He opens the front door, and I gasp.The foyer welcomes us with off-white walls that complement the hardwood floors, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.Natural light streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, and every room is fully decorated exactly as I dreamed.
Moving to the window overlooking the gazebo and sprawling lawn, I imagine watching our children play there.Our babies kick as if they can't wait either.
"Oh, it's gorgeous."
My gaze shifts to the fireplace, and fresh tears spring up.Bella's masterpiece - the painting showing a woman's and man's face inches apart - hangs in pride of place.When she gave it to us, she admitted using Cole and me as inspiration, calling it "Irresistible Attraction."
Cole squeezes my hand, leading me toward the room on the right."This will be the music and study room for the Bösendorfer."
The space is perfect - oversized bookcase, comfortable chairs, wooden table."Sam is going to love this area."
A sharp pain spears through my back, making me grunt and grab for support.
"Are you okay?"Cole's voice holds immediate concern.
"Hmm, yes.Back pain's getting worse.These babies are heavy."I force a smile."But let's keep going.I want to see everything."
We explore the open-plan kitchen with its breakfast table and center island, then the three-car garage and extensive home gym.Upstairs, our master suite takes my breath away - the ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet are perfect.But it's Samantha's room that makes me emotional.The soft spring green walls, desk positioned by the window overlooking the backyard, and music note bed covers - it's everything our teenager deserves.
"Are you ready to see the nursery?"
I nod, letting Cole guide me to the next bedroom.
"Okay, open it."
My breath catches."Oh...Cole!"Tears spill freely as I take in the spacious room with two matching cribs.The same soft green color covers the walls, but behind the cribs, a hand-painted tree spreads its branches, adorned with sweet little birds and owls.I waddle to the window, running my fingers over the white dresser before making my way to the rocking chair.The bookcase beside it overflows with children's books and stuffed animals.Picking up a grey bunny with oversized ears, I hold it against my belly as Cole wraps his arms around me.
"Like it?"
"I love it."My lip trembles as I turn to face him."Thank you for finishing our home on time.I love you."
He places his hands on either side of my belly, leaning down to kiss me."Anything for you."
"But what about our stuff in the penthouse?"
His lips curl into that sexy smirk."They're boxing it up as we speak.Gave the movers the key yesterday - everything should be here today."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes.I'm not selling the penthouse, but I'm renting it out.Only our personal and valuable belongings are coming here.The rest stays."
I wrap my arms around his neck, but grunt as a foot kicks my abdomen hard.
"See?Every time your hands touch my belly, they get more active."
Cole grins with pure male pride."That's because they know Daddy's here."
I roll my eyes, but before I can comment, he addresses my stomach."Hey, Daddy loves you, but please go easy on your mother."
"Oh, fuck."My belly becomes a circus of movement, bumps and kicks visible through my dress.They absolutely adore their father's voice.
"Great, now I have to pee again."
Cole releases me, but as I step toward the door, searing pain shoots through my lower body.I grab the doorframe."Aww!"
"Alex?What's wrong?"
I grind my teeth against the intense back pain."My back...it just tripled."
