Page 16 of Rowdy & Kat

“But it’s easier during the C-section, right?”

“Maybe having more kids would be best,” Kat said, tearing up and panicking. “What if something happens to me like what happened to my mom? Maria and I were all alone. If the boys have siblings, they could feel safer within their family.”

“No, baby, you’re thinking about it wrong. You grew up with only Maria, but my boys will have my sisters, parents, cousins, and a whole group of nonblood family. You shouldn’t make a choice out of panic.”

“But that’s only if I move to Little Memphis.”

“No, if you don’t move there, I’ll move here. Even if I didn’t, my family would constantly be in your business. It’s what we do. That loner thing you and Maria grew up with just won’t fly with the Reed family.”

Kat smiled at me before her face pinched. “I don’t know what to do.”

“If you think this should be your last pregnancy, have your tubes tied. I’ll be happy no matter what.”

“You’re lying.”

“No, I’m just really fucking happy to have you back in my life,” I said and kissed her. “I didn’t know my boys existed until hours ago. Now, I get to meet them.”

“Do you want to be in the operating room?”

“Only if you want me there. I don’t want to mess with your twin vibe with Maria.”

As Kat smiled, her gaze flashed behind me. I found Maria standing at the doorway.

“I have everything in my SUV,” Maria said. “The cat bowls are filled. We should go since morning traffic will slow us down.”

Wrapped in a blanket, Kat sat up and slid on her soft yellow booties. I walked with her to the SUV.

“I’ll drive,” Maria told me. “You can sit in the back and make sure Kat remains calm.”

Once we were on the road, I texted my family to let them know what was happening. Kat mentioned to Maria that I would join them in the operating room.

“I don’t know what to do about the tubal ligation,” Kat said as the hospital came into view.

“If you aren’t sure, don’t do it,” Maria said casually. “Your mind shouldn’t be on regrets. The important thing is to remain calm. Stress isn’t good for your blood pressure.”

Kat instantly nodded, but I felt her stressing. Cradling her hand, I drew her attention to me.

“Did you see the picture I sent of Elle’s son?”

Blinking rapidly, Kat broke free of her worries and nodded. “Yes, Trent is beautiful.”

“Our sons will have a cousin close to their age. My sister Lula is trying to get pregnant with her new husband. That’s another new Reed for our boys to play with.”

Kat’s expression unclenched when she imagined a big family.

“My mom and dad will be at the hospital at eleven. My sisters will come in the afternoon. I figured that would be easier than them showing up all at once.”

“Don’t they want to wait until the paternity tests?”

“No. I know these little guys are mine,” I said and stroked her belly. “You’re a smart chick. There’s zero chance you’d lie about something so easy to disprove. My parents trust me, and I trust you. It’s all good.”

Kat’s exhausted eyes warmed, and she wore a little smile as we pulled up to the hospital. Maria and I helped her out of the SUV.

“I’ll be back,” Maria said, tearing up as she stood by Kat’s wheelchair.

“How about I park the car while you take Kat inside?” I suggested, understanding that the twins needed to stay together. “You know her medical stuff and can get her ready like I can’t. I’ll be inside in a few minutes.”

Kat and Maria smiled at me with matching grins. I was struck by the beauty of identical twins. Soon, my sons would be born. I hadn’t even asked if they were identical. Hell, I didn’t even know their names!