Page 126 of Tamed By You

“Again, Ruth, with the opinions I didn’t ask for,” I yell. I know I am being irrational and a bitch, but I can’t control it. The shock, the hormones, it’s all wrapped up together.

“I’m sorry about her. She’s been very emotional and erratic since she—”

“Don’t apologize for me,” I shriek. My breathing is uneven, and I know I need to reel it back in. I take a few deep breaths and then, like all my other mood swing episodes, after the anger comes the tears. Sobbing like someone’s just told me my dog died, I apologize. “No, I am sorry, Ruth. I, I am just trying to process it all. Twins, oh my god.”

Harry holds my hand, pressing a kiss to the back of it. “Hey, it’s okay. We will figure this out together. This is going to be good, okay? We are gonna do it together. We like a challenge, right?”

Suddenly an image of Harry running around a yard, chasing after two little boys, comes into view and I sob some more. Another dose of reality smacks me in the face again, and Icontinue my unhinged behavior. “Oh my god, they’re going to be boys, and they are going to be just like you, and tell stupid jokes, and miss the bowl when they pee. I can’t do this,” I wail. Ruth passes me a tissue and I blow my nose.

Jeez, I really am a wreck here.

Harry affectionally pats my arm. “I know you are processing a lot right now, so I’m going to try not to take that personally, but it’s going to be okay.”

I blow my nose again, sniffling into my crumpled tissue.

“If you want my opinion—” I glare at Ruth.

“Oh no, I don’t think she does, Ruth,” Harry is quick to interrupt, giving his head a shake.

“Maybe I should give you both a moment alone.” Ruth gets up and makes a beeline for the door.

Shit, I was awful to her. Mental note, send Ruth flowers and a basket of baked goods.

“Hey, talk to me, tell me where your head’s at,” he says softly when we’re alone, stroking my hair out of my face.

“I can’t do this. I can’t have twins. I wasn’t sure I could have one baby, but two.” He leans in, taking one hand in his and placing his free hand on my growing bump.

“You can do this. If anyone was made to handle twins, maybe even twins just like me, it’s you.”

“Okay,” I sniff.

“It’s going to be fine.” He holds up his pinky finger. “Pinky promise.”

Epilogue

Harry

Six months later.

“Okay, that’s it, Ali. Another big push like that last one and you will be ready to meet baby boy number one,” the doctor encourages.

She has been a trooper. Eighteen hours of labor and just days away from her original due date. These boys have kept us waiting. Her suspicions were correct and at our twenty-week scan we were told we were indeed having twin boys, identical twin boys.

It took a little time to digest, but once we did, we spent the last six months getting everything ready for the arrival of our babies.

I dab her brow with the damp washcloth, wiping away the sweat. She starts deep breathing, a sign another contraction is building.

“I love you, but if you come anywhere near me again with that washcloth, I’m going to shove it down your throat till you choke on it, and then pull it out and shove it up your ass,” she hisses, through clenched teeth.

Wanting to lighten the mood and make her laugh, I grin. “Ooh, don’t threaten me with a good time, baby.” She glares at me and if looks could kill, I’d be six feet under right now.

“Not the time for jokes. Okay, got it,” I mumble.

“I can’t do this,” she wails, her face contorting in pain, beads of sweat trickling down her temples.

“Baby, if there is anyone in this world that can do this, it’s you. Just a few more pushes and we can hold our boys in our arms. I know it’s tough but, I’m so fucking proud of you right now.”

She goes to speak, but the contraction takes over.

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