Page 266 of The Baby Twist

“Yeah. Why not?” I winked.

We headed down to the lobby, where Mateo was waiting for us. When we stepped out the door, he smiled.

“Love the casual look, Charlie. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you leave the penthouse in clothes like those.”

“Thank you, Mateo. Marley and I are having a very casual night.”

“Excellent. Where to?” he asked, climbing into the car.

“Billy’s Hot Dog Cart and then to the horse and carriages at Central Park.” Marley grinned.

“You heard the beautiful woman, Mateo.” I smirked, grabbing Marley’s hand.

We stood in line at the hot dog cart, and I asked her what she wanted.

“Two hot dogs with relish and a pretzel. Oh, and a bottle of water.”

“Two hot dogs and a pretzel?” My brow arched.

“Hello, I’m eating for three.”

I chuckled as I kissed the side of her head. After receiving our order, we walked over to where the horses and carriages were.

“Good evening. How are you lovely folks tonight?”

“We’re great.” Marley smiled, pulling out her phone. “We have reservations.”

“Excellent. Climb aboard.”

I held all the hot dogs, pretzels, and bottled water while Marley climbed into the carriage. Sitting next to her, I handed her two hot dogs with relish and her pretzel.

“This might be kind of messy,” I said.

“It’s okay. Whatever we get on our clothes will come off in the wash.” She smiled.

The horse and carriage ride started. It was a chilly night but calm and peaceful. There was no place else I’d rather be.

“I’ve been to this park a thousand times, and tonight, it feels like I’m seeing it for the first time,” Marley said.

“That’s because you’re with me.” I winked.

“True.” She leaned in and kissed my cheek.

Two Weeks Later

Marley

I stared at him as he peacefully slept, watching the subtle rise and fall of his chest with each breath. There was no doubt that I was in love with him. For the first time in my life, I let my emotions and feelings escape the grip I’d held them in all these years. I wasn’t looking for anyone or anything, but here I was, in love with this man and having his babies.

I sat up in bed, hoping the horrific heartburn I’d felt would diminish. Placing my hand on my belly, the babies grew overnight. The alarm went off. Charlie rolled over and shut it down, then rolled back and smiled at me.

“What are you doing?”

“Heartburn. Bad heartburn.”

“I’m sure those large chili cheese fries you ate before bed last night didn’t help.” A smirk crossed his lips.

“Why did you let me eat them?” I asked, cocking my head.