Page 128 of The October Arrangement

“As in two babies?” I asked.

Bella burst out laughing.

“What are you laughing at?” I asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Bella, there are two babies inside you.”

“I know.” She laughed harder.

She was either in shock or completely losing her mind.

“You’re sure?” I asked the technician.

“I’m sure. Would you like me to show you again?”

“Yes,” I said.

“This is Baby A.” She pointed. “And this is Baby B.”

“Jesus Christ.” I leaned back in my chair.

“You look completely freaked out.” Bella laughed.

“Because I am completely freaked out. I thought there was only one.”

“Well, there are two babies.” Bella smiled.

“At the same fucking time,” I said, and Bella laughed.

I was beginning to believe she was having a nervous breakdown. How the hell had I gone from never wanting marriage or children to sitting beside my wife and finding out I was about to become the father of twins?

“Here is Baby B’s heartbeat.”

Bella stopped laughing as we listened to our second baby’s heartbeat.

“Nice and strong.” The technician smiled.

A tear fell from Bella’s eyes as she stared at the monitor. I leaned over and kissed her before resting my forehead against hers.

“Two babies, sweetheart.”

“I know.”

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Yeah. I’m shocked and scared. But yeah, I’m okay. Are you okay, Simon?”

“Yeah.” I softly smiled.

“And you’re happy?”

“I was happy when there was one,” I said.

“That wasn’t my question,” she said.

“I’m terrified, sweetheart, but thrilled.”