Chapter 21 - Ari

That paternal instinct was deeply ingrained in me, and with the exciting news, it was all coming back to me again like not a day had passed since the last diaper I changed, or the last bottle I fed.

Even if I knew the pregnancy was very real and it was something we had to prepare for, it almost felt too good to be true. But the test was proven to be correct as we stood in the clinic and that cold gel was spread across her belly.

I stood by Vivian's side and held her hand as the scan was underway, letting her know I'd be there through it all. It was her first visit, and the first time we were getting confirmation since Vivian told me. We had both been excited yet nervous about the appointment, but at that moment, all worry faded immediately.

The technician ran us through everything as she got to it, pressing the transducer against her lower belly and searching for our baby.

As a first-time father, it was a lot to digest, but I did my best to take it in. I was far too excited about it all to miss out on even a second.

It was an impossible thing to fathom.

I had wanted to be a father for years, and to have the pleasure of being called Dad by my little one. I wanted to know what it was like to grow my family and to take pride in knowing I was furthering the Levov name.

For the longest time, it felt like a fantasy. I didn't think I'd be able to find a woman who could look past my hard exterior to get to that place. I assumed my work would be too much, and I'd never have the time to develop that deep of a connection with anyone.

I hadn't been sure I was a man anyone could love, but knowing I was changed everything for me. Even if our marriage didn't start in the best way, and we had more than enough ups and downs in a short amount of time, everything had me feeling optimistic about us lately. We were on the right path, and I did not doubt that.

We made good strides to better understand each other, and we were developing more trust with every passing day. We cared about each other more than I thought possible, and I was beyond grateful for it.

Plus, with the baby on the way offering us another way to connect, I was sure everything would be fine.

"Alright Vivian, so far I can see one embryonic sac," the technician said as she looked closer until her brows went up, and there was a sudden lift to her voice. "Oh. It seems we have a bit of a surprise today."

"What's that?" I asked, pointing at a second lump on the screen ahead of us.

"That's the second sac for your second baby," she said, trying to hold back her lighthearted amusement. "Congrats, you're having twins!"

Immediately, I looked over at Vivian to catch her shared surprise, and neither of us could say anything at first. Facing the screen again, I couldn't believe it.

I swallowed hard as the thought hit me. "You're…you're sure?"

"See right there? That's the second embryo. I'm as sure as can be," the technician confirmed, suppressing her chuckle at our shock. "I'm sure this is a lot to digest right now, but both fetuses are looking great. So far, everything is as it should be."

I almost didn't know how to feel as I considered how much extra responsibility another child was, but at the same time, even more pride swelled within me.

The thought of being a parent to two babies at once was intimidating, but I did take care of Kir and Lara when they were both under two, and I somehow managed it then. I had the feeling I'd be able to slip back into that role just as easily.

At this point in my life, I was much better equipped to handle twins, and even if things became difficult to juggle, there were two of us, and I had the resources to hire a trusted nanny. Plus, I had more than enough family in the area who would be more than willing to do some babysitting on the side.

I only hoped Vivian could trust me with such a big step in our lives and wouldn't feel too overwhelmed by the revelation. I could tell she was nervous when I looked over at her, but when I smiled, accepting the news, she relaxed somewhat. I gave her hand an encouraging squeeze.

"The more the merrier," I said, glancing back at the screen to watch as our growing children wriggled within their warm, temporary home. It brought tears to my eyes knowing we'd get to meet them in a few months, and our lives would be completely different.

***

As the appointment wrapped up and we were on our way out, I made sure to walk with a hand against her hip, letting Vivian know I was content with the appointment and everything going on.

Ever since she shared with me how she had been afraid to tell me about the pregnancy in the first place, I made a concerted effort to be more supportive than angry or demanding. I didn't want Vivian to think I only knew how to respond with those intense and demanding emotions.

I wanted her to trust me with everything, and to know she could come to me about anything. Even with the difficult things.

"That was certainly a surprise," I said as I unlocked the car and opened her door for her.

Vivian pulled a smile for me and climbed in. "I wasn't expecting it at all."

Once I closed the door and climbed in on my side, I added, "This is something we should celebrate. I think we should take the family out for dinner this weekend and share the news with them. They'll be elated."

"That sounds very nice," she agreed, looking down at the scan prints of our growing children.

