Epilogue

EPILOGUE

MYLO

The contractions hit me like a freight train, sharp and fast, with no mercy in sight. I was gripping the edge of the kitchen counter, breathing through it like I'd practiced, but it wasn't making it any easier. My back felt like it was on fire, and my legs were shaky, like they were about to give out any second.

"You good, Mylo?" Sarah called over from the other side of the kitchen, her eyes already full of concern. She could always read me, even when I tried to hide it. But this was impossible to hide.

"Yeah, just…" I forced a smile, even though I could feel sweat beading along my forehead. "You know, maybe time for a little break."

Sarah's eyes widened. "Break?" Then she caught sight of my expression, the way my breath was hitching, and she moved towards me with a speed that made my head spin. "Okay, that's it. We're getting you out of here."

I didn't argue. I couldn't. Another contraction rolled through me, and I swore under my breath, feeling my knees threaten to buckle. Sarah's arm came around me, steadying me, and she shouted for someone to call Holden. Everything blurred together after that—people moving, Sarah's voice somewhere in the background, and the rush of air as I was guided out of the kitchen.

Holden showed up and the next thing I knew I was sitting in the back of his truck, gripping the seat for dear life, my face flushed from the effort of keeping myself upright. His eyes went wide when he saw me, a mix of fear and excitement flashing across his face.

"Mylo," he breathed, leaning in to press a kiss to my forehead. "You ready to do this?"

I let out a shaky laugh. "Do I have a choice?"

Holden grinned, his hand coming down to cover mine, his warmth steadying me. "Nope. We're doing this together."

The ride to the clinic felt like it took hours. Each bump in the road made me bite my lip, trying not to cry out. Holden kept one hand on mine, his thumb brushing over my knuckles, whispering words of encouragement that were drowned out by the thumping of my pulse in my ears.

When we finally made it to the clinic, Bishop was already there, waiting for us, his face serious but his eyes kind. He helped Holden get me out of the truck, guiding me through the doors, and I felt like I was walking through a dream—a mix of adrenaline and pain and fear all tangled together.

"We're right here," Holden said, his voice low in my ear as we entered the birthing room. "I've got you, Mylo. I'm not going anywhere."

I nodded, leaning into him as another contraction hit, my body trembling from the intensity of it. It felt like everything was moving too fast, and yet somehow too slow all at once. Bishop and Holden got me into position—squatting, just like I'd wanted. I couldn't stand the idea of lying on my back, feeling like I had no control. This way, I felt like I was doing something, even if every inch of me was screaming.

"Alright, Mylo," Bishop said, his voice calm and steady. "You're doing great. Just keep breathing, and when the next contraction comes, I want you to push, okay?"

I nodded, gritting my teeth as I felt the next wave building, my whole body tightening with it. Holden was right there, his hands on my shoulders, his forehead pressed to mine, whispering that I was strong, that I could do this, that he loved me. And that was all I needed—that connection, that reminder that I wasn't alone in this.

The pain was unlike anything I'd ever felt, but I pushed through it, my body trembling, my breath coming in short gasps. Holden's voice kept me anchored, his love steadying me when I thought I couldn't take anymore.

"You're almost there, Mylo," Bishop said, his voice a lifeline in the chaos. "You're doing it. Just a little more."

I squeezed Holden's hand, my nails digging into his skin, and I pushed with everything I had, feeling the pressure shift, the pain peaking and then… relief. A cry filled the room, and my heart skipped a beat, my breath catching in my throat.

"That's one," Bishop said, his voice filled with awe as he held up the tiny, squirming baby, his cries echoing through the room. Tears blurred my vision, and I looked at Holden, seeing the same wonder in his eyes.

"A boy," he whispered, his voice breaking. "We have a son, Mylo."

I barely had time to catch my breath before another contraction hit, and I knew we weren't done yet. The second twin was coming, and I braced myself, leaning into Holden as I pushed again, my body shaking from the effort.

We were both surprised when on our last ultrasound we saw that we were having twins but we couldn't be more ready or excited.

"You've got this," Holden murmured, his lips brushing against my temple. "Just one more, love. Just one more."

I nodded, focusing on his voice, on the warmth of his touch, and I pushed with everything I had left. The room blurred around me, the pain blinding, and then… another cry. Another tiny, perfect cry that made my heart swell, my chest tightening with emotion.

"And that's two," Bishop said, his smile wide as he held up the second baby. "Another boy."

I let out a sob, tears streaming down my face as I looked at Holden, my heart overflowing. "We did it," I whispered, my voice breaking. "We have two sons."

Holden's eyes were filled with tears, and he kissed me, his lips soft and gentle against mine. "You're amazing, Mylo," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you so damn much."

Bishop handed us the babies, and I held them close, my heart feeling like it might burst from how much I loved them already. They were so small, so perfect, their tiny hands curling around my fingers, their cries softening as they settled against my chest.

"What should we name them?" Holden asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he looked down at our sons.

I smiled, looking up at him, my heart full. "How about their middle names be, Brett and Rhett," I said, my voice steady. "After your dad and Hope's dad."

Holden's eyes shone with tears, and he nodded, his hand coming up to brush my hair back from my forehead. "They're perfect," he whispered, his voice full of love. "Just like you."

"We can pick their names later," I said tiredly.

Later, when we were settled in our room, the boys sleeping in our arms, Noah and Hope came by to see us. Hope's eyes lit up when she saw the twins, her smile wide as she leaned over to kiss my forehead.

"They're beautiful, Mylo," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "You did so good."

Noah grinned, looking between the twins and then at me, his eyes twinkling. "Well, looks like we're tied now," he said, nudging Hope playfully. "Guess we need to up production, huh?"

Hope rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling. "You're impossible, how about we get the first two out of diapers then we can talk," she muttered.

I laughed, looking at Holden, then down at our boys. "I think we're up for the challenge," I said teasingly.

There were days I still couldn't believe this was my life, because this—this was everything I'd ever wanted. A family. One that loved me, supported me, and made me feel like I truly belonged. And I didn't plan to take a single moment of it for granted.

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