Page 74 of Unbreakable Bonds (The Boston Romance #2)

ALISHA

"Where are we going, babe? And why the blindfold?"

I squirm in my seat, touching the fabric covering my eyes while rubbing my swollen belly.

Humming "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," I try to calm the restless duo inside me.

They kept me up most of the night with their constant kicks and jabs, like they're practicing synchronized swimming.

After our last ultrasound two days ago, I can't wait to meet them.

Being pregnant is magical, but at thirty-six weeks and six days, this mommy wants her body back.

Cole's warm hand settles on my thigh, his gentle caress usually so soothing, but today it sparks something else entirely.

"If you think you're coming near my pussy, you're dead wrong. Until your children are out, it's closed for business." I shift uncomfortably. "Why aren't they coming out? I've moved beyond enormous whale to goddamn sperm whale status."

My husband's deep chuckle earns him a sideways smack on the arm. "Cole, it's not funny. I can't see my feet, my bladder is the size of a raisin, and my tits are giant sensitive watermelons."

"Alex." His voice holds that tender note that usually melts me. "Tomorrow you're thirty-seven weeks - you're near the end. Our children are growing perfectly, and I find you and your giant belly stunning."

"Your smooth talk won't work this time, Walker."

"Okay, let's see if this will work." The car stops. "Wait here. And don't remove the blindfold."

The door opens and closes, and seconds later, warm fingers touch my cheek. "Give me your hand."

Standing beside the car, I reach for the blindfold. "Can I finally remove this thing?"

"Yeah, Miss Impatience, you can."

I yank off the blindfold, blinking against the sunlight. When my vision clears, my jaw drops. Our house - the one we bought months ago - stands before us, but it's completely transformed.

"Welcome home! I finished the house."

"What? But you said it would be another four weeks before we could move."

"That was a white lie."

I spin around - as much as my whale-like state allows - and smack his chest. "A lie? Do you have any idea how stressed I was, thinking about moving with twins? I've been having nightmares about going into labor surrounded by moving boxes! I—"

His warm lips silence my rant, and my fingers dig into his shirt as his tongue meets mine. The babies kick in response, as if saying hello to daddy. My bulldozer discovered early in this pregnancy that kissing is the fastest way to short-circuit my hormone-addled brain.

"I'm sorry," he murmurs against my lips, "but I wanted to surprise you. To give you our perfect home before our children arrive."

He turns me gently, pulling my back against his solid chest as we gaze at our dream house.

The moment we saw it, we knew. After discovering we were having twins, we wanted a real family home - somewhere our children could run, play, and get dirty.

This picture-perfect house, nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac with its manicured lawn and flowering trees, was everything we imagined.

Cole intertwines our fingers as we walk to the front porch - the perfect spot for morning coffee or evening hot chocolate. My eyes fill seeing the sign by the door: The Walker Family .

"This is perfect." Rising on tiptoes - a feat at this size - I kiss his cheek.

He opens the front door, and I gasp. The foyer welcomes us with off-white walls that complement the hardwood floors, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. Natural light streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, and every room is fully decorated exactly as I dreamed.

Moving to the window overlooking the gazebo and sprawling lawn, I imagine watching our children play there. Our babies kick as if they can't wait either.

"Oh, it's gorgeous."

My gaze shifts to the fireplace, and fresh tears spring up. Bella's masterpiece - the painting showing a woman's and man's face inches apart - hangs in pride of place. When she gave it to us, she admitted using Cole and me as inspiration, calling it "Irresistible Attraction."

Cole squeezes my hand, leading me toward the room on the right. "This will be the music and study room for the Bosendorfer."

The space is perfect - oversized bookcase, comfortable chairs, wooden table. "Sam is going to love this area."

A sharp pain spears through my back, making me grunt and grab for support.

"Are you okay?" Cole's voice holds immediate concern.

"Hmm, yes. Back pain's getting worse. These babies are heavy." I force a smile. "But let's keep going. I want to see everything."

We explore the open-plan kitchen with its breakfast table and center island, then the three-car garage and extensive home gym.

Upstairs, our master suite takes my breath away - the ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet are perfect.

But it's Samantha's room that makes me emotional.

The soft spring green walls, desk positioned by the window overlooking the backyard, and music note bed covers - it's everything our teenager deserves.

"Are you ready to see the nursery?"

