Page 166 of Wild Tangled Hearts

“Are you sure you’ve got this figured out?” I chuckle as I watch Sebastian wrestle with the crib’s instruction manual and the scattered screws and nails on the floor.

He glances up, mischief twinkling in his dark eyes. “It’s all under control.”

I arch an amused eyebrow. “Do you recall the last time you attempted something like this? It took us eight hours to assemble that bookshelf. And we still had to call my dad in the end.”

“This is different. I’ve got this.”

His stubborn determination makes me laugh, and I put my hands up in surrender. “Alright. I’ll just be here, offering moral support.”

Five years have passed since the day we exchanged our vows, and while many things have changed, the most remarkable transformation is the lively duo currently locked in a spirited wrestling match within the confines of my expanding belly.

“You realize there’s a whole other crib to set up after that one,” I remind him.

He smiles and returns to the crib, trying to fit a piece into a place that clearly doesn’t want it. After a few more minutes of struggle, he throws his arms up in defeat.

“Okay, okay,” he concedes, “I’ll call someone tomorrow to set them up.”

I shake my head with affection for my determined husband. As he stands up, his gaze lingering on the incomplete crib, he reaches for me, pulling me into his embrace.

His hands rest on my stomach, and he smiles when he feels the twins kick. “Incredible,” he murmurs, resting his forehead against mine.

It is incredible.A miracle of science and a journey of patience and hope. We faced heartbreak and uncertainty during the first few attempts, but we persevered. And in less than a month, we’ll get to meet our miracle babies.

Sebastian’s battle with cystic fibrosis has been another hurdle. He’s had his fair share of hospital stays, a constant reminder of the fragility of life, but despite the challenges, he’s doing remarkably well.

Our new place, which Sebastian lovingly calls a “house,” while I prefer the term “castle,” is another significant change in our lives. We moved to the countryside, where the air is cleaner and the pace of life is gentler, all for Sebastian’s health. The vast lot is nothing short of paradise, and it fills me with anticipation for the childhood our twins will have, surrounded by nature and wide-open spaces.

“I love you,” Sebastian whispers, his voice filled with emotion.

I caress his cheek, gazing into his eyes.How did I get so lucky?

We share a moment of quiet, our love speaking volumes in the silence. “Have you thought about names?” I ask.

He nods. “For the boy, I was thinking, Tobias, after my brother. And for the girl, how about Pearl, after your middle name?”

“I love that.”

He leans in to kiss me again. “I can’t wait to hold them in my arms,” he whispers against my lips.

“Me too,” I reply, my voice soft.

The nursery may still have a few pieces to be put together, but everything feels complete. I refuse to let myself fall into the old patterns of wondering, “What if?” Life is filled with uncertainties, and Sebastian’s illness is just one of many.

In his smile, I find my strength, and in his embrace, I’ve discovered the essence of what family truly means. I hope with all my heart that our children will bask in his love for many years to come. But even if fate has different plans, he will live on through them, a living legacy that speaks of our love.

What Sebastian and I share will transcend time and endure eternally, a testament to the profound beauty of giving our hearts without reservation, even when our souls ache for more time together. Our love is a flame that will never be extinguished, a light that will guide our family through every challenge that life may throw our way.

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PartTwelve

Epilogue

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