Page 59 of Doctor's Surprise Twins

“Alright. Let’s get your shoes on and get in the car before we’re late.”

Minutes later, I carry Kori out to the garage. I buckle her into the back of our SUV and climb behind the wheel. Once the car is running and the radio is on, Ally looks over at me. “Gave in, huh?”

I roll my eyes as I shift into reverse. “Nobody said they have to dress alike all the time. She still looks nice. That’s all that matters, right?”

Ally nods. “Right. As long as she’s dressed, I won’t complain.”

I chuckle because Kori will also strip off her clothes the minute they get in her way or if they’ve become too stuffy.

The ride to the event is quiet now that the girls have settled down. Kori is comfortable, and Kate is always happy-go-lucky. The girls ride side by side, playing with their dolls. I glance over at Ally to see her staring out of the passenger window, lost in thought. I never considered how hard this might be for her. I reach over and take her hand. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” she asks, looking over at me.

I shrug. “Because we are going to the annual remembrance of my first wife.”

She smiles over at me. “I thought I told you a long time ago that I’m okay with your past.”

I kiss the back of her hand. “I know you are, but this is a little more than that.”

She squeezes my hand with hers. “I’m glad we’re going.”

“You are?”

She nods. “Every year, I’ve watched as her mother invited you. Every year, you turn her down. But this year, you didn’t. Why is that?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. It just feels like it’s time.”

She nods. “I agree. And I think you going this year means that you’re finally letting her go. You’ll always love her in some way, and she’ll always be a wonderful part of your past, but you’re finally putting that time of your life to rest and starting fresh with us.”

I park at the cemetery and look out across the grassy field. I know Ally’s right. I moved on from the romantic loss of Amelia years ago, but something inside of me couldn’t fully letgo. Ally has been amazing through all of it. In the beginning, she was okay with knowing that I was hung up, closed off, and unavailable. She never pushed for more than I was ready to give her. And she’s been that way ever since. She wasn’t ever jealous because she knows I loved another woman. She never tried to make me forget Amelia. She even hung a framed photo of Amelia in the living room next to the sonogram of our baby. Between the photos, it says, “Lost, but never forgotten, and always loved.”

I expected her to want to hide that part of my past. We’ve even had guests come to the house who have seen the photos and asked about it. While my initial reaction is to change the subject, Ally has always been open about it. Even to our girls—even though I’m not sure they’re old enough to understand it all yet.

Ally and I climb out of the car and each grab one of the girls. She holds Kate’s hand, and I hold Kori’s. Then Ally and I hold hands so the four of us walk toward the crowd in a line. I plan to sit in the back, but Amelia’s mom, Jill, spots me as we walk up.

“Ethan, you finally came,” she says, pulling me in for a hug. “Thank you for being here. Amelia would appreciate this so much,” she says, holding me tightly.

I pat her back. “Thank you for inviting us.”

She pulls back and looks over at Ally. “You must be Ally. I’ve heard about you.”

Ally holds out her hand to shake, but Jill ignores it, pulling her in for a hug, too. “Thank you,” she whispers in Ally’s ear.

“For what?”

Jill pulls back. “For pushing him to come, for allowing him to remember the woman who came before you, and for being such an amazing person. Not many women would be able to support their husband with a decision like this.”

Ally smiles at Jill, gently shaking her head. “I’m not competing with Amelia, Mrs. Walden. I know we never met, butI love that she loved my husband so much, and I wish I could thank her for helping him become the man he is now.”

Jill’s eyes water. She’s quick to wipe the tears away, and she turns her attention to the kids as a way to distract herself from the moment. “Well, look at you two. Aren’t you just the cutest!” She kneels to their level. “I love that dress,” she tells Kate.

“Thank you,” Kate replies, twisting her hips to make the dress move around her.

Jill looks over at Kori now. “Oh, I like your outfit, too. You look so pretty and comfortable. Did you pick out your outfit?”

Kori, happy that she’s getting some attention for being different than her sister, smiles and nods. “Me and Daddy.”

“Well, you did a very good job.” Jill stands and looks up at me. “And so did you.”

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