Page 50 of Sold To My Ex's Dad

Her eyes glisten with emotion as she whispers back, "I love you, too," and we share a kiss, sealing our bond right there in the dim light of the ultrasound room.

The doctor smiles, perhaps used to such displays of affection but respectful of our moment. "Everything looks great. Strong heartbeat, healthy development," she announces, turning the screen toward us to point out the tiny, pulsating heart.

As we look at the screen, a protective surge overcomes me, and I feel a fierce commitment to our little family.

I notice a flicker on the doctor’s face and feel immediate concern.

“What is it? You said everything looks good.”

Allie glances nervously between me and the doctor, squeezing my hand.

The doctor shakes her head and smiles. “Nothing is wrong. I just saw a little something extra. Here, I’ll show you.”

She moves the wand over Allie’s belly, and I suddenly see what she’s talking about. There isn’t just one flicker on the screen, but two.

“What is it?” Allie asks impatiently.

“You’re having twins.”

The room seems to spin for a moment as reality sets in. Two heartbeats, two lives, our family instantly doubling. My overwhelming feelings of shock and joy mingle as I squeeze Allie's hand tighter, both of us staring at the screen in total awe.

As we stroll through Brooklyn, the crisp air nipping at our faces, I can't help but roll out plans for the future, my words spilling out with the rush of my thoughts. "I'd really like for you to move in with me as soon as you're ready," I say, glancing her way. "We'll figure out how to announce it to the staff and set everything in motion."

She nods along, but her gaze is distant. As we walk, I delve deeper into logistics, discussing timelines and adjustments until I notice her silence.

I pause mid-stride, facing her. "I'm sorry," I admit, rubbing the back of my neck. "I get carried away with planning. It's just how I deal with things."

She offers me a small smile, her eyes meeting mine with a warmth that eases my concern slightly. "I do want to live with you, Patrick and I'm okay with being open about our relationship," she says. "But twins, motherhood ... It's a lot to process all at once."

I reach out and take her hands in mine. "I love you, Allie," I tell her earnestly. "And I promise you, I will do everything in my power to make sure you and our babies have everything you need."

Her eyes light up with the words, and she steps closer, her arms looping around my neck. "Thank you," she whispers just before our lips meet in a perfect moment of love.

Chapter 31

Patrick

The weight of my phone feels heavier than usual. Caleb's name glares back at me and I stare at his number, willing myself to make the call, to bridge the gap with words that seem increasingly inadequate.

The memory of Caleb's face that day—the shock, the hurt, the raw anger—plays in a loop in my mind. It was a gut punch to see my son look at me that way. I'm torn between the urgency to reach out and the fear of pushing him further away.

But now it’s different. I’m going to be a dad again. And although he’s already aware of that, I need to let him know that we’re having twins.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to steady the churn of emotions within. It's not just about fixing things anymore; it's about telling him he's going to be a big brother to twins. The news should be a joyous surprise, not a complication.

I should be making plans on how to support Allie through her pregnancy, preparing for our future together. Instead, I'm paralyzed by what Caleb might say or do—or not do.

I run a hand through my hair, a familiar frustration building. I've never been one to shy away from confrontation or tough decisions in my professional life, but this personal mess has me second-guessing every move I make.

My thumb hovers over the call button. For some reason, I’m more hesitant than the other times I’ve tried to call him.

The phone echoes through the quiet office, ringing unanswered.

Once again, it goes to voicemail, a familiar disappointment clenching in my gut. The impulse to just text Caleb the news is tempting—quick, clean, no immediate confrontation. But dropping news of his upcoming siblings via text doesn't sit right with me. It’s too impersonal, too detached for something this monumental.

I set my phone down and press the heels of my hands into my eyes, thinking through my options. It's clear he's not ready to talk. He needs space, and while it grates on me to give more ground, I have to put his needs ahead of my desire to reconcile.

I get up and step to the door of the office. Leaning against the doorframe, I observe Allie in full command at the center of the kitchen. Her leadership is undeniable as she briefs the team on tonight’s specials.

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