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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.
She leans back against the pillow and slightly relaxes. After placing her hand on her stomach, Katie grins. “They're going to have the best dad in the world.”
“And so will Owen,” I say, and don't have to explain myself any further. I plan to be in their lives permanently, and I’ll do whatever I can to provide for them both.
“I love you,” she tells me. “So damn much.”
“I love you too. You're my everything.” Leaning over, I lift her shirt and kiss her stomach. I don’t fully understand how our lives will change, but I’m welcoming it with my entire being.
Chapter Thirteen
KATIE
After I was released from the hospital yesterday evening, Eric drove us home. On the way, he discussed returning to Vegas in a few days, considering Brittany’s no longer a threat. For the first time since all of this started, I felt like the stress has finally dissipated. Until he leaves, Eric's staying in Everleigh's spare room because there’s central air and the basic essentials. I owe Eric so damn much because I'm not sure Noah or I would be alive without his help.
My mother brought Owen back after dinner, and he was very clingy, not that I minded. He's never seen me in the hospital, and I think it scared him. I've tried to assure him I'm fine and everything is okay, and I stayed with him in his room and held him until he fell asleep.
Noah even spent the night with us. He slept in my bed for a bit and held me, then went to the couch before Owen woke up. Because the doctor was so adamant about me resting, Noah wanted to make sure I did. The stress and trauma combined with dehydration could’ve resulted in tragedy, but I try to push those thoughts away. I'm overwhelmingly grateful we’re all okay.
It was shocking to learn I was having twins, but to see the amount of pride and excitement radiating from Noah made me so happy. I'd been nervous to tell him, trying to find the right time, wanting to be certain it wasn't a false alarm. Now that he knows, things feel different between us. In a good way, though, in the type of way where I know we'll always be together. I'll do anything to protect these babies, and I pray nothing happens. I'd be lying if I said the thought of miscarrying again hasn't plagued me, but Noah is gentle and understanding, and it’s only been twenty-four hours.
I sleep in and wake to the sound of my bedroom door opening. Noah enters with a tray full of food, and Owen carries a glass of milk and orange juice. Sitting up, I rest my back against the headboard and smile.
“Good morning,” Noah hums, setting the tray on the bed as I brush fallen hair from my face. My eyes go wide, seeing biscuits and gravy, sausage patties, bacon, and a fruit bowl.
