Page 111 of Fatal Attraction

“Just the basics: a heart screening, a hearing test, and we’ll need to gather a few drops of blood from both babies to ensure they don’t have any genetic disorders like sickle cell disease, PKU, and hypothyroidism.”

He didn’t look happy, but he sighed, nodding. “Of course, Dr. Scanlon.”

Phoenix stood, carefully scooping little Amelia in his arms and whispering tenderly to her as she began to fuss. Spike did the same with baby Julian, and it must have been my maternal instincts kicking in because an eerie emptiness washed over me as I watched them amble across the room and plop down in their seats.

I couldn’t take my eyes away from them while Dr. Scanlon worked, drinking in all the love and adoration glittering through every crease on their faces. It was beautiful, so scenic that I wanted to make this a memory none of us would ever forget. So when Dr. Scanlon was finally finished stitching me up, I retrieved my phone and snapped as many pictures as I could before they caught me in the act.

“I love you.” Phoenix’s voice cracked as he lifted his shoulder up to help wipe under his left eye before his gaze darted to Spike, then me. “Both of you.”

“We love you too, Phoenix,” said Spike.

“Always and forever?” I asked.

I knew it wouldn’t be easy. That there would be trials we’d have to face every single day to help us learn and grow together as a family. That was perfectly fine with me because even though they drove me batshit crazy at times, I was madly in love with Spike and Phoenix, and I couldn’t imagine taking on this crazy thing called life and parenthood without them.

Phoenix gave me a smile that had my heart swelling wider than the grin spreading across Spike’s face.

“Until death do us part, my love.”