Tamed By You (Always & Forever #2)

Epilogue

Ali

Two years later.

“So, there’s baby, and can you see the little heartbeat? Nice and strong,” the sonographer says as she rubs the little machine over my belly, the cold jelly smeared over my small bump.

Eight weeks ago, I got the shock of my life when two pink lines appeared on a pregnancy test. I had my IUD removed, but we assumed it would take months, if not years, to fall, but after the first month we were pregnant. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions after everything I had been through, but this was different. I had Harry this time, and he hasn’t left my side. Every appointment, every time I threw up, he was there holding back my hair.

His fingers intertwine with mine as we watch our little baby wiggle on the screen, its tiny heartbeat flickering. Our baby.

“Oh,” the nurse says. Scanning back over the part of my belly she had just gone over.

“Oh?” I repeat her words panicking instantly.

“Is that a good oh or a bad oh?” Harry asks, concern in his voice.

“Well, Mr. and Mrs. Walker, it would appear you are having twins. Congratulations.”

Twins.

My stomach feels like it's about to fall out my ass as I process her words. One baby seemed terrifying, but two. Two babies.

“I’m sorry, I think you must be mistaken. Can you check again please?” I desperately plead.

I turn to look at Harry, who hasn’t moved or blinked in a good minute. He’s just staring at the screen in disbelief.

“It’s definitely twins, see.” She points and sure enough, there are two babies, with two heartbeats flickering on the screen.

I begin to hyperventilate and give Harry a light whack at the back of his head. “Will you say something?” My words come out shaky. Snapping him out of his own spiral, he blinks, clearing his throat.

“Twins, well, what can I say? The Walker gene is strong.”

“Now is not the time for your stupid jokes or to stroke your ego.” I suddenly feel hot, so I fan my face.

“I can’t have twins. How am I meant to carry them both? How am I meant to feed them?” My voice gets higher with every syllable. Frantically waving my hands, I continue spiraling. “How do I get them out?” I shriek.

“Mrs. Walker, I can assure you, giving birth to twins isn’t all that different from giving birth to one baby.”

I turn to face her, narrowing my eyes. “Ruth, is it?” There’s annoyance in my tone. “How many twins have you given birth to?” Already sensing the answer, my panic attack is about to take center stage.

“Well, none but—”

“Didn’t think so, so please save your opinions for another mom-to-be because I don’t need advice from someone who’s not had twins.”

“Babe, she’s just trying to help,” Harry says rubbing the back of my hand, trying to calm me. I shrug out of his hold.

“Whose side are you on, and anyway, this is your fault.” I’m shouting now. Likely loud enough for the whole maternity unit to hear.

“My fault, how’d you work that one out.” He rears back.

“You and your super sperm and, twin genes, you’re a twin, so it’s your fault.”

Before he can reply Ruth pipes up with another unsolicited opinion. “Actually, twins are determined by the mother and the sex is determined by the father so—”

“Again, Ruth, with the opinions I didn’t ask for,” I yell. I know I am being irrational and a bitch, but I can’t control it. The shock, the hormones, it’s all wrapped up together.

“I’m sorry about her. She’s been very emotional and erratic since she—”

“Don’t apologize for me,” I shriek. My breathing is uneven, and I know I need to reel it back in. I take a few deep breaths and then, like all my other mood swing episodes, after the anger comes the tears. Sobbing like someone’s just told me my dog died, I apologize. “No, I am sorry, Ruth. I, I am just trying to process it all. Twins, oh my god.”

Harry holds my hand, pressing a kiss to the back of it. “Hey, it’s okay. We will figure this out together. This is going to be good, okay? We are gonna do it together. We like a challenge, right?”

Suddenly an image of Harry running around a yard, chasing after two little boys, comes into view and I sob some more. Another dose of reality smacks me in the face again, and I continue my unhinged behavior. “Oh my god, they’re going to be boys, and they are going to be just like you, and tell stupid jokes, and miss the bowl when they pee. I can’t do this,” I wail. Ruth passes me a tissue and I blow my nose.

Jeez, I really am a wreck here.

Harry affectionally pats my arm. “I know you are processing a lot right now, so I’m going to try not to take that personally, but it’s going to be okay.”

I blow my nose again, sniffling into my crumpled tissue.

“If you want my opinion—” I glare at Ruth.

“Oh no, I don’t think she does, Ruth,” Harry is quick to interrupt, giving his head a shake.

“Maybe I should give you both a moment alone.” Ruth gets up and makes a beeline for the door.

Shit, I was awful to her. Mental note, send Ruth flowers and a basket of baked goods.

“Hey, talk to me, tell me where your head’s at,” he says softly when we’re alone, stroking my hair out of my face.

“I can’t do this. I can’t have twins. I wasn’t sure I could have one baby, but two.” He leans in, taking one hand in his and placing his free hand on my growing bump.

“You can do this. If anyone was made to handle twins, maybe even twins just like me, it’s you.”

“Okay,” I sniff.

“It’s going to be fine.” He holds up his pinky finger. “Pinky promise.”