Page 50 of Interception

“I want to know. It would be nice to be able to decorate the nursery in pink or blue or whatever you would like.”

“The nursery? Oh God. This is actually happening.” She looks from me to the screen and back again like one of those crazy double-takes you see in cartoons. “We’re having actual babies. We aren’t mature adults, Coop. What if we mess them up? My parents are just awful people. I don’t know the first thing about being a good parent.” I run my hand over her cheek, hoping to give her some comfort. She’s never mentioned her family before. Maybe I should’ve asked before now, but when I’m with her, no one else matters.

“You’re going to be an amazing mom, Zee.”

“What about you? Do you have normal parents?”

“My mom is great. Dad went AWOL when I was a kid.”

“Oh God! We’ve only got one parent between us who’s worth anything. This is going to be a disaster. And we have two babies coming, Coop. Two!”

“Zoey, look at me. Take a deep breath. We’re going to take this one step at a time, okay?”

“I’m scared, Coop. What if I’m not cut out for this?”

“We already know all the things not to do when you have kids. The shitty parents taught us that much. The rest we’ll figure out together. One day at a time. You and me, Zee.”

“You and me.”

The doctor has been waiting patiently while we freak out, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips. I bet she’s seen more meltdowns than she can count. “So, am I telling you, or would you like me to write it down and put it in an envelope?”

Zee looks at me with a huge smile on her face. “Tell us, Doc.”

“I’m happy to tell you, you have two very healthy-looking twin boys. Strong heartbeats and right on target for size.”

“Size? Like their manhood?” The moment I say it, I regret it.

“No, Mr. Danford. We check head size and limb measurements. Twins are often smaller, but these two are looking on target for single pregnancy size.”

“We’re having boys! Zoey Porter, you’re amazing.” She giggles at my proclamation.

“I haven’t really done anything, Coop, other than being impervious to birth control, apparently.”

“Are you kidding me? You’re making humans as we speak. Tiny little boys. Sons.” A lump forms in my throat as I attempt to stop myself from tearing up, but I’m overwhelmed with unwavering love and devotion for this woman and our burgeoning family.

“Congratulations. Let me print you some of these scan pictures, and then we’re all done for today. The front desk will get your next appointment booked in before you leave.”

Zee gets cleaned up while I eagerly await some new pictures of our sons. Sons. I’d have been over the moon with girls or one of each—healthy babies are all I want—but knowing that I’m going to be a father to not one but two little boys, I feel like my heart is going to break free from my chest.

The doctor hands me the scan pictures before leaving us to go see her next patient. As I stare down at the most amazing little shots of our boys, I’m fit to burst. Zee cleans off the gel they use for the ultrasound, and after we check out and get our next appointment details, we make our way to the elevator. I can’t stop looking at the scan pictures as we step inside and hit the button for the lobby. They’re incredible.

“Have I told you lately how much I love you, Zee?”

“Yes, but I haven’t told you.”

“That’s okay. I…”

“Shut up, Coop. I’m doing a thing here.”

“O-kay.”

“I’m trying to tell you that I… love you.” I’m speechless.

I thought I was prepared, that I knew how Zee feels about me, but actually, hearing her say it out loud is more than my brain can process today. My pulse is racing as she holds my gaze.

“Zee.”

“I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to say it, but I just… I’m scared.”

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