“But we just got here.”
“And they’re sleeping,” her mom chimes in. “You’ll just be down the hall. We’ll come and get you if anything changes.” She looks over at my mom and smiles. “We’ll take good care of them. Besides, you need to rest while you have the help,” she says gently.
“They’re my babies,” Reagan grumbles.
“We know that,” my mom agrees with her. “You’re an amazing mother, Reagan. You’ve had a rough few months, and your body needs time to heal. These little guys are going to need you rested. Especially for their first night home. Let us help you.”
“Come on, baby.” I lace her fingers with mine. “A hot shower and our own bed for a couple of hours are exactly what we need. Besides, you think we’re getting the boys away from them anytime soon?” I ask her.
“I guess you’re right.”
“These little guys will be up a lot tonight, I’m sure. So, rest now. That way tonight you won’t be completely drained,” Mom tells her.
“Thank you,” Reagan says, tears shimmering.
“Oh, sweetheart, that’s what families are for,” Mom says. I give her a grateful smile before leading my wife down the hall.
“Shower or sleep?” I ask once we are in our room.
“Sleep,” she says over a yawn, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.
Crouching down, I remove her shoes one at a time, setting them under the bed. “Good call,” I say as I stand. I feel as though I could sleep for a week, so God knows how she’s truly feeling. I pull back the covers, and she settles in. When she’s comfortable, I kiss the corner of her mouth and then kick my own shoes off, moving them out of the way, and climbing in beside her. She’s still sore, so I carefully snuggle up next to her, kissing her shoulder.
“How are we going to do this, Ty? We’re exhausted and we only just got home from the hospital.” Worry stains her voice as it cracks.
“You’re still recovering,” I remind her. “And we need to settle into a routine of life with twins. We’ll get there. We’re going to take it one day at a time.”
“I’m glad it was you,” she says groggily.
“Glad it was me what?”
“Who stole my heart. I’m glad it was you,” she says, causing my heart to trip over in my chest. “This life,” she murmurs, her eyes closed. “I’m glad it’s ours.”
I place a tender kiss on her temple and settle back in beside her. I start to wonder if I should go check on the boys before I fall asleep, but I know they’re in good hands. Instead, I lie next to my wife, like her so thankful it was Reagan who stole my heart as well.
Chapter 23
Reagan
* * *
My eyes flutter open, and I’m staring at an empty bed. Reaching over, I can feel the sheets are cold. That tells me Ty’s been up for a while. Carefully, I climb out of bed and go in search of my family. What I find melts my heart. Tyler is sitting on the couch, a baby in each arm. He’s looking down at them with so much love in his eyes.
“Hey,” I whisper, not wanting to wake the babies.
“There’s Mommy,” he whispers to our slumbering boys. “How you feeling?”
“Rested. Thank you. You should have woken me up.”
“Not a chance. Besides, our moms are still here.” He motions his head toward the kitchen. “They’re in there doing… honestly, I’m not sure what they’re doing. I made them give up the boys and then they disappeared.”
“They’re trying to be here if we need them but not be in the way.” I smile at that. Our mothers, our parents actually, are the best. We’re so lucky to have their support. I make my way to the couch and sit next to him. “How are they doing?”
“Perfect.” He leans over, and I meet him halfway, giving him a kiss. “Here.” He lifts his arm, and hands me Benjamin.
“Hi there,” I greet my son. He continues to sleep with not a care in the world.
“There she is,” Mom says, followed by Helen as they join us. “Rested?” she asks me.
“Yes. Thank you both for everything.”
They both nod. “Now,” Helen says. “Give us the babies. There’s a hot meal ready for you in the kitchen. There’s also a pan of baked spaghetti in the refrigerator for tomorrow.”
Helen takes Benjamin from me while Mom takes Beckett from Tyler. He helps me from the couch, and we do as we’re told. Dinner is delicious, and after the long nap I took, I feel ready to take on the world. Well, not really, but close enough. I feel human again. I’m still moving slowly and am sore, obviously, but my spirits are high.
“It’s just the four of us,” Tyler says once our mothers leave. We had to practically push them out the door with the promise that we will call if we need anything. They both assured us they’ll be back tomorrow.
“This is our new normal.”
“Until the next one.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Already thinking about more?”
He shrugs. “We’re good at it.” He motions to Benjamin who’s in his arms.
“Yeah, I’d say we’re pretty good at it.” Beckett stirs in my arms. “It’s time to eat for these little guys,” I say, staring down in wonder at my son.
“I’ll go make the bottles.” He carefully places Benjamin in my other arm and dashes off toward the kitchen.
We feed the boys, change their diapers, and put them in their bassinets in our room. Tyler and I, although we napped, go to bed as well. We know it’s only going to be just a couple of hours before we’re up again for more feedings and diaper changes. Some parents might find that irritating, and I’ve heard stories of men who don’t help. I’m fortunate Tyler has been there every step of the way. Diapers, feedings, you name it. I didn’t think it was possible, but it’s made me fall even more in love with him.
“I should call Ridge and tell him I need more time,” Tyler says as he feeds Beckett.
It’s been over a week since the twins were born and it’s time for him to head back to work. He took off a week and a half with us. And although I’d love to have him here with us all day long, I know that’s not possible. I’m taking extra time off, but plan on still taking care of ordering and payroll, those types of things at the salon. We’ve yet to decide if I’m going to go back full-time, part-time, or not at all, and instead just continue to run things behind the scenes. Only time will tell.
“Tyler, I’ll be fine. I can call you or our mothers if I need anything. We have to pay for this house,” I remind him with a small smile.
“I hate leaving the three of you.”
“Benjamin, tell Daddy he needs to go to work.” I hide the fact that I’m a little worried about being with the boys all day by myself, but this is us. This is our life, and I need to suck it up and be a mom. And should I get in over my head, I know my mom and mother-in-law are just a phone call away. My sister-in-law is a pediatric nurse, so we also have connections.
Everything will be fine.
“If they do something cute, you have to record it or take a picture or something,” he rambles, not taking his eyes off Beckett.
“I promise. Now hand him over, or you’re going to be late.” I give him a reassuring smile.
“Damn,” he mutters. “I didn’t think it would be this hard.”
“Yeah, I’m not looking forward to leaving them one day.”
“You don’t have to,” he reminds me.