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Chapter Thirty-Three

Trent

M y babies are almost here. I still can’t believe I’m a father.

No matter how much I prepare, I still don’t feel ready.

Neither does Jemma. After months of reading baby books, we are still terrified.

One baby is a lot of work, but two is another story.

My brother and I were complete terrors when we were kids.

We’re still a pain in the ass. And now, I will have twins of my own.

I stand beside the hospital bed, dressed in scrubs and a mask, holding Jemma’s hand. She squeezes so tight she practically cuts off my circulation. Teeth clenched, she writhes in pain that I wish I could take from her.

“Almost there,” the doctor says. “Push.”

A few seconds later, screams fill the room.

Dr. West holds my daughter in his hands. I can’t stop the tears from spilling down my cheeks. She’s so beautiful, so tiny and precious.

Thea Kane.

One minute later, the doctor passes my son to the nurse. Thea and Teddy are so perfect, little pieces of each of us. They have Jemma’s red hair and blue eyes.

Staring at my children, I smile so wide my jaw hurts. Jemma’s body shakes through mine. I wipe the sweat-matted hair from her forehead, and she looks up at me, smiling. At this moment, I know I will love nothing as much as I love Jemma and our babies.

Hockey was the love of my life.

But not anymore.

The nurse sets Teddy in Jemma’s arms and gives Thea to me. They’re not identical like Trent and me, but the similarities exist. Thea peeks up at me, her eyes fluttering like she’s fighting sleep. A chill runs down my arms, and I hug her lightly against my chest, kissing her forehead.

“I love you, baby girl,” I whisper to Thea.

Her tiny lip curls into a smile, her expression mirroring mine. Jemma’s cheeks are flushed, sweat still dripping from her face, but I’ve never seen her look more beautiful. She gave me the most precious gift.

And I wouldn’t give this up for the world.

I now understand why my father regretted missing out on Blake’s life because I couldn’t imagine not being here with my children.

“I love you, too, my handsome boy,” I say to Teddy as I bend down to kiss him on the forehead. “Someday, you will be a lady killer like your daddy.”

Jemma laughs.

Sometimes, the one thing you didn’t know was missing in your life is what you need the most. My dad was right about being a father.

I once thought being drafted into the NHL would be the highlight of my life.

But no feeling in the world can compare to holding your child for the first time.

It’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything.

After the doctor gives us the okay, I call my family into the room. My parents, accompanied by my sister, Ava, and my older brother, Tye, stand in the doorway, smiling at the babies.

My friends wait outside as the nurse reminds us about the three-person limit. Until today, the Kanes had the same white-blond hair as my father. Teddy and Thea are beautiful, with their mother’s red hair and my blue eyes.

My dad slaps me on the back before pulling me into a powerful hug that nearly knocks the air from my lungs. “I’m proud of you, Trent.” His eyes leave mine and land on the twins.

Now that I have Jemma and my babies, I couldn’t imagine returning to my old ways. My friends crowd around Jemma, Thea, and Teddy, each of them taking their turns saying hello before they turn to congratulate me.

My mom squeezes me tightly, offering her support and congratulations.

She will be the rock Jemma and I both need.

After she releases me, Preston hands me a cigar, even though I will never smoke it.

And he knows that. I take it from his hand and lean into his embrace, followed by Jamie, Drake, Ava, and Tye.

Saving Trent for last, I hold out my arms, and he slaps me on the back with even more force than my father.

“Congrats, bro. I can’t believe you’re a dad now. Your entire life is about to change.”

“I still get to have it all. A family and a career.”

“Yeah. And you lucked out getting signed by the Devils. You’ll only be an hour away.”

I’m about to respond when Drake interrupts our conversation. “Who’s the godfather? I call dibs if you haven’t picked one yet.”

I shake my head, laughing.

Leave it to Drake to say the most unusual thing moments after Jemma gives birth. If anyone will be the godfather of our children, it will be Tucker, Tye, or one of Jemma’s brothers. But I can’t deny that Drake is also my family.

I slip my fingers between Jemma’s. She glances up at me, a tired but happy look on her beautiful face. I return her smile.

She’s the love of my life, the one person I couldn’t imagine living without, so I plan to make her my wife.