"Welcome to the world, Axel and Harley Walker," the doctor says warmly."A healthy set of twins.Well done, both of you."
Eve takes Harley for her checkup while I place Axel in his mother's arms.The pure love in her emerald eyes as she gazes at our son makes my throat tight.After delivering the placentas without complications, the doctor examines my warrior wife one last time.
"Alright, Alisha and Cole, congratulations again.Rest and enjoy your new family.I'll check on you tomorrow, and if everything looks good, you can go home."
Once the doctor leaves, Eve returns with Harley, placing her in my arms."I'll be back shortly," she says, leaving us alone with our miracles.
"You were amazing, Alex."
We lean toward each other, sharing a soft kiss that holds all the words we can't express.
Axel chooses that moment to open his eyes, and I grin."You've got your mom's gorgeous green eyes, son."
Looking down at Harley, I watch in wonder as she follows her brother's lead.Two bright blue eyes -myeyes - stare up at me.When I touch her cheek, she grabs my finger with surprising strength, and something in my heart shifts and settles.This moment, this feeling, will be engraved in my soul forever.
"I love you, Harley, and I promise Daddy will love and protect you, no matter what."
A soft knock makes us look up.My heart swells seeing Samantha hovering in the doorway."Hey," she whispers.
"Oh, honey, we're so glad you're here," Alisha says, frowning slightly."But how did you get here?"
"A cab," she explains, moving closer."Dad gave me money and said if you went into labor while I was at school, I could take a cab straight here."She stops beside the bed, her eyes widening as she takes in the twins."Oh god, they're so tiny."
"You've got a brother and sister, sweetheart.Want to hold your sister?"I ask.
When she nods, I stand and gesture for her to take my chair.Once she's settled, tears fill her eyes as I place Harley in her arms."This is Harley Walker."
My beautiful teenage daughter stares at her baby sister in awe."Hey, Harley, I'm Samantha, your big sister, and I'm so happy to meet you."
I kneel beside the chair, wiping away her tears."She's adorable," Sam whispers.
"And this little man is Axel, your brother," Alisha says softly, lifting his tiny hand.
Sam breaks down completely."Thank you for making me part of this family, Dad."
"Oh, honey."I squeeze her shoulder, kissing her forehead."I love you, Samantha.I wouldn't have wanted it any other way."Taking Harley back, I watch as Sam stands and Alisha beckons her closer.My heart nearly bursts hearing my wife's words: "You're our daughter, Sam.We love you and always will."
Standing here, watching my family, reality hits me hard.Just over a year ago, I was a grumpy bachelor craving an organized, controlled life to keep my demons at bay.But life had other plans, sending two angels to disrupt my carefully structured world in the most beautiful way possible.
I look down at Harley sleeping peacefully in my arms, then up to meet my stunning wife's emerald eyes.She sends me that heart-warming smile - the one that first cracked my walls all those months ago - and I realize something profound: no matter how much you try to plan your life, sometimes the best things are the surprises you never saw coming.The ones that make you happier than you ever thought possible.
My soul overflowing with contentment, I walk to the bed and place Harley next to her brother.Leaning down, I kiss my soulmate deeply."You're mine, all rights reserved."
Alisha touches my cheek, her eyes sparkling despite her exhaustion."What about we change it to: This family is ours, all rights reserved?"
My lips curve as I take in the scene before me - Samantha hovering protectively over her siblings, Axel and Harley sleeping peacefully side by side, Alex glowing with motherly pride.A year ago, I was lost in my own darkness.Now I'm surrounded by more light than I ever dreamed possible.
"Perfect," I whisper, and for the first time in my life, I truly mean it.
Harley stirs, her tiny hand reaching out to grab her brother's.Even in sleep, they're connected.Just like all of us - bound together by something stronger than blood or circumstance.Love.Trust.Family.
I settle on the edge of the bed, one arm around Samantha, the other hand linked with Alex's, our fingers resting between our sleeping twins.Four heartbeats that make mine complete.Four souls that give my life meaning.
"I love you," Alex murmurs, her eyes drifting closed."All of you."
"Sleep, baby," I whisper, watching my family rest."We'll be right here when you wake up."
Because that's what family means - being there, no matter what.And as I sit guard over my sleeping treasures, I send up a silent thank you to whatever force brought us together.The grumpy bachelor and the sassy blonde.The lost teenager and the surprise twins.
