Maddox sat by my side, his gaze locked on the machine as it had been from the moment it had been turned on, his hand over mine.
“Everything looks good.” Dr. Lee nodded. “Though there is something that was missed, not entirely surprising given how early you are in your pregnancy.”
Mad’s entire body stiffened like a board, and my heartbeat accelerated with worry. “What?” Mad demanded.
The doctor pointed to the screen, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “There are two heartbeats.”
For a moment time seemed to stand still as I tried to make sense of this news. “T-two babies?” I stuttered.
“Do twins run in your family?” he asked me kindly, obviously sensing I was in total shock.
I nodded. “My mother had a twin brother.” They hadn’t been close later in life and I’d never met him.
“Fraternal twins run in families,” Dr. Lee shared, something I’d been aware of but had never thought would apply to me. “And it could be contributing to your morning sickness, as your hormone levels are higher. The good news is that this will likely ease once you get out of the first trimester.”
I nodded, barely hearing what he said, still trying to grasp the fact that I was not only having one baby, but two.
I shot an incredulous look at Maddox, who had an ear-to-ear grin on his face. “You look pretty pleased with yourself,” I accused.
He looked over at me, his eyes shining. “’Course I’m pleased. I knocked you up twice on my first try.”
I rolled my eyes, my cheeks growing hot. “Might be your only try, you keep talkin’,” I muttered.
His chuckle proved he wasn’t the least put off by my warning. And really, who the hell was I kidding anyway? All the man had to do was touch me and I turned to a puddle of goo, and we both knew it.
Dr. Lee began putting the equipment away as Maddox helped me sit up. “You’ll want to make your first prenatal appointment with your doctor,” he instructed. “If you don’t have an OB yet, I have some doctors I can recommend.”
“Thanks, Doc,” Maddox replied. “We’ll be sure to follow up.”
“Congratulations again,” the doctor told me in parting.
I managed a wave, still fully in shock as he left the room.
Maddox didn’t hesitate in crawling up on the tiny bed and curling up beside me, his large hand splayed over my belly.
“Gonna build us a house,” he murmured. “One big enough to fill with kids.”
“Two isn’t enough?” I sputtered.
He looked up at me. “With you? Baby, I feel like I want to spend the rest of my life putting babies in you.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t know if I want to spend the rest of my life pushing babies out.” I blanched.
He propped himself up on an elbow, his other hand cupping my face. “You’re worried?”
“Terrified!” I exclaimed. “What if my body can’t handle it? I’m already sick as a dog. I have to keep not one baby safe, but two! Not only with my body, but from Bruno and my uncle.” I shuddered even saying the words.
“Neither one of them is getting anywhere near you or our babies,” he growled. “And you aren’t alone.” His tone softened as he looked into my eyes. “I can’t help with carrying them, but I’ll carry you. Gonna be here every step. Every doctor’s visit, every craving, every bout of sickness,” he swore. “And you’re strong, baby. Stronger than you’ll ever know. These babies are so lucky you’re their mama.”
My eyes stung with tears as his words took root. I was strong. I’d been through a hell of a lot in my life.
And before, well, I hadn’t had Maddox Black at my back.
Chapter 25
MADDOX
Ipulled up to the Las Vegas Police Department with a still shocked woman at my side. I’d wanted to take her straight home, but since we were already here, she’d convinced me she wanted to give her statement so that hopefully the investigation into the fire could be closed. Cooper had agreed to meet us, so I’d relented.