I sighed. “I can’t keep it from her, so eventually, yes. She would want me to tell her. But not now. She needs to stay calm and the babies are due soon. He isn’t even a blip on the radar right now for her and I want it to stay that way. Someday, I will tell her.”
Adam laughed into the phone before he hung up. “Good decision, Joshua. Never hide stuff from your wife. Somehow, they always find out.”
I shook my head and went inside. I walked down the hall and stood looking at Rabbit, who was asleep, curled up with the special pregnancy pillows supporting her. I was grateful she had been napping when Adam called. As much as I rejoiced in the fact that James was finally in jail where he belonged, it wasn’t something Rabbit needed to know right now. After his surprising appearance, Adam had indeed been there to meet him when his plane had touched down. What followed had been a ‘no holds barred’ verbal assault that ensured he would never come near Rabbit again. I suspected there was more to the story than Adam had told me, but I let it pass. It was done. And true to his word, Adam made sure he was out of the country two days later. Not long after that Dr. Hammond was indicted and a warrant was issued for Brian James, ensuring if he ever stepped foot back in the country, he would be arrested immediately.
Once we had confirmation that he was out of the country, Rabbit had become stronger and more secure. The old fear that he would suddenly show up was gone. The haunted look had left her eyes and I had to admit that just letting him go was for the best. The fact that he was far away on the other side of the world brought her peace and she was able to move forward with greater ease. Now, looking down at her, I wanted nothing that reminded her of the past or her painful memories associated with him. I only wanted her thinking ahead to her life with me. With our children. I only wanted her to feel safe and loved. Because she was.
Two weeks later, I was at Rabbit’s side while our children came into the world. What I had thought was love for them before they were born was nothing compared to the overwhelming surge of emotion I experienced when I held them in my arms and gazed down at them in wonder for the first time. My tears mingled with Rabbit’s as I kissed her, my lips expressing the gratitude and love that my voice was unable to at that moment.
Nothing prepared me for the adjustments of the next few days and weeks.
I watched in amazement as Rabbit fed our children for the first time.
I marveled at the loving, instinctive way she took to motherhood.
I was awed at her patience in teaching me what seemed to come so easily to her.
The love and adoration I had for her grew tenfold. What before was beautiful, became glorious when it came to her.
The proudest moment of my life was carrying, first, my children, and then my wife into our home and feeling the sense of utter contentment and fulfillment at the sight of all three of them settled safely together on the sofa.
My eyes glazed as I stood watching my family.
Rabbit’s eyes lifted and she met my gaze with a soft, tender expression.
“Hey, Daddy,” she whispered softly.
My heart was full.
The afternoon sun was warm as it shone through the nursery windows. I found myself once again standing at the side of the crib gazing down on my children with complete adoration. My hand tenderly stroked the tiny forehead of my son, smiling as his nose wrinkled in his sleep. His sister was tucked against his side, an ever-present appendage. The second crib sat empty. Every time we tried separating them into their own cribs, the end result was the same. Heart-wrenching sobs from Elly and searching hands and angry little growls from Jack.
“I thought I’d find you in here.” Rabbit whispered from beside me. My arm instantly wrapped around her and drew her close.
Leaning over, I kissed her forehead. “You’re supposed to be resting,” I admonished her gently. “They’ll be awake soon and looking for dinner.”
Rabbit laughed softly, her hand rubbing Elly’s tummy tenderly. “I can’t stay away either,” she admitted. “Our little miracles.”
I watched in wonder as Elly squirmed and shifted. Immediately, Jack’s hand adjusted and found purchase on her again. “Did you see that?”
Rabbit hummed. “He does it all the time. Protective; just like his daddy. He hates being away from her.”
“I suppose after being that close for all those months, separation would be hard,” I mused. I looked at her, grinning. “This is gonna look strange on the playground, though.”
I was rewarded with her smile and sweet laugh. “You know very well Dr. Sue said this was perfectly normal, Joshua. They’ll grow out of it.”
I sighed. “Not completely, I hope.”
Rabbit nestled deeper into my side. “Like I said, he’s your son, Joshua. Something tells me he’ll always be protective of Elly.”
I smiled.
My son.
“Jack and I will always look after the women in our lives,” I whispered quietly, my lips nuzzling Rabbit’s soft cheek. “Now back to bed.”