EPILOGUE - BELLA
I still couldn’t believe this place was mine—ours. The house was massive by any normal standard, but somehow, Chris had managed to infuse it with warmth. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around the living room, letting in streams of golden sunlight. Soft rugs stretched across the polished hardwood, and plush furniture formed a half-circle facing a sleek fireplace. Despite its size, every corner felt inviting, like I could curl up anywhere with a cup of hot cocoa and forget about the rest of the world.
I was stretched out on our cushy cream-colored sofa, propped up by a fortress of pillows that Chris insisted on arranging every morning so I wouldn’t strain my back. Between those pillows and the bassinet next to me, I was pretty much queen of the living room. My belly, huge at this point, took up most of my lap. The twins had been flipping around all afternoon, probably training to be future acrobats.
On the mantel above the fireplace, we’d framed our sonograms. Four separate images, each showing the steady growth of the two little humans inside me. Next to them was an eclectic collection of photos: Chris and I on our wedding night, me laughing while Charlotte’s son Tommy tried to feed me a cookie, and a few shots of my sister-in-law Sofia’s daughter Carina, who was just learning to toddle around. Chris said family photos made a house a home. I used to think he was just humoring me, but he’d insisted, spending a whole weekend picking out frames.
“This place is freaking gorgeous,” Charlotte remarked, draping her arm over the couch’s backrest. Her toddler, Tommy, was busy on the rug, vroom-vrooming a plastic race car between the legs of the coffee table. “I mean, I always knew Chris was loaded, but I didn’t expect your new house to look like something straight out of Architectural Digest .”
Sofia nodded, crossing her legs underneath her on the opposite armchair. “It’s grand but cozy. Like you actually want to relax here, not just stare at the furniture.”
I let out a satisfied sigh, running a hand over my belly. “He really wanted it to feel like home. I swear, he asked me a thousand times if the couches were comfortable enough. He’s been turning into this interior design guru—who knew?”
“I bet he fusses over you even more, though,” Charlotte said. “I see the way he hovers every time you shift or breathe a little heavier.”
Sofia grinned. “Yeah, remember that time at the old apartment when Bella sneezed and Chris practically lunged across the room, thinking she was in labor?”
I couldn’t help but laugh, recalling that moment. Chris had been so on edge, he’d nearly knocked over a lamp in his rush to help me.
“Trust me,” I said, “he’s still in maximum overprotective mode. If I stand up too quickly, he’s right there. If I look even a little tired, he’s already ordering me to put my feet up.” I rested a hand affectionately over my bump. “But it’s sweet. I never thought I’d love having someone fuss over me this much, but… it’s kind of nice.”
Charlotte glanced around and then leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice. “Speaking of love, how’s married life treating you? Now that you’ve had a little time to settle in?”
A wave of warmth filled my chest. Sometimes I still woke up and stared at my ring, half in disbelief that I was actually married to Chris. “Honestly? It’s… everything. We’re still learning each other’s quirks—like he’s obsessed with early morning workouts, and I prefer to sleep in. But seeing him turn that corporate fierceness into a fierce devotion at home has been… yeah, it’s been amazing.”
“And this house?” Sofia asked.
I glanced around, letting my gaze wander over the tall windows that overlooked a landscaped garden with a koi pond, the airy kitchen just visible through an open archway, and the play corner already stocked with stuffed animals. “I’m still getting used to that, too. I mean, I’m used to staff cabins on a yacht or two-star hotel rooms… Chris gave me pretty much free rein to choose how we’d decorate. But every time I hinted at something I liked—like eco-friendly wood floors or that giant plush rug—he’d just snap his fingers and make it happen.”
“It shows,” Charlotte said, glancing around. “It feels like both of you. Grand, but also… personal. Cozy.”
Tommy squealed from the floor, trying to get Carina’s attention by waving a toy truck in her direction. Carina was watching him with big eyes, still unsure about walking on the slippery rug. Sofia nudged her gently toward Tommy, and the little girl took a few cautious steps, giggling.
My heart melted a bit. Soon, I’d have two of my own crawling around here. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying. I rubbed my belly again, feeling a kick. “Oof, they’re active today.”
Charlotte grinned. “I can’t wait until all our kids are running around together. Speaking of which”—she leaned in, eyes dancing with excitement—“have you thought about what you’re going to do once they’re here? Work-wise, I mean. With Chris’s resources, you could do anything or nothing, but you’re not exactly the type to sit around.”
I paused. It was a question I’d been wrestling with for weeks. “I actually have an idea… a children’s boutique—eco-friendly, handmade items, supporting local artisans. I started researching suppliers who use organic fabrics and non-toxic dyes. I’d handle design and curation, and maybe branch into some custom stuff.”
