Epilogue

A dull rippleof pain through my abdomen wakes me. Eyes snapping open, I place a hand on my stomach and receive a sharp kick in response.

What was that?

For a second, I lie there, trying to work out what is happening. There's wetness between my legs and beneath me on the sheets.

Oh god, it"s time.

"Eli." My free hand gropes across the mattress to the man beside me. "My water broke."

"Hmm?"

"The babies. Eli, the babies are coming."

"What?" Confused green eyes meet mine.

I squeeze his arm. "We need to get to the hospital now."

My words sink in, and he snaps fully awake. "Fuck."

Carefully, I push back the covers and edge myself off the mattress.

"Wait." Eli leaps off the bed and rushes to join me. "Let me help you."

Everything has been packed and ready for days—all I need to do is get dressed. He's gone over the plan to get me to the hospital multiple times over the past few weeks. I'm pretty sure he's driven our staff crazy with all his fussing and preparations.

He helps me into my clothes with strong, capable hands and eases my sneakers onto my feet, then takes my hand and helps me up.

"Let's go."

Another wave of pain washes over me, and I cling to his arm until it fades.

"You've got to get dressed first. I don't think they'll let you into the hospital naked."

"Fuck." He scowls down at his body. "Hold on, Kitten."

"I'm holding."

Letting me go, he grabs the clothes he discarded on the floor last night.

"I don't think they want to wait any longer." I give him a tight smile.

He shoves his legs into his jeans, not bothering with underwear. "Just until we get to the hospital."

"You want to tell them that?"

Eli pulls a t-shirt over his head and then bends to kiss my stomach.

"While we can't wait to meet you guys, you have to be patient. Like your mom. I'm not in the least bit patient. Don't take your cues from me, kids."

The seriousness of his tone makes me laugh.

"Oh my god!" Another painful contraction hits me. "Hurry up."

He grins and grabs his sneakers. "Let's go, Mrs. Travers."

I cup his jaw, stopping him as he turns to the door so I can kiss him. "I love you, Mr. Travers."

His arm wraps around me. "Let's get these little monsters to the hospital before you deliver them on our bedroom floor."

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