Michael, stop! I squealed.

Never! Lets see how much you can handle! Mwahaha!

Youre an evil man! Stop! Im gonna pee my pants! I screamed back, wiggling out of his grasp. Seriously, I think I leaked!

Michael finally stopped, but he couldnt contain his laughter. I swatted at him as I clenched my thighs together, waddling to the bathroom.

Sorry, babes. ButI still have it, he gloated, brushing his hands together.

Dont be so sure. Ill retaliate when you least expect it, I threatened, pointing a finger at him. Michael and I use to get into tickle fights back in high school, and because he was bigger and stronger than I was, hed pin me down and always win. Then hed hold me down and make a spit bubble until I cried out, Michaels the greatest! Oh yes, he had it coming to him big time now.

Michael was like a brother to me. He was my best friend, but he was more than that. He was my gay soul mate"if there was such a thing"but it was true. He was my other half in being the perfect best friend.

As I walked out of the bathroom, Michael continued, Maybe if I tickle you enough, your water will break.

Thats gross. Plus, I dont want it to break for like 4 months yet. I walked back to the bed and lay down.

Okay, fine. Well renegotiate in four months, he teased, grinning.

Whatever. I made a face at him. Now, go away. Youre interrupting my quiet time.

Fine. I guess you dont have much of that left. He leaned over and kissed my forehead.

As I watched him walk away, his words roamed in my head. He was right"I didnt have a lot of time. And yet, it felt like it was taking forever.

I decided I would just lay in bed, enjoying every solid second until I had to shower for work. This pregnancy was sucking all the energy out of me. I was always tired and had absolutely no motivation to do anything.

As I walked through the kitchen doors at work, I spotted Blakely right away. Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in, Blakely groaned, rolling her eyes at me.

Im so glad were best friends, I quipped, grabbing my ap.r.o.n and chefs hat. I mean, who else could I b.o.o.by punch and get away with it? Before she could react, I quickly squeezed her b.o.o.b and laughed. d.a.m.n, those things feel like water balloons.

Youre so lucky youre pregnant right now, otherwise Otherwise, what? Thered be some girl on girl action? Colin interrupted. He had a smug look on his face as he casually leaned up against one of the counters.

You wish. Blakely laughed. If, and thats a big if, I were to do any girl on girl action, it wouldnt be with Molly.

Hey, I take offense to that. I stuck my tongue out. And youd be lucky to have me. I laughed. I cant believe were having this conversation.

And all before Ive had my afternoon Red Bull, Blakely groans.

So anyway, Colin said slowly, moving his eyes between Blakely and I. Time to get ready for the dinner rush.

I think youve made Colin uncomfortable. I chuckled, nudging Blakely as I walked pa.s.sed her.

Thats not the only thing Ive made him. She smirked and winked at me before walking to her section.

Ew. Thats just not something I needed to know. And I definitely didnt want to know about her hookups.

Blakely walked up to me and whispered, Ive made him whimper like a baby as he begged for it.

I raised my eyebrows up at her and cringed. Well, if I wasnt nauseous before, I definitely am now.

She laughed as she walked away in her evil, but satisfied laugh. Ive actually grown to like her these past few months. Sure, she annoyed me and was often inappropriate, but some how she made everything lighter. She never took anything too seriously, and she made me laugh on a daily basis. And she hasnt let her feelings for Colin go unknown. I think everyone at Riverside knew she and Colin were hooking up. Not that Colin wanted to broadcast the news, but it was obvious he enjoyed it. He was a single dad after his girlfriend left him, so I think him being chased down by bombsh.e.l.l Blakely fed his damaged ego.

We worked long into the night, keeping up with the dinner rush. With the holidays approaching soon, the Chicago streets were packed. The restaurant stayed busy, making my shift go by quickly. Drake stopped in, but I didnt have time to chat, so he grabbed some food to take home to Stella and Michael.

By the time I finally slowed down, my body went dizzy. I leaned up against a counter to balance myself, but my eyes werent focusing. I took in a few slow breaths, hoping to get my heart rate down, but after a few minutes, nothing was working.

Hey, are you alright? Blakely asked from behind, placing her hand on my shoulder.

I dont know. I just got really dizzy all of a sudden.

Colin, grab Molly a chair from the office, please! she yelled.

