“So it’s a girl,” Nikki said, envisioning pink and lace and eyelet and Kevin’s dark hair, and his deep, dark eyes.
“Yes. It’s also a boy.”
“Impossible unless we’re talking mutant,” Kevin said, obviously misunderstanding.
Nikki didn’t blame him. She wasn’t sure she wanted to accept the truth either. “You’re joking, right? You do this to every set of nervous parents. We can’t possibly be having twins.”
“Twins?” Kevin sounded as if he were gasping for air.
“I might not be able to predict the sex, but I can definitely predict the number,” Dr. Molloy assured her.
“Where was the other one hiding all this time?” Nikki asked.
“Two babies?” he asked.
“Three, counting you,” Nikki said, laughter in her voice.
“I think I’ll give you two a few minutes alone to digest this information.” The doctor cleaned up and walked out of the room.
After Kevin helped her to a sitting position, Nikki got a good look at his face for the first time. He was pale, and she couldn’t read his expression beyond the fact that he was obviously stunned.
“Think you can handle it?” she asked, suddenly worried that after all their efforts at making things work between them, he’d be overwhelmed enough to back off again, due to the thought of two unexpected bundles instead of the one they’d known about.
He shook his head. She hoped he was clearing his thoughts, not answering no. “Kevin?”
“I’m... fine. I think,” But he grinned then, and Nikki relaxed. As much as she could with the newfound knowledge hanging over her head.
He grabbed her hand. “It’s overwhelming,” he admitted. “But exciting too. We’ll handle it together.”
Together. She liked the sound of that word. “Do you want to call Max and tell him?” Nikki asked.
Kevin’s father had been admitted to the hospital again a few weeks back and had willingly gone into a rehabilitation center after that. Although Kevin was footing the bills, it would be worth it if he got his father back in his life again.
He shook his head. “He doesn’t need any more pressure. Besides, I’d like to take the time to adjust to this alone with you.”
She looped her arms around his neck. “Alone. I like the sound of that”
“It’s something we should take advantage of now because there won’t be much more solitary time in our lives.”
“No. And I’m grateful for that.”
“Me too. And I’m grateful for you.”