Page 295 of The Baby Twist
“I know so. We have three hours before Tilly gets here. Let’s go lay this little one in her bassinet and take a nap.” I carefully took Ashley from Marley’s arms and set her in the bassinet by her brother. Grabbing a blanket from the basket in the corner of the room, I sat back on the couch, covered us with the blanket, and hooked my arm around Marley. “There. Now close your eyes.”
“You are truly amazing,” she whispered.
“So are you, babe.” I closed my eyes.
The earth-shattering screams of both children woke us from a deep sleep. Glancing at my watch, we’d only been sleeping a half hour.
“Oh, come on,” Marley said.
“I’ll get Ashley, and you get Ashton,” I sighed, getting up from the couch.
Two Weeks Later
Marley
I cleaned up from dinner while Charlie took the twins upstairs. It was hard to believe they were already a month old. We had survived the first month, and I was proud of us. Walking up to the bedroom, I stood in the doorway and watched Charlie with the twins on the bed. He was an incredible man and father. He took care of me. He got up every single night without one complaint. He changed diapers, fed them, played with them, and held them non-stop, even when I told him he was spoiling them. He held and comforted me when I was overwhelmed, hormonal, and sobbing. I never thought I could love anyone as much as I loved him. This man, Charlie Stone, was my life, and I couldn’t imagine it without him.
I never really had the chance to process what Hallie told me that day in her shop because the accident happened, and the twins were born. Then, the chaos started when we brought them home, leaving us exhausted and unable to think clearly. His birthday was in a few days, and I wanted to plan something special for him and give him the ultimate gift.
“Haveyou decided what you’re giving Daddy McBillionaire for a birthday gift?” Olivia asked as she held Ashley.
“I have.” I grinned.
“Well, spit it out,” Penelope said. “What do you give a billionaire who already has everything anyway?”
“A wife.”
“Excuse me?” Olivia’s brow arched.
“I’m going to ask Charlie to marry me. It’s my fault that he never got to ask me, so I’m asking him.”
“Yay!” Penelope grinned, clapping her hands.
“I’m proud of you, girl. Did you hear that, Ashley? Your mommy has finally grown up and come to her senses. She might not fuck you or your brother up after all.” She lifted her and kissed her head.
“Very funny.” My brows furrowed.
I wantedto whisk Charlie away somewhere warm and romantic for his birthday, but I couldn’t because the twins were only a month old. So, I decided to rent the Manhattan suite at the Lowell Hotel for the afternoon and night. Charlie hadn’t a clue what my plans were and about the surprise birthday party Chase and Lila were throwing him at Chase’s penthouse tomorrow night.
After giving Charlie his birthday present before he left for the office, I went upstairs while Tilly watched the twins and packed us each a bag. I was grateful to Penelope and Olivia for coming over later and spending the night with Tilly to help her with the babies.
I had everything planned, right down to the second I arrived at Charlie’s office to whisk him away for the day.
“Hey, babe.” He grinned and walked over and kissed me. “What are you doing here? Where are the twins?”
“They’re with Tilly.” I smiled, grabbing his tie and pulling him closer to me. “I’m here to give you another birthday present.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. So, come with me. Nico is downstairs waiting with the car.”
“Can you give me about thirty minutes? I’m in the middle of finishing something.”
“No, she can not.” Chase smiled, entering Charlie’s office. “I’ll finish it. You go and enjoy the rest of your birthday.”
“What are you up to?” Charlie smirked.
“You’ll see. Come on.”
