Page 112 of Sweet Twins For My Brother's Best Friend

An empty bed is an empty bed. And I really wanted to be there to experience the whole pregnancy thing with her. I worry constantly, even though she’s quick to reassure me whenever we speak.

I feel guilt every day that I’m not there with the babies, but Hannah always tells me that she wants to me to do itforthe babies, that I’m setting up for their future, and I know she’s right. Sacrifice is love.

This afternoon in December is absolutely freezing, and we’re definitely busier than we were in the fall. I hadn’t anticipated the impact of the seasons on business. In LA, it sometimes feels like the year is made up of one big, long summer.

I feel my phone buzzing in my pocket, look at the screen, and tell Adelaide, “Sorry, I have to take this. Why don’t you go ask Jordan and Teague up front to show you how to sign up a new member?” I point to the front desk and start walking toward my office, my heart buzzing steadily in my chest.

It says Tyler’s calling, and I’m not sure why that might be.

I remind myself that this would still be early for Hannah to have the babies. Maybe he’s calling to apologize for that night at my house. He acted insanely, but he’s still my best friend.

I feel jittery and anxious and breathe out in one long breath before answering. “Hey, Tyler, how are you?” I stretch my legs out in front of me to regulate.

“Chris? You need to get to UCLA Medical Center as soon as you can.”

“Tyler, I’m in Maine.”

I stand up straighter as his words zap me out of any daydreams I had about rekindling a friendship. I look around for my things and shove my wallet and keys into my pockets.

They weigh my shorts down awkwardly and slap against my thigh as I walk right out the front door and start walking down to my apartment just a few blocks over. “As soon as I can is probably still tomorrow.”

“Then get here tomorrow. Hannah’s going into labor and she’s scared. She needs you.”

I put Tyler on speaker phone so that I can look on my phone for the soonest plane tickets I can get.

His voice gets quieter and turns into a murmur as he says, “There was a guy with her. Some dude she was hanging out at thepark with. I asked him who the fuck he is and he said ‘Scott’ and left. I think I scared him off, but still, you should get here quick.”

I chuckle a little as I purchase tickets for a few hours from now. I order a car ahead of time for when I land and breathe out a sigh of relief.

I can see my little apartment over a hill. I can pack and be out of here quickly. I can be with Hannah by tonight. I don’t wish a long labor on her, but I hope I might be able to get there before she has the babies.

“You think she’s cheating on me at 7 months pregnant?”

“I don’t know whatshe’sdoing, but that guy seemed like he was sniffing around her. I’m just looking out for you, bro.”

Rolling my eyes, I get to my door and unlock it, slamming it closed behind me as I rush to my bedroom to pull out a suitcase and shove things in it haphazardly

“Okay, Tyler, I appreciate it. I’m sure you scared him well enough. We’ll probably never see him again.”

I have no doubt that Hannah isn’t doing anything wrong, but it’s nice that Tyler’s worried about it. Maybe there’s still a friendship between us yet.

“Will you put Hannah on video until my car comes? If she wants to.”

Some brief rustling in the background happens, followed by unearthly moans coming from Hannah. I hear the beep of the call turning into a video call and finally see the beautiful mother of my children.

Tears stream down her face, and her cheeks are pink. She’s lying back on a pillow, her hair a sweaty halo around her. “Chris?” she shrieks. “Chris, I need you!”

Her desperate voice carves out pangs in my chest, and I wish more than anything that I could reach out and touch her.

I want to stroke her hair and her back and tell her that she’s safe. “I know, Hannah Banana. It’s okay, sweets, I’m on my way to you now. I’m here with you until I get on that plane, okay? And I know Tyler will be there with you until I arrive. I’m so proud of you.”

She sighs and closes her eyes, showing me her wet eyelashes. “I’m sorry I sent you there, Chris. I wish you were here.”

“Hey, I’ll be there soon, don’t you worry.” I grab toiletries and chargers and pack them into my bag.

I pack the engagement ring, too, just in case.

I have a good feeling.

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