Page 102 of Lilly
Chapter Twenty-One
Lilly
We endup staying in hospital for seven days as Nathan has some trouble eating. The week passes by in a total blur though. I try to memorise every moment with Natalie and Nathan, knowing I’m never going to get these first hours back, but still, it’s gone before I really realise it’shappened.
Putting them both in the car to come home I think is the scariest thing about the whole giving birth and being new parents thing. In the baby unit, there was always someone on hand to help if we weren’t sure, but we’re about to be let loose to go it alone, and that scares the pants offme.
It’s the longest journey ever, seeing as we have to stop every two hours to feed them. Giving birth to twins six hours away from home wasn’t the best plan, but it is what it is, and we’ll get home at some point today—or maybe tomorrow. If we were more prepared, we could’ve got a hotel for the night, or even stopped at my parents’, but we don’t have anything for them to sleep in, along with all the other stuff we’re going toneed.
“Lilly, we’re home,” I hear Lucas say quietly as the car engine shuts off. I drag my eyes open and immediately look behind me into the mirrors that allow me to see my babies. “They’re fine. Slept as soundly as you. Come on, let’s get them out of thoseseats.”
Lucas insists on carrying them both and refuses to let me help with anything. The first few seconds of being left alone with both of them is daunting, even though Lucas has only gone back down to the car. I’m responsible for both of their lives, for everything they’re going to need. The thought freaks me outsomewhat.
“I’ve got a surprise for you,” Lucas announces when hereappears.
“Okay.”
“I’ve already given them a talking to about backing off if needed, because I don’t want you to be overwhelmed or smothered, but I thought you might want themhere.”
Excitement bubbles inside, because if he’s talking about who I think he is, then yes, I desperately want to see them and for them to meet Natalie and Nathan. I smile and nod at him to get a moveon.
When Lucas reopens the hotel room door, as expected, my mum and dad are stood there smiling with arms full of pink and blue giftbags.
“Let me see my babies,” Mum demands after she’s given me a hugehug.
“Thank you,” I mouth toLucas.
I look at my mum and dad cooing over our babies and my world feels complete. I have everything I’ve ever wanted, and it’s more than I could possiblyimagine.