Im fine. Really, I just"

Shut up and sit. Blakely grabbed the chair from Colin and all but pushed me down on it. You want me to call Drake? she asked concerned. She was typically a goof ball, but now I could tell she was truly worried.

Guys, Im fine. I just worked too long without taking a break, thats all. Next time, Ill take breaks in between, I promised.

There wont be a next time. I heard Drake growl from behind. s.h.i.t.

I slowly turned and saw Drake leaning up against the wall, ankles and arms crossed. I could feel his angry eyes burning into me.

I thought you went home.

I did. I tucked Stella in and wanted to come back and pick you up. I didnt think Id see you sitting out of breath like this. He pushed off the wall and walked toward me. I dont want you working anymore if its going to put you and our babies in jeopardy.

Were not in jeopardy. Like I just said, its because I didnt take a break. I wont let it happen again, I promised again. Drake knew how important it was to me that I keep working. Id go stir crazy if I had to stay at home all day. I needed to be doing something"contributing something. Not to mention, that I really loved what I was doing. Plus, I knew the restaurant needed me, even if Drake insisted he could get a temp to replace me.

Okay, but"and I mean this"if this happens again, you are done. I dont want you overworking yourself into preterm labor.

Deal. I smiled, agreeing to his terms because I knew it wouldnt happen again. When I got too big or too tired to work, then Id stop, but I wanted it to be on my terms. I wanted to continue working until I could no longer do it. I didnt just want to give it all up after I had worked so hard to get here in the first place.

Before I met Drake, I had put myself through culinary school. Those dreams were still important to me. I knew I didnt need to work, but its what I loved doing. Ive always wanted to set a good example for Stella. I want to teach her that if you try hard enough and set your mind to it, you can accomplish your goals.

I said goodbye to Colin and Blakely before letting Drake take me home. He could be tough sometimes, but was also very sensitive to when it came to making his family or me happy. After everything that went down with Travis and Nikos, hed been more protective than ever" not that I blamed him.

Are you mad? I asked as we pulled out into the street.

Im not mad. Im just worried. He didnt look at me, keeping his eyes focused on the road.

I know. And Im sorry for making you worry, but I really will be careful from now on. He nodded and we drove the rest of the way home in silence.

I tiptoed to Stellas room and quietly kissed her good night and covered her back up. She tended to kick the sheets off in her sleep. I brushed her hair off her face and smiled as I watched her sleep peacefully. I couldnt help thinking how proud her daddy would be if he were still here. She looked so much like him that its hard not to think of him often.

I quietly shut her door and walked back down the hall to our bedroom. I decided to take a shower and get the restaurant smell off me.

Youre free to join me, if you wish. I slowly unb.u.t.toned my chefs coat and he watched as I slid it down to the floor. I walked backwards to the bathroom, unb.u.t.toning my pants and giving him a view of the black lace panties, Im wearing.

Hmmyou are making a shower very tempting. He grinned.

I smirked as I opened the bathroom door and walked inside. I shut it briefly and took my pants off. I slipped my panties off and cracked the door back open. I waved the panties in my hand, giving him a view of what he was missing.

Just in case you change your mind I heard him laughing as I shut the door again. I turned the water on and waited for it to warm up. I took my hair down and combed my fingers through it, untangling the knots. I took the rest of my clothes off and opened up the shower door.

I grabbed the luffa and poured body wash over it. I lathered it up and began washing over my body. I smiled as I washed over my swollen b.u.mp. The reality of having twins suddenly overcame me as I felt b.u.t.terflies and kicks on the outside for the first time.

Oh my G.o.d! I squealed, smiling. I dropped the luffa and brought my hands over my belly, anxiously waiting to feel them again. Drake! I called out, opening the shower door. I wanted him to feel this.

I left the door open as I waited for him. I heard the bathroom door open and heard Drake, What is it? Everything okay? He peeked in looking worried.

Everythings great! The babies just kicked! I pointed down at my belly, all giddy. I can feel them on the outside!

Really?

Yes, come in here! I smiled. I waited as he stripped down and slowly stepped in. Here, put your hands right here. I placed his hands on each side of my belly.

As the water sprinkled over us, both babies kicked simultaneously. Drakes face lit up as the little movements kicked against his hands. The moment was simply incredible"watching Drakes expression as he felt his babies for the first time.

