Page 45 of Triplet Babies for Pucking Christmas

I chuckle softly. “All right, let’s just put today’s date, and we’ll go from there.” I scribble down a few answers while Troy watches me, clearly relieved.

Once we’re all checked in, a nurse ushers us to an exam room, where we wait for the doctor. Troy looks down at Noah, his face softening, and I feel a warm twinge in my chest.

The door opens, and a doctor steps in, a pleasant smile on her face. She looks between us, her smile growing wider. “Well, aren’t you two a lovely family?”

My cheeks heat up, and I shake my head quickly. “Oh, no, we’re not…” I start.

“Not…that,” Troy adds, looking almost as flustered as I feel. “She’s…she works for me. She’s, uh, Noah’s…well…she’s my cook. And Noah’s mine, maybe. Or Jamie’s.”

The doctor blinks, clearly trying to process this, and I can feel my face getting even warmer.

“I’m sorry, what?” she asks.

I listen as Troy explains how Noah came to be in his custody.

“Right…” the doctor says finally, nodding as if it all makes sense. I wish I felt like it made sense. It’s all still a little much for me when I really think about it.

“Well, let’s start with the basics for baby Noah, shall we?” the doctor says.

She goes through Noah’s exam, talking to us about his development, what to expect at his age, and the standard tests he’ll need today. The more she explains, the more relaxed I feel, especially as Noah gurgles happily, wiggling in Troy’s arms.

When the doctor takes him for allergy tests, I glance over and notice Troy drumming his fingers on the armrest of his chair, his jaw tight.

Without thinking, I reach over, placing my hand over his. He freezes, looking down at our hands, and I suddenly realize what I’ve done. I start to pull back, my face hot.

But he surprises me, tightening his grip on my hand. For a moment, we just sit there, his fingers warm around mine, and the sounds of the hospital fade.

There’s a warmth between us I can’t ignore, and for once, I don’t want to. I feel a spark, something quiet but undeniable, humming between us.

The doctor returns with Noah, handing him back with a smile. “He’s doing great. Healthy and happy. Just keep up the checkups, and he’ll be just fine.”

We’re given the dates for future visits, as well as notes on his weight and height, and some nutrition tips. It’s all efficient and professional, but somehow, it feels like a milestone. We head out with Noah nestled in my arms, and I can feel Troy’s gaze on me as we walk through the lobby.

“You know,” I murmur as we reach the parking lot, “we need a real car seat to carry him in.”

He nods, glancing down at Noah. “Good call. Let’s grab one on the way back home.”

We drive to a baby store, and as we walk through aisles filled with tiny clothes and pastel-colored toys, I have to remind myself to keep my head on straight. I’m his cook. Just his cook.

Troy picks out a car seat with a concentration I usually see in someone choosing stocks or making a career move. “Think this one’s good?”

I nod, feeling a pang of something warm in my chest as he inspects it like it’s the most important thing he’ll buy all year.

On the drive back, he breaks the silence between us. “So, are you sure you want to stick around and help with the baby?”

I glance down at Noah, a smile creeping onto my face. “Yeah. I already love the little guy.”

Troy nods, a soft smile on his face. “All right. We’ll work out your salary next week.”

I wave a hand dismissively. “We can talk about that later.”

He glances over at me, his eyes warm. “You’re a natural with kids, you know that? Ever thought about having one of your own?”

I don’t hesitate, nodding. “Yes.”

Because I really,reallydo want kids.

“Good.”

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