Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
After the photos were snapped, the saleswoman handed off the paint colors to a colleague to do what she’d promised.
“Can we FaceTime Mommy?” Dakota asked.
He nodded, opening his phone and pulling up Charlotte’s contact. “Go ahead.” He handed Dylan the phone.
They talked to their mom and after a few minutes of chatter and happy squeals, Dakota said, “Mommy wants to talk to you.”
He took the phone and turned it toward him. Charlotte was grinning as she said, “Hi.”
“Hi, yourself.”
“Rough day?” The smile turned into a laugh.
He shook his head. “Not at all. They were perfect angels.” And for ten-year-olds, bickering was normal.
“I wouldn’t think less of you if you told me the truth. But I’m so glad you took them. They seem happy.”
“They’re experts in the art of compromise, thanks to you.”
She nodded. “First thing you learn as a mother of two, especially twins. Well, if you like the samples, I can buy the paint now or you can wait and hang them on the wall to see? I trust you and the girls. If they’re happy, I’m happy.” She looked down and moved off screen, obviously distracted for a moment before popping back on again. “I can give you my credit card number and—”
“No. It’s on me, and before you argue, call it a landlord’s prerogative to have the walls painted for his tenants.”
She sighed but he watched as her expression changed and she gave in. “Thank you. I’ll make it up to you.”
“No, you won’t. The pleasure of your girls’ company is all I need. I’m serious. They’re great kids.” Who were talking while he’d taken a few steps away to speak to their mother.
She put a hand to her chest. “I think so too, but I’m biased. And so happy to be back home where I can see them all the time.”
He loved the warm expression on her face when she mentioned her girls. Wanted to see more of that when she was with him.
“I think we should tell them about the baby when you bring them home,” she said.
He drew a deep breath. More inquisition, he thought, surprised he was actually looking forward to it. “See you later, Charlotte.” He heard the gruff rumble in his tone only she brought out in him.
She blushed, telling him she’d heard it too. “Bye, Jared.”
He disconnected the call and walked over to finish up with the twins, the paint, and take them home.
When they arrived at Charlotte’s apartment, she wasn’t home from running an errand, so he let them in with the key she’d given him in case of such a contingency. The girls went to hang up paint colors on the walls and he settled in a chair in the living room, exhausted. And for a man who worked the hours he did, that was saying something.
Charlotte arrived soon after and with a quick wave, she went straight to the girls’ bedroom to ooh and aah over their choice. A little while later, they walked out, the girls quiet.
“What is it, Mommy? What do you want to talk to us about?” Dylan asked.
“Come sit.” She strode to the sofa and sat, then patted either side of her.
As the girls settled in, she shot him an easy smile, letting him know she wasn’t panicked about it. He relaxed but not much.
“So, Jared and I have news.”
“Good news or bad news?” Dakota tucked her legs beneath her.
“We think it’s good news,” Jared said.
Charlotte took each of their hands. “I’m pregnant and you’re going to be big sisters.”
It was as if a bomb dropped in the room. Silence descended and his anxiety ramped up high. He’d come to like the girls; they were sweet and kind and their bickering reminded Jared of him and his brothers growing up.
“A baby? Cool!” Dylan said after processing so long Jared was worried she was upset, angry, hurt.
“Wow,” Dakota chimed in. “Boy or girl?”
Jared’s gaze came to hers and he tipped his head. It was her choice if she wanted to find out the sex of the baby now or when he or she was born.
“We don’t know yet. And I think we’ll wait and see. Surprises are good, right?”
They were bouncing in their seats.
“Yes!” Dakota exclaimed.
“Surprises are cool!” Dylan added.
Dylan swiveled, pinning him with her smart stare. “I knew you liked my mom.” She wrinkled her nose. “Mommy, how are babies made?”
Charlotte’s eyes opened wide.
“When a man and a woman like each other, they get in bed and—” Charlotte covered her other, more precocious daughter’s mouth with her hand. “We can discuss this another time. When we’re alone,” she said pointedly, then cautiously and slowly removed her hand.
To Jared’s mortification, he felt his cheeks flame. Life with these girls was going to be very interesting.
He took the elevator to his apartment, needing a drink, a hot shower, and sleep. In that order. Telling the twins he and their mom were having a baby had been… interesting, to say the least. They’d both been happy. But when Dylan asked how babies were made, he thought he was going to choke. Charlotte had turned red and though she’d promised to explain another time, she no doubt hoped her daughter would forget the question.