The others shouted their congratulations and well wishes, causing a scene in a fairly quiet waiting room.
Evan blinked back a fresh round of tears. “I love you guys. I love everyone today! Merry Christmas, Buckeye Falls!”
And with that, Evan hopped in the elevator to rejoin his wife and babies. In his thirty-six years on this planet, his sister had never seen him so happy. And for the happiest guy in town, that was certainly saying something.
CHAPTER 12
What’s one more announcement?
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“And the babies areboth fine?” Chloe asked, fidgeting with the bangles on her wrist.
James nodded as he turned his car onto Main Street, one hand holding Alice’s as the other steered to avoid a pothole. He swiped his thumb over her knuckles as he smiled. Even with all the chaos of the babies’ arrival, it had been one of his favorite Christmases to date. “Yep. Just got a text from Anthony. Mommy and babies are fine, but don’t ask me their names.”
Alice threw her head back and laughed. “Are you serious? We just read the text as we left the diner. It’s Eva and Charlie, both perfect names.” Chloe and Addisonooedandahhedfrom their spots in the back of the car.
The snow had finally slowed to the big fat flakes that were perfect for snow globes, the air crisp and cool. The clouds had dispersed, allowing the stars to twinkle and add another layer of magic to their drive home. Frankly, if the scenery got any more serene, James would have to lock himself away in his studio to create another masterpiece. He squashed his creative mojo, too eager to spend time with three of his favorite people.
Oblivious to her husband’s musings, Alice quickly fired off a series of texts to both her brother and friends sharing their congratulations. Talk about a Christmas miracle!
After the bedlam of CeCe’s labor, the vibes at the diner varied between excitement and trepidation. As soon as Anthony got word that everyone was okay, the holiday celebration continued as everyone chipped in to tidy up the diner and make sure everyone’s kids and belongings were taken care of.
Unfortunately, the birth of the twins did little to crush Chloe’s concerns that they were third and fourth wheels to the festivities. “Are you sure we can crash at your place?” Chloe asked from the back seat, feet bobbing in time with her racing heart.
Addison leaned against her, her head resting on her shoulders. “No, Chloe, they’re going to make us sleep in the car.” She gestured with her free hand out the window and chuckled. “Or worse, left on the mean streets of Buckeye Falls. I don’t know if we’ll survive the night.”
Alice swung around in her seat and frowned. “Chloe, we’ve known you for nearly a decade. Can you please remember that we love you?”
James snickered from the driver’s seat. “Sometimes more than Addy.”
“Hey,” Addison admonished, causing Chloe to giggle.
“Thank you. We weren’t sure what we wanted to do for the holidays, and I suddenly got homesick for cliched Christmas traditions and some snow that wasn’t gray from cabs and loud New Yorkers.” Chloe hefted out a sigh that deflated her, causing her to melt into Addison’s hold. “But then when CeCe went into labor, I started doubting we were where we needed to be.”
“You’re always welcome,” James and Alice said in unison.
