by Mia Ford
“I really wanted to be here on time so I’m really sorry, I feel so…”
It takes her a couple of moments because she’s so busy trying to spit out her apology, but when she does she steps back slowly, her breaths coming out ragged and shocked. I’m so pleased by her reaction, this is why I saved it. I’ve ben so excited to get to this place, this is why I waited and didn’t say anything sooner.
“Is this… are you…?” Her hand claps to her mouth in shock. “Are you serious? Is this really happening?” I nod slowly while biting down on my bottom lip to keep my joy inside. “This must be a surprise…”
“Yeah, major shock.” I cup my hand under my swollen belly, loving the hard roundness there. “I wasn’t expecting it at all. It wasn’t planned, we weren’t even talking about it, especially not while travelling the world, but we’re really glad now, aren’t we?” I smile at Logan who nods eagerly. “It’s a good surprise.”
“You seem to be quite far along.” Katherine rubs my stomach some more. “Is it from before?”
Admittedly, I couldn’t have thought that same thing since it wasn’t just while we were away that we got caught up in the heat of the moment and contraception didn’t always come into play… but no.
“I had an ultra sound so I already know that I’m not too far along…” I giggle. “But it’s twins.”
“Twins?” Katherine looks blown away. She darts here eyes between us both. “You cannot be serious.”
“I am, and honestly, stop worrying, it’s going to be fine.” I give her a reassuring smile while resting my hand on her arm. “We aren’t worried, we’ve been preparing for this, we’re used to the idea now.”
“Well, I’m not.” She gulps loudly, swallowing down what sounds like a giant ball of fear. “Let me get used to it, okay? It might take some time. I wasn’t expecting you to come back with this surprise. Just a souvenir.” She glances down again. “How did you even find out? Did it not shock the crap out of you?”
“It did, of course it did. Especially as I wasn’t even sick, I barely had any early symptoms. Just a bit of stomach pain. It was Logan who suspected before me.” I grin at him. “He’s been great about it actually, really happy.”
I did think he’d be more freaked when I got that positive test, and even more so when we found out that it was going to be twins, because it’s going to put a halt to his plans to see the world. But he didn’t even consider it. He was simply happy from the start, infectiously so, bringing me along with him. I haven’t had a moment to fear the future because he’s made me so damn happy about it. this is why I love him so much. He’s amazing.
“The babies aren’t coming to live with us, are they?” Al looks shell shocked. “I don’t know if I can cope with two screaming kids all night long. I need my beauty sleep, you know, for work and that.”
“Don’t worry,” Logan laughs. “I won’t be cramping your bachelor style. We’ll move out. We’ll have to get our own place because we’re going to need the room. There will be four of us.”
“Four of you…” Alistair’s face actually pales at the idea. Clearly, he’s not pleased. “Woah. That’s heavy… I mean, really heavy. Do you know what you’re getting yourself in for? Two kids… two!”
“I know,” Logan laughs. “But it’s fine. It’s also going to be awesome. I’m going to have a family. I’m going to be a dad. It’s scary, but in the best way. Don’t look at me like that, Al, it’s fine. Honest.”
“Come on, let’s go out to celebrate.” I flick my eyes between a very shocked couple of people. “This is good news, honestly, we’re really happy about it. I know it’s a shock but it’ll be fine. Also, we still need to tell you about our trip, don’t forget we have all that news to share. And we want to hear about you too. What have you been up to over the last six months? There must be some gossip to share and I want to hear it all.”
“Not as much as you, obviously.” Katherine shakes her head. “I don’t think I can have anything to share that’s as big as your news. I’m still just… I’m a bit speechless about it all… pregnant. Twins. All of it.”
I cup my belly again and smile at Logan who’s pretty much remained silent through it all. I know that he’s a bit nervous about all of this, I suppose I am too, but it’s going to be awesome, we both know it. We’ve been through enough to get through any life hurdle, and that includes this one. Babies will be no trouble. Well, I don’t want to say no trouble, that’s just asking for it, but I’m not worried.
