Page 120 of Knot My Only Fan

“Okay, okay, we need to get to the hospital,” my sister says. Her voice is calm, the opposite of my sudden nerves.

Lucas and Stanton reach the boards, their hockey sticks forgotten as they climb over to make their way to me.

The sterile white of the hospital room blurs into soft shades of joy as I gaze down at the tiny bundle in Lucas’ arms—a beautiful baby girl with dark blonde hair, like Stanton.

On one side of my hospital bed, Lucas and Stanton sit close, their faces etched with awe and tenderness as they look at our daughter. Lucas adjusts the pink blanket wrapped around her, his fingers careful and cautious, as if he’s handling the most precious treasure in the world—which, along with her brother, he is.

“Love you.” Stanton’s hand is warm on my shoulder, grounding me, as he whispers over and over how proud he is of me.

Lucas takes my hand, squeezing it gently, his smile so wide it crinkles the corners of his eyes.

Stanton reaches out to touch our daughter’s tiny hand. “We did good,” he whispers.

Lucas nods in agreement.

Across the room, Carver holds our son. His usual sour face now looks overwhelmingly happy, like he’s stepping into a dream he’s had for a lifetime.

I’m happy he brought Harlow when Colton wanted to stay back for the press briefing.

My sister was annoyed with her boyfriend, but she looks content as she stands next to Carver, her eyes bright as she tenderly strokes my baby’s foot. “Aren’t you the perfect boy?”

“I’m not too bad,” Carver replies.

Harlow laughs as she pushes her shoulder against him.

“I can’t believe they’re finally here,” I whisper, my eyes flitting between the twins.

Lucas leans closer, his lips brushing my ear. “And they’re perfect, just like their mother,” he says. His voice is a warm whisper that sends shivers down my spine.

The door swings open, and my mother rushes in still wearing her scrubs, having dashed here from her shift. Her dark hair is a bit disheveled, a clear sign of a day spent saving lives, but her energy shifts the moment her eyes land on her grandchildren. Her face transforms with a joy so raw and pure it makes my heart swell.

“Oh, my babies,” she exclaims. Tears are in her eyes as she approaches. “Well done, darling.” She leans down to kiss my forehead, then turns her attention to the twins, cooing softly at them. “Perfect, just absolutely perfect,” she murmurs, her experienced hands gently checking over my baby girl as Lucas carefully hands her over.

Behind her, Henry, Lucas’s father, steps into the room, his usual reserved demeanor softer now. Today his eyes are warm, reflecting a kind of peace I’ve seen only a few times.

His gaze meets Mom’s. There’s a moment that plays silently between them.

He turns away and approaches me with an enormous smile on his face. “Well done, Grace.”

He places a gentle hand on the edge of my bed. “And I’m proud of you, Lucas,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “You too, Stanton. You both fought for what you wanted.”

Lucas swallows and nods, unable to get any words out. I feel so happy for Lucas right now. I know those words mean so much to him.

“Thanks Senator Hilton. It means a lot,” Stanton murmurs.

“Call me Henry, son. You are family now.”

Bardot rushes into the room, making a beeline for me. She has a massive bouquet in her hand, which she plonks on the end of the bed. “Oh, look at you. A mother.” Her eyes land on my daughter. “Do you have names yet?”

I shake my head. “We’re still discussing it.”

“Would you allow me to arrange a family gathering at my Connecticut home? I’d like our families to get together,” Lucas’ dad asks. “You can introduce the babies to everyone. I’ll organize a little party. I promise there will be no political agenda. Just three families getting to know each other.”

I love he is accepting Stanton too. I glance at Lucas and give him a nod of approval.

“Of course. We’d love that,” Lucas replies.

“Thank you,” his dad says and turns to Mom. “Can I hold her?”

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