Chapter 92

“Let’s go. I don’t want you both to starve.” Cole placed a deep kiss on Hailey’s forehead before releasing her. With his hand on the small of her back, he ushered the love of his life out of the bathroom.

He made her sit on the couch and then retrieved the food tray, which he carefully placed on her lap. Then he sat beside her.

Hailey first took a sip of her juice before digging in. She started with some eggs and bacon, chewing slowly.

“What’s on your mind?” She glanced at Cole before returning her attention to her food.

“I was wondering if our baby girl is going to take after you.”

“Don’t get your hopes up,” she said, gesturing with her fork. “It could be a boy!”

Cole shrugged. “We would love him regardless. But I think it’s going to be a girl. I really hope she looks like you.”

Hailey smiled as she ate some eggs. “We shall see about that.”

“What’s your idea of a dream home?” he asked. “Any specifics?”

Hailey chewed carefully before answering. “Nothing specific. Just something moderately big and beautiful, with nice furniture and home technologies. But the truth is, I really don’t mind.”

“We were living in a much smaller apartment with Debbie and her mother when the twins were born. We were comfortable there, and it felt like home.”

“It doesn’t matter where I live, as long as I’m with my family and loved ones. I think I’ll be just fine.”

Cole nodded, making a mental note to tell his agent to proceed with their discussion.

Cole and Hailey continued their conversation until she finished eating. Cole took the almost empty tray and set it aside.

“Do you feel better?”

She nodded.

“I’m grateful for you and Debbie in my life.”

“I think Debbie deserves more credit, though. I feel I may never be able to repay her for her kindness, everything she has done for the kids in my absence.”

Hailey nodded. “She’s a godsend. She’s the sister I wish I had; someone everyone should have in their corner. God knows I would do anything for her.”

Cole reached for Hailey’s hand and kissed the back of her palm. “My life was meaningless without you. You came back, and I had many more reasons to live. You gave me a family—the kids and Debbie. I can’t imagine life without you all. Thank you for everything.”

Hailey smiled. “You never stopped chasing me, despite how stubborn I was.”

Cole shook his head. “It’s painful to think of letting you go again.”

Hailey giggled, stealing a kiss from Cole.

The door flung open, and the twins entered. “Ewww,” Enzo groaned at his parents kissing.

Ollie chuckled. “Daddy loves to kiss Mommy.”

Both boys ran to their parents. Hailey, now comfortable kissing her man, smiled and pulled away from the kiss. Enzo and Ollie separated their parents, getting between them.

“We were waiting for you to come play with us, Daddy!” Enzo pouted.

“I’ll be right back,” Hailey mumbled to her sons. She picked up the almost empty food tray and went to the kitchen. She saw Debbie cleaning the counter. Debbie rushed over, took the tray, placed it on the counter, and then turned her attention to Hailey. “I was about to text you. How did it go?”

Hailey smiled and nodded.

“Positive?”

Hailey nodded.

“Thank you, God.” Debbie hugged her best friend. “Congratulations, my love. I’m so happy your family is growing beautifully.”

Debbie pulled away. “Wait! Cole? He knows? How did he take the news?”

“He’s very excited,” Hailey said proudly.

“See! You were worried for nothing.”

Hailey nodded. “I guess I was. But he took it better than I expected. I’m glad he was there when I found out. And thank you for buying a test in my absence.”

“Anything for you, Sis.” Debbie winked.

“I’m so happy for you, for Cole, and the twins. I can see them shedding tears of joy when you tell them.”

“I know they are definitely going to throw some tantrums, so I told Cole to let us wait a while. Probably after it’s been confirmed by the doctor.”

“That’s perfectly fine, too. I’m so proud of you. I’ve seen you grow from a single lady to a mom of three and reunite with the man you love so much. I’m so happy things are falling into place for you. Congratulations!” Debbie hugged Hailey again.

The doorbell rang, causing Debbie to pull away.

Debbie’s eyes lit up. “The toys are here!”

“Toys? For whom?” Hailey smiled in disbelief. “This baby isn’t even…”

“I love you all so much. I’ll be right back.” Debbie, embarrassed, rushed out of the kitchen.

The Next Morning! 08:57

Chapter 92

Cole slowly opened his eyes. His lips curved into a smile when he saw Hailey sleeping soundly beside him. He leaned closer and placed a deep kiss on her forehead. He watched her sleep for a while before carefully disentangling himself from her.

Cole pushed aside the duvet, got out of bed, and leaned against the bed facing Hailey’s belly as she lay on her side. He gently lifted her pajama top and smiled when he saw her bare belly. He placed his warm hand on her belly. It was flat, but he could still feel a strong connection.

“Hi, love.” Cole chuckled quietly. “I hope I’m not sounding crazy, but yeah, this is Cole, your Daddy. I know you are still tiny and you probably can’t hear me yet, but I want you to know that this conversation means so much to me.”

“I have two kids already, but this feels like the first time I’m going to be a father. Because of you, I’m going to experience what it’s like to bring a child into the world. I can’t thank you enough for coming into our lives. I love you so much, and I must warn you that your older brothers are going to be really possessive of you.” He smiled. “Please be nice to Mommy while you’re there. I don’t like it when she’s not feeling well.”

(The passage ends abruptly)