Coming back home is strange, it isn’t like I thought it would be, but that’s because my life is in a completely different place. I always assumed that it would be back to normal life but this is anything but. It’s a brand new adventure. One that we’re going to tackle hand in hand together.
29
Logan
I keep darting my eyes towards Al as I scroll through the pictures on my phone. He’s taking it well at the moment, but I’m not sure if he’s burying his real feelings deep down or not. He’s been hard to read ever since me and Tamara got back from our trip. I’m not sure if that’s because he’s more closed off or because I’ve spent some time apart and I’m not longer used to him. But it’s okay, we’ll stay friends through everything.
“So, this is your new place.” Al nods slowly. “It’s nice. Plenty of room, that’s for sure. I like the kitchen, that’s massive. The bedrooms too. You won’t know what to do with all that room. You have no stuff.”
“It might not feel that way when the babies come,” I reply wryly. “I’m sure they’ll take up lots of room.”
“I still can’t believe that you’ve grown up enough to have kids. It seems nuts! When did that happen?”
Al gives me a strange look, almost as if he’s trying to size me up. He hardly recognizes me anymore, but I can understand that because I don’t know myself. I’ve changed completely, I’ve really grown into the person I was always supposed to be. And there’s only one person who is responsible for that. Ever since that moment on the train, I’ve began growing into a more well rounded version of me. I love that about her.
“It sounds soppy, but the moment I met Tamara. That’s when it happened. She changed me.”
I prepare myself from an onslaught of jokes, but somehow, they don’t come my way. Al is actually nodding thoughtfully as if this is actually something that he’s considering. It’s weird to see him pensive, especially when it comes to relationships, but I suppose we all have to grow up at some point. Maybe this is time for him.
“When do you move in?” He hands me back my phone and smiles, managing to look happy for me. “It’s all gone through now, hasn’t it? Have you got a date set out? Contracts all signed, that sort of thing?”
“In the next few weeks. It might take a little while for us to get all sorted, but it won’t be long.” I dart my eyes towards my bedroom, wondering what will happen there. It’ll take a while for me to get used to someone else living in there, I’ve been there for such a long time. It’ll be weird to visit and know that there’s a whole other life going on between those four walls. “Have you thought about another roommate?”
“I don’t know.” He shrugs. “I don’t really need one, I can afford this place on my own if I want to so I might just do that for a while. It’ll be nice to have my own space once I get your smelly ass out of here.”
I laugh and punch him in the arm. “Me? Oh my God, you’re a freaking nightmare. I have been the model roommate compared to you, I can’t even begin to list all the things you’ve driven me crazy with.”
But we do share a look filled with all the memories we’ve shared here. I’m determined not to let our friendship fade away. Yes, my life is completely changing but I’ll always make time for him. Just like Tamara will always make time for Katherine. They are friendships that we cannot let go no matter what.
“Well, at least I’ll have somewhere to crash when the babies are a nightmare,” I tease. “When I need a break from the crying. We can go out for drinks
or something and come back here. If you don’t have a woman…”
“So, what’s going to happen with you and Tamara? Are you going to put a ring on it?”
At the mere mention of Al’s previous playboy lifestyle, he changes the subject. I have noticed that he hasn’t been out every single night and I haven’t had to listen to him with other women either. It’s odd, but progress I suppose. I can’t push him though, he’ll talk to me whenever he’s ready to. Maybe he’s met someone…
“I am, as it happens. I was going to head out to buy a ring today. Will you help me?”
“Me?” He widens his eyes in shock. “I’m honored, but wouldn’t Katherine be better for that?”
Oops, now is the time to confess something that he might not like. I bite down guiltily on my bottom lip before I begin speaking. But at least I have something to soften the blow… or so I hope.
“I have asked Katherine as well, but since you’re going to be my best man, I want your advice too.”
His face blushes with pride, I can see it bristling under his skin, but of course, he can’t just give me a sentimental comment about that, not that I would ever expect it. “Presuming she says yes.”
