Chapter 47
Six Days Later.
“Gosh, I can’t stop watching Cole interact with the twins. He is so sweet and patient with them,” Debbie said, smiling from ear to ear as she entered the kitchen to join Hailey, who was making dinner.
“Yeah. I think they’ve forgotten I’m their mom.”
“Are you jealous?”
“What? Me? No,” Hailey answered immediately. “I’m glad they’re all having a swell time.”
“I won’t lie, it hurts a bit because I’m used to having all the attention. But I’ll be fine. I’ll get used to it. After all, there’s nothing bad about sharing. The most important thing is that Ollie and Enzo are happy.”
Debbie nodded. “I hope you’re not still doubting your decision.”
Hailey shook her head. “There’s no going back this time. Cole is here, and I think he’s here to stay—for the kids’ sake, I mean.”
“So you haven’t decided if you’re going to give him a chance?”
“I don’t remember saying I was going to think about it.”
“Well, you need to hurry up. I need my goddaughter soon!”
Hailey rolled her eyes at her best friend. “I wouldn’t get my hopes up.”
“Just quit being stubborn and give your heart what it wants,” Debbie urged.
“I know what my heart wants, babe.”
“Good. And I hope you’re truthful to it.”
“I feel so relieved the hospital era is over,” Debbie mumbled, taking a drink of water while Hailey turned off the gas stove.
“Same here. I was so scared—even more scared than during labor.”
“But I’m glad it’s a thing of the past.”
“You’ve done so well, my love. I’m proud of you.” Debbie stared at her best friend with admiration before finishing her water.
“I should get going,” Debbie announced.
Hailey frowned. “You’re kidding, right?”
Debbie shook her head. “I want to give you some privacy. If I’m here, you and Cole will be too shy to talk and reconcile.”
Chapter 47
“I made pasta. Your favorite.”
“Sure, I’ll have some. I’ll take it home with me. You should seize this opportunity—your first dinner as a family: you, Cole, and the twins.”
“Why do you want me and Cole together so badly?”
Debbie shrugged, smiling. “Because I believe in you both, even if you can’t see it.”
“I don’t understand you anymore,” Hailey mumbled.
“You don’t have to. I know you’ll thank me in the end. This is me giving you a chance with your sweetheart.”
“You’re going to be disappointed. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Debbie rolled her eyes at her best friend. After further conversation, she left.
Hailey heaved a deep sigh as she closed the door. She had just seen Debbie off and was dreading being alone with Cole.
The last time Cole was here, Elma, the nanny, was around. Elma was still on vacation and would return in a few days. And now, Debbie had left.
With slow steps, Hailey went to the living room and heard laughter. Cole was tickling the twins.
Enzo saw his mom and called out, “Come join us, Mommy!”
“Daddy, you need to tickle Mommy too!” Ollie added.
Cole stopped tickling the twins and glanced at Hailey, who shook her head.
“Come on, Daddy. Go tickle Mommy!” Ollie urged.
Cole obeyed, approaching Hailey.
“No, no, no. Don’t you dare…” Hailey burst into laughter as Cole placed her on a couch and playfully tickled her, as the children requested.
Enzo and Ollie laughed together.
“Stop, Cole. Stop it,” she laughed. Cole continued for a bit before stopping. They got lost in the moment, staring at each other, realizing they’d never had such a playful moment.
“Daddy likes Mommy,” Ollie whispered to Enzo. The little boys thought it was a whisper, but both adults heard.
“Do you think we’ll get a baby sister soon?” Enzo asked his brother.
Hailey’s reality snapped back. She saw the confusion on Cole’s face and, before he could speak, gestured for him to get off her. She stood up, avoiding his eyes.
“It’s time for dinner,” she said to the twins, who were on the other couch.
They got down from the couch.
“Is Daddy going to join us?” Enzo asked.
“Sure, if he wants to.”
“What’s for dinner, Mommy?”
“Pasta and chicken.”
“Yum!” Enzo smiled. “Just like our godmother, the twins loved pasta.”
“Let’s go to the dining room, Daddy,” Ollie said, taking Cole’s hand. “Mommy makes the best food in the world!” Cole smiled and nodded.
It then hit him that he’d been married to Hailey for three years and had no idea how good her cooking was.
Before Cole knew it, Enzo grabbed his other hand, and the boys ushered their father to the dining room.
They ate, and afterward, Cole helped clear the table. He watched Hailey load the dishwasher.
“Thank you for the food.”
“You thanked me already.”
“You cook so well…”
Hailey sighed, standing up. “Now you’re making me awkward.”
“What?”
“Your compliments.”
“But I mean them.”
“I know you do. I’m just not used to hearing them from you.”
“I really treated you badly, didn’t I?”
“It’s all in the past,” Hailey said, turning away and wiping her hands.
“It’s clear you’re still hurt and haven’t forgiven me.”
Hailey shook her head, looking into his eyes. “It doesn’t matter anymore. And I’m not angry at you. It just feels weird. That’s it.”
Disbelieving her words, Cole took Hailey’s hand, pulled her close, and cornered her against the counter.
Chapter 47
“Cole, let go of me,” she said, her heart racing.
“What can I do to make it up to you so you can stop hating me?”
“Nothing. Just let go of me. I don’t want Ollie or Enzo to see us like this. I know how important it is for you to be in their lives, but I don’t want to raise their hopes about us.”
“Why not? I want you. I want to be with you.”
Hailey shook her head.
Then Cole decided to confront her about what had been on his mind.
“Our kids want a baby sister?”
“What?” She feigned innocence.
“I saw your face earlier. You didn’t seem shocked. Did they tell you before?”
“Kids say anything. Don’t think too deeply about it.”
“But I want it.”
“What?”
“I want to live with you forever. And I look forward to us making the twins’ dream a reality in the future.”