One Indecent Night

by Hargrove, A. M.

  “I’m never having another baby. Ever.”

  The doctor examined me and said, “Everything looks perfect.”

  I had all these things attached to me, including an IV. I hadn’t noticed when they’d put it in, because I’d been in so much pain. Nice.

  Another contraction hit and I yelled, “I have to push.”

  “No! Not yet. You can’t push.”

  I kicked a foot out and almost connected with the doctor’s head. Oops.

  “But I need to,” I protested.

  “You’re not quite there yet. I’ll tell you when.”

  “UGGGGGH,” I groaned and squeezed Evan’s hands. His eyes were filled with worry, but at this point, I was filled with pain, so I didn’t care. And then I started crying. My mom should be here with me.

  Suddenly I yelled out like a baby, “I want my mom, Evan.”

  “Oh, babe, I’m sorry.”

  The doctor glanced up at us and I cried out, “She died.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “She’ll never get to see our little buttons.” Then I cried even harder as the contractions continued on.

  “Okay, Sylvie, it’s time to push. Lean forward and give me everything you’ve got.”

  This was so not fun. It was like pushing a watermelon out of your vagina.

  “Again, Sylvie.”

  “It’s stuck,” I yelled.

  “No, everything is fine. Push again.”

  I pushed with all my might and the doctor said, “The head’s crowning.”

  “Fuck that, I want the whole thing out.” I gritted out.

  Evan was behind me, and said, “Push some more, babe.”

  “Shut up, Evan. Why don’t you push for a while?”

  “Once more, Sylvie.”

  “UGGGGH.” How do some women have so many babies?

  “Here it comes. I need one more.”

  “That’s what you said last time.”

  I pushed again. My head was throbbing.

  “The head’s out. One more.”

  The next push wasn’t as hard. I guess the baby had a gargantuan head or something. I cried because I didn’t want a baby with a humongous head.

  “It’s a beautiful boy! Congratulations!”

  “Did you hear that, Evan? A beautiful boy!” They took the baby off for a minute, and the nurse called out a few things, but I was dazed by the whole ordeal.

  I fell back on the bed and they handed the teeny thing to me. And God, he was teeny. How could pushing him out have hurt so much?

  Then baby two wanted out. “Ayyy! Oh, no. The second one wants out.”

  “I was getting ready to tell you. But your body is already prepared so this one will be easier.”

  He was right. Two hard pushes and button number two popped out. Evan was holding baby number one, and the doctor said, “It’s another boy!”

  “Evannnnn, we have two boys!” I hollered. The entire hospital probably heard.

  Evan chuckled. “Yeah, babe, I heard. Thank you for giving me such beautiful babies.”

  “But you haven’t seen them yet.”

  The nurse handed me the second one. “Look how little he is.”

  “Don’t worry, he’ll grow. They weighed in at five ten and five eleven each, which are great sizes for twins.” The doctor seemed pleased. “Now I need to ask if you’re in any pain. We can give you something for that.

  “I’m not sure. I’m sort of numb right now. And on a babies high.”

  “We need to deliver the placentas and then a nurse will come in to help with the breastfeeding.”

  “Someone’s going to breastfeed for me?”

  Someone laughed. The doctor said, “No, Sylvie, there’s a lactation expert who will guide you through the process.” Talk about feeling like a dumbass.

  “Okay.” I gazed at the baby I held and watched Evan hold the other one. It was amazing to see these miniature humans we’d created.

  The next morning, I was double teaming the babies, as in feeding them, and they were voracious little eaters. I was going to be a pumping station for a while. Evan watched as they clung to me.

  “That’s going to wear you out.”

  “Maybe, but I’m going to give it my all, unless they don’t thrive. And if that happens, then I’ll supplement. I’ll have to pump to have extra on hand too.”

  As I finished, the room was invaded with everyone, wanting to see the mighty mites.

  “What are their names?” That was the unanimous question.

