Page 26 of Sex, Love & Lingerie

“Oh my God!” I sobbed. “Our babies! They’re beautiful!”

Jaime lowered my hand and held it in his. “Yes, my angel. Meet Paulette and Payton.”

“I want to hold them.”

Jaime looked at the nurses beseechingly. “Is she strong enough?”

“Please,” I begged through my tears.

The bubbly nurse, whose name was Kashunna, smiled. “I think it’ll be fine.”

“But let’s get her situated,” chimed in the other.

I could not hold back a big smile as the nurses worked together, cranking up my bed and adjusting my pillows. My pulse sped up with anticipation and excitement. Jaime squeezed my hand.

My eyes stayed riveted on the duo as they carefully lifted the two little bundles from the carts and gently placed them in my arms. With tears still streaming, I gazed down at the precious tiny lifeforms. My lips quivered. A feeling of joy like no other swept over me. I touched down my lips first on little Payton’s forehead, and then on Paulette’s. My eyes met Jaime’s. My alpha man was now smiling. His eyes twinkled. His loving expression made me even more overwhelmed with emotion. My love for him at this very moment could not be surpassed. It belonged in The Guinness Book of Records.

I gazed down again at my two little miracles. My beautiful Paulette and Payton. “Hi,” I said softly. “I’m your mommy.” I swore they blinked their blue eyes as if they recognized me, and I knew they say newborns can’t smile, but they did.

I looked up. And gasped. I had more company. Hovering over me were Madame Paulette, Henri, and Payton.

“They’re here!” I cried out.

“Who?” asked Jaime, his eyes darting around the room, filled with alarm.

“Madame, Henri, and your father!”

Jaime let out a resigned sigh. “Angel, you’re still seeing things. No one’s here but the nurses and me.”

I blinked my eyes, and in a flash, they were gone. Our children’s guardian angels. I didn’t have the energy to argue with Jaime nor did I want to. This moment was too perfect. My two little angels lowered their eyelids and fell fast asleep.

“When will I be able to breastfeed them?” I asked the nurses.

“In a few days, dear,” replied the redheaded one. “You need to get your strength back and wait for your milk to come in.”

“Oh,” I said with more than a hint of disappointment.

“But we’ll be sure to bring them by frequently so that you can bottle-feed them in the meantime.”

A small smile crossed my face. At least, I would be able to hold them and feed them. I vowed to get strong fast. I’d always been a fighter. And this time was no different.

Jaime’s virile voice cut into my thoughts. “Happy Valentine’s Day, my angel.”

My mind did a little shuffle. I’d totally lost track of time. Yesterday, was the Gloria’s Secret Fashion Show. And yes, today was Valentine’s Day.

I smiled warmly at him. “Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.”

My eyes stayed on him as he reached into a pocket of his jeans. He pulled out a small red gift-wrapped box and handed it to me. “Open it, Gloria,” he said softly, bringing me back into the moment.

With the babies still in my arms, I unwrapped it. My heartbeat sped up. Under the paper was a scarlet velvet box. Though definitely not vintage, it reminded me of the life-changing little box he’d given me in Paris aboard the Grand Roue. I glanced down at my breathtaking engagement ring still on my finger. The unforgettable memory of that night flashed into my head. He’d lit up both my body and heart.

Holding the box in my palm, I snapped the lid open. And then my jaw went slack. Sparkling before me was a magnificent pair of earrings—two dangling diamond hearts that matched the entwined hearts of my ring.

“Oh, Jaime! They’re beautiful,” I gasped. And yes, more tears.

He beamed. “I had them made. They’re the two beating hearts of our babies.”

“AWW!” sighed the nurses in unison.

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