“That is,” Seth added. “Assuming youwantto come with us.”
I said nothing, my eyes moving over their faces, a slight tension hanging in the air.
“There’s something we need to say first,” Sam said. “Before you answer the question.”
“We’re sorry,” Sean stated. “About the bet. It was stupid and immature of us, and there’s no excuse for playing with your feelings like that.”
“We’re competitive with one another,” Seth added. “Always have been. But that’s no excuse. We didn’t treat you with the respect you deserve.”
Sam crossed his arms over his big chest. “Truth of the matter is we were all a little nervous about you, worried about the idea of you picking one of us, or none of us. The idea of being without you was almost too much to take.”
“Guess the bet was our way of coping with it,” Sean said.
“But we can only say our peace,” Seth added. “It’s up to you to decide if you want to accept our apologies. Because I’m truly sorry.”
“I’m sorry, too,” Sean said.
“Same here,” Sam added. “I’m sorry.”
Part of me was still a little mad about what they’d done. But as my eyes jumped from face to face to face, the love I knew I felt for them came rushing back.
“Alright. I forgive you guys.”
“I’m so glad to hear that,” Sean said. “Because I love you.”
“I do too,” Sam spoke next. “I love you, Gen.”
“And I do three,” Seth said with a wry smile.
“I love you guys,” I said. “All three of you.”
We all hugged, gently and lovingly, the guys showering me with kisses. “Oh, and there’s one more thing I have to tell you all. Well,threemore things…”
Epilogue I
Gen
Seven months later…
Iopened my eyes to the soft light that filtered through the blinds of my luxury Manhattan penthouse. As I lay in my king-sized bed, I felt the weight of exhaustion in my bones, but also a sense of contentment that I had never felt before.
I glanced over at the bassinets positioned beside my bed, each one cradling a tiny bundle. My triplets, my beautiful babies, had arrived just days ago. I still couldn't believe that I had given birth to three healthy, perfect little humans.
I sat up and turned my head to look out the window, taking in the stunning view of the city skyline. It was a gorgeous morning, and the sun was just starting to rise over the skyscrapers. I felt a sense of calm wash over me as I gazed out at the bustling city below.
As I settled back into the pillows, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, feeling my body start to relax. I knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but in that moment, I was content to just lay in bed, enjoying the quiet of the peace and tranquility with my little ones.
At least, that was how I felt until one of the babies started crying. Then the other two joined in.
“OK! Coming!” Amy’s voice came from down the hall, followed by the sound of her running, her feet plodding on the tile. Seconds later, she burst into the room with an expression of total alertness on her face. She clasped her hands together, like a coach getting ready to call a play. “Alright, what’s the story? Caleb? Connor? Caitlin? What do we need?”
I groaned, rolling over and beginning to put my feet on the ground.
“What are you doing?” Amy asked. “Please don’t tell me you’re thinking about getting up.”
“I’m more than thinking about it.” I placed my feet on the ground and pushed myself up.
Big mistake.