Chapter 299
This was our time, our chance at happiness, and I was going to do everything in my power to
make sure we got it.
Starting tomorrow I’d increase security at both houses, would make sure the property was as
safe as we could make it, would do whatever it took to protect my family.
14%团
But tonight, right now, I just wanted to hold Athena and let myself feel the joy and wonder of
knowing we were having twins.
Two babies, two little lives that would call me dad, two chances to get it right, to be the father
I’d always wanted to be.
I felt tears prick my eyes and I blinked them away, emotions running high after everything that
had happened today.
Athena stirred against me and mumbled something in her sleep, her hand coming to rest on top
of mine on her stomach.
“Sleep, baby,” I whispered. “I’ve got you, I’ve got all of you.”
And I meant it, with everything in me, I meant it.
The next few days settled into a rhythm that felt like something out of a dream I didn’t want to
wake up from.
Every morning I’d open my eyes to find Athena curled against my side, her hair spread across
my chest, one of her hands always resting on her stomach even in sleep like she was already
protecting our babies, and I’d lie there for a solid ten minutes just watching her breathe, watching
the way the morning light coming through the curtains painted gold across her skin.
Sometimes she’d wake up and catch me staring and she’d smile that sleepy smile that made my
heart do things I couldn’t explain, other times she’d stay asleep and I’d carefully extract myself from
the bed to go downstairs where Sarah was already making breakfast.
Sarah had taken it upon herself to make sure Athena ate enough, claiming that since she was
|||
<
1/3
ZU UZ Tue, Jan Zucu
Chapter 299
eating for three now she needed proper nutrition, which resulted in breakfast spreads that could
feed a small army.
1482
“I’m going to be the size of a house by the time these babies come,” Athena said one morning as
Sarah set down a plate loaded with eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, and pancakes.
She was sitting at the kitchen table in one of my t–shirts that hung off her shoulder and a pair
of sleep shorts, her hair was pulled back in a messy bun and she had that pregnancy glow everyone
talks about even though she was barely four weeks along.
“You’re going to be beautiful,” I said from my spot beside her, leaning over to kiss her temple.
“You’re already glowing and you’re not even showing yet.”
“That’s what you have to say,” she said but I could see her trying not to smile. “You’re biased.”
“I’m not biased, I’m observant,” I corrected, stealing a piece of bacon from her plate. “There’s a
difference.”
“That’s my bacon,” she protested, but she was grinning now.
“Our bacon,” I said. “What’s yours is mine, remember? You agreed to marry me.”
“I’m starting to regret that decision,” she said, pulling her plate closer protectively.
“No you’re not,” I said confidently.
“No I’m not,” she admitted with a laugh.
Sarah was watching us from the stove with this soft expression on her face. “You two are
disgustingly cute,” she said. “It’s almost annoying how perfect you are together.”
“Thank you?” Athena said, making it sound like a question.
“It’s definitely a compliment, Sarah assured her. “Orion and I were the same way when we first
got together, we couldn’t keep our hands off each other and everyone said we were nauseating.”
“We still say that,” Orion called from somewhere upstairs.
“Shut up, Sarah yelled back, but she was smiling.
III
r
2/3
20:02 Tue, Jan 20 GW·
Chapter 299
14%2
Lily came bouncing into the kitchen then, already dressed in a bright pink dress with her hair in pigtails, she was a morning person in the worst way, full of energy from the moment she opened her
eyes.
“Good morning Aunt Athena,” she sang out, climbing onto Athena’s lap without asking. “Good
morning Uncle Tristan.”
