Page 64 of Sold To My Ex's Dad

"Yeah, I’d say so," she replies with a half-grin, trying to stand up cautiously. I'm immediately at her side, supporting her as she rises.

"We need to get you to the hospital now," I declare, my voice definitive, masking the sudden surge of nerves with the confidence I'm not entirely feeling.

She nods, managing to keep her cool. "Looks like the twins are as eager as we are," she jokes.

I laugh lightly, wrapping an arm around her for support as we head toward the door.

I check my phone for the quickest route to the hospital while guiding her carefully through the restaurant. "You’re doing great; just focus on breathing," I instruct, feeling a profound bond and responsibility toward her and our coming twins.

"Always the man in charge," she teases, taking careful steps.

"Only the best for my team," I shoot back with a grin, helping her into the car.

We dart through the buzzing streets of Manhattan, the city's pulse synchronizing with my own racing heart. The car's interior is filled with Allie's quick, efficient breaths as she texts Caleb and Stacy updates.

"Letting the world know?" I ask, glancing over as I dodge a particularly aggressive taxi.

"Just the VIPs," she replies with a grin, managing to look radiant despite the circumstances. Her phone chirps back with immediate responses.

Soon, we're pulling up in front of the hospital. The world seems to speed up as I rush around to her side, helping her out and into a wheelchair I snagged from the ER entrance.

"Your chariot awaits, my queen," I quip, trying to keep the mood light as I begin pushing her through the sliding doors of the emergency room.

"Very funny," she laughs, gripping the arms of the wheelchair a bit tighter as another contraction hits.

Inside, the hospital staff spring into action, taking over with practiced professionalism that leaves me momentarily sidelined. I follow close behind as they whisk Allie away to the maternity ward, my hands feeling oddly empty now that I'm no longer pushing the wheelchair.

After several tense hours, our twins finally arrive. A girl and a boy, both perfectly pink and healthy.

Allie looks exhausted but content as she holds each bundle in her arms. She smiles down at them with love shining in her eyes. "You did it, babe," I breathe out, the sight of her holding our children overwhelming every other thought.

"I had a great coach," she whispers, her tired eyes shining with love and a bit of mischief.

I lean down to kiss her, then turn my attention to the little ones in her arms. "Hey there, champ," I murmur to my son, his tiny fingers curling reflexively. "And you, princess," I say to my daughter, who responds with a sleepy yawn that tugs at my heartstrings.

"Looks like we've got ourselves a full team now," I say, straightening up and looking back at Allie.

She nods, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Team Spellman just doubled in size."

"You know, we’ve been so busy over the last few months that we never decided on names,” I say, my voice low and filled with wonder as I take our daughter, gazing down at my tiny girl in my arms, her eyes a clear, curious blue. “Just like with the restaurant.”

Allie, cradling our son, her eyes soft and thoughtful, nods slightly. "I might have a few ideas," she says, a small smile playing on her lips. "What about Shannon for her?" she suggests, her gaze drifting to our daughter.

"Shannon ..." I repeat the name, testing it out. It feels right, soft and strong. "I love it. Shannon for our girl." I look at her again, and she seems even more perfect if that’s possible. "And for him?" I nod toward our son, already feeling fiercely protective of both.

Allie’s smile widens. "How about Samuel? Shannon and Samuel—it sounds good together, doesn't it?"

"Samuel," I echo, feeling the name settle around him like a gentle embrace. "It’s perfect. Shannon and Samuel." I laugh softly, a sound filled with disbelief and joy.

Allie laughs, too, tired but happy. "Shannon and Samuel Spellman. Our little duo."

Holding Shannon closer, I whisper to her, "Welcome to the world, Shannon. And your brother, Samuel, he’s going to be right here with you." Glancing back at Allie, I add, "Just like your mom and dad."

"That’s right," Allie agrees, her eyes gleaming with tears of joy. "Together."

Cradling our daughter in my arms, I’m struck by the depth of emotion welling inside me. Her big, blue eyes gaze up at me with innocent curiosity, and it’s as if my entire world narrows down to the tiny face before me. I swallow hard, my throat tightening against the swell of strong feelings I hadn’t anticipated.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone if you shed a tear or two,” Allie teases from beside me, her voice gentle as she holds our son close to her.

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