I nod, letting Cole guide me to the next bedroom.

"Okay, open it."

My breath catches. "Oh... Cole!" Tears spill freely as I take in the spacious room with two matching cribs.

The same soft green color covers the walls, but behind the cribs, a hand-painted tree spreads its branches, adorned with sweet little birds and owls.

I waddle to the window, running my fingers over the white dresser before making my way to the rocking chair.

The bookcase beside it overflows with children's books and stuffed animals.

Picking up a grey bunny with oversized ears, I hold it against my belly as Cole wraps his arms around me.

"Like it?"

"I love it." My lip trembles as I turn to face him. "Thank you for finishing our home on time. I love you."

He places his hands on either side of my belly, leaning down to kiss me. "Anything for you."

"But what about our stuff in the penthouse?"

His lips curl into that sexy smirk. "They're boxing it up as we speak. Gave the movers the key yesterday - everything should be here today."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. I'm not selling the penthouse, but I'm renting it out. Only our personal and valuable belongings are coming here. The rest stays."

I wrap my arms around his neck, but grunt as a foot kicks my abdomen hard.

"See? Every time your hands touch my belly, they get more active."

Cole grins with pure male pride. "That's because they know Daddy's here."

I roll my eyes, but before I can comment, he addresses my stomach. "Hey, Daddy loves you, but please go easy on your mother."

"Oh, fuck." My belly becomes a circus of movement, bumps and kicks visible through my dress. They absolutely adore their father's voice.

"Great, now I have to pee again."

Cole releases me, but as I step toward the door, searing pain shoots through my lower body. I grab the doorframe. "Aww!"

"Alex? What's wrong?"

I grind my teeth against the intense back pain. "My back... it just tripled."

"Why don't you sit for a moment, love?"

I glare at him. "I've got to pee first." The pain subsides enough for me to take another step, but then I feel warm liquid running down my legs.

"Oh, shit!" Lifting my dress, I stare at my soaked leggings.

"Alex?"

I turn to show my husband the evidence.

"Oh, your bladder really can't hold it."

"Cole, that's not pee." My heart starts racing. "My water broke."

His face goes blank for a split second before understanding dawns. "You're in labor?"

I drop my dress hem and waddle toward the stairs. "Yep, so are you coming, Mr. Walker? It's time to meet our children."

He rushes to my side, eyes tracking my every move as he pulls out his phone and dials the hospital.

"Yes, it's Cole Walker. My wife's water just broke. She's carrying twins." He listens intently. "Yes, Doctor Johnson said to call immediately if her water broke."

After hanging up, he cups my face. "They're waiting for us. The doctor's already on duty."

Our eyes lock, and his thumbs stroke my cheeks. "We're finally going to meet our children."

I start to laugh, but it transforms into a groan as a contraction hits like a freight train. "Holy fuck a duck!" Grinding my teeth, I clutch his arm for support, trying to remember how to breathe through the pain.

Cole tugs gently. "Okay, Alex, let's go."

"Are you kidding me?" I snarl. "I'm having a goddamn contraction, Bulldozer. I can't move!"

He gives me that sheepish smile, scratching his head like a scolded schoolboy. "Sorry, babe. Tell me when you're ready."

When the pain subsides, I nod. Holding his arm, we make our way through the front door to the car. Suddenly, anxiety crashes over me.

"What if something goes wrong?"

Cole stops, turning to face me. His hands frame my face again, those intense blue eyes holding mine. "Alex, nothing is going wrong. You're going to deliver our babies, and we're going to love them."

His confidence steadies me, and I manage a nod.

The drive is torture. I hum and grunt through contractions while Cole white-knuckles the steering wheel, breaking several speed limits. When we finally reach the hospital, he parks near the entrance.

"We're here, babe. I'm getting a wheelchair." He bolts from the car, and I watch him disappear inside. When he returns, a nurse follows with the chair. My lips twitch seeing his bulldozer expression in full force - furrowed brow, tight lips.

"I can't fucking park here," he mutters, opening my door. "I have to move it." He offers his hand. "The nurse will take you inside."

"It's okay. Our children won't pop out while you park the car."

The nurse chuckles as my husband lets out an enormous sigh.

"I just don't want to leave your side."

Once I'm settled in the chair, he kisses me deeply. "Be right back."

"I'm taking your wife to the third floor," the nurse explains. "I'll let them know you're coming."