Page 82 of Alexander's Heart

When the filth is rinsed away, my thoughts shift to the bright side of my life. The amazing team that have stood by my side through thick and thin, and their unwavering support, which never goes unnoticed, I love each and every one of my brothers and will always have their back as they’ve had mine.

Then my smile grows wide with the thought of my amazing girls, my angel and my princess. Their pure, generous, all-consuming love surrounds me, a reminder of what life is really all about and why all us men fight so hard to rid the world of its evil.

The anticipation of our families future fills me with warmth and excitement, I can’t fucking wait, especially with the imminent arrival of our babies. Each thought of them brings a smile to my lips, a reminder of the hope and promise that awaits our future. Despite the challenges I’ve faced being a door kicker, there’s a sense of optimism in knowing that brighter days lie ahead, filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities with many new adventures I’ll have with my growing family, which I plan to keep expanding, I want my angel to have all the love I can give her.

What Lily and Alexa have given me in the last few months makes me strive to be the best man I can be for them, I’m grateful for every ounce of love and laughter and unadulterated passion. With renewed determination and my soul cleansed, I emerge from the shower ready to embrace whatever the future may hold, fortified by the strength of my team and the love of my girls...

LILY

Hours ago, Alexander gave me a lingering kiss to my forehead and then left with the team leaving me with girls, alone... and that told me everything I needed to know. I haven’t been left alone since meeting everyone, and I feel an odd sense of relief, not because I don’t have their commanding presence with me, no, it’s because I know the dark days are over. I love them all, dearly, they have given me a family, one with so much care and love that I never thought I would have and it makes my heart so very happy. I feel Alexander’s presence before he enters the room and when I look my breath catches in my throat, there he stands with his green eyes sparkling and an air of calm surrounding him. He strides over and grabs my face in his big warm hands and strokes his thumb over my freckled heart before kissing me passionately.

“It’s done, Angel, there are no shadows lurking in the dark,” Alexander whispers reverently.

I breathe out a relieved breath and kiss my handsome man just below his ear, “Thank you, I had a feeling of calm and just knew.”

“I love you, Angel, mine.”

“I love you, my handsome. With everything I am, and always will.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

LILY

The room is filled with a tangible mix of excitement and nerves as Tiny, Doc and I prepare to introduce to tell Caroline about Eve, we decided we’d enter her room staggered so as not to raise suspicion, Tiny went in first then me and I’ve been chatting with Caroline about my Braxton Hicks adventure. As Doc arrives, there’s a brief, awkward silence.

I’m feeling the weight of what’s about to happen because until now, Caroline had no idea that she had twins, only knowing about the baby boy who died and was left next to her. The revelation of Eve’s existence is bound to be a monumental shock, and everyone involved is acutely aware of the gravity of this moment. I just hope I can keep my composure.

“Caro, there’s something important we need to tell you,” I begin, my voice steady but filled with emotion.

Caroline looks puzzled, sensing the seriousness of my tone.

“I feel it, you are radiating, joy and sadness, what is it, Elizabeth?” Caro asks with concern.

Doc and Tiny nod to me, offering silent support. I take a deep breath, steeling myself.

“Caro, you have a little girl.”

My heart is beating fast, because that was so hard to push past my lips and I’m holding my breath in anticipation of Caroline’s reaction.

She is shaking her head as the words hang in the air and just stares, her eyes darting between me and Doc, then to Tiny, he moves in close and sits directly beside her on the opposite side to give her comfort and help her absorb the shock. It’s clear she’s overwhelmed, her face a mixture of confusion, sadness, surprise, and I see it, a growing sense of wonder. I reach out, taking Caroline’s hand.

“Are you okay, Caro?” I softly ask.

“How? My baby boy died?”

Doc speaks next, “Caroline, I suspect you were carrying fraternal twins, I have sent samples away for testing but, sweetheart, I am certain this little girl is your child.”

Caroline looks to Doc with tears in her eyes, “Omg, h-how, how did I not know?”

“I don’t think you would have had the appropriate nutrition, and you certainly weren’t in the best condition or environment during your pregnancy so your babies wouldn’t have been as active. I suspect your belly wouldn’t have been as swollen due to these reasons, there’s no way you’d have known.” Doc adds kindly.

“I-I h-holy s-shit, fuck, I have a child? Eli, Have you seen this little girl? Does she look like me?”

I nod and tears start falling from my eyes, “Yes, Caro, she is beautiful, and looks just like you, I swear to you, we wouldn’t be telling you unless we were certain. Of course, definitive proof will come but she... she is you.” I whisper the last part.

Caroline looks to Tiny, “H-How and w-where did you find her?”

Caroline knows that Tiny was away and the emotions on her face show that she has a suspicion that the team was involved, she just needs to hear the words.

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