Page 62 of The Little Black Rose

“And this little girl,” I say, stroking the head of the baby in Sophie’s arms, “is Madelyn Ciara.”

“Abbie and Maddie,” Zeke clarifies, his smile widening.

The middle names have our own private meaning. Ciara means “black,” and Rose, well, is self-explanatory. Zeke insisted we pay tribute to my tattoo, because it drove him wild the night he first discovered it. He was the first of our group to know about it, just as he’ll be the first to discover every secret being a father to these beautiful babies holds.

“That’s…perfect,” Zoey whispers.

“They’re perfect,” Sophie adds.

“Okay, my turn,” Sam says, moving to take Abbie from Zoey’s arms.

She hands the little bundle over carefully, showing Sam how to support the head. I watch with an eagle eye, making sure he’s got her before turning to watch Sophie pass Maddie to Jared. He looks distinctly uncomfortable for a moment, terrified almost, but then his face softens as he stares down at her.

As I watch, her little face scrunches up before smoothing out. Jared stiffens, then tilts his head back and away from her while his chest heaves and a gagging noise erupts from him.

“Woo,” Sophie says with a chuckle. “Someone stinks.”

“I’m on it,” Zeke says, moving in quickly to take the baby from Jared before he pukes all over her.

“You’re looking a little green around the gills, there, Jared,” I tease, even though I feel his pain.

Abbie took care of business earlier while I was still holding her, and I can confirm it smelled like death. Zeke changed her, too, not even flinching at the smell as he cleaned her up and put on a fresh diaper. Quick and easy, like he’d done it a million times before.

Only a couple of hours into this adventure, and already, he’s a pro. Not only does he perform diaper changes with the greatest of ease, he’s got the burrito wrap down pat. I guess those new baby classes we took last month really paid off.

Or he’s a natural.

Either way, I know how lucky I am. The man I love adores me. He spoils and protects me like I’ve never been before, and is the best father our girls could ask for. We’re arealfamily, bound by love and devotion, and Abbie and Maddie will grow up secure in that knowledge and cherished above all else.

Zeke meets my eyes as he turns with Abbie cradled in his arms, and I mouth the words, “I love you.”

He mouths them back, and I feel their truth down to my very bones.

* * *

Zeke

I loveour friends and family, but fuck, I thought they’d never leave. By the time they each hug us goodbye and file from the room, Ava’s eyelids are heavy with exhaustion. But she can’t go to sleep.

Not yet.

I have a plan, and I can’t fucking wait another second to enact it. I carefully lay Abbie in the clear bassinet next to her sister, both of them swaddled tightly to keep them feeling safe and secure as they slumber. Ava’s tired eyes follow my movements, a gentle smile curving her lips.

I’ve never been as happy as I am right now. I’m damn near delirious with it, surrounded by my newborn daughters and their gorgeous, perfect mother. Only one thing could make my joy even brighter.

Moving toward the bed, I sit on the edge by Ava’s knees and take her hand in mine. She holds onto mine tightly, her eyes drifting closed as her mouth falls open in a wide yawn.

“I know you’re tired,” I say softly, “but can you stay awake for a few more minutes? I have something I want to discuss with you.”

Her eyes pop open and worry wrinkles her brow as she frowns, and I silently curse myself for starting like that. I can’t fuck this up. Smiling softly, I reach out with my free hand and smooth the wrinkles from her forehead.

“None of that, now,” I whisper. “It is serious, but in a good way.”

“What is it?” she asks, leaning into my palm as it slides down to cup her cheek.

“Ava, you gave me the greatest gift a man could ask for today. Our children are perfect, and I love them beyond measure. I’ll never be able to thank you properly for bringing such angels into my life.”

Her eyes start to water, and I brush the tears away with my thumb. Pulling my hand away, I lay it over our joined ones, squeezing tightly.

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