Sofia’s eyes lit up. “Bella, that’s perfect for you! You’ve always loved craft fairs and supporting small businesses. It’s so up your alley.”
Charlotte nodded in agreement. “Do it. You’ve got that creative spark, and you care about sustainability. It’d be a hit.”
I inhaled, feeling both a rush of excitement and a flutter of nerves. “I don’t know, though. Between the twins and—”
Charlotte waved her hand dismissively, cutting me off. “Don’t even finish that sentence. You’ll be an amazing mom and a badass entrepreneur. We’ll help you.”
“Exactly,” Sofia agreed. “You’ll have a whole support system. Me, Charlotte, Chris… you’re not going to be alone in this.”
I felt tears prick at the back of my eyes. I blinked them away, smiling so they wouldn’t think I was breaking down. “Thank you. Seriously. Sometimes I feel like I stumbled into this insane fairy tale—like, pinch me, you know?”
Charlotte patted my knee. “You deserve all of it. And we can’t wait to see what you do next.”
Before I could respond, I felt a sudden tightening in my abdomen. It wasn’t painful, exactly, just… uncomfortable. I grimaced, shifting my weight. It passed quickly, so I shook it off. Probably just Braxton Hicks. The real deal had to be more intense than that.
The afternoon light started taking on a deeper glow, hinting at evening’s approach. The living room went from bright and sunny to a softer, golden hue. Through the windows, I could see the sky shifting into a gentle orange.
I loved watching the way the sky changed through these large windows. I’d spent a lot of time on my back, looking out when I was just too exhausted to do anything else the past few weeks.
The kids were getting sleepy, and Tommy had switched from zooming cars to stacking blocks in an uneven tower.
I felt another contraction—this time, it bit a little harder. I winced, pressing a hand to my stomach.
Sofia noticed it immediately, sitting up straighter. “Bella, you okay?”
I exhaled slowly. “I’m fine. Just a stronger Braxton Hicks, I think.” But it took me a second longer to catch my breath.
“You’ve been having them often?” Charlotte asked, her full attention on me now, too.
I shrugged, trying to stay casual. “On and off. Might just be dehydration,” I said, reaching for my water glass. I drank a few sips, hoping it would help.
Sofia’s expression grew serious. She grabbed her phone from the coffee table and flipped open the notes app. “Let me time them. If they’re coming at regular intervals, this could be it.”
That idea lodged in my chest like a burst of adrenaline. “No way,” I blurted, forcing out a laugh. “I’m not due for another week, at least.”
Charlotte gave me a look. “Yeah, well, due dates aren’t always on point. You feel any back pain? Are the twins moving around okay?”
“Everything’s… fine,” I said, but then a sharper jolt coursed through my abdomen. I sucked in a breath, and my eyes watered. Okay, that one was definitely more than a Braxton Hicks.
Charlotte shot up from the couch. “Sofia, call Chris. Now.”
“On it.” Sofia tapped her phone, stepping out of the room so the kids wouldn’t get freaked out by her urgent tone.
Charlotte knelt down in front of me, gently placing her hands on my knees. “Deep breaths, Bella. In through your nose, out through your mouth.”
I tried to follow her instructions, but my mind was racing. Was it too early? Would everything be okay? Anxiety started to bubble in my chest. Meanwhile, Tommy and Carina sensed the sudden change in the room’s energy, both watching us with wide eyes.
“It’s okay, guys,” I tried to reassure them. “Auntie Bella’s just got a little tummy ache.”
God, what an understatement.
Charlotte sent me a sympathetic smile, then turned back to me. “Okay, how long since the last one?”
I opened my mouth, but another contraction hit. I gripped the pillow next to me, knuckles turning white. “That… was maybe two minutes? That seems too close, right?”
Charlotte grimaced. “They’re definitely picking up. Don’t panic. We’ve got you.”
Sofia hurried back, her phone clutched in her hand. “Chris is on his way. He sounded freaked, but he’s keeping it together. How’s she doing?”
“Contractions are less than five minutes apart already,” Charlotte said.
Sofia nodded. “Alright, I’ll get her hospital bag from upstairs. Bella, you got this. We’re right here.”
I felt tears prick at my eyes again, but this time it was from both pain and emotion. The magnitude of it all crashed over me —this was actually happening. “I’m… I’m so scared,” I admitted, my voice trembling.
Charlotte offered her hand. “We know. But you’re not alone, okay? You have us, Chris, everyone. We’re going to the hospital, and you’ll be holding those babies soon.”
I nodded, swallowing hard. Another contraction built, and I let out a small cry, trying to breathe through it. My heart pounded. I wasn’t ready to do this. I thought I had more time, more days to mentally prepare.
But life rarely waits for perfect timing.
