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"Thank you," I whisper against Charlie's shirt. "This means more than you know."

His arms tighten around me, solid and sure. "You’re welcome, baby. I want to make you happy."

Chapter 28

Charlie

I've been sitting in this waiting room for twenty minutes, watching the door like I'm expecting the president to walk through it any second. The vinyl chair squeaks every time I shift my weight, which is often, because I can't seem to find a comfortable position.

I arrived thirty minutes early for Tess's ultrasound appointment. After missing the first one because I was stuck in Bolivia, I'm not about to let anything keep me from this one.

A couple sits across from me, the woman heavily pregnant, the man's hand resting protectively on her thigh. They look so comfortable together. Will Tess and I ever look like that? Like we've got this whole parenting thing figured out? Like we didn't start our relationship as an elaborate charade that somehow turned real?

I check my watch again. Eight minutes until the appointment starts, if it actually starts on time. My phone buzzes with an email notification—Sanjay asking about the Chicago distributor contract. I silence it and slip the phone back into my pocket. For the next hour, Emerald City Coffee can survive without me.

"First time?"

I look up to find the pregnant woman smiling at me.

"That obvious, huh?"

"You have that deer-in-headlights look," she says, her smile widening. "My husband was the same way at our first ultrasound, weren't you, babe?"

The guy nods, looking slightly embarrassed. "I knocked over a potted plant in the lobby."

I laugh, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. "I haven't broken anything yet, but the day is young."

"It gets easier," he offers. "By the third trimester, you'll be a pro."

Third trimester. The words hit me like a physical force. In a few months, Tess will be in her third trimester. With twins. Two human beings that we created. The thought sends a fresh wave of anxiety through me.

"We're having twins," I hear myself saying.

The couple exchanges a glance, their eyes widening.

"Wow," the woman says. "Double congratulations, then."

"Double everything," her husband adds with a sympathetic grimace. "Double the diapers, double the formula..."

"Double the joy," his wife finishes, elbowing him gently.

Double the joy. I hadn't thought of it that way. My mind has been so focused on the logistics, the challenges, the terrifying responsibility of it all. But joy? Of course that’s there too. That flutter in my chest when I think about holding our babies for the first time. The way Tess's face softens when she rests her hand on her stomach.

The door opens, and there's Tess, in a simple green dress that lights up her hazel eyes. Her hair is pulled back in a high ponytail, a few strands escaping to frame her face. My heart does that crazy skip it always does when I see her.

Her eyes find mine immediately.

"You beat me here," she says sounding surprised.

I stand, suddenly self-conscious. "Yeah, I, uh...I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything." I run a hand through my hair, aware that I probably look slightly manic.

She sits down next to me and I reach for her hand.

"I'm nervous," I admit. "I have no idea what to expect."

"Join the club." She lowers her voice, turning so only I can hear. "Last time, I was so shell-shocked I have no idea what I said to the doctor."

We sit side by side, her shoulder pressed against mine, our hands still joined. The couple across from us exchanges knowing smiles.