“Oh yeah… good point. I suppose she’ll have to though since she’s pregnant. She’s stuck with me now.”
“Ah wise… you locked her down to get the guaranteed yes. Now I can understand what your plan is. I did wonder if you had your head screwed on for a while, but now it’s all very clear.”
My cell phone blasts out and I spot Katherine’s name on the screen. “Right, we’re already running late. I think Katherine’s outside so let’s get going.” I shoot him a warning stare. “Be nice, okay?”
“I am nice… why don’t you ever tell Katherine to be nice? She’s the one who hates me.”
I roll my eyes, not too pleased about the parenting practice. It cannot be like this all day long.
“I just cannot deal with bitching today, it isn’t what I need, so just keep your opinions to yourself.”
“Mate, you have no idea how hard that’s going to be, but I’ll do it for you.” He pats me on the shoulder. “Just because you’re growing up and you’re becoming a real man. I have to support that, I suppose.”
“You’re going to be fine,” Katherine reassures me while straightening my tie. “You look good. You know what you’re doing. You have it all worked out. It’s going to be fine, just calm down.”
I try to get my breathing steady but it isn’t the easiest thing to do. My heart is racing, it’s spiraling out of control, I don’t know if I can do this after all. I haven’t ever been so nervous in my life.
“Mate, don’t forget, we’ve talked about this. It’s a guaranteed yes!”
“Thank you, Al,” I chuckle. “That is surprisingly helpful.”
“Well good, because she’s going to be here in a moment so it’s time to get your ass in gear.”
“Oh my God, what are you guys going to do? I thought you were going to leave.”
“We’ll hide in my room,” Al reassures me. “We want to watch it happen. You can’t turn us away now.”
I nod because I don’t have any choice. If Tamara is almost here then I need to get them away quick. I suppose they also deserve to listen in after all that they’ve been through with us. Then I’ll also have back up if I fail really hard which I still fear I might. I’ve practiced like nuts, but my brain is foggy and blank.
“Okay, get out of here now and keep quiet. At least until I’ve got it all out.”
They scurry off and I check my reflection in the mirror for just a couple of seconds longer. I suppose I look okay, aside from the obvious anxiety darting behind my eyes and the perspiration popping on my forehead. I wipe it off but it’ll only come back, there’s nothing I can do about that.
It’s going to be fine. I wrap my fingers around the ring box in my pocket. It’ll be okay.
I jump as a rapping sound knocks at the door. “Hey, it’s Tamara, can I come in?”
I glance around the room, checking everything is in place. The dinner is on the table, the candle light is flickering, the balloons are flying high above the chairs, the odd trinkets from our travels dot around the room as little reminders. It’s just as sweet and intimate as I planned. I just hope the rest of it goes as I want it to!
“I’m coming, hold on a moment.” I move to the door and swing it open. “Hi, Tamara.”
Wow… even with her pregnancy bump she manages to look glamorous and stunning. She has tight fitting leggings on and a baggy tee shirt which hangs low. Her hair is glossy and hanging around her natural face which makes me smile. She’s the most beautiful mother to be that I’ve ever seen in my life.
“Ooh, something smells good, are you cooking?” She moves past me before spinning back quick. “Woah, what’s going on with you? You’re all, like, dressed up and stuff. I look half homeless.”
“No, you don’t.” I don’t want her to guess right away. “Come with me.”
She follows me into the room that I’ve set up for us, but she doesn’t immediately rejoice. Her face pales and she looks stunned. “What is going on here, Logan? I’m freaked out.”
I watch her clutch onto her belly like she does every time she’s in fear. This isn’t what I planned, I didn’t want to do it right away, but I suppose I can change that if it helps her to relax. I almost forgot that she’s a little more highly strung than usual because of all the crazy pregnancy hormones.
I grab onto her hands and give her a soft smile. Then I drop rapidly to one knee and tug the ring box out of my pocket. As I show it to Tamara she gasps. I thought she was expecting this but clearly not.
