Drake! she exclaimed. She was still hooked up to monitors and the blood machine. What are you doing here? I could see fear in her eyes, thinking that something was wrong. Michael and Stella were pa.s.sed out on the sofa as Molly watched TV.

I needed to see you, I said breathlessly. I need to marry you.

W-what? she breathed out almost in a laugh.

I bent down on my knees next to her, holding her free hand in mine. Please. We need to get married. I dont care where or even how, I just need to know that I didnt miss the opportunity. Something worse couldve happened to you and then I wouldve missed it, but Im not going to miss it this time. I want to marry you, Molly.

I want to marry you, too, she wept through a huge smile. Lets do it.

Oh G.o.d, I love you! I stood up, cupped her face, and placed kisses all over her mouth. I will make you the happiest woman ever, I promise.

I already am.

17.

Molly Holding the babies finally was the greatest gift ever. Watching them look up at me was the best feeling in the world. They were my little miracle babies.

So, what are we going to call baby girl? Drake asked. I was allowed to sit in the rocking chair now in the NICU and hold them.

Since you named River, I want to name her. I announced.

Okay, fair. He smiled. So, whats baby girls name? He rubbed a hand over her little head as I held her.

Its been six days since they were born. Her stats went up and down throughout the first three days, making us wonder how much fight she had in her, which apparently she had a lot.

Shes a fighter, Molly. Just like her mama. Drake said as he held me. Seeing them for the first time put me into tears. Baby girl wasnt doing as well as River and I feared the worst.

Then yesterday, something incredible happened. Her stats leveled out. They were both on feeding tubes and oxygen, but she finally was up to the same levels as her brother. It was a miracle.

Miracle, I said.

What?

Her name is Miracle. Because she truly is one. Shes a fighter.

Its perfect. He kissed the top of her head gently.

I wanna name her middle name after my grandmother. Miracle Rose.

I love it, baby. River and Miracle. He smiled.

River and Miracle stayed in the NICU for four weeks. They had to get off oxygen, the feeding tube, gain weight, and start eating from a bottle. It was the most exhausting four weeks I had ever experienced.

Drake was able to make arrangements to have them transferred to Chicagos Children Hospital a week after they were born. Michael helped with Stella and Liam, watching them and making sure they got to school. Unfortunately, they didnt allow children in the NICU, so today would be Stella and Liams first time meeting the twins.

Yay, theyre home! I heard Stella yell as Drake and I entered.

Baby girl! I squealed. She jumped into my arms. I had been switching off from sleeping at home to sleeping at the hospital. I tried my best to juggle being with the twins and being with Stella, but this last week I stayed so I could work on nursing them. I missed you!

Do I get to see the babies now?

Yes, you do! You and Liam can hold them, but you both need to sit on the sofa first.

Okay! Me first! she yelled, rushing to the living room.

Drake followed in behind me, carrying a car seat in each hand. You look pretty good there, daddy.

Hey, free arm workout. He grinned, pretending to curl each car seat.

Can I hold the girl, mommy? Stella asked as we got each baby out of their seat.

Watching Stella and Liam hold the twins brought tears to my eyes. G.o.d, it was just perfect. Four beautiful children. Four healthy children.

River and Miracle were both swaddled in blankets, laying peacefully on Stella and Liam.

Whats wrong? Drake approached me and wrapped his arms around my waist. He nuzzled his nose in my neck, inhaling my scent.

Nothing. I cleared my throat. Absolutely nothing. I smiled, letting him hold me as I just watched.

The following week was spent getting into a routine. Its been over five years since Ive done the getting-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night thing.

How ya feeling, mama? Michael asked, entering my bedroom with a tray of food. I brought breakfast.

Oh, thank G.o.d. The twins are sucking every ounce of food out of me.

Well, youre doing great. I mean, you need a shower, clean clothes, and probably a v.a.g.i.n.a tuck, but other than that, you look good as new.

Wow, thanks for cheering me up.

Its what I do. He grinned. He set down the tray, and I didnt wait to dig into the eggs, bacon, and pancakes. d.a.m.n, this is good.

That was supposed to be for you and Drake, you know?

Screw Drake. Did he become a human milk machine?

Its fine, Drake chimed in, entering the bedroom in just a towel. I have a business brunch.