  “Evan, will you do the honor?” I asked.

  He grinned and said, “Number one is John Michael Thomas. And number two is Gregory Mills Thomas.”

  “We named them after their grandfathers,” I proudly stated.

  Both of their grandfathers had glistening eyes.

  “Well, I’ll be,” Dad said. “What about that, Greg?”

  “It’s really something, isn’t it?”

  “An honor, for sure.”

  “Dad, do you want to hold your namesake?” I held John Thomas out.

  Dad came up to me and took him eagerly. “Hey there, fella. Aren’t you a cutie?”

  “Greg? What about you?”

  “It’s been a long time since I held a baby, but I can’t wait.” I handed Gregory Mills off to him and his expression softened.

  “You’re going to be a strong little guy. I can see it already. And probably a troublemaker, like your Dad.”

  Evan chuckled. “Let’s hope not. We’ll have double trouble on our hands.”

  Suddenly the door burst open again and a panting Piper rushed in. “Where are they? Where are my nephews?”

  “Piper? What are you doing here?” I asked.

  “I couldn’t miss this. I had to see them. I found a super cheap flight and took one day of classes off with permission from my instructors. I’m good. I have to go back on Tuesday.”

  She ran up to Dad and cried, “Oh, look at him. He’s adorable. What’d you name them?”

  Dad proudly said, “This one is John Michael.”

  Piper covered her mouth.

  Greg announced, “And this one here is Gregory Mills.”

  “Oh, Sylvie, that’s brilliant.”

  “Jeez, you haven’t even been there a month and you’re already talking like a Brit. Come give me a hug, sis.”

  She not only hugged me but gave me slobbery kisses on my cheek. She was like a huge puppy. “They couldn’t be more perfect, Syll.”

  “I know. And I couldn’t be happier.”

  Then she whispered in my cheek, “Evan looks like a peacock over there.”

  “He sort of does, doesn’t he?” We both giggled. He was preening over Gregory Michael as his dad commented on how he already looked like his grandfather.

  “He will be a very proud dad.”

  “Oh, yeah. Don’t I know. Especially now that we have two boys. I’m going to be terrorized on a daily basis.” She gazed at me with sad eyes. “Stop it. You’ll find your Prince Charming when you least expect it. I promise.”

  “I miss you in England. But it’s been good so far.”

  “Great. I’m happy for you.”

  “Any decisions on a wedding yet?”

  “Now that the babies are born, maybe we’ll do something. You’ll be one of the first to know.”

  She hugged me again. I really missed her too, but I was reluctant to tell her because I didn’t want her to be sad.

  The babies were passed around like a bag of chips, which was fine. They had to get used to it because it would be like this for a few days. I was in my happy place and there wasn’t anything that could ruin it.

  Fifty-Nine

  Evan

  All the preparations were made. Sylvie had agreed to marry me, she just didn’t have any idea it was going to be this weekend. No one else did either. The entire clan was headed to Vail for Labor Day. We were leaving on Thursday for a long weekend getaway, or so she thought. She was excited to see the place with the aspens in thei
r glorious fall colors. Even Piper was coming. She had finagled the trip, although I’d sent her the plane tickets, which I’d been happy to do.

  We arrived at night. The babies did great, and we had many sitters with us. All the other kids stayed home with a variety of nannies, thank God. Baby twins were bad enough. All the supplies we had to bring along was ridiculous, but Sylvie was right. I’d initially wanted the Garretts to buy everything, but she said that was crazy when it was easy to bring it.

  Carriers, port-a-cribs, and so on. The list was endless. Thank God the jet was big. We had to drive both of our cars to the airport though. Everyone laughed when we arrived.

  Grey said, “Now you feel the pain we went through.”

  “Same here,” Hudson said. “It gets better.”

  “I wouldn’t change a thing,” Sylvie said.

  I beamed, proud dad that I was.