I’d imagined the drive to the hospital a hundred times: Chris and I calmly heading out, bag in the trunk, maybe some motivational music on in the background. Instead, Chris was already there waiting for me in the maternity wing, having sped over from the office the second he got Sofia’s call. Charlotte and Sofia helped me into a wheelchair near the entrance, all of them encouraging me to breathe slowly.
The hospital smelled of antiseptic and hand sanitizer, that faint medicinal odor I could never quite shake off. The fluorescent lights overhead felt glaring after the soft glow of our house. The nurses at the check-in counter instantly recognized I was in active labor and rushed to get me admitted.
Chris jogged into the lobby, slightly out of breath, tie askew. The moment his eyes landed on me, I watched his entire posture shift—like a tight coil unwinding in his chest.
Chris kneeled next to the wheelchair. “Bella, baby. Hey.” He cupped my cheek. “You okay?”
For some reason, seeing him so concerned made me choke up. “I—I’m fine, I guess. Contractions are close together.” The fear was suddenly real and it was hard to keep my mask in place.
He ran a hand through his hair, then pressed his forehead against mine. “I’ve got you. Whatever you need, I’m right here.”
The nurse guided us to a private delivery room with walls painted a soothing lilac. Medical monitors beeped, and an IV pole stood waiting. I changed into a hospital gown with Charlotte’s help, while Sofia handled the paperwork. Chris talked quietly to a nurse, asking about everything from epidurals to C-sections. His corporate side showed in the way he demanded immediate answers, but the nurses didn’t seem to mind. They were pros, reassuring him that everything was under control.
Then the contractions intensified. My back felt like it was on fire, my abdomen in knots. I squeezed Chris’s hand so hard I worried I’d break it.
I hissed through gritted teeth. “I’m sorry, I just—ahhh—”
“Don’t be sorry,” Chris said, even though he winced. “Squeeze as hard as you want.” He placed a cool cloth on my forehead. “I’d take the pain if I could.”
Dr. Moreau came in and smiled at us.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite couple.”
“I bet you say that to every pregnant couple,” I joked, and then punctuated with a cry of pain.
Moreau laughed. “Hey, it’s not every day I get to see twins. I really do love you guys.” She got serious and performed a quick exam. Her brow furrowed slightly. “Looks like Twin A is head-down, which is good, but Twin B’s positioning is a little awkward. We’ll keep an eye on that.”
My heart sank. “What does that mean?”
“It just means the second twin might need a bit more guidance to deliver.” Her voice was steady, betraying nothing, and somehow that was even more terrifying. “We’ll do our best to avoid a C-section, but it’s on the table if necessary.”
Chris’s jaw tightened. “As long as Bella and the babies are safe, do whatever it takes.”
Hours passed in a blur of pain, breathing exercises, and words of encouragement from everyone around me. Charlotte and Sofia took turns dabbing my face with damp cloths, reminding me to stay hydrated, pressing me to breathe steadily. Chris hovered at my side, stroking my hair, kissing my temple when the contractions got especially bad.
At one point, I felt a cresting wave of agony and I let out a low, guttural moan, tears slipping down my cheeks. “I can’t—this is—God, I can’t do this.”
Chris was by my side. He hadn’t left, not even to get ice chips—the girls ran around doing that for me. “You can, my sweetheart. You’re the strongest person I know.”
“You’re already so far, Bella,” Charlotte said. “Not long to go anymore. Don’t give up now.”
I locked eyes with Chris, seeing the determination there. He nodded, and I knew he meant it—I could do this. So I braced myself. Another contraction hit, and then Moreau said it was time to push.
I pushed until I thought I’d burst. It felt like my entire body was on fire. But then a thin, reedy cry filled the room, and the tension inside me cracked wide open.
Moreau smiled and held up a slick little body with the tiniest hands and feet.
“It’s a boy,” Moreau said. They placed my son on my chest, still covered in a swirl of fluid, his tiny fists flailing. I sobbed, overcome by relief and pure love.
“He’s perfect.” Chris’s voice was just as thick with emotion.
And then the doctor’s voice cut through. “Alright, Bella, stay with me. Twin B is next. We’ve got a bit of a rotation issue, but keep pushing.”
Exhaustion weighed down on me, but I wasn’t quitting. Not when my baby still needed me. I gritted my teeth and gave another series of pushes. The pain seemed endless, and I felt Chris’s hand trembling in mine.
Finally, another sharp cry tore through the air.
Another slick baby, just as perfect as the first.
“And a girl,” Moreau said proudly as if she’d orchestrated the whole thing. “A pigeon pair.” They placed her on my chest beside her brother. Her cry was smaller but just as fierce. Tears were streaming down my face, and Chris looked like he was on the verge of losing it, too.
