Chance Encounter - Jerry Cole Page 0,76

went back to work at the beginning of the following week. Hayden kept his day shift and remained on call, while I tried to work eight hours at a time at the media center. We cherished the time together with each other and family, helping the girls plan their wedding.

Epilogue

One Year Later

Hayden

I glanced at my phone to see that Gray was calling, walking into my office to take it. I still worked at the theater, but now I owned it. The couple that originally owned it sold it to me, and we could afford it. I completed my amazing staff with more people who would help me rather than need me to do everything for them.

“Hey, Babe,” I said, smiling as I went to my desk.

“I just got a call from the agency, Hay. Someone wants to meet us.”

“What?” I asked, leaning back in my chair.

“We’re supposed to go to the office tomorrow to see how an introduction goes. She already picked us from our file, so this is more or less a formality. Can you come with me Friday afternoon?”

“Yes. Is she expecting, or is there already a baby?” I asked in a shaking voice.

“She is due with twins in three months. She’s been sitting on this decision for a little while, but she’s just twenty. She wants to go to college and give her babies a better life.”

“Oh, God,” I breathed, closing my eyes. “Does they feel positive about this?”

We’d been through a few situations that fell through. It was surprising how many parents changed their minds close to the due date, and after.

“She really does.” That filled me with a hope that had been shot down a few times.

“Oh, God. Good.” I let the breath I was holding out.

We chatted for a bit longer before ending the call. I stared at our wedding picture for a while before dialing a number. “Becca? We’re meeting a mother on Friday.”

“Oh, my God. Really?” She squealed at the other end. I promoted her to a manager, and she worked days now, but today was her day off. “When is she due?”

“Three months. Twins,” I replied as she screamed again. I felt weird talking to her, but also oddly comfortable. I felt like this was going to work out.

“They’ll be close in age with Brianne. That’s amazing.” She called out to Ava in the apartment, and I smiled. Mari was pregnant after a few tries with in vitro using my sperm. I initially thought that it was creepy. But at the same time, I always knew that I’d be the one. She was due in two months and working from home.

“That’s my dream, but what if this doesn’t work out?” I tried to keep my voice from shaking.

“You two are perfect, and you’ll be great parents. If someone is judging your relationship, then that baby wasn’t meant for you to begin with. The right person will meet you and love you as much as I do. Tell them that my wife will be having your baby.” I laughed, and she joined me.

“I don’t think that would go over well. They might think we’re swingers or something,” I argued, laughing again.

“I don’t think that I want your husband, and you don’t want my wife. Thank fuck.” She whispered the last word, giggling uncontrollably. “When do you meet her?”

“Friday at the office. I guess we’ll go from there.” I shrugged. “Want to go to dinner to celebrate? How is Mari feeling?”

“Good. She’s been working a little more today. I think her energy level is improving.” Becca paused. “Did you tell Gram?”

“I called you first. You know that.” I paused this time. “I don’t want to tell her. She was devastated that first time.”

“We all were. I cried for a week for you guys. She’s getting how this baby thing works with us pretty well, I think. She was even cool that you were involved in the creation of our miracle,” Becca pointed out as I smiled. “Call her. Talk it out. We can go for pizza, or she’ll make a seven-course meal.”

I ended that call, standing up to leave and look over the theater. It was my pride and joy, but Gray was my life. My family was my life.

“Everything okay, boss?” Nancy asked, walking by with a folder in hand.

“It’s great, Nancy. How’s the Petersen wedding coming along?” It was the biggest we’d had.

“I think they’re going to fill the theater. Kelli is thrilled with the catering order.” She winked at me.

“Awesome. Thanks for handling all of that, Nancy.”

***

Gray

“I can’t believe we’re here,” I told Hayden as we walked through the hospital.

“I know. That first meeting was amazing, but I didn’t completely believe that this would work out. Now, we’re here, and Valerie is in labor.” He shook his head. We got to the room and tapped on the door, waiting for the voice of a scared young girl.

We grew close to Valerie, in addition to handling her medical bills and making sure that she was comfortable. She was a sweet kid, reminding us a bit of Vivian. We just hoped that she didn’t meet the same fate, but the father moved out of the state.

“Hi, Val. How are you feeling?” I asked as the petite brunette smiled weakly at us.

“I need something for the pain.” The nurse smiled.

“She’s dilated to five. It should be within the next few hours.” The nurse looked at us and then at Valerie. “Is this who will be with you during the birth?”

“They’re the fathers.” Valerie smiled as the nurse nodded, likely used to these situations.

We were there when Nola and Nick Stone came into the world. We were there when they cried for the first time, and the first to hold the tiny bundles of pink and blue.

“I love you, Daddy,” I told Hayden, staring into his eyes.

“I love you.”

The End