Chapter 23

Cole stood in shock as the two little boys hugged his legs as though their lives depended on it. He stared down at them, then at Hailey, who was barely looking at him, then back at the boys.

Cole still felt numb. His brain was fuzzy, and even though he still didn’t understand what was happening, the moment the four-year-olds released his legs, he slowly crouched down, staring at them, quietly observing their features.

They were almost the same height, but the one on the left was taller than the one on the right. They had the same hair color, and he could see their eyes staring back at him. Smiles revealed their dimples.

Before Cole could speak, they threw themselves at him, hugging him with their tiny arms around his neck. Though his heart stirred, he found it hard to respond.

“We missed you, Daddy,” Enzo grinned, pulling away from his look-alike.

“We were getting sad you weren’t coming to see us. Mommy said she was going to bring you.”

“Y…y…you both are twins?” Cole asked. He knew Hailey had two boys, but it hadn’t occurred to him they were the same age.

The little boys nodded.

“I’m Ollie, and this is Enzo. We are four years old.” He raised four fingers.

Cole wanted to ask how they knew he was their father, but he stopped himself. He didn’t want to say anything insensitive. Their resemblance to him told him everything he needed to know.

“What’s your last name?” Cole asked.

“Enzo Riley and Ollie Riley,” Enzo proudly announced.

Cole felt immense relief that they didn’t share the surname of the man who had proposed to Hailey the other night. His eyes felt itchy with tears. He touched Ollie’s cheek, caressed it, and did the same to Enzo’s. Enzo grinned.

Cole’s heart felt as though it would burst with joy. A short time ago, he’d felt miserable, wondering why the world seemed against him. Now, he felt immense pride. He couldn’t believe he was father to the most beautiful twins in the world, and that their mother was the woman he loved most.

“I’m sorry for not coming to see you sooner. Please forgive me.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t bring gifts.”

“It’s fine, Daddy,” Enzo smiled.

“Yes, we’re happy you’re here to see us and take care of Mommy, too,” Ollie said.

“Take care of Mommy?” Cole asked, glancing at Hailey, who seemed lost in thought, her eyes on the twins, not on him.

“Yes, Daddy, Mommy misses you. She wants you to cuddle her,” Enzo answered.

“And how do you know she misses me?”

“She cries before bed sometimes,” Ollie said sadly.

“It’s time for bed,” Hailey announced, approaching them.

The twins ran to Cole, who was still crouched down. He embraced them.

“We want to stay with Daddy,” Enzo declared.

“Cole has to go!”

Ollie stared at his father sadly. “Please don’t leave us, Daddy. We don’t want you to go.”

A smile crept onto Cole’s lips. He leaned closer and kissed them on their foreheads. “I’m not going anywhere, my loves. I’m here to stay. I’m never going to leave you all. Never!” He wiped tears from his eyes. He’d never been prouder of himself for not giving up on Hailey.

“Daddy, can you read us a bedtime story and tuck us in?” Enzo asked pleadingly.

“We can show Daddy our toys first,” Ollie suggested.

“Yes, I’m in. I’ll do anything you ask,” Cole smiled.

“Oh, no, there’s no way he’s coming inside this house!” Hailey said sternly.

“Why, Mommy?” Enzo asked.

“Are you mad at Daddy?” Ollie asked, but Hailey glared at Cole silently. The children noticed.

Ollie turned to his father. “Mommy’s mad at you.”

“I think so!” Cole mumbled, ignoring Hailey’s glare.

“That means you have to do something nice for her,” Enzo said.

“Yes, Daddy. Buy her chocolates, take her on a date, and cuddle her,” Ollie suggested.

Cole smiled, proud of his boys.

“I’m not missing anyone, and I don’t need gifts or flowers. It’s bedtime, boys. Cole has to leave. He has important people waiting for him.”

“Daddy, is that true?” Enzo asked.

“No, baby, Mommy’s just trying to push me away.”

“Please don’t push Daddy away, Mommy. We want him to tuck us in.”

Hailey exhaled, unsure what to do, and unwilling to act violently in front of her sons.

Cole rose, and the twins ushered him inside. They showed him their toys and played while Hailey watched from afar, sipping alcohol and trying to calm herself.

The boys grew tired and asked Cole to tuck them in. They led him to their room.