Page 106 of Tangled Desires

Isla:Oh my god!!! It’s a girl, I can feel it.

Mikey boy:Nah it’s a boy.

Xav:We’re just downstairs, don’t make me barge in there.

Amelia:Omg this is so exciting!

Olivia:Pretty please, hurry up!!!!!

Me:A BOY!

A flood of responses pours in.

Xav:Fuck!

Mikey boy:Told ya! Better pay up, mate.

Olivia:Lol! How much?

Mikey boy:$50

Bradley:Congrats, you two!

I laugh softly, reading their reactions. We asked them to wait until Imogen and I were ready for visitors, and they didn’t put up a fuss—not one bit. We love them for it. For now, though, it’s just us—our little family. There’s a whole world outside, waiting to rush in, but for these next few hours, it’s all about this moment.

Just us, holding on tight to what matters.

The next morning, Isla and Xavier finally arrive. They’d had to leave last night when visiting hours ended at 8 p.m., and they were lucky to have stayed as long as they did. As soon as Imogen sees Isla, her face lights up, and she breaks, releasing a shaky sob. It’s as if Isla’s presence gives Imogen the release she needed, all the emotions she’s been carrying finally having somewhere to go. Xavier stands beside me, and I can see in his eyes—this is raw, this is real.

Isla pulls away from the hug. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I wanted to come in, but I shit myself when I heard them looking for me. I panicked. I’m so sorry, Imogen.”

“It’s fine, babe. You did the right thing. You called the boys.” Isla nods, a tear slipping down her cheek.

“Gave us both a near heart attack, and then you hung up on us without warning,” Xavier mutters beside me.

Isla huffs. “What did you want me to do, stay on the phone for a chat? I had to call 000.” Xavier’s jaw tenses beside me, and I place a hand on his shoulder, offering some comfort.

Imogen softens, her voice steady. “It’s okay. We’re here. Safe.”

Isla nods, kissing Imogen on the head before looking down at Joseph, her expression softening as she takes in the sight of him. Imogen’s gaze follows Isla’s. “How is it even possible for something so small to make you feel so much?” Imogen whispers, brushing her finger over the baby’s cheek.

“It’s indescribable,” Isla murmurs back.

“He’s so… delicate. I feel like he’s going to break in my arms.”

Isla laughs. “Oh, I remember that feeling with Callie. She looked so tiny, like you’re almost afraid to touch her. But trust me, they’re stronger than they look.”

“I just can’t believe he’s finally here. We’ve waited so long.”

“It’s amazing, isn’t it? Every little thing they do is magic. Just wait until he starts holding onto your finger—ugh, you’re done for then.” Imogen laughs, and I can’t help but smile at her. My heart feels too big for my chest watching them like this, these women who mean the world to me, bonding over the tiny miracle we created.

Then, as if on cue, Michael bursts through the door. He doesn’t even pause, just strides over to me and wraps me in a bear hug, slapping me hard on the back. “Look at you.” He grins. “A daddy now, huh?”

I laugh, but it’s choked with emotion. “Yeah, mate. I guess I am.”

“Never thought I’d see the day,” Xav says, smirking. “I guess we’re both daddies now.”

“How does it feel?” Michael asks.

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