Page 33 of Conveniently Theirs

There’s a rapid knock on the door before it flies open. “I’m here. Sorry. I know I’m late. I’m here.” Josh plops into the chair next to me and draws a deep breath. “I’m here.”

The doctor’s barely able to keep from laughing. “Mr. Castillo, now that you’re here, I have the DNA results.”

I close my eyes a moment. I’m anxious to know the results and oddly terrified at thesame time. I hold out my hands and accept the support, comfort, and love from each man’s firm grip.

“I’m ready,” I say.

The doctor pulls up one of the latest sonograms on a large screen. “Once we determined the babies are fraternal twins, we took samples from each placenta. The results show no genetic or other concerns. You’ve got healthy babies. Now I’m able to tell you that baby A…” She points to one of the fuzzy blobs. “…is a girl.”

“A girl,” Josh sighs. “I hope she’ll look like her mother.” He turns in his seat to face Devin and me. “A daughter. We have a daughter.”

The doctor smiles and continues. “Baby A’s genetic makeup was provided by…”

She glances at the folder open on her desk. I know she’s drawing out the reveal for effect and it works. Both Josh and Devin lean forward. What can I say? I’m just as interested and scoot to the edge of my seat.

“Congratulations, Mr. Castillo.”

“Me?” Josh squeaks.

Devin laughs. “Now I really do hope she’ll look like her mama. Congrats, babe. You, too, sweets.”

Mumbling to himself, Josh leans back. He’sgoing to be a little out of it while he processes his new role as a father.

“Baby B is a boy.”

“One of each.” Wonder and awe are evident in Devin’s tone.

“And baby B’s father is Mr. Reed.”

Devin’s mouth moves silently.

“Thank you,” I say to the doctor as she stands. “This is the best news ever.”

“I’ll leave the three of you alone to process. Take as much time as you need. Then stop at the desk when you leave and we’ll get your next appointments set up. Congratulations, Kendall.”

Josh is the first to rise, pulling me to my feet and into his embrace. Devin joins us and I realize we’re all crying. I touch Josh’s tears, then Devin’s. “These damn well better be happy tears.”

“The happiest,” Josh says and starts spinning us in a circle. “I love you.”

“So happy,” Devin confirms. “I love you, Kendall. Josh.” He cups my belly. “And you, our son and daughter.”

Josh falls to his knees and rests his cheek against my womb. “My little loves.”

The excitement, and the spinning, have made my stomach churn. “Crackers.”

My men leap into action, helping me to sit, digging through my bag for the saltines I always carry with me now.

I don’t trust myself to speak, so lift one hand in our private code and touch my heart.

Josh takes my hand and spreads my fingers and thumb wide before flattening my palm over my heart. He covers my hand with his. A moment later Devin’s hand joins ours.

“There’s five of us now,” Josh says.

“Five bound by love,” Devin adds.

Marrying me may have been convenient for Josh—and for me, too—but the fake turned out to be real and nothing will ever come between us. Nothing will change the glorious fact that they are mine and I’m theirs.

“Let’s go home,” I whisper. “And celebrate our love.”

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