Before I could pull away, I sent a quick text out to Ben to let him and the others know about the plans and made a mental note to schedule us in somewhere we all liked.

Bringing the car to life, I drove out of the parking lot, smiling faintly as the idea of twins started sounding exciting to me. I was in a good headspace about it, lost in thought of how everything might pan out.

But as we went and the radio played quietly, I noticed Vivian wasn't saying much from the passenger seat.

She was busy looking at the scan, and from my side, I couldn't tell what she was thinking. She seemed to be lost in her head, and I couldn't blame her. It was a big adjustment compared to what we were expecting, and I could only imagine how she was feeling about it.

As subtly as I could, I placed my free hand on her leg and carefully caressed the spot with my thumb.

When she looked over at me, I smiled at her. "I'm glad everything went well and that they're happy and healthy. You're doing wonderfully."

I caught the faintest glimpse of sadness in her eyes until those words settled in, and she gave another faint grin before returning her attention to the picture.

Even if she was feeling unsure about it all, I didn't want her to think I was anything but supportive and happy about the news. Knowing she came from a house that didn't offer her much warmth or attention, I wanted to show her the opposite.

I wanted her to feel every ounce of appreciation I had for her.

When we eventually arrived at the house and Benedikt got back to me about the plans saying everyone was available to attend, I called up my restaurant of choice and made sure the reservations were set.

Since I knew the owner, I could've walked straight in and he would've cleared a table for us if necessary, but I was in a good mood and I didn't want to ruin anyone else's weekend.

Walking into the bedroom to get ready for work, I was surprised to find Vivian sitting on the end of the bed with the scan in her hands still, with tears in her eyes as she sniffled.

Immediately, concern knitted itself within me, and I made an effort to soften my voice as I entered the room.

"Vivian?" I asked, approaching with careful steps.

Aware that I knew she was crying, Vivian didn't bother to hide it. Instead, she put the scan in her lap and rubbed at her eyes. "I'm fine…"

"I can see otherwise," I murmured, kneeling in front of her so that she had no choice but to face me. "What's bothering you, sweetheart?"

At the question, those tears surged even harder, and she pulled in a shaky breath. "I'm scared, Ari…Having one baby was nerve-wracking enough, but two?"

Better understanding where she was coming from, I reached for both of her hands and collected them in mine, silently appreciating how much smaller hers looked in comparison.

"I know this is a lot, and neither of us were expecting to learn we're having twins, but everything will work out," I said, doing my best to soothe her worries. "They'll be a handful, but I'm not going anywhere. If you need anything, I'll drop everything else to help you. We'll get as much help as we need, and I'll do whatever is necessary for you and the babies. I'll be by your side through all of it."

Vivian met my gaze as her eyes softened, and despite her tears, I thought she looked beautiful. "You're not worried about what it might do to us?"

I shook my head with resolve. "Not at all. The twins won't tear us apart, Vivian. They're a significant reason for us to work together and act like the partners we are. I want this family with you, and I know they're going to be perfect."

While she continued to cry, there was a notable shift from fear to relief, and she did her best to rein it in.

"Be as nervous as you need to be, but just know I'm here every step of the way," I reminded her, giving her hands a loving squeeze before I got up and sat beside her instead. "Can you remember that for me?"

"Of course," she murmured, leaning on me for support as she wiped her eyes.

Wrapping my arms around her, I held Vivian close and offered as much support as I possessed. I felt at ease as she returned the embrace, letting me know the words of encouragement helped.

"Sorry for crying so much," she added with a small laugh. "The baby hormones aren't helping."

"There's no need to apologize," I hummed, gently rubbing her back as she calmed down again. "Your body is doing such an impressive thing. You deserve all the slack and grace you need."

"Thanks, Ari," she mumbled, pulling back just enough to look up at me through her lashes, dark from the dampness. "I'm glad this is happening with you. I feel so lucky."

My heart swelled at her words, and I cupped her cheek with my free hand. "I'm the lucky one here."

As she smiled at me, I couldn't help the craving to kiss her. There was something so magnetic and alluring about her that was hard to resist.

Leaning in, I pressed my lips against hers and felt as we both melted at once, soaking in the mutual affection.

I didn't feel any need to worry—not when things between us were better than they ever had been.