Page 107 of A Very Daddy Christmas

“Cora, I thought Riggs was the one with baby fever. Now you, too?” Sebastian laughs. He leans in and kisses my lips. “We’ll make more of them when you’re ready. I’m confident this batch is mine.”

It’s my turn to laugh. “We could get them tested and find out for sure.”

“Nah, the black hair is mine, the noses are mine. These are McKenna products, for sure,” he replies, glancing at them beforestarting the engine.

“They’re lucky to take after you,” I tell him.

“You’re going to be an amazing mom,” he says. “Dario loves you so much already.”

“And I love him. The kid grows on you, doesn’t he?”

“He’s a good egg,” Sebastian replies, then drives us away from the hospital and the downtown area.

I take it all in on the ride home, fully aware a surprise party is waiting for me. A surprise party I’m not supposed to know anything about, but Sherry is terrible at keeping secrets. I must admit I’ve enjoyed watching my men walking on eggshells as they’ve worked to keep me out of the loop and completely unsuspecting. It’s just too darn cute.

“Do you think they’ll be quiet like this all the time?” Sebastian asks once we’re home. He takes charge of the baby carriers while I lead the way up the front steps and through the door, laughing wholeheartedly.

“Oh, honey, that’s wishful thinking, at best. I’ve seen Eva through both infancy periods for the girls, and it was hectic. We’re going to need a sleeping and feeding schedule for these two little angels.”

As soon as I reach the living room, I attempt to look utterly surprised as I’m greeted by Waylan, Riggs, Dario, Eva and Carl, my nieces, and sweet Sherry.

“Welcome home!” they all say in cheerful unison.

There’s a banner in darling shades of sparkling blue above the fireplace to celebrate us. Cake and tons of food fill the tablecompletely. Fizzy drinks. Tiny, colorful decor breathing a festive air into the room.

Sebastian proudly presents our two, still-sleeping sons.

“Oh, my gosh, they’re gorgeous!” Eva exclaims. She hugs me first, then goes over to admire my greatest accomplishment thus far. “Damn, girl, they are nothing short of perfection. And two boys… you’re gonna have it easier, sis, trust me.”

“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?” Teresa scoffs and crosses her arms. She even pouts for good measure, while Aylin and Dario join Eva to look at the twins.

My men hug me and kiss me, then help me sit in one of the armchairs. I’m still very much exhausted, and I’ll probably need a few weeks to pull myself together, but for now, sitting down feels so good. It was all worth it.

“I’m kidding,” Eva tells her daughters. “It’s been a pleasure and an honor raising you, my princesses.”

Carl laughs. “We might even spring for a third, if you’re up to it.”

“Don’t you even dare think about it,” Eva shoots back.

I try not to laugh, given how hard they worked for their little slice of heaven. The guys and I are barely at the beginning of our journey, and I’m already overwhelmed. I am also lucky I have three men to help me raise my babies.

“Seriously, Cora, they’re beautiful,” Carl tells me.

“Thank you. I have so many mixed feelings right now,” I mumble.

Aylin giggles as she looks at me. “Don’t worry, Auntie Cora. We’ll be around to teach the boys a thing or two.”

“And I’ll be here, as well,” Sherry kindly reminds me.

Tears sting my eyes as I take everything in—a roomful of good people who have become integral parts of my existence. I can’t imagine my life without any of them going forward. Kind souls, fierce hearts, resilient folks, through and through.

“Admit it, you knew we’d be here,” Eva says at one point, while Waylan and Riggs take turns holding their sons. The boys are now awake, and we all know it’s only a matter of time before they drift back to sleep. Personally, I can’t wait for tonight—our first night at home, as a family. “You didn’t seem at all surprised.”

“Honestly, I was too tired to pretend to be surprised,” I laugh. “I’m sorry.”

Sebastian gives me a pained look. “But we kept it a secret.”

“Dude, she just had twins. We all knew she knew we’d be here,” Eva replies. “At least give the woman credit for not spoiling the so-called surprise.”

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