Page 62 of The Road Back to Us

I finished the breakfast sandwich I had grabbed in the cafeteria and tossed the paper in the trash right as there was a knock on the door. I glanced at Lyric, who grinned and nodded excitedly for me to open it.

On the other side were Chloe, Kara, and Ben, all looking into the room to get a glimpse of the babies.

“Come on in,” I said, stepping back and holding the door open.

Kara had a small bouquet of flowers while Ben and Chloe each held a small stuffed animal.

“Congratulations,” my mom said, stopping to hug me and kiss my cheek before she rushed inside to see Lyric and the twins.

“Thanks, Mom.” I grinned, laughing with my dad when he shook his head that she had already taken off before I got to say anything.

“Congratulations, Son,” he said, pulling me in for a bear hug as he clapped my back before letting go. “We’re so happy for you guys.”

“Thanks, Dad. We’re so thankful they’re here and that they’re healthy.”

I let the door close and went to stand beside Lyric as everyone stared down into the bassinet while Lyric smiled at them, holding the bouquet against her chest.

“Everyone, we would like you to meet the twins,” Lyric said, looking up at me.

I nodded, confirming that I wanted her to tell them the names we had decided on.

While we kept everyone updated on most of the stuff regarding the twins, we hadn’t shared the names with anyone until now.

“Milo and Ellie.”

Fifty-Six

Lyric

Six Months Later

“Why do I feel so nervous?” I asked as I ran my hands down the front of the wedding dress I had designed.

While it wasn’t part of the Mel and Me label that I launched a few months ago, it was so gorgeous that I considered starting a new bridal label and seeing where that took me. Mel and Me had seen outstanding success, so I was hopeful that I had finally found my calling in life and that future labels would do just as well.

“Probably because the best things in life are the scariest,” Kara offered, meeting my eyes in the full-length mirror as I adjusted the thin strap of my dress for the hundredth time. “Or because Uncle Cole went wild and invited everyone in town to your vow renewal.”

“I think that might be it,” I replied with a laugh. “I know he meant well, but he should know that I don’t do well in large gatherings of people.”

“True, but how else are you going to launch your new bridal line if you don’t have a wedding to show it off at? You have all of those important people from New York coming, might as well give them something to ooh and ahh over.”

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, taking my dress in one more time. The intricate lace detail was my favorite part, but the pearl buttons that ran the length of my back came in second. I had spent so much time designing the perfect dress that I almost considered pushing the date out so I could have more time to get everything right.

When we first started working on the invites right after the babies were born, Cole asked if I had anyone from New York that I wanted to invite. I gave it some thought and realized that I had distanced myself from so many people over the years that it was time to stop doing that and allow people to get close to me again. I made a quick list of those I felt closest to and sent out an invite.

What I hadn’t expected was that I would design all the clothing for our ceremony, including the suits Cole and Ben were wearing. I had gotten so carried away with the design that I even came up with the cutest outfits for the twins to wear. Everything paired together perfectly, and the next thing I knew, I had a solid line designed.

“We’re ready whenever you are,” Sherry said, popping her head through the door and smiling at us.

While she wasn’t wearing one of my designs, she had taken the time to pick a dress that complemented the mauve dresses Kara and Chloe were wearing.

“We’re ready,” I answered, returning her smile before turning around and taking the bouquet Kara handed me.

Sherry nodded and left, leaving Kara and me by ourselves again.

“I’m really happy for you,” Kara said, wrapping her arms around my waist and hugging me. “I’m glad that I get to keep both you and Uncle Cole in my life.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. I’m really happy we both get to be there, too.”