Chapter 840

Seeing me keep my hand on my lower back, Ryan walked over and gently supported me. “What’s wrong? Is your back hurting?”

I shook my head. “No, not really. I guess ever since I got pregnant, I just find myself doing this without even realizing it. It’s almost automatic now.”

Ryan grinned. “You’re almost four months in–shouldn’t those little ones be kicking by now?”

I gently rubbed my hand over my slightly rounded belly. “Not yet, but we can still hear their heartbeats.”

Ryan hurried to grab the fetal monitor, and I just sprawled out comfortably on the couch, leaving the job of listening for heartbeats entirely to him.

He found one heartbeat and listened for a while, then started moving the monitor gently over my belly, trying to pick up the other one. But no matter how carefully he searched, the second heartbeat just wouldn’t show up. Ryan’s handsome face turned pale in an instant. “Vic, what’s happening? Why can’t I hear the second heartbeat?”

I quickly turned onto my side, letting Ryan keep searching for the other heartbeat.

Ryan anxiously tried again, and when he finally picked up the second heartbeat, he breathed out in relief. “I guess this is what being a dad feels like,” he said softly, “I haven’t even seen them yet, and I’m already worrying about everything.”

Seeing how worked up Ryan got totally cracked me up—I could just tell he was going to be the sweetest, most loving dad ever. Once our little cuties are here, I’ll let him handle more of the diaper duty and cuddle sessions for sure.

They say the more hands-on you are, the stronger your sense of responsibility gets. Honestly, I didn’t feel like I had to be in super-mom mode 24/7 anymore. Learning to step back and let others help out is actually a big deal.

On our wedding day, I was totally caught off guard when Nathan and Jared showed up, bringing some seriously generous gifts.

As Nathan and Jared strolled over with Yvonne beside them, my smile faltered and I couldn’t keep the stiff look off my face–honestly, I never expected the three of them to show up together. ‘What are they doing here all of a sudden?’ I wondered.

Ryan bent down and murmured hurriedly into my ear, barely hiding his nerves. “Vic, I swear, I only let them know about the wedding. I never thought they’d actually come in person.”

I smiled calmly. “It’s no big deal–anyone who shows up is a guest. Besides, we’ve got business dealings with them, so it’s only right to have them join us for a drink.”

When Jared spotted me in my white wedding dress, he looked like he’d just stepped into an alternate reality—his whole expression changed on the spot, staring in disbelief for ages. It wasn’t until Yvonne grabbed his arm and dragged him toward me that he finally snapped out of it and walked over stiffly.

Nathan, on the other hand, was all smiles and charm. “Victoria, congratulations,” he said warmly.

I smiled back and nodded. “Thank you, Nathan–means a lot that you’re here.”

Jared finally walked up to us, his eyes lingering on me before turning to Ryan. “You’d better treat her right,” he said, voice firm and edged with emotion.

Ryan paused, a little surprised, but then grinned with conviction. “You can count on me, Mr. Holcomb—I promise I will.”

“Ryan… Oh wait, I guess now I should call you my Second Dad!” Yvonne teased, her eyes crinkling with mischief.

Jared frowned. “Just stick with Uncle, okay? Who told you to call him ‘Second Dad’ anyway?”

Yvonne stuck out her tongue. “I’ll call him whatever I feel like.”

Jared could only sigh in defeat, while Ryan ruffled Yvonne’s hair with a warm smile. “Doesn’t matter to me— whatever you want to call me, we’re family now.”

Jared’s face suddenly fell, like the word “family” had just poked him right where it hurt.

Nathan grinned, teasing him. “Seriously, Mr. Holcomb, after all this time… you’re still holding on?”

Jared lifted his eyes toward me, his voice low with mystery. “Victoria, everyone only gets one shot at this life. Just make sure you’re not going to regret the path you chose.”

Ryan heard Jared’s words and looked at me with eyes so deep, it felt like he was searching for something only the two of us understood.

I locked eyes with Jared, keeping my tone light but firm. “It’s my special day, Mr. Holcomb. Why don’t you have another drink and try talking a little less?”

Yvonne chimed in, tugging on Jared’s arm. “Dad, come on, let’s go inside already.”

As Nathan and Jared headed inside with Yvonne, Ryan slid his arm around my waist and leaned in with a playful grin. “Did you catch that jealous vibe from Mr. Holcomb? Was he just trying to stir up trouble, or what?”