What? I dropped my fork. Youre going back to work already? Youre leaving me alone with two crying babies? I panicked.

Sweetheart, stop worrying. Its just for an hour. I swear, Ill be back soon. Its for he cleared his throat and swallowed. Its about Denny.

My eyes shot open. Ive been so preoccupied, my brain hadnt even thought about him. I hadnt asked and he didnt tell me how exactly he got rid of him Oh, well dont be too long, okay?

Of course not.

After Drake got dressed, he kissed me goodbye and left for the morning.

Please tell me you arent leaving me, I pleaded with Michael who was still sitting on the bed next to me. They team up and have their scream fests at the same time.

He laughed and promised to help. Michael had been super helpful, getting Stella to and from school, making dinner, checking her homework, cleaning up baby p.o.o.p. I mean really, he was like a second husband. And he wasnt allowed to leave. Ever.

On cue, both of the twins started crying at the same time. Michael grabbed River from his basinet and handed him to me. He then grabbed Miracle and started patting her on the back to soothe her.

I think she likes me the best, he teased. She always quiets down for me.

Well, thats a first. Usually girls scream and run away from you.

Except you, he laughed. Must be the Woods blood. Cant get enough of me.

Yeah, that must be it. I laughed. I finished changing River then switched with Michael to change Miracle.

Alright, you two. Who wants to eat first? They both lay on the bed smiling up at me.

Well, holler if you need me. Im gonna shower.

K, thanks Michael, I called out as he left.

Just you guys and me, huh? We can do this, right? Sure, we got this.

After a full morning of nursing, changing, burping, and spit up, I was exhausted. I did need a shower and some clean clothes, badly.

Where the heck is your daddy? I cooed to them. Hes late. Very, very late.

The twins eventually fell back asleep in their ba.s.sinets, giving me a little free time to brush my teeth and brush through my rats nest on top of my head.

Ugh, I forgot what newborns do to you. Stretch you out, make a grand exit out of you, then tire you out to the point where you forget if you flossed or not.

Molly? I heard Drake call out.

In here.

Oh perfect, he said as he rounded the bathroom. Get in the shower. Dont ask questions, just do what I say.

I eyed him suspiciously. What is he up to?

What about the babies?

Dont worry. Theyre sleeping. Ill watch them. Just shower, get dressed, do your girly thing or whatever, and Ill be out here waiting. He smiled wide. He was definitely up to something.

Where are we going?

Nah ah. No questions. He pecked me on the lips and rushed out. Hurry up!

Well, that was odd. I did as he said. Twenty peaceful minutes in the shower? Yes, please.

I continued getting ready. Put on some makeup, brushed through my hair, and flossed again.

What should I wear? I called out as I searched through the closet.

Something pretty. Pink or something, he answered casually.

Hmm, he was acting suspicious, but I decided to let it go. I found a pink dress that was fitted at the waist, giving me enough room to feel comfortable. Itd be a while yet before I got my figure back, or rather, if I got it back. But they were worth it"every stretch mark and pound gained.

Okay, I think Im ready, I called out, making an entrance into the bedroom where he sat waiting. Good enough?

He stood up as his eyes roamed over me. You look perfect, sweetheart. Breathtaking.

He grabbed me and kissed me deeply. You look stunning.

Well, thank you. Now do I get to know where were going?

Not yet. He reached over to the bed where a bouquet of a dozen roses lay. These are for you.

Wow, these are beautiful! Whats the occasion?

Like there has to be, he quipped. But if you must know, its for Valentines Day. I have a very special night planned.

Oh my G.o.d, its Valentines Day? I screeched. My days and nights have been mixed up. I didnt even realize. I feel horrible, I forgot.

Dont you worry. Tonight is all about you.

But what about the babies?

I better get paid for this, a voice interrupted behind me.

I turned as I recognized the voice. Oh my G.o.d, Blakely! What is she doing here?

She is saving your a.s.s. Im here to baby watch.

You mean babysit, Drake corrected her.

My eyes grew wide. You asked Blakely to babysit? I gasped.

Dont worry, Molly. I dragged Colin with me. Hes a dad, he knows what to do. I wasnt sure about leaving the twins already. They were only five weeks old.