“Oh, Rach, did you happen to organise that appointment for me this afternoon?”

Rachel looks to balk for a minute, unsure of what Corban is on about, but then she clicks. “Yep, all booked in and ready to go.” She gives me a wicked smile.

What is all that about?

“Did I miss one of your appointments?” I’m a little worried I’ve slipped up now.

“No, beautiful. I had an early phone call this morning while you were in the bathroom and I asked Rachel to take care of it.”

“Ah, all right. I’m feeling pretty useless lately, sorry.”

“It’s fine,” he assures me with another kiss to my forehead this time. His public displays of affection recently have increased, especially in the office. I think everyone now knows he’s dating me. Yes, I do get the death glares from girls, but hey, he loves me. I couldn’t give a stuff about what those other people think. I’m glad he pushed aside his stupid rule and gave us a chance because I love being with him all the time. Once I have these babies, I’m sure he won’t let me come back to work, not ever, or at least until the children are much older. By then he might want another baby, so I guess it’s just a wait and see thing.

“Well, we better go, and I’ll drop you back here once we’ve finished.”

After waiting for what seemed like forever, I finally got my cast removed. The hair on my arm looks blacker than normal and it kind of smells a bit funky. I’m looking forward to a good hot soak in the bath tonight. We’re here now in the doctor’s waiting room anxiously waiting to see our little peanuts. My heart’s pounding in my chest. I just want to know that they’re okay and growing.

Corban takes my hand, sensing my anxiousness. I’m sure he’s probably feeling how I am. He is such an incredible support to me. I couldn’t have made it through all this crap with Jacob on my own. I couldn’t be happier that I’ve met the man of my dreams and now, unexpectedly, we are starting our own little family and my sister is actually here and our kids can grow up together.

“Good Afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews,” the doctor announces his arrival and once again we are mistaken for a married couple. It could be because the oldies like to think people get married before having babies. I notice Corban doesn’t correct him which causes a fluttering in my stomach.

One day it will happen.

We both greet the doctor. After first finding out we were expecting, Corban looked into the best physician with the help of his mother, of course. I can’t say I’m keen on a male other than Corban looking at my lady bits, but I’ve been told by Mum that when you’re giving birth, your dignity is left outside. Let’s just say I’m a little nervous now.

“How has everything been going?” he asks as he prepares the equipment.

“Pretty good, apart from the morning sickness. Hopefully, it goes away soon.”

“It will unless you’re one of the unlucky ones who get it through their whole pregnancy.”

That thought alone makes me want to cry. Throwing up daily for nine months would seriously suck. Definitely no more kids for me then.

“Oh, please, no,” I whine.

Corban gives a little laugh.

“Hey, buddy, it’s not you going through it all.” I smile.

“And I’m so glad it isn’t.”

We laugh.

“All right, let’s get a look at these babies. Lift your shirt a little. The gel might be cold, so I’m sorry about that.”

“That’s all right.” I do what he asks. As he puts the ultrasound wand on my abdomen, and I instantly hold my breath and wait. Seeing the two little peanuts brings the biggest smile to my face. My chest fills with such emotion; these are my babies. I don’t even know them yet, but I already feel a connection to them both. My heart is full of love for them.

As the doctor moves the wand around, I can see that they’ve already taken the shape of little people. He shows me their tiny fluttering heartbeats on the screen and lets me listen to each one. It’s a new song to my soul. I’m sure nothing could wipe the smile off my face. Corban’s face is identical to mine. He hasn’t let go of my hand once and has been gently placing kisses across the back of my hand. So much love is within us and between us.

After all the checks have been done, the doctor prints out a picture of each of the babies for us. We thank him and leave hand in hand.

“How perfect are they? I can’t believe we’re going to be parents,” Corban says excitedly. He picks me up around the waist, spinning us around, his excitement shines through. He will be the perfect dad for our peanuts.

“I know. It’s amazing!” The enjoyment in his voice as he grips the pictures in his hand, his eyes beaming with excitement as he stares down at his babies.

After grabbing a bite to eat, Corban heads out of his office for a meeting, and I go back to the office to finish up some things to prepare for the weekend.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Melodi

When five o’clock rolls around, I’m thoroughly exhausted. Walking out of the office I spot Jonas waiting for me.

“Hey, Jonas. How are you?”

“Good. Thanks, Melodi. How was the rest of your day?”

“Good, but I’m feeling rather tired now.” I slide into the car and wait for him to hop in.

“Bet it feels great having your cast off?”

“Yeah, very much so. It’s good to have free movement once again.”

“I’m sure it is.” He smiles, looking through the rear-view mirror. He’s a lot chattier than what he normally is.

Once we arrive at the apartment complex, Jonas opens the door for me. As I climb out, I look up and see he’s magically got a bunch of bright red roses in one hand and a card in the other.

“Umm…what’s this?” I’m a little confused.

“You’ll find out. Take the card and read it.” He holds the card out to me and I’m a bit sceptical about the whole thing. I wonder how Jonas must be feeling. I take the card and open it.

My Beautiful Melodi,

You’re an amazing woman and I love you with everything I have to offer. Please take the flowers to the apartment and there you will find another card.

I love you.

Corban xx

      I can’t keep the grin from my face.

“Oh, thank you, Jonas! Tell me, what’s he got planned?” It’s as if I’m floating on cloud nine. I’m eager to what Corban has planned. This smile couldn’t be wiped off my face, not for anything.

“You’ll have to wait and see. He’d fire me if I told you.” He laughs. “You better go do what you’ve got to do.” He hands the roses over to me. I can’t help but smell them, taking in their beautiful scent.

I arrive at the apartment and walk in the door. I’m at a loss for words. There are candles placed around the entire room with a walkway of rose petals on the floor leading to our bedroom. Entering our room, a smile is plastered on my face with tears welling in my eyes. Corban has recreated what he did the day he gave me my promise ring which I wear every day. It’s never been removed since he placed it on my finger with a promise of another ring later. On the bed is a stunning blood red dress with a few Tiffany & Co boxes. I can’t help but release a tiny squeal of delight. On the dress is another card. I quickly pick it up and can’t help but touch the silky material of the dress. I open the card.

My Beautiful Momma-to-be,

I cannot wait to meet our beautiful babies. I love you so much.

Get dressed and go to the roof, there you will find your next card.

Corban xx

Excitement vibrates through me, I’m beyond excited. Corban has a way of making me feel special. He knows how to pick me up when I’m down and is always there when I need him to be. I race around getting myself ready. Not knowing what he has in store for me, but knowing he’s an old romantic at heart makes me want to dance around in happiness for our blessed future together.