Chapter 33
TWO WEEKS LATER
Charlie
I knew having twins wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, but for fuck’s sake, I had no idea it would be as hard as it was. Even though Marley and I thought we were prepared, we weren’t.
“I know you said we’d hold off on a nanny until the twins were a little older, but we need to do something,” I said, pacing around the room, trying to soothe Ashton.
“I feel like I’m going crazy, Charlie. Please check me into a mental institution. I’m begging you.”
“Oh no. You’re not getting off that easy.”
There was a knock on the door, and when I walked over and opened it, Stella stood there with a smile.
“How’s parenthood going?”
“Difficult. Come on in.” I chuckled.
“Here, let me take him.”
I handed Ashton over to Stella. She held him in a certain position, and he immediately quieted down.
“How did you do that?” I asked.
“I used to be a nanny, remember?” She smirked. “Actually, that’s why I’m here.”
“You’re going to be our nanny?” Marley grinned.
“I know someone who would be perfect for you,” she said. “Her name is Tilly, and she has a lot of experience with twins. The family she nannied for just moved to Chicago, so she’s looking for another family. You’ll love her.”
“Send her over ASAP,” I said. “I have to return to the office in a couple of days.”
“I knew you’d say that, so I already told her about you. I can call and have her come over today if you want.”
Stella called Tilly and set up an interview for four o’clock. After we thanked her and she lay Ashton in his bassinet, she went home. Walking over to the couch, I sat next to Marley and hooked my arm around her as Ashley slept peacefully in her arms.
“She’s so beautiful.” I smiled, staring at my daughter.
“When she’s like this, yes, she is.” Marley smirked.
“We’ll get through this, babe.” I kissed the side of her head.
“Do you really think so?”
“I know so. We have three hours before Tilly gets here. Let’s go lay this little one in her bassinet and take a nap.” I carefully took Ashley from Marley’s arms and set her in the bassinet by her brother. Grabbing a blanket from the basket in the corner of the room, I sat back on the couch, covered us with the blanket, and hooked my arm around Marley. “There. Now close your eyes.”
“You are truly amazing,” she whispered.
“So are you, babe.” I closed my eyes.
The earth-shattering screams of both children woke us from a deep sleep. Glancing at my watch, we’d only been sleeping a half hour.
“Oh, come on,” Marley said.
“I’ll get Ashley, and you get Ashton,” I sighed, getting up from the couch.
Two Weeks Later
Marley
I cleaned up from dinner while Charlie took the twins upstairs. It was hard to believe they were already a month old. We had survived the first month, and I was proud of us. Walking up to the bedroom, I stood in the doorway and watched Charlie with the twins on the bed. He was an incredible man and father. He took care of me. He got up every single night without one complaint. He changed diapers, fed them, played with them, and held them non-stop, even when I told him he was spoiling them. He held and comforted me when I was overwhelmed, hormonal, and sobbing. I never thought I could love anyone as much as I loved him. This man, Charlie Stone, was my life, and I couldn’t imagine it without him.
I never really had the chance to process what Hallie told me that day in her shop because the accident happened, and the twins were born. Then, the chaos started when we brought them home, leaving us exhausted and unable to think clearly. His birthday was in a few days, and I wanted to plan something special for him and give him the ultimate gift.
“Have you decided what you’re giving Daddy McBillionaire for a birthday gift?” Olivia asked as she held Ashley.
“I have.” I grinned.
“Well, spit it out,” Penelope said. “What do you give a billionaire who already has everything anyway?”
“A wife.”
“Excuse me?” Olivia’s brow arched.
“I’m going to ask Charlie to marry me. It’s my fault that he never got to ask me, so I’m asking him.”
“Yay!” Penelope grinned, clapping her hands.
“I’m proud of you, girl. Did you hear that, Ashley? Your mommy has finally grown up and come to her senses. She might not fuck you or your brother up after all.” She lifted her and kissed her head.
“Very funny.” My brows furrowed.
I wanted to whisk Charlie away somewhere warm and romantic for his birthday, but I couldn’t because the twins were only a month old. So, I decided to rent the Manhattan suite at the Lowell Hotel for the afternoon and night. Charlie hadn’t a clue what my plans were and about the surprise birthday party Chase and Lila were throwing him at Chase’s penthouse tomorrow night.
After giving Charlie his birthday present before he left for the office, I went upstairs while Tilly watched the twins and packed us each a bag. I was grateful to Penelope and Olivia for coming over later and spending the night with Tilly to help her with the babies.
I had everything planned, right down to the second I arrived at Charlie’s office to whisk him away for the day.
“Hey, babe.” He grinned and walked over and kissed me. “What are you doing here? Where are the twins?”
“They’re with Tilly.” I smiled, grabbing his tie and pulling him closer to me. “I’m here to give you another birthday present.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. So, come with me. Nico is downstairs waiting with the car.”
“Can you give me about thirty minutes? I’m in the middle of finishing something.”
“No, she can not.” Chase smiled, entering Charlie’s office. “I’ll finish it. You go and enjoy the rest of your birthday.”
“What are you up to?” Charlie smirked.
“You’ll see. Come on.”
We climbed into the back of the car.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Stone,” Nico said.
“Good afternoon, Nico. Where are you taking us?”
“That’s up to Marley to tell you, sir.”
“He’s right. It is up to me, and I’m not telling you until we get there.” I smiled, kissing his cheek.
Nico pulled up to the Lowell Hotel, climbed out, and opened the door.
“The Lowell Hotel?” Charlie smiled.
“Happy Birthday. You have been invited to spend the entire afternoon and night with me, your girlfriend, in the luxurious Manhattan Suite, housing two fireplaces that will keep us warm on this cold day.”
“You mean just the two of us?” He wiggled his finger. “Just us? No children?”
“No children, babe. Just you and me and a whole lot of sex.” I grinned.
“But the doctor hasn’t cleared you yet,” he said as we entered the lobby.
“I called Dr. Gregario earlier in the week. He said it’s fine as long as we don’t behave like wild animals.”
“Ha.” He chuckled.
The bellman brought our bags up to the suite, and I grabbed Charlie’s hand when he went to tip him.
“This is your day, and everything is on me,” I said, pulling out some cash.
“I can’t believe you did this. You are truly a romantic, Miss Monroe.” His lips met mine.
“Well, I really wanted to take you somewhere warm, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to travel yet. Besides, I wanted you all to myself.” My arms tightened around his neck.
“Is Tilly going to be okay with the twins alone?”
I could sense the worry in his voice.
“Penelope and Olivia are spending the night to help. The twins are in good hands between their nanny and godparents. Besides, if anything were to happen, we could be home in a flash. Now, let’s go change into the white robes the hotel has provided for us.”
“For what? I’d rather fuck you naked.” He grinned.
“We aren’t having sex yet.” I led him to the bedroom.
“Why not?”
“Because I’ve arranged for a couple’s massage. They’ll be here any moment.”
“Oh. Well, you know I have magic hands. I’d be more than happy to massage that sexy body for you.” A smirk crossed his lips.
“Good things come to those who wait.” I tossed the robe at him.