  Now that we were here, my nerves were on edge. I pulled her rings out of the bag I’d placed them in. I hoped she loved them. If she didn’t, we’d exchange them. Patty Garrett called the caterers and relayed all the information to me. The food would be set up for four o’clock on Saturday. That meant we had to be ready by then. I would tell everyone we were having a party on the deck that evening. The minister would arrive at four too. I had the marriage license. I had flown out here last week to do that. It took some wheeling and dealing, but I’d managed it.

  Everything was set so Friday night we’d go out to dinner, leaving the babies here with the Garretts. They were excited about babysitting.

  Dinner was fabulous at one of Vail’s best restaurants and while we were there, I told everyone about the party.

  “I had this harebrained idea to have a party out on the deck late tomorrow afternoon. The weather is supposed to be ideal and the Garretts helped arrange it. Actually, Patty arranged all the food through a caterer. We can relax and take it easy, but especially enjoy the views of the aspens.”

  “Ah, that sounds amazing. In the winter, you can’t do that. Thanks for thinking about that.” Sylvie leaned in and kissed my cheek.

  “I thought you’d be pleased.”

  The following morning, I suggested a hike that day. Everyone was in. Patty packed us an amazing lunch and we all headed out around twelve. It was a three-mile loop, but we went slow and saw some great views, along with some wildlife. Sylvie snapped photos, and so did everyone else. The majestic Gore Range rose before us into the clouds, with its jagged snow-capped peaks, and we found a place to eat lunch around one thirty.

  We returned home around two, and everyone went off to their rooms. Sylvie said she wanted to take a nap and a bath.

  That would work out perfectly. I woke her up at three and she got into the tub, turning on the jets. Then when she was getting ready for the party, I brought out a dress I’d purchased for her. It wasn’t fancy, but it was beautiful, and she would look perfect in it.

  It was cream, off one shoulder, and straight, because she said her baby weight wouldn’t leave—I said she was crazy because she looked great to me, but I wanted her to love the dress. It also showed off her sexy legs.

  “I have a surprise for you.” I held up the dress. “I thought you might want to wear this.”

  “It’s gorgeous. Thank you.” She put in on and as I suspected, asked, “Do I look too fat in it?”

  “You look perfect. You are in no way fat, my love.”

  “My stomach still pooches out.”

  “Not to me.”

  I finished getting dressed and we walked out. The deck looked great. They’d even put flowers out.

  “Evan, look. It’s beautiful.” She wandered around and looked at the flowers.

  “I’m so happy you like it. Thank Patty for arranging it.”

  “Wow. It’s really special.”

  Everyone began arriving and complimented me on how gorgeous it was.

  “I love this place,” Rose said.

  “So do I,” Marin agreed.

  Patty came and asked for a word. “Sir, the minister has arrived.”

  “Thank you. Let me get Sylvie.”

  She tapped my arm and said, “Good luck.”

  I called out to my lady, and she came over. “Is there a problem?” I certainly hoped not.

  “No, but can I have a word?”

  “Sure.”

  We walked into the living area and I began. “Do you recall telling me how you’d love to get married out here sometime after the babies came, when it was warmer, and the views were fabulous?”

  “Yeah. Oh, Evan, what have you done?”

  I dropped to one knee and asked, “Sylvie West, will you be my wife, my forever person, and the mother of my children?” She gaped as I held out her ring.

  “I’m already the mother of your children.”

  “Right, but I wanted to make it official.”

  “Holy shit!” She’d just noticed the ring. It was simple. A round diamond, flanked by two smaller ones.

  “I wanted something to represent the boys. The one in the middle is for us and the two on either side is for them.” I slid it on her finger as she gawked at the thing. “Babe, you can close your mouth now.”

  “This sucker is huge, Evan.”

  “It’s only two carats.”

  “Like I said…it’s huge!”

  I hugged her and asked, “Well?”

  “Yes, I’ll marry you!”

  “Today, as in now, because everything is set to go?”

  “Holy crap. You mean someone is here to do it?”

