Page 48 of Silver Fox's Twin Babies

“Well, some kids get to stay at their dads. So can we stay at Evan’s house—I mean Dad’s house?” Vera reached up and twirled a strand of her hair around her finger and Parker snickered.

“He has better video games.” He nudged Vera again and she smacked his hand.

“Stop touching me.”

Evan chuckled and stood up, kissing my forehead. “You stay there. I’ll get them back in bed.” He clapped his hands and turned to them. “You guys can stay whenever you want, but no video games if you don’t get enough sleep.”

His comment sent them cheering and running for their bedrooms, and he followed them up the hallway. My heart felt settled finally. My twins knew their father and they loved him. He loved them and me. I was content knowing he was willing to work on every issue we had or might have. And with Jacob and Erin supporting us, my mom to help with anything, and a bestfriend like Shelby at my side, I felt like everything was going to be okay.

But I also felt a bit nauseous.

That part was still a secret, and I had my suspicions, but I hadn’t said a thing. My family might be expanding sooner than I planned, and if Evan was happy about Vera and Parker, I hoped he’d be happy about that too.

30

EVAN

From my spot on the couch hovering over the coffee table where our boardgame was spread out I could see out the front window. Heavy snow had been falling for the past hour, and with every second that passed it concerned me.

“Dad, it’s your turn.” Parker shook me for the third time. I was distracted, worried about Amber who was meant to pick up the kids fifteen minutes ago. I pulled my eyes from the window and looked down at the board.

“You’re right, it is.” Smiling to keep them happy and hide my concern, I flicked the spinner and the needle spun round and round. “Four! Oh no…” I moved the game piece four spaces only to find myself at the top of a chute, which set me back three levels.”

Vera covered her mouth and giggled, and Parker cheered. Before this turn, I was only six spaces from winning the whole thing. He was next in line to win, with his piece seven squares away and a few chutes as hurdles.

“My turn.” Parker snatched the spinner and my eyes rose up to the window again. The snow had to be sticking and making roads slick. I thought about calling her, finding out where shewas but I stopped myself. It would be dangerous for her to try answering a call if the road conditions weren’t safe. I was on the edge of my seat.

“I got four too!” Parker’s cheer snapped me back to the game where he moved forward, narrowly avoiding the chute that set me back. Vera went next, climbing a ladder to come right behind Parker and my measly two spaces left me far behind.

As Parker spun to win, I saw a flash of headlights and looked up. Amber’s car pulled into my driveway, putting my heart at ease. When the relief took over, I was better able to celebrate Parker’s victory.

“Hey, you did it!” I slapped his hand in a high five but Vera crossed her arms and pouted.

“Don’t worry,” Parker told her, “you’re good at flash cards.” He patted her arm and she laughed at him.

“Let’s get this cleaned up before Mom comes in, guys.” We started picking up the pieces and placing them in the box but we weren’t quite fast enough. Amber stumbled in with snow dusting her shoulders and the top of her head which was covered in a dark colored sock hat. She had a grin the size of Texas as she stomped her boots by the door.

“Hey, guys, I’m here.” Shedding her coat, she looked over at us as we finished cleaning up. Vera was the first to take off, racing toward her mother with joy. Parker walked calmly, but I could tell he wasn’t so happy. We’d had a few sleepovers at my house with just the kids, which he loved. He always hated going home, probably because I was a little more lenient about video games than his mother. When Amber came to pick them up, he would pout a little and ask why we couldn’t all live together.

I’d been meaning to bring up that topic, but I wasn’t ready to push Amber just yet. I put the lid on the box and left it sitting on the table as I stood up and prepared myself to handle Parker’s pouting fit. I wanted us to be a family under one roof,but Amber and I had only been back together as a couple since around October. Being the third week of January, that meant less than three full months. It was moving kind of fast for a stable relationship. Or at least that was what I thought she’d say.

“Do we have to go?” Parker whined. “I don’t want to go home yet. I like Dad’s house.” The way they instantly started calling me “Dad” without hesitation made this whole thing feel that much more real. These kids were incredible. They had adjusted so quickly to my presence it made me feel like I had always known them.

“Actually—” Amber bit her lip and looked up at me apologetically. “The roads are pretty bad. I’m not sure I’m going anywhere tonight. It didn’t feel safe.”

Stopping by the door, I helped Amber out of her coat and pressed a kiss to her cold cheek. Her hair clung to me with static as she pulled her hat off. “It’s alright. We have plenty of breakfast food for everyone. I was worried you wouldn’t get here safely. I’d rather you be here where it’s warm than take the risk of being stranded on the road with the kids.”

Vera and Parker cheered loudly, pumping their fists in the air up and down. “Yes! Can we stay up late too?” Parker already had his eyes fixed on the TV, but I was about to burst his bubble and be a dad.

“Nope, sorry. It’s been a long day, and Mom and I are pretty tired.” My hand rode the small of her back as I herded everyone toward the couch. “You two go get your pajamas on and brush your teeth, and we’ll come say goodnight soon.”

“Aw man, that’s not fair.” Parker pouted, crossing his arms, but Vera ran off to obey. He slunk after her slowly, using his best childish manipulation techniques for which I was no longer falling for. I’d spent enough time with them to know how to handle these situations. I just had to buckle down and not feel sorry for him.

Amber and I watched them disappear down the hallway then she turned and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I take it you guys had fun?” Her soft smile tempted me closer. I kissed her and bit her lower lips sensuously.

“We did…Parker is a bit of a handful sometimes with his pouting.” I chuckled and pulled her against my body. I wished every sleepover would be with her too. Lying in my bed in my arms, letting me place kisses on her skin every night and every morning.

“Better than Vera’s attitude before Christmas. She was a little snarky.” Amber laughed and kissed me again. “It feels like Christmas again all over. The snow is so pretty.”

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