“Yay!”
Belinda and Dianna are pitching in for the holidays this year and making a feast at our house. It’ll be one big get-together to see the babies and stuff our faces with turkey.
I hug Owen goodbye and promise to send pictures to his tablet. Loretta guides him out, and soon, it’s just Katie, me, and the twins.
“Can you believe they’re going to just send us home with two tiny humans?” she teases.
“It was harder to adopt a puppy than to fill out the paperwork for the babies,” I add with a smirk. “The shelter nearly wanted a background check, an annual pay stub, and urine sample.”
Katie snorts, then cringes. “Don’t make me laugh. I’m pretty sure I just peed myself.”
“I think your boobs did too.”
“Lovely. Now you’ll definitely wanna marry me…” She grunts.
“Are you kiddin’? I’ve never wanted you more than right now…”
Katie laughs, pushing me away. “You’re crazy sometimes, but I love you more than anything.”
“Good because I plan to get you down that aisle at that little white church in Magnolia Springs and make you my wife…finally.”
“The little white church my grandparents got married in?”
“It’s ours. I booked it.”
Her eyes fill with tears. “I can’t believe you did that.”
I take her hand and press my lips to her knuckles. “As I’ve been telling you since I was fifteen years old, I’ll do anything for you, Katie.”
KATIE
I’m an emotional wreck, both physically and mentally exhausted, yet I can’t sleep. The adrenaline high keeps me awake as I look at the boys sleeping so peacefully. Noah’s passed out on the sofa that’s way too small for him. Even though I told him to go home and get some quality sleep, he’s a stubborn man. I can’t fault him, though, because I love that he’s here with me. Unconditional love is something I never had or felt before Noah came back into my life, and I can’t imagine being without it.
As much as I’m appreciative of the nurse’s around-the-clock help, I’m ready to be home. After a day full of visitors from our friends and family, I want to sleep in my big comfy bed.
I see my phone screen light up and decide to check who’s texting me at one in the morning.
Everleigh: Guess who’s coming to live with me tomorrow!
She’s either sleep texting or drunk. Perhaps both.
Katie: The grim reaper?
Everleigh: No, silly. Archer! My new roomie.
I shake my head at her obnoxiousness.
Katie: I’m surprised you’re so excited about it. Thought having a roommate would put a damper on your random hookups and boy toys.
Everleigh: Nah. He can join in on the fun…
She sends an eggplant emoji.
Katie: Well Happy Birthday, you crazy lady. I hope you’re being safe.
Everleigh: Yes, Mama Bear. I have a DDD. Don’t worry :-)
Katie: You mean a DD?