Chapter 54

“So you told him no to a family vacation?” Debbie said in disbelief over the phone.

“I didn’t give him an answer.”

“Come on, Hailey. Why are you being such a party pooper? I’m sure the kids would love it. You guys could use the time to bond.”

Hailey rolled her eyes, plopping down on the couch. “You seem to always be on Cole’s side.”

“You know that’s not true.”

“I just feel like you all need time together. You both can’t hang out in public with the kids now, so being in another country might actually help. You all missed so much together, and it’s good to create amazing memories now that the kids are young.”

“I thought you were my best friend, and you cannot do without me. But this is you pushing me away.”

“Don’t be silly. I love you, but I think I’ll be fine for a while. I know you’d be in good hands, so there’s no need to worry.”

“I am your best friend and I’ll always be here for you, but we know there’s a hole in your heart that only Cole can fill.”

Hailey rolled her eyes, not caring that her best friend couldn’t see her.

“I honestly can’t believe your response, Debbie. It’s hard to stay away from him when he comes to visit me at home. How am I going to resist him when we’re miles away, probably in the city of love?”

Debbie chuckled. “Okay, I think I understand you better now.”

“Are you avoiding Cole because you don’t want to get pregnant?”

“The twins’ prayer scares the hell out of me. There’s no way I’m going to lose myself.”

Debbie laughed. “You know you’re being ridiculous, right?”

“Oh, just because I’m being cautious?”

“A baby doesn’t fall from the sky, Hailey. And you don’t have to get pregnant if you don’t want to. You could get birth control shots or pills from your doctor. I’m sure you know this. Stop making silly excuses and go out there and enjoy yourself.”

“There’s a lot that needs to be done. I don’t think I can afford to leave right now.”

“Come on, you’ve been working so hard since I’ve known you. A few weeks off wouldn’t hurt anyone. The company will be fine. There’s nothing greater than spending time with family and getting to know Cole again.”

“His birthday is in a few days,” Hailey mumbled.

“Okay?!” Debbie smiled. “What do you have in mind?”

Chapter 34

“Nothing.”

“Quit teasing me, babe. If you weren’t drawn to him, I’m sure you wouldn’t remember when he was born.”

“Not that. Some information just sticks with you when you cross paths with certain people.”

“I respect your opinion, but I disagree. Do you still like Cole? I know you’d be done with him a long time ago if you could control your feelings, but we can’t help who we fall in love with.”

“I know I’ve said this a couple of times, but you should learn to let go. I know the past can be painful, but Cole has learned his lesson, and I think he’s a better person now.”

“I’m not asking you to move in with him or renew your vows. Just breathe and try to enjoy the moment. We don’t have all the time in the world, so it’s best to make every moment count.”

“Cole doesn’t celebrate birthdays. He’s always working,” Hailey said.

“This is going to be his first birthday as a father. I’m sure it would mean a lot to him.”

“So what am I going to do now?”

“No one knows him better than you, baby. You still pull off the best surprises.”

Hailey grumbled, “That’s not a compliment.”

Debbie chuckled. “This is you being stubborn. Just make sure you do something for him, no matter how little. Okay?”

Three Days Later

“You seem really excited. I’m so happy for you,” Jessica said over FaceTime.

“Yeah, me too,” Cole smiled. “It was just a suggestion. I never imagined she’d agree to this trip.”

“It’s just for a week, though, and I promise to make the best of it. I’ll be able to do things with the twins outside their home.”

“I’m so happy for you, man. It’s been a rough journey, and I’m glad you’re getting to bond with your family.”

“Thanks! It’s crazy. I couldn’t stop smiling all day. Who would have thought being a father would make me so happy and fulfilled? I’ve won awards in business, gotten big deals, but nothing compares to this.”

“That’s what family does to you. Deals come and go, and you’ll experience heartache in business, but your family will always be there for you.”

Cole nodded, smiling, low-key wondering why his cheek didn’t ache—that’s what he’d been doing all day.

“So, you gonna propose to Hailey?” Jessica smirked, staring intently at her best friend through her device.

Chapter 54

“Jess!” Cole groaned, massaging his temple.

“I’m serious, dude. You need to act fast. What do you have in mind?”

“I don’t want to scare her away. But we’re still married, remember? I didn’t sign the divorce papers.”

“I know, but that doesn’t count.”

“The circumstances surrounding our marriage aren’t every woman’s dream. Hell, you didn’t even wear your ring past the wedding day. I’m sure Hailey has no idea where she kept hers.”

“What I’m saying is, you need to rebuild your relationship with Hailey from scratch.”

“You need to woo her again and make her fall for you. You’re legally married, but that’s not enough. Get her a ring and renew your vows. She probably knows you’re interested in the kids, but let her know you want her, too, because you can’t imagine life without her.”

“I understand you don’t want to scare her away, but keep that in mind.”

“I honestly didn’t think of it that way. But thank you. Now I’m nervous,” Cole chuckled. “What if she doesn’t want to renew vows with me? What am I going to do?”

Jessica smiled. “Yeah, you should feel that way. That thought will push you to do more. I know Hailey loves you as much as you love her. You both just need a little push, I guess.”

“I’m going to give this my all. I promise.”

“You should. And I wish you all the best.”

Cole talked more with his best friend, then ended the call. He packed his bags; his driver arrived on time, took the bags to the car, and they left for Hailey’s house.

Hailey finished packing and put the bags by the door. She managed to fit her and the twins’ belongings into five large bags.

Hailey went to the living room and saw her babies giggling.

“Okay, anything I need to know?” She sat beside them. They were in matching comfy outfits.

“Enzo was being funny. We can’t wait for Daddy to be here,” Ollie answered.

“Oh, really?”

The boys nodded. “I’m so excited. I get to have fun with Daddy,” Ollie grinned.

“What about Mommy?”

Enzo shrugged. “I love Mommy, too.”

“We’re excited to have fun with Mommy and Daddy,” Ollie interrupted.

Chapter 51

A question struck Hailey’s mind, and she decided to ask her babies.

“Why do you both want a baby sister?”

Ollie and Enzo exchanged a look, smiling.

“Come on, tell me. I want to know.”

Enzo’s smile faded. “Are you mad at us, Mommy?”

“No, I’m not. I’m just surprised you really want a sibling.”

“Yeah, a baby girl sibling,” Ollie said confidently.

Hailey almost rolled her eyes.

“I had a dream you had a big belly and gave birth to a baby girl,” Enzo said.

“A chunky baby girl,” Ollie described with his tiny hands. “Chubby cheeks, beautiful eyes, and a pretty smile.”

Hailey swallowed hard. “You had the same dream, too?” She asked Ollie, who nodded.

“We were all very happy with our baby sister,” Enzo added.

The repetition of the conversation between Hailey and Debbie was removed as it appeared twice. Minor improvements in sentence structure and word choice were also made throughout.