Page 12 of The Sweetest Surrender

“Family of Samiyah Rose,” she said. They collectively surrounded the nurse with heightened anticipation. “You’ll be happy to know Samiyah’s no longer in labor, and she’s just given birth to a set of healthy newborns.”

Everyone in the room gasped, some covering their mouths while others beamed brightly.

“Twins!?” Selena shouted.

Nurse Staples nodded. “A boy and a girl.”

“When can we see them?” Phoebe questioned.

“We’re currently moving Samiyah to a room where we’ll let four of you in at a time.” The nurse glanced at the wall clock. “About fifteen more minutes, and we’ll be out to get the first four, so you can decide amongst yourselves who will go first.”

Claudia squealed, and they all laughed. She looked around. “Oh, please let me go first, you guys,” she begged. “I promise not to take too long.”

The family laughed at her again. Claudia had been Samiyah’s best friend since grade school. They’d grown up and shared tons of memories before finally deciding to open a business together: S & M Financial Advisory.

“You and Martha Jean can go with Pops and Norma if no one else minds,” Jordan said. “We’ll take the second round if that’s okay with you, sweetheart.” Jordan glanced at Selena.

“I’m cool with that.”

Everyone else agreed.

“But don’t take all day, I’ve gotta see my babies,” their aunt Matilda called out. They all snickered, and Claudia squealed again.

Two and half hours later, Claudia, Martha Jean, the Rose patriarch Christopher and his wife Norma filed out of the hospital room with glows on their faces. Selena and Jordan stood.

“How are they?” Selena asked.

“Beautiful,” Christopher said, basking with pride at his grandchildren. Christopher tossed an arm around Norma’s shoulder and pulled her in. “Just beautiful.”

Nurse Staples stepped forward. “I’ll show you to their room if you’re ready.”

With haste, Selena and Jordan stepped forward followed by Phoebe and Quentin as they trailed behind the nurse into a dimly lit room where Jonas sat bedside, holding one bundle and Samiyah held the other.

Selena pulled her hands to her face and covered her mouth. With wide eyes, she cooed, “Oh my God,” as she moved closer to Samiyah with Phoebe by her side. Jordan slipped around to the other side with Quentin and slapped hands with his brother.

“Congratulations,” Jordan said, bending to gain a better look.

Jonas’ smile was so grand it made the muscles in his face pain.

“Thank you, brother. I couldn’t have asked for a bigger blessing.” Jonas glanced at Samiyah. “This woman is so thoroughly incredible, and I’m honored to call her my wife.”

Samiyah beamed, and a tear slipped down Selena’s face. Selena glanced over at Jordan to find him watching her closely. He winked, and Selena returned the gesture.

“Would you like to hold her?” Samiyah whispered, not wanting to be too loud since her newborns were sleeping.

“Can I?” Selena said in surprise.

Samiyah laughed. “Of course, just go over to the sink and wash your hands real quick, and she’s all yours.”

Thrilled, Selena jogged swiftly to the sink and turned on the faucet. It wasn’t long before she was joined by Jordan who stood so close a vibrating trail of chills covered her skin, making her dizzy. Wrapping his thick muscles around her, Jordan’s arms cruised down the length of her arms as his chest pressed into her back and he held his hands up under the downpour of water. Selena relaxed against him as Jordan washed his hands with hers, adding more soap to the mix of their fingers. Rubbing them together, Selena shuddered as the aphrodisiac of his cologne engulfed her. Without pause, Selena found herself leaning back even further into him, and Jordan’s solid frame welcomed the soft heat of her backside as her ample behind grazed across his pants.

Selena almost went into a trance. Being in Jordan’s arms felt so right it was ridiculous. He must have thought so too because for the longest they lingered there at the sink before Jordan turned the nozzle and reached for a paper towel. He dried her hands off first then his own before tossing the paper in the trash.

“After you,” his deep voice drummed.

Selena blushed and strolled unhurriedly back over to Samiyah.

“This is Zoey Alexandria Rose,” Samiyah said, handing baby Zoey over to Selena.

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