Evie’s hand finds mine, squeezing tight. Rick stands at her other side, grinning like he just won the lottery, while Zane hovers near her feet, laughing with joy. None of us can look away from that screen. Our babies.
“Everything looks perfect.” The doctor smiles. “You’re entering the second trimester strong. Morning sickness should ease up soon if it hasn’t already.”
“It has.” Evie sounds relieved. “Food actually sounds good again.”
“Good. Keep eating healthy, staying active.” Dr. Williams wipes the gel away. “And intimacy is perfectly safe unless you experience any concerning symptoms.”
Pink touches Evie’s cheeks. I hide my grin, remembering her earlier promises.
“Any questions?” The doctor hands us printed ultrasound photos.
We all shake our heads, still processing the reality of those images. Twins. Our babies. Our future.
“Twins.” Zane stares at the ultrasound photos as we leave the clinic. “Two babies. Jesus.”
“Double trouble.” Rick grins, arm around Evie’s waist. “Like having two Violets.”
“God help us all,” she laughs, but her eyes shine with joy.
We crowd around Rick’s truck, none of us quite ready to separate. The reality of two heartbeats, two perfect little shapes, is still sinking in.
“Gallery needs covering,” Rick finally says. “That shipment of inks is coming.”
“I got it.” Zane pockets the ultrasound photo he’s claimed. “Could use a distraction anyway. Still processing the fact I’m gonna be a dad. Times two.”
“Two of everything.” I shake my head. “Double cribs, double bottles?—”
“Double diapers,” Evie adds with a wicked smile.
“Speaking of doubles.” Zane waggles his eyebrows at her. “Doc said activity’s good for you.”
She blushes but doesn’t look away. “Very good, according to her.”
“Take her home.” Rick says to me, kissing her softly. “Get some rest. We’ll handle things at the gallery.”
“Rest. Right.” Zane snorts. “That’s what we’re calling it now?”
“Like you won’t be rushing home early.” I punch his arm.
“Hey, we take turns.” He winks at Evie. “Fair’s fair. Today’s your luck, brother.”
She rolls her eyes but leans into my side. The slight drop in her shoulders indicates exhaustion from the appointment.
“We’ll bring dinner home,” Rick says. “That Thai place you’ve been craving?”
“God, yes.” She kisses him, then Zane. “Love you.”
“Love you too, mama.” Zane touches her stomach gently.
We watch them drive off toward the gallery before heading home ourselves. Some things don’t need explaining between brothers who share everything.
Evie and the girls have started the process of moving into our house, the bigger of the two. We’re one big happy family, laughter filling the familiar walls. But the house feels empty and quiet at the moment—there are no sounds of the girls playing, just the echo of our footsteps on the stairs. Evie stops at the door to the master bedroom, her fingers trailing along the frame. It’s her room now, with a giant bed that arrived yesterday. Hers to share with whichever of us she pleases. Or all of us.
“You coming?” The invitation in her voice makes my cock throb.
I watch her walk to the bed, hips swaying. She reaches for her blouse buttons, but I catch her hands.
“Let me.” My voice comes out rough with need.