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Lykaios Twins’ Birth

It’s as if all the emotions I haven’t allowed myself to feel throughout my life have been accumulated on a mileage card for me to experience with Zoe.

I look at my wife in the hospital bed with a baby in each arm while the nurse photographs her as requested. I can’t move, transfixed by the flood of love that washes over me at the sight of the three of them reunited.

Adonis and Demetrius came into the world like real Lykaioses, screaming at the top of their lungs, announcing their debuts, so no one could doubt there was another generation of arrogant Greeks on the way.

Zoe smiles as she looks from one to the other. Happiness radiates from her like light.

My wife shines. Complete, beautiful, motherly.

My heart hammers in my chest, and I say a silent prayer, thanking God for my family.

The nurse now asks the four of us to pose for a photo. I do it on automatic, my brain not functioning normally because, right now, I’m all heart.

After she’s photographed us, she walks away, giving us privacy, and I kiss my wife and each of the babies, trapping them in a protective fortress.

“You’re very quiet, Mr. Lykaios,” Zoe says as the nurses get my boys to return them to the nursery.

“Because I can’t find the right words.”

“For what?”

“To show you what I’m feeling, so I’d rather just hold it and thank the universe, God, fate, whatever brought us together. I love you, my Zoe.”

Ten Years Later

Lying on a towel, we watch our kids sit at the picnic table with their grandparents.

We have a team of five, but we still weren’t satisfied, so we’re expecting another little girl next Christmas.

There are four biological children—two sets of twins, boys—and one child of the heart, Elijah, the youngest.

Our parents are passionate about the children, and although Zoe’s mother’s health still needs care, she’s rid of her cancer, and it hasn’t come back. It’s always hanging over our heads because we’re always expecting it to return, but as Macy herself says, why live suffering in anticipation?

The second set of twins gave us a scare. Yes, I know it’s lucky, but four babies with little time between them basically requires a war operation: an army of servants and a lot of love from the grandparents because Zoe and I continue with our careers.

I have adjusted my life to be closer to the children because I miss my family when I’m away.

Zoe had been off the catwalks for over five years when our contract ended, as she insisted on fulfilling it entirely. Now, she runs two non-profit organizations that aim to care for children and the elderly in need.

The current pregnancy with our Athina was a surprise, but we also very much desired a girl.

I wonder how she will deal with our five little boys. For better or worse, they all have my temper. Even Elijah, only two years old, seems to behave like his brothers. They are always trying to mark their territory and are somewhat controlling.

“Athina wants to join in the fun with her brothers,” Zoe says, probably because our little girl is moving in her belly.

“Really?” I snuggle her closer in my arms.

She nods in agreement. “I think we’re in for a surprise with this one.”

“God, don’t say that. I was hoping she’d be born with your temper.”

She laughs. “Your genes are stronger, but I’m fine with that. I enjoy getting all the Lykaioses in line.”

“I don’t care. You can keep trying.”

She looks back, lost in an expression of outrage and laughter. “ You’re so arrogant,” she says, pulling me in for a kiss, “but in a way that drives me crazy.”

“All yours, woman. Use me at will.”

“That is exactly what I intend, Greek. Our parents will stay with the children today. Get ready to have a sleepless night.”

“Was that supposed to be a threat? Because it sounds like paradise to me. Take everything you want from me, Zoe. I’m yours.”