Page 83 of The Doctor's Twins

“Ouch! What the fu…” I yelled, but the world around me went dark before I could finish my sentence.

23

BEN

Iwas on high alert when the Uber pulled up outside Peyton’s parents’ house. I asked the driver to wait for me, just in case Peyton was elsewhere.

I walked along the line of perfectly pruned rose bushes to the front door of the home and rang the bell. The door opened a few moments later. The woman standing before me had an excited look on her face that soon changed to one of confusion. It was clear that she was expecting someone else. Peyton perhaps?

“Hello,” she greeted. “Can I help you?”

Of course. She didn’t know me. For all intents and purposes, I was a stranger on her doorstep.

“Hello,” I said and smiled. “My name is Ben. Is Peyton here?”

“O.o.o.h. Ben. Hi. This is a surprise. I’m Millie, Peyton’s mom. Please, come in.”

“Thank you,” I said but stayed where I was. “Is she here?”

“No, not yet. But she’s on her way from the hospital. Her sister gave birth to her baby daughter last night. Peyton stayed with her.”

“That’s wonderful, Millie. Congratulations. I tried to call Peyton on her phone but it’s off.”

I nodded and waved the Uber driver off.

“Her phone is probably flat. I’m sure she’ll be here soon. May I offer you a cup of coffee? Peyton is bringing the eggs for a breakfast feast. Are you hungry?”

“Uh, no Thank you, I’m not hungry. But a cup of coffee would be lovely, thank you.”

“Frank!” Millie called, “Come and meet Ben.”

I heard footsteps coming toward us.

“Goodness, what a pleasant surprise. Hello, Ben. Good to meet you. Frank Taylor,” Peyton’s father said and extended his hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Frank,” I said and shook his hand.

“Does Peyton know you’re here?”

“No, I thought I’d surprise her,” I lied.

There was no sense in alarming Peyton’s folks unnecessarily. They’d been to hell and back with Mateo. I was amazed they even let me in the door. Peyton must have told them that I wasn’t a reprobate.

“Come in,” Frank gestured.

I followed him to the living room and made myself comfortable on a sofa.

“How do you take your coffee, Ben?” Millie asked.

“Straight up, thank you. No milk or sugar.”

“Would you like a cup, darling?” she asked Frank.

“I’d love one, thanks, my love.”

“I believe congratulations are in order,” I said to Frank.

“Oh, the baby. Yes, another grandbaby to keep Grandpa on his toes. Thank you. We watched over the boys last night while Madison went to the hospital. I must confess, I’m shattered,” he whispered and grinned. “It’s amazing how soon one forgets how busy little boys are when your own children are all grown up.”

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