Page 294 of The Baby Twist
“Welcome to the world Ashley and Ashton Stone.”
Marley
I was a mom, and I couldn’t believe it. When I stared at my babies, everything that had ever gone wrong in my life was now right. I was exhausted, and the four day stay in the hospital was welcomed, but I was more than ready to go home.
Penelope and Olivia came to the hospital the morning I was being discharged to help gather the flowers and gifts that our friends and family sent. Charlie and I dressed the twins in their ‘going home’ outfits, took multiple pictures, and set them in their car seats. As I was wheeled down to the lobby, Charlie wasin front of me, holding the car seats in each hand. I held up my phone and took a video.
“There is nothing sexier than a man carrying his two children out of the hospital,” Olivia said.
“He’s one fine daddy,” Penelope spoke. “Damn.”
“He sure is.” I grinned.
Chapter Thirty-Three
TWO WEEKS LATER
Charlie
I knew having twins wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, but for fuck’s sake, I had no idea it would be as hard as it was. Even though Marley and I thought we were prepared, we weren’t.
“I know you said we’d hold off on a nanny until the twins were a little older, but we need to do something,” I said, pacing around the room, trying to soothe Ashton.
“I feel like I’m going crazy, Charlie. Please check me into a mental institution. I’m begging you.”
“Oh no. You’re not getting off that easy.”
There was a knock on the door, and when I walked over and opened it, Stella stood there with a smile.
“How’s parenthood going?”
“Difficult. Come on in.” I chuckled.
“Here, let me take him.”
I handed Ashton over to Stella. She held him in a certain position, and he immediately quieted down.
“How did you do that?” I asked.
“I used to be a nanny, remember?” She smirked. “Actually, that’s why I’m here.”
“You’re going to be our nanny?” Marley grinned.
“I know someone who would be perfect for you,” she said. “Her name is Tilly, and she has a lot of experience with twins. The family she nannied for just moved to Chicago, so she’s looking for another family. You’ll love her.”
“Send her over ASAP,” I said. “I have to return to the office in a couple of days.”
“I knew you’d say that, so I already told her about you. I can call and have her come over today if you want.”
Stella called Tilly and set up an interview for four o’clock. After we thanked her and she lay Ashton in his bassinet, she went home. Walking over to the couch, I sat next to Marley and hooked my arm around her as Ashley slept peacefully in her arms.
“She’s so beautiful.” I smiled, staring at my daughter.
“When she’s like this, yes, she is.” Marley smirked.
“We’ll get through this, babe.” I kissed the side of her head.
“Do you really think so?”