  “Yes! Come with me.” We went to the kitchen and I introduced her to the minister. After about ten minutes worth of conversation, we were ready.

  Patty handed Sylvie a gorgeous bouquet of white roses and I made sure I had the wedding rings. I called Rose and Pearson to the kitchen.

  “Would you guys be our witnesses? We’re getting married in a few minutes.”

  Pearson clapped me on the back, and I was positive I’d be wearing his handprint all day.

  “It’s about damn time, man.”

  Rose hugged Sylvie and the two were crying. Great. Now if we could pull them apart long enough to get everyone on the deck.

  “Dude, I wondered why you had a sports coat on,” Pearson said.

  “Come on. let’s go.”

  “Wait,” Patty said, pinning a rose onto my lapel. “All set now.”

  The five of us walked outside and I made the announcement.

  “I’m more than happy you all could join us for this trip, but especially so because Sylvie and I have decided to get married.”

  Both the dads were stunned. Mom was too. Everyone else clapped. The minister walked to the rail of the deck, and we followed.

  He performed a simple ceremony. When it came time to exchange vows and rings, I pulled out Sylvie’s, and her brows shot up. She was still shocked over the diamond ring I’d given her, but her wedding band was an eternity ring of diamonds.

  As I slipped it on, I said, “This ring represents eternity. For the present, and the future. You’re my forever love.”

  Her cheeks glistened with tears. She took the ring I handed to her and said the same words. I didn’t expect any others. I’d already surprised her enough.

  “You may kiss the bride.”

  I’d been waiting a long time to hear those words and I took advantage of them.

  Soon, the clapping began, and we faced our guests. Rose handed Sylvie her bouquet back and she held it in the air and let out the biggest, “WHOOP!”

  The dads came up to us then. John picked Sylvie up and twirled her around while my dad said, “Son, you make a father proud.”

  “Dad, I have a secret to share. I would’ve married her long ago, but she wanted to wait… to be sure we were truly meant for each other.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me that?”

  “It didn’t matter. I knew it and that’s all I cared about.”

  “I’m glad you found your other half. Life is so much better that way.” />
  “Don’t I know.”

  Dad went to find Mom, and Sylvie and I hugged and kissed all the family members here. Then it was time to celebrate. I could tell something was up though, so I asked, “What is it?”

  “I wish Mom had been here.”

  “I’m pretty sure she was. I haven’t seen your dad smile so much other than the day our kids were born.”

  “He told me that he was glad I found my other half in you.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yeah.”

  “That’s the exact thing my dad told me.”

  “I guess we have great dads then.”

  “I know I have a great wife.”

  “And I have a great husband.”

  The celebration wore on while Sylvie and I watched the sun set over the mountains. There was a chill in the air, so she’d put on a sweater to keep warm.

  “I couldn’t imagine this if I hadn’t seen it myself. This is really the perfect wedding spot. And thank you for having a photographer here.”

  “We couldn’t possibly get married without one, could we?”

  “Memories are the best. When we’re old and gray one day, we’ll show the kids how sexy their dad looked when we tied the knot.”

  “Not to mention they have the most beautiful mother in the world.”

  “I love you, my sweet talking husband.”

  “My words are the truth.”

  We snuck away from the reception as soon as it got dark and had our own party in our room. We celebrated the way the naughty duke would. I bought all sorts of wedding night toys for my bride. She loved every one of them, but kept reminding me it was the raunchy duke, not the naughty one. I reminded her she had a horny husband now so she could forget about that duke, whatever he was. I was going to start pulling all kinds of surprises on her.

  She got a wicked gleam in her eye and it was game on. If she thought one indecent night was bad, wait until this one was over. She may even get that clit flogging after all.

  Epilogue

  Piper

  The whole crew left for the airport to get me there on time for my flight from Vail to Denver. My connection to London was leaving from there. Evan had been kind enough to fly me first class, so I’d have a bed on the way.