Life was good for the first time in a long time. Marcus was very loving and attentive whenever he was in town. He did his best to make it to doctor appointments and would feel terrible if he missed one. He was certainly racking up the frequent flyer miles. With my due date fast approaching, he took time off so he could stay with me. Having him with me every night was comforting and started to feel like I had something real and lasting.
Carter's brother and sister-in-law welcomed their own baby into the world. He was anxious to go see her, but put off his trip until after Marcus was going to be around full time. He and Marcus got along great and between the two of them I didn't have to worry about anything. It was great to be pampered.
My situation wasn't completely ignored. On occasion during dinner or just hanging around the house Marcus would ask me more questions. He still couldn't fully understand how me having so many babies served as revenge against my father.
We were in the middle of one of those conversations when I went into labor. I was around 3 weeks early, Marcus was trying to appear calm but I could see the panic on his face. He was concerned about me and the babies especially them with me delivering early. I didn't want to worry him anymore, but I was scared too. I kept flashing back to the last time I went into labor. I knew they were bigger and could survive but I was still scared.
Once at the hospital they settled me into my room and hooked me up to the monitors. Marcus called our moms and Carter to let them know I was in labor. Seven hours later we welcomed Dax and Dunham Smith into the world. I gave the boys his last name since he was the only boy and responsible for carrying on the family name. His parents were very happy and grateful.
Marcus was instantly a great father. He got up in the middle of the night, never complained about changing dirty diapers, I couldn't have been happier. Many nights I would find him in the nursery just watching them sleep.
"I knew I'd find you in here."
"They look so peaceful."
He slipped his arms around me and gave me a soft kiss on the cheek. I nestled my head against his shoulder and enjoyed the silence of that moment. We stood watching our boys sleep.
"Marry me" He whispered in my ear
"What?"
"Marry me. I love you Amari and you have given me the greatest gift in the world, my boys. Now make the the happiest man by marrying me."
He was serious, I didn't know how to respond.
"Marcus, I...um" I couldn't answer him, instead I ran and locked myself in the bathroom. I sank down on the floor.
He had just proposed to me, and I was hiding in a bathroom. Isn't this what I wanted? I asked for normal, and normal people have kids and get married yet I was suddenly very terrified at the idea. I buried my face in my hands. What the hell is wrong with me. Why couldn't I just say yes?
"Amari" he was knocking at the door.
"You running from me was exactly the reaction I was expecting. Open the door."
I didn't answer him, what was I going to say? I sat there hoping one of the boys would wake up and cry. Anything to get him away from the door, but they were good for a change and remained sleeping.
"Open the door and talk to me. Please baby just open the door."
I couldn't stay in here forever so I got up and opened the door.
"I'm sorry. I guess I just panicked."
"Why would you panic?"
"Because nothing good lasts for me."
He hugged me. "I'm not going anywhere. I promise. I have you and my boys, there is no way I would leave you."
I wanted to believe him.
"You know, the doctor said we should wait before trying for another baby. He didn't say we couldn't practice."
"Why Mr. Smith are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?" I asked already starting to remove his shirt. We didn't need to say anything more. That night for the first time since we conceived the boys, we made love. He was sweet and tender, afterwards we fell asleep in each others arms.
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Sorry for the short chapter. I promise the next one will be longer. I gave you bonus pics of Dax and Dunham. They are the first set of twins I've had that actually look alike and they both got their dad's green eyes. I was most excited about that.
