Chapter 98

Life had become fast and furious the moment I was cleared to return home with the babies. With the help of James, we returned to the house and were greeted by a very excited staff. Lily was absolutely losing herself when she first saw the twins bundled up in their swaddles.

“Oh my goodness! Just look at them! They’re perfect,” she boasted.

“Yes, they are,” James hummed in agreement. “Let’s bring them to the nursery, shall we?”

Once we allowed everyone to get their looks at the babies, we headed toward the nursery which was beautifully decorated with a fairytale theme.

We carefully placed Theo and Scarlet down in their matching bassinets and quietly gazed at that beautiful, ethereal innocence.

I couldn't believe they were finally here. It was strange to no longer be pregnant when that’s been my life for most of the past year.

James curved an arm around me. “How are you feeling?” he asked me quietly.

My cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink as my gaze shifted from one baby to the other.

“Surreal. Ever since I went into labor, I’ve felt like I’ve been disconnected from my own body.”

James’ expression turned worried. He turned me in his hands and raked his eyes over me with growing concern.

“What’s wrong? Did they miss something when they checked you over at the hospital? Should we go back? I’ll go get the—”

“James!” I hissed under my breath. “Please, calm down. Don’t you dare wake the babies. Look, physically, I’m fine. A little sore here and there, that’s all.”

“But you said—”

I giggled lightly and shook my head. “What I meant before was that I’m just shocked that they’re finally in front of us. I feel like I’ve been pregnant forever. Everything is so new to me, it’s rather overwhelming.”

I visibly watched James relax. The corners of his mouth curved upward and he softly chuckled. “I understand. Well, don’t worry. I’m going to be here for all of it.”

And sure enough, James had kept true to his word. He’d purposely cut his hours short at the office to come home early just to spend time with me and the twins. It was remarkable how much his face lit up anytime he came into the room when he caught a glimpse of the babies.

He never shied away from stepping up to take care of nightly feedings or when one of the twins needed to be changed. James was, indeed, a hands-on father—one that I could only ever have hoped for.

Needless to say, I was surprised to see how much time James dedicated to helping take care of them. I felt silly for ever having doubted his interest in my children.

Although, as the weeks went on, it was clear that this new form of life was beginning to take a toll on the two of us.

It was no easy thing raising one baby, let alone two at the same time. Of course, any and all wedding preparations were temporarily put on hold while we gained our bearings and adjusted to our new reality.

But, I felt that James and I were in much need of a small break...

That morning, I spoke to Lily and asked if she wouldn’t mind watching over the twins while James and I had dinner together. “Oh! I’d be more than happy!” she claimed.

I wanted to plan a special night out for the two of us.

When James came home after work, I greeted him at the door and told him to switch into something a little more casual.

“You and I are going out for dinner tonight,” I told him. “I want you all to myself before jumping back into our nutty schedule.”

James smirked. “Mia, are you asking me out on a date?”

I laughed. “I think it’s time that you and I have some decent time to ourselves, don’t you?”

I directed the driver to take us to the very same restaurant in which James had taken me the night he had introduced the marriage contract. James was taken aback before letting out a loud chuckle.

“Cheeky girl,” he commented.

We were swiftly escorted to a private table and requested the house white wine to share. I’d gotten my mushroom risotto and the two of us casually caught up on recent matters. Work had been going well, according to James, there hadn’t been any issues regarding contracts or client relations.

After we finished up at the restaurant, I decided for the two of us to head to a nearby art gallery. James was a bit surprised at my choice. “We get enough noise at home,” I told him. “I figured you and I are in much need of some quiet time.”

James smiled and laced our hands together. Over the next hour, we wandered through the art displays and made light small talk.

Once we made it back home, James and I made a direct B-line to the nursery to check on the twins to find them happily fast asleep.

James stood behind me. He curved his hand around my waist and leaned down to kiss the inner curve of my neck. “Tonight isn’t over yet.”

My breathing hitched as I allowed him to pull me away from the nursery to make it toward the bedroom. The moment the door clicked shut behind me, he pressed me firmly into it and captured my lips in a soul-snatching kiss.

He was slow, passionate, and demanding. With one hand wrapped in my hair, James used his other to work the zipper down on my dress. I felt the silken material fall from my body, leaving me in nothing but my lacy underwear.

James growled under his breath and lifted me off the ground to carry me over to the bed. He laid me down and slid between my legs. I frantically tore at his clothes until he was as bare as me.

“You’re so beautiful it drives me mad,” he husked.

He snaked one of his hands down my chest, cupping my breast and lightly pinching my nipple before heading between my thighs. My back arched off the bed, pressing further into his touch. His thumb circled my clit.

“Mmnnh! James,” I gasped. “Please...I...I need you.”

James didn’t need to be told twice. He pulled himself back on his knees and took his length in his hand and gave himself several long strokes. James hooked his hands under my knees and pulled me flush against him.

He hooked one of my legs over his shoulders and pressed the head of his cock against my slick entrance. In one swift thrust, he pressed into me and stole the very air from my lungs. The two of us let out a unanimous groan of pleasure and, slowly, began to move against one another.

James set the pace and a spark of heat flared beneath my stomach. With every thrust of his hips, I was pushed further to the point of falling apart.

James’ breathing turned rugged and soon his movements were growing staggered.

“I love you,” he said. “Mia...Come for me.”

My nerves coiled and flared and suddenly I felt like I was tipping over the edge. A distorted cry tore from my throat and came apart in James’ hands.