felt the same. I thought...” She chokes up again. “I thought you were dead, and for that ten minutes, I didn't want to be alive either.”
I stand and lean over the bed, needing to brush my lips against hers. Before the kiss can deepen, the door opens, and the doctor enters. He smiles and stands at the end of the bed.
“Katie Reid?”
“Yes,” she confirms.
“We've gone over all the test results, and once you get the rest of those fluids in you, we'll release you. Your vitals are stable.”
She lets out a relieved breath.
“Oh, and the ultrasound showed the babies are fine too.”
My heart rate increases, and I give the doctor a confused look.
“Babies?” she asks, sounding just as surprised as me.
With a grin, he confirms. “Yes, I’m positive it’s twins. And they’re doing just fine. I’ll just ask you to start seeing your doctor soon so they can keep watch. Other than that, do you have any questions for me?”
“No sir,” she says with a tremble in her voice, and he leaves.
I turn to her, waiting for an explanation. “Did I hear him correctly? Or am I dreaming?”
A blush hits her cheeks, and she tucks her bottom lip into her mouth and nods. “Yes,” she whispers. “Noah, you're gonna be a daddy.”
My emotions take control, and my eyes begin to water. “He said babies, twins, as in more than one.”
She laughs as a big smile fills my face. “I'd just taken a pregnancy test yesterday because I realized I was late. I didn't want to say anything until I had blood work done because I don't trust those plastic sticks.”
“What did I do to deserve you?” I ask as a few tears of happiness roll down my cheeks. “You're pregnant with my babies. We're going to have a family together.” I try to take in the moment and enjoy it. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I kiss Katie with so much passion, we nearly lose control.
“I'm so happy,” I admit.
“Me too,” she whispers. “Seems as if it's real and confirmed then. Apparently, I'm nine weeks. The estimated due date is in December.”
I grin. “Guess I better light a fire under my ass to get that house finished well before then.”
Katie chuckles. “That would be a dream come true.”
“All of this is.” I run my fingers through my hair and softly touch her cheek.
“I think I've experienced every emotion on the spectrum today,” she says when I tuck loose strands of hair behind her ear.
“Me too, sweetheart. But right now, I'm on cloud nine. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to be a dad, especially with you.”
She meets my eyes and hesitates. “I was scared to tell you too soon just in case I miscarried.”
Her admission has my heart cracking into a million pieces. “Katie,” I hum, forcing her to meet my gaze. “We'll take it one day at a time, and no matter what happens, I'll be right beside you the whole way, okay?”
“I don't want to take this happiness away from you,” she admits. “I’m worried, especially now that I’ve learned it’s twins. I knew there was a possibility I was pregnant, but with two babies? Noah,” she says. “It’s even riskier to carry multiples.”
I move as close to her as I can. “First of all, you've already given me so much, too much. Your love is enough, Katie, and there are days when I feel like I don’t deserve you. I don't expect anything else. What's supposed to happen will happen, and we'll take precautions along the way to make sure you're safe, and the babies are too. And if something does happen, I wouldn’t be upset with you or think you’re taking anything from me. You’re the most important thing in my life. I love you with every ounce of my being, every inch of my heart, and I'll stand beside you through thick and thin. We’re doing this together.” I interlock my fingers with hers and press my lips against her knuckles.