Page 113 of The Doctor's Twins

“Welcome to the family,” he said.

“Glad to be a part of it, Dad.”

My folks, Owen, and Suzy arrived just after noon. The music was playing outside at the pool and the women were chatting away, faffing with the kids. It was picture-perfect.

I stood up at the luncheon table and tapped my glass. All eyes turned to me.

“I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have you all here,” I started. “Frank, Millie, thank you for making time to be here with us. As for the Forbes clan, try and leave some food for our guests, okay?”

“Who gave this clown permission to speak,” Owen heckled, and dished another piece of ribeye onto his plate.

“Alright, settle down,” I laughed and then turned to Peyton.

“Peyton, love of my life, thank you for making this day special. I love you with all my heart and I have another gift for you.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a box. I heard gasps around the table as I opened it up and held it in front of her.

“Peyton Taylor, will you make me the happiest man in the universe and marry me?”

She looked at me with big eyes and then back at the ring.

“Uhm, I think you meant to say, Doctor Peyton Taylor,” she smirked, sporting great big teary eyes. “And yes. I will marry you, Sensei Forbes.”

* * *

“Why am I so nervous?” I said, trying to button up my bodice with shaky fingers.

“You’re supposed to be,” Alyssa laughed. “You’re about to become ‘the wife’, ‘the ball and chain’, the…”

“Serves me right for asking a stupid question,” I said and rolled my eyes. “Help me with this damn button, will you?”

“You look stunning, Pey,” she said and helped me with the pesky button.

“You do, and Ben couldn’t ask for a more perfect bride,” Madi added.

“Thank you, guys.”

“Hi, precious,” Mom said as she came into the room. “Wow. You look so beautiful, sweetheart.”

Mom had been watching the twins while I got dressed. This was my second wedding, but, honestly, as far as I was concerned it was the first and only one that mattered.

Ben and I had been together long enough for me to know exactly who he was. I had absolutely no doubts that I was marrying the man of my dreams—the father of my children and my soulmate.

“Ben is going to impregnate you with another set of twins when he sees you in this dress,” Alyssa grinned.

“Please, no. One set is enough. I think I’ll be happy with just one next time.”

“Next time? And to think I was considered the breeder of the family,” Madison laughed.

“Looks like you’ve got yourself some healthy sibling rivalry going on here, Madi,” Alyssa said and slapped me on the butt.

“Oh, no. You’re next, Dr. Collins. In fact, I’m rather shocked to see that you haven’t snagged that Texan of yours yet. You’re slipping, Lyssa.”

“All in good time. I’m working on it,” she smiled.

“He is rather yummy, Alyssa,” Madi added.

“Isn’t he just?” Mom weighed it.

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