Page 52 of Arranged with Twins
We ride the rest of the way in comfortable silence, both of us processing the shift in our relationship. When we arrive at Dr. Foxx’s office, I note the discreet security measures Ilya has implemented. There are additional men positioned at building entrances, but I don’t think Sienna notices them.
The waiting room for this new doctor is filled with other expectant couples in various stages of pregnancy. I observe them but I try not to make eye contact. A few women recognize us from society pages and whisper behind magazines while stealing glances in our direction. It hits me that all the women in there are also pregnant with twins or more.
“Ms. Cooper?” A nurse appears with a chart. “Dr. Foxx is ready for you.”
Dr. Foxx is a petite woman in her fifties with prematurely gray hair and intelligent eyes that miss nothing. I’ve had her thoroughly vetted before this first appointment with her, of course. She has a medical degree from Johns Hopkins, specializes in high-risk pregnancies, maintains an impeccablereputation, and most importantly, practices absolute discretion regarding patient confidentiality.
“Good morning, Sienna. And you must be Leo.” Dr. Foxx shakes my hand with professional warmth. “I’m glad you’re here too. Partner support is crucial for healthy pregnancies, especially with multiples.”
Dr. Foxx reviews Sienna’s chart while preparing equipment for the examination. “How have you been feeling, Sienna? Any concerning symptoms since you saw Dr. Kane for confirmation and an initial ultrasound?”
“I’ve had some nausea, mostly in the mornings, along with fatigue, but nothing unmanageable.” Sienna answers the questions while I listen carefully and file away every detail about her health and wellbeing. “I’ve been trying to eat regularly and get enough rest.”
“Good.” She asks a few more questions and writes Sienna a lab order before saying, “Let’s see how the babies are developing.” Dr. Foxx positions the ultrasound equipment beside the table. “Would you like to find out the genders today? They should be developed enough to tell us if they cooperate.”
“What do you think?” I keep my voice neutral, letting her decide without pressure.
“Yes.” She nods decisively. “I want to know.”
Dr. Foxx applies gel to Sienna’s abdomen and positions the ultrasound wand. The monitor flickers to life, showing the shadowy shapes of our children. Though it’s only been two weeks, they’re larger than during our previous visit with Dr. Kane, more clearly defined, and unmistakably human.
“There we are.” Dr. Foxx points to various features on the screen. “Two healthy babies, both measuring right on schedule for gestational age, and with nominal heartbeats in range. Let me see if I can determine genders.”
I lean forward to study the grainy images with fascination. These are my children, growing inside the woman I love, and becoming more real with each passing day. The abstract concept of fatherhood suddenly feels concrete, immediate, and overwhelming in its significance.
“This one is definitely a boy.” Dr. Foxx highlights an area on the screen. “And this one... Yes, a girl. Congratulations, you’re having one of each.”
The words affect me with unexpected force. A son and a daughter means there are two distinct personalities, two futures to protect, and two lives that will carry forward everything I’ve built while hopefully avoiding being part of my current world in any way.
I look at Sienna and see tears gathering in her eyes, though whether from joy or overwhelming emotion, I can’t tell. She takes my hand instinctively and squeezes tightly as we both process what we’ve just learned.
“A boy and a girl.” She whispers the words like a prayer, with wonder evident in her voice. “One of each.”
“Perfect.” The word comes out rougher than I intended, loaded with new feelings. For a moment, I let my carefully maintained composure slip and allow some of my own amazement to show. “They’re perfect.”
Dr. Foxx prints several ultrasound images as she says, “It’s important to rest and reduce your stress as much as possible,especially with twins. Your body is doing twice the amount of work.”
As Sienna nods at the advice, I absorb the information automatically, though most of my attention remains fixed on the photos that show my children’s profiles, their tiny hands and feet, and proof of the future Sienna and I are building together.
“Do you have any questions before you go?” Dr. Foxx hands us the printed images along with a packet of information about the second trimester.
“When is it safe to travel?” I ask, thinking ahead to potential security concerns. “If we needed to leave the city temporarily?” Sienna shoots me a puzzled glance but doesn’t say anything.
“Travel is generally fine during the second trimester, which you’re approaching. I’d recommend staying within a reasonable distance of quality medical facilities, but short trips shouldn’t be problematic.” Dr. Foxx looks between us with mild curiosity. “Are you planning a babymoon?”
“Just considering options.” I don’t elaborate on the real reason for my question. If Vincent’s situation with Adrian deteriorates further, I may need to move Sienna somewhere more secure until the threat resolves.
We leave the medical building with ultrasound photos tucked safely in Sienna’s purse and a follow-up appointment scheduled for two weeks. The drive back to her apartment should be peaceful, offering a chance to discuss what we’ve learned and begin planning for our expanding family. Instead, my phone buzzes with a priority message from Ilya that makes my stomach drop with dread.
The text contains a single photo that shows Vincent emerging from a downtown office building. He looks pale and shaken, clearly sweating despite the cool morning temperature. The expression on his face suggests a man under enormous pressure.
Things keep getting worse.
My phone buzzes again with additional context from Ilya. The message reads:“Meeting with Esai Janitz, financial enforcer for shell companies linked to Adrian’s network. Duration: Forty-seven minutes. Subject appeared distressed upon departure.”
I recognize Janitz’s name from intelligence reports. He’s Adrian’s go-to person for collecting debts and ensuring compliance from reluctant business partners. His involvement suggests Vincent’s situation has escalated beyond simple financial difficulties into active enforcement territory.
In other words, Vincent’s might not ever meet his grandchildren.