“Tamara Owen, you have completely transformed my life. In the best way possible. The day I first laid eyes on you, even if it ended up with you yelling at me, was the best of my whole life. Something shifted inside of me and I just knew that you were different. Maybe I didn’t know how much of a change it’d be, I never knew how deeply I would end up falling in love with you, but I’m over the moon with how things turned out. You came around the world with me, we had the most amazing adventure, and now we’re about to embark on something new.” I rest my hand on her belly. “We’re going to be parents… to twins, none the less. Obviously, we can’t do things by halves.” We share a little laugh. “I want you to be my wife for it. I want our love to be solidified and for us to be the full family unit. So, will you make me the happiest man alive and agree to be my wife?”
“Oh my God.” She smiles and tears fill her eyes. “Of course I will, I’d love nothing more.”
“Oh, thank God.” I jump up and kiss her hard while sliding the ring onto her finger. We’re going to be husband and wife. That’s the best news ever, I’m so happy you said yes!”
“Did you honestly think that I wouldn’t?” She wiggles her eyebrows. “Come on, you knocked me up.”
We can’t share the moment alone for too long because Al and Katherine whoop loudly and burst from his room to hug us both. Tamara doesn’t even look surprised, almost as if she knew that they were here.
“You’re getting married!” Katherine screams while embracing her friend as tightly as she can considering the large bump between them both. “I can’t wait for it! It’s going to be amazing. I’m a bridesmaid, right?”
“Yeah… but not until these babies are born. I refuse to waddle down the aisle. And you are maid of honor, of course you are, you nutter. It’s going to be the best wedding ever.”
30
Tamara
I twiddle the engagement ring around my finger, staring at the diamond with a smile. I absolutely love this ring and the fact that Logan chose this for me - although he admits he had a little help - means the world. Even though we’re having children I didn’t think marriage was on the horizon. But I’m so glad that it is.
“How are you feeling today?” Logan asks with a smile. “You look as lovely as ever.”
I clutch onto my stomach as another twinge races
through me but I try not to let it show. The closer it gets to my due date, the more freaked out he becomes. I don’t want to wind him up further by making it worse. As soon as I tell him that I feel anything he’ll have me rushing to the hospital at the speed of light. I don’t want to get there until really necessary, the less time I have to spend in a hospital building the better. I’ve never been a fan.
“Are you okay?” I guess I didn’t hide it as well as I wanted to. “Are you in pain? Can I do anything?”
“No, no.” I wince through it. “I’m fine. Nothing to worry about. I’d like some coffee though.”
“Coffee? Should you have coffee?” I give him a look. I think he’s taking the pregnancy rules too seriously. As far as I’m concerned, a little bit of caffeine can’t possibly hurt. “Okay, sure I’ll make you one.”
He pours me a drink while constantly darting his eyes back to me. I have another wave of pain but I don’t grip onto myself just yet. I grit my teeth as hard as I can and I keep the scream inside. I’ll admit, it’s starting to get worse, I think I might be getting a little bit nearer, but there’s still time. I just need to hold it together…
“Argh!” The guttural noise bursts free from me before I can even think about it. “Oh my God.”
“I knew it.” Logan has his arms around me in an instant. “I knew that you were suffering. What is it? Is this a contraction? Do we need to get in the car because it can take a bit to get to the hospital?”
The idea of giving birth to my babies in the car with an over panicked Logan delivering them is too much to bear and I force myself into a standing position. He’ll never be able to cope without a medical professional telling him what to do so I suppose I’m going to have to suck it up and get to the hospital.
“Yeah, okay.” I pant heavily, still trying to hide how much it hurts. “Let’s get going. It can’t hurt.”
I waddle over to the front door with Logan close behind me. I can almost feel the nerves bouncing and darting through his body, he can hardly keep still with a fearful anticipation. If he keeps this up he’s going to drive me insane. I need him to be calm. I need to keep calm myself as well. Any stress is bad for the babies.