The aftermath felt surreal. They cleaned up both babies, then handed them back to me and Chris, swaddled in soft hospital blankets. Our son had a tiny wrinkle between his eyebrows, like he was already pondering the universe’s mysteries. Our daughter relaxed the moment she felt skin-to-skin contact, blinking up at me.
Chris’s voice was quiet with awe as he stared down at them. “We did it.”
“Yeah, we did.” I choked up and paused, breath hitching.
“What are we going to call them?” Chris asked.
Since we hadn’t known the genders, we hadn’t talked about names a whole lot.
“What about Rainier? For this little guy,” I said, nodding to my baby boy.
“The prince in Monaco.”
“The one you told me about during our walk.”
Chris smiled and nodded. “I love it.”
“He’ll be the prince of the Blackwood home, anyway.”
“A name that suits him.”
I nodded and planted a kiss on little Rainier’s forehead.
“And my princess?” Chris asked.
“I don’t know yet,” I admitted.
Chris only hesitated a moment before he said, “Ocean.”
“Ocean?”
He nodded. “Because it’s endless and free, and it reminds me of renewal. And how we found each other again.”
“I love it,” I said. “Rainier and Ocean Blackwood.”
He turned to our son. “Rainier Blackwood, huh? That’s a strong name.”
I nodded, then looked down at our little girl. “Ocean Blackwood. She’ll be unstoppable.”
Chris laughed through tears. “She already is.”
I’d never felt so overwhelmed by love. My chest felt like it would burst from the sheer volume of emotions swirling inside. Pain, relief, joy—all of it collided.
Later that day, the hospital room filled with a swirl of people and energy. Soft afternoon light streamed through the window, highlighting every dust speck in the air. Charlotte stepped in first, hugging me, her eyes shiny with pride. Sofia followed, carefully holding a bouquet of cheerful sunflowers.
Alex, Ben, and a few others trickled in. Eleanor, Chris’s mother, appeared in a chic blouse, immediately rushing to the bassinet where Rainier and Ocean were napping. Even my mom, who sometimes butted heads with Eleanor, stood beside her, cooing at the babies. Gigi hovered close by, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.
“Oh my gosh, he’s so tiny,” Charlotte whispered, taking Rainier’s little hand. “Hey there, handsome.”
“Look at her little fingers! She’s going to be a heartbreaker,” Sofia said, studying Ocean as if she were the most perfect thing in the world.
Which, of course, she was.
Mom set a gentle hand on Chris’s shoulder. “You look… different,” she told him, voice softer than usual. “Happy.”
“I am,” Chris said with a smile. “Scared out of my brackets.” He laughed nervously. “But these two… they’re everything.”
Eleanor turned to me, her proud smile pushing away any trace of her usual prim demeanor. “Bella, you were incredible. Thank you for making my son so happy… and for bringing these beautiful grandchildren into the family.”
I blinked, feeling tears threaten again. “They’re lucky to have you,” I said, still in awe that I’d become such a big part of the family.
The room buzzed with conversation and excitement. Alex teased Chris about finally joining the “dad club.” Ben tried to guess which twin would walk first. Gigi snapped candid photos with her phone, promising to email them later.
I glanced across the room to see Chris leaning against the wall, arms folded, watching the scene with something akin to wonder on his face. Our eyes met, and his gaze softened. It was one of those moments I wanted to bottle forever: friends and family huddled around our newborn twins, bridging every difference with pure joy.
That night, the room emptied, leaving just me, Chris, and our tiny, perfect miracles. The overhead lights were dimmed, and the low hum of hospital machinery provided a kind of lullaby. Rainier and Ocean were swaddled side by side in the bassinet, occasionally making soft newborn sounds.
Chris sank down on the chair beside my bed, one hand landing on my shoulder. He looked exhausted—tie undone, shirt wrinkled—but he’d never looked more at peace.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Relieved. Sore. Happy. Everything all at once.” I let out a breath. “You?”
He chuckled, leaning forward to kiss my forehead. “I’m stunned. In a good way. It’s just… so much. We’re parents now.”
I reached out, curling my fingers around his. “Remember when we first talked about having these kids?” I asked softly. “I was so scared. You were so… determined. And here we are.”
He gave a short laugh, like he was recalling that exact memory. “You thought I’d run away the minute things got tough.”
“You proved me wrong in every possible way.”
He squeezed my hand. “I meant what I said. Whatever you need—whatever the twins need—I’ll make it happen.”
I closed my eyes for a moment, letting a sense of profound gratitude wash over me. “I never believed in happily ever afters until you,” I admitted. “I always thought that kind of thing was reserved for people luckier or braver than me. But now… I have a real home, a husband, and two babies I already love more than I can handle.”
Chris brushed his thumb over my knuckles. “This is just the beginning, Bella. Our story’s not done. We’ve got a whole future to write.”
Thank you for reading Reckless Hearts !