Chapter 24 Happily Ever After
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It started like any other third-trimester morning: Layla dramatically groaning while trying to put socks on, Jasper running around like a panicked butler, and her craving something absurd like watermelon with mustard.
“Babe,” Jasper said carefully, holding up the snack combo. “This… should be illegal in 42 countries.”
“Feed me, peasant,” Layla replied, waddling to the couch.
She had her 7-month baby appointment scheduled and wasn't expecting any surprises—until the doctor pointed at the ultrasound screen.
“One heartbeat... and here’s the second one.”
Silence.
Layla blinked. “...Second?”
“You’re having twins,” the doctor said, smiling.
Jasper let out a noise that was somewhere between a hiccup and a scream. “TWO?! LIKE—AT THE SAME TIME?!”
Layla looked at him like he’d just discovered basic math. “Yes, genius. That’s what twins mean.”
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Two months later…
It was 2 a.m. and Layla woke up with a sharp pain.
“JASPER,” she hissed.
He sat up, disoriented. “Is it aliens? Are the twins possessed? Do we need holy water?!”
“My water just broke, you moron!”
He jumped out of bed, knocking over two chairs and somehow managing to trip over nothing. “Okay okay! I’m calm! I’m totally not crying! Okay—hospital bag! Bag is in the closet—or is it in the fridge?!”
“GET ME TO THE HOSPITAL OR I’M GIVING BIRTH IN YOUR TESLA!”
They arrived in chaos, Jasper forgetting where the entrance was and trying to check in at the gift shop.
The nurse calmly took charge. “We’ve got you. How far apart are the contractions?”
Layla gritted her teeth. “They’re playing rock concert intervals.”
“She’s going to rip my hand off,” Jasper whispered as they wheeled her in.
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In the delivery room
“Do you want the epidural?” the nurse asked.
“Yes,” Layla cried. “Give me ALL the drugs. Give me a menu. I’ll take one of everything.”
While they prepped the epidural, Jasper tried to be supportive.
“You’re doing amazing, babe. Just think—two adorable babies. We’re going to name one Jasperina.”
Layla glared. “You try birthing a watermelon and THEN try joking.”
He nodded. “Understood. Jokes off. But—can I just say, this feels like an Avengers moment. Like, assemble the contractions!”
Layla screamed. “I WILL ASSEMBLE MY FOOT IN YOUR—”
“Okay okay, she’s good! Epidural is here! Thank you, nurse angel!”
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Hours later…
It was time.
Jasper stood by her side, now sweaty, panicked, and trying not to faint.
“Okay, babe, just breathe. You’re doing amazing. You’re glowing. Literally glowing. Like a lava lamp.”
Layla was beyond words at this point.
One push. Two pushes. And then—cries.
One tiny baby girl.
Then, a few minutes later, her sister.
Layla collapsed into the pillows, crying. “Are they okay? Are they—?”
“They’re perfect,” the nurse whispered, placing the babies in her arms.
Jasper looked down at them, blinking through tears. “They have your nose. And your ability to look deeply unimpressed.”
Layla laughed softly. “Welcome to the world, Liana Grace and Aurora Skye.”
Jasper kissed her forehead, whispering, “You did it. You brought magic into the world.”
Layla, still exhausted but glowing with pride, whispered back: “I also brought two diaper machines. Good luck.”
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