I cant believe this, he gushed. It makes it so much more real.

I watched as his hands roamed over my belly. I could tell it was making him emotional. This was the absolute best part of pregnancy"watching Drake become a father and finally being able to experience these moments with him.

Isnt it amazing? I looked up into his eyes.

Its incredible. I wiped under his eyes where I could tell he was crying.

He cupped my face and softly kissed my lips until they were nearly bruised. The water continued sprinkling over our heads as we kissed under it, not moving or saying a word"just soaking up every second of this moment.

The following morning, I woke up feeling sick. Ive been blessed with not much morning sickness, but this particular morning was different. Something was different.

Drake! I called out, not exactly sure where he was.

Coming! I heard him yell from the hallway. I sat up and leaned against the bedrails. I pushed a pillow behind my back, hoping to reduce the amount of pain I was beginning to feel.

Everything okay? he asked, walking in as he adjusted his tie.

I dont know. I just feelweird. My back is in some pain. And my stomach isnt feeling so hot either.

He rushed over and immediately put his hands over my belly to soothe the ill feeling. He shoved another pillow behind me and one behind my head. I finally started to feel comfortable, but I still felt like something was wrong.

Do you want some water or anything to eat?

Water is fine.

As I waited for Drake to come back, I rubbed my hands over my belly, waiting to feel some movement. I dont know why, but I had a strange feeling overcome me.

I think I need to go see my doctor, I informed Drake as soon as he walked back in.

You think somethings wrong? he asked worried. I nodded slightly as I took a drink of water. He reached for his cell phone and began dialing.

I just dont feel right. I dont knowmothers instincts, I guess.

Okay, baby. Ill call now.

As soon as we arrived to the doctors office, my back pain had decreased slightly. I still felt off, but I was hoping the doctor had a simple explanation and that nothing was majorly wrong.

Come in, and lets take a look at you. Doctor Nora was one of the best in Chicago. She specialized in multiple birth pregnancies and was the top 10 rated OB/GYN in the country.

I pulled my shirt up and let her exam my stomach. The pressure made me cringe. Yeah, that doesnt feel good, I groaned.

Alright, I want to do a cervix exam. Ill have you undress from the waist down. She handed me a gown and a little sheet.

Drake stayed silent as he helped me undressed. I could tell he was worried, but I didnt want to give him any false hope by being overly optimistic.

The doctor came back in, snapped her gloves on, and sat down in between my legs. This was one of the most embarra.s.sing parts of pregnancy"all opened and exposed for all to see.

Everything looks really good, Molly. Im going to schedule you for some testing and an ultrasound though, just to be safe. She smiled up at me as she snapped her gloves off. Theres always a chance of preterm labor, especially in twin pregnancies, so Im going to recommend bed rest.

Bed rest? I gasped, leaning up on my elbows.

Yes, I think with your higher blood pressure, you are at risk of developing preeclampsia. And you definitely dont want that, especially with twins. If you do"youll have to deliver right away.

I surrendered back to the table and lay down. This cant be happening. I knew it wasnt the worst news ever, but bed rest? G.o.d, I was going to go crazy.

Isnt it too soon for bed rest? I mean, Im only half way through.

Its always better to be safe, Molly. Once I get the results from the ultrasound, Ill have more information for you. She gave a sincere smile, and I knew everything she was saying was right. I just really didnt want to be put on bed rest already.

This is going to suck, I mumbled as Drake tucked me into bed.

You will survive. He grinned, pulling the covers over me. He fluffed the pillow behind my head and gently pushed me back. You need your rest. Dont you worry about a thing.

Im probably going to go crazy, you know. Just laying here, doing nothing, I whined. This was not like me. I hated sitting around, and I hated not working.

And when you do, Ill be here to help you through it. He smiled as he leaned in. He pressed his lips firmly against mine, while he rubbed circles with his thumbs over my cheeks. Its just temporary, he reminded me. I knew it was, but I was still b.u.mmed.

Ill write down the kids schedule for you, and the recipe to Stella and Liams favorite meal. And the grocery shopping list"

Molly! Drakes dark voice interrupted. Sweetheart, I love you, but you need to trust me.

I closed my eyes and inhaled. Okay, Im sorry. I justreally hate this, I admitted.

Hate having no control? Hate letting others do things for you? he smirked.