Page 37 of Double Take

“No, baby. We’re the lucky ones.” I kiss her lips as Axel kisses the top of her head.

“Great job standing up for yourself.”

“She was amazing. You’d have been so proud of her.”

She bites her lips at our praise. I love how responsive she is to our encouragement. She’s nothing like the girl who stepped foot inside these walls the first time. Now, she’s confident. Strong. Determined. And sexy as fuck.

I unfasten the first button of her blouse. “I think I’d rather you showed us your appreciation.”

She’s ours. Finally, ours.

Epilogue

Six Months Later

Rylee

My life has gone from a mess to heaven in such a short time that it’s hard for me to wrap my head around it. The divorce from Mario was rushed through the court system, thanks to Axel and Oliver’s influence and all the dirt they uncovered regarding Mario’s second life.

Unfortunately for my ex, we kept it under wraps here, but word still got back to his family, and he’s felt the same wrath from his parents that I experienced. And while I’m not obsessed with hearing the details, there still remains a part of me that’s a little giddy that karma came around and gave them what they deserved.

Axel grabs my hand, hauling me out of the car as Oliver scoops Sunny into his arms and smiles. “Come on, my ladies, let’s find out what we’re having.”

“I can’t wait.” The first sonogram was when I was seven weeks pregnant. This time, we’ll find out the sex of this little monster growing inside of me.

“Baby brother.” Sunny pipes up as Oliver settles her onto his hip.

“Baby sister.” Oliver tickles her side, causing her to giggle uncontrollably. Watching them interact warms my heart so much. She loves her daddies, and they worship her.

“Two brothers.” Axel glares and ruffles her hair.

“Please, there’s only one baby.” I roll my eyes. Soon, the teasing and joking will cease, and we’ll know for certain. I rest my hand on my growing belly. This pregnancy feels different than the last, which makes me think it’s a boy.

“Come on, love.” Axel shuts and locks the door before wrapping his arm around my waist. He kisses my temple. “Have I told you today how much I love you and how gorgeous you are with our baby growing inside of you?”

“Yes. About a thousand times.” I lay my head on his shoulder as Oliver laces the fingers of his free hand through mine.

“You’re stunning and as bright as the sunshine.”

“Sunshine.” Sunny bounces on his hip.

“Yes, baby, you’re our sunshine.”

“Sing it.” Her eyes dance as she giggles in anticipation.

What a beautiful day. The sun heats our skin as we walk together from the parking lot to the front door of the doctor’s office. The puffy white clouds above do nothing to detract from the perfect day as Oliver sings the first verse to Sunny and Axel finishes with the second.

“You two are going to spoil her.” I shake my head as an older couple holds the door open for us.

“What a beautiful family.” The man smiles as we pass through.

“Thank you.” It still surprises me when people compliment our little unit. I expected more censure than we’ve received. But Axel and Oliver are both 6’3” and built like boxers, so not many people will run their mouths to their faces.

One hour later, the doctor comes in and sits down on a rolling chair in front of us. Sunny sits on my lap, and Axel and Oliver are on the other side of me. We saw the heartbeat and the wiggly movements, but when the doctor said he needed to step out, my heart dropped to my feet.

Please don’t let anything be wrong with the baby. Please, don’t let anything be wrong with the baby. The words have continued on repeat every second of his absence.

“Baby, it’s fine.” Oliver squeezes my shoulder as Axel rubs my back. Not that they’re doing any better. Their faces are pale as anxiety racks all of us but Sunny. She’s tried her best to distract us from our overwhelming fear.

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