Page 155 of Blush Crush

“Twins,” she confirms.

I’ve only just wrapped my head around the concept of a baby and now there’s two of them. My head whips to look at Cole. He’s not watching the screen anymore. He’s staring at me, and his eyes are glassy in a way I’ve never seen before. He clears his throat before working down a rough swallow.

I don’t need him to explain, I just know. Almost in the innate way I feel with Layla, words aren’t needed.

The magnitude of this moment speaks for itself.

Sandy continues pointing out details on the screen, explaining that both babies are healthy and on track and not showing any concerns. “Any family history of multiples?” she asks, printing images from the screen.

Cole and I exchange glances, sharing cheek-splitting grins.

“Yes,” we say at exactly the same time.

“We’re both twins,” I add.

She laughs. “Well. There you go.”

The next day we invite everyone over to Cole's for an impromptu get-together.

I know most people wait until they're further along to announce but these two little lives are as real to me as if they were already here. There's a chance something bad could happen, I could lose one or lose both. But I'm choosing to remain positive because I have no reason to assume the worst.I can't predict the future, but what I do know is I want them to be celebrated and known. And I know I won't regret telling our families that two new little people, half Ledger and half Benton, will be tying us all together.

Twins.

You'd think it wouldn't be surprising since it runs in our DNA, but I never once considered the possibility that we would be having more than one baby.

It's not really a miracle but it kind of feels like one. It feels like it was destined.

"We should've just ordered pizza," Cole says before wrapping his arms around me from behind, his hands gently holding my stomach. My belly is definitely more food baby than actual babies but I don't swat him away. "I don't want you on your feet, slaving away in the kitchen."

"I'm setting out cheese and crackers." I laugh, spinning around and crossing my arms around his neck. "Besides, weren't you the one who said you liked seeing me barefoot in the kitchen?"

"I changed my mind. I want you lying down, pampered while I cater to you hand and foot."

I sigh, my lips pulling into a wide smile. "Well, I won't complain about that."

His gaze goes pensive for a moment, eyes clouded in concern. "I really mean it though. One baby is tough on the body. Two is going to be a lot. I know you have a business to run but I think we should start looking at hiring on more help. I'll cover their salary if needed. Money doesn't matter. Whatever you and our babies need, I'm here to provide it, and what they need the most is a mother who takes it easy and rests her body."

I know he's being serious right now but my listening kind of trailed off once he saidour babies. Our babies.

Just thinking about them. About us. Makes my insides practically gooey, warmth spreading across my chest.

"Are you listening to me?" he asks through a laugh.

I try to nod convincingly. "Yes. Hire someone. Totally listening."

There's a commotion at the entryway and I look to see Cole's parents and siblings barging in, while my family can be seen out the window, parking in the driveway.

I'm suddenly struck with a rogue wave of worry. Cole and I haven't been together long. Our families have been competing in business since their induction. Maybe they won't see it as good news. Maybe they'll be upset.

Cole's hand strokes my back soothingly, like he can read my mind. "They're going to be over the moon and nothing less."

We gather everyone in the living room and it's clear they're all suspicious that something is up.

"Okay," Cole says as we stand in front of the group together. "Thanks for coming on short notice. We have some news."

Cristina bounces in her seat. "Oh my God." She grabs my mom's arm. "You're engaged, aren't you?"

"No," Cole says through a wince, and both moms deflate with disappointment.