Fatal Attraction (Love Kills Duet #2)

46. Epilogue Part 2

Charlotte

I blew out a breath, smoothing my hands down my black dress and adjusting the curls on my hair. After double checking my makeup and teeth, I glanced down at my massively swollen belly and rubbed it with a tired sigh.

“Okay, little ones,” I whispered to my reflection. “Wish mommy luck in court. I’m going to need it.”

My stomach oddly growled in response, and I couldn’t help but laugh even though I was a jittering ball of nerves. “Are you hungry? Fine. I’ll eat something before we go. Besides, your daddies will yell at me if I don’t.”

I walked out of the bathroom and down the staircase, finding Spike and Phoenix waiting for me in matching black suits. “You look beautiful,” Phoenix said as he pulled me close and kissed my deeply, one hand drifting up to stroke my cheek.

“Thank you.”

“I have something for you.” Spike sprung for the kitchen, grabbing a packaged edible arrangement off the counter and planting it on the island. “I want you to eat some of it before we leave.”

My heart swelled, and thanks to all these goddamn hormones, tears filled my eyes. “Thank you. The babies are hungry.”

“How is little Rocky doing this morning?” he asked as he began unwrapping the arrangement.

Phoenix started laughing when I blinked and quirked an eyebrow at Spike. “ Rocky? "

We’d gotten the gender results back months ago and to all three of our astonishments, I was having a baby boy and a baby girl. Then when the DNA results verified the boy was Spike’s and the girl belonged to Phoenix, Spike had been spurting out random names at me ever since. So far, I’d yet to hear one I actually agreed with.

“What?” he said with a frown. “You don’t like Rocky?”

“Unless you’re planning on a raising a professional boxer, I’ll have to pass.” I waddled inside the kitchen and tried to pluck a piece of fruit from the basket, but Spike popped my hand and then offered me a wink when I shot him a glare, knowing he knew better than to mess with a hungry pregnant woman.

“Let me wash it off first. Sit down and I’ll make you a bowl with some whipped cream on the side.”

“Make it fast,” Phoenix prompted as he pulled out his phone, checking the time. “We have to be at the courthouse in—” His words fell silent, and as I stared back at him, he was gaping down at his phone, puzzled.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, which made Spike halt and turn, the sink water still running.

“I-uh… I don’t know. I just received a text from Harley saying to meet in the judge’s chambers ASAP.”

I shared a troubled look with Spike, who immediately fished in his pocket for his phone while I waddled like an overweight penguin across the kitchen to fetch mine from my purse.

Sure enough, I’d received the same text. A quick glance at Spike told me he’d gotten it, too.

“I wonder what’s going on,” I said a bit worriedly, letting out a slight hiss when my stomach randomly tightened up.

“Are you okay?” Phoenix was at my side in an instant.

“Yeah,” I nodded, blowing out a breath when the tightness eased off. The babies began moving, and I chuckled softly when a surprisingly tender kick met my ribs. “I’m fine. The babies are kicking my ribs. ”

“Hey now,” he whispered as he got on his knees, popping kisses against my belly. “Be easy on Mommy. We have a big day today, so you two need to be on your best behavior.”

Spike finished with my fruit bowl and then opened the fridge, spraying some whipped cream on top. “Are you okay eating in the car?” he asked. “Whatever’s going on must be important, so we need to go ahead and get on the road.”

“That’s fine. Just grab me a water bottle and I’ll be good to go.”

He did just that and grabbed my purse for me while Phoenix escorted me out to the car. Once I was in, I sighed and balanced the bowl of fruit on top of my belly, groaning as the magnificent taste of pineapple and whipped cream aroused my tastebuds. Phoenix smiled lovingly at me and had the engine running just as Spike hopped in the back and placed my water in the cupholder beside me.

When we hit the road, I couldn't help but wonder what possibly could've happened for us to have to meet Harley in the judge's chambers when we were in due in court within an hour. I had to testify—we all did—and the more I pondered it, the more I began to wonder if Perry's new lawyer had somehow pulled some strings and managed to extend the trial to a later date. I fucking prayed that wasn't the case, because the trial had been put off before thanks to the prison gangs beating Perry to a bloody pulp about four months ago. If it was prolonged again, I had no idea what the hell I was going to do. Harley promised me as soon as the trial was over and once the babies were born, and of course, after my maternity leave was over and we had a trusting, suitable sitter for the babies, I'd start my new position as her ADA. Whatever the ordeal, I needed this to work out. I was far too close to having the babies and the last thing I wanted was for Perry's bullshit to get in the way of me moving forward with my life and career a second time .

The tightness in my stomach returned about halfway to the courthouse, and I whimpered, trying to breathe through the pain as I reached up and grasped the oh-shit handle.

“Charlotte?” Phoenix took his eyes off the road long enough to look at me. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

The pain eased off, and I could hardly get a word out before it hit me again full force.

“I… I think I’m having contrac—OH MY GOD!” Fluid rushed out between my legs like a pipe had burst, and Phoenix cursed loudly, then swerved fast when Spike screamed at him to keep his eyes on the road.

“My water,” I croaked, the panic settling in once I’d realized what this meant. “My water just broke.”

“WHAT?” Spike launched forward, taking in the mess still pooling out of me and saturating the seat. “But-but it’s too early,” he muttered. “They aren’t due for another month.”

“We have to get her to the hospital. Call Harley and tell her we’re not gonna make it.”

Phoenix stomped the gas, and I gripped the handle harder as another contraction emerged, stealing my breath away.

No, no, no!

Damnit, this couldn’t be happening right now.

I had to be there for Perry’s trial. I had to take the stand and testify against him in court.

“Harley said to drop her off but that we still have to be there.”

“What?” Phoenix said through a bare-toothed growl. “Are you kidding me?”

“I’m not,” he replied, sounding just as pissed if not more.

“It-it’s okay,” I finally breathed out, letting them know I meant it. “I’ll be fine. The doctor and nurses will take care of me until you can be with me and the babies. ”

It shouldn’t have to be this way, but Perry’s trial was important and without their testimony, there was a considerable chance the trial would be extended another six to eight months, hell, maybe longer. We’d each waited far too fucking long for justice to be served against Perry and as much as I wanted and needed them with me, we couldn’t let the babies stop Perry from getting what he rightfully deserved.

“I’m not missing my child being born,” was Phoenix’s bitter response.

“It’s fine,” I promised him. “Labor takes time. I doubt I’ll be pushing them out first thing when I get there.”

“But what if something happens and you have to get a C-section?” he countered.

“It’ll be fine, Phoenix. Either way, you still have jobs to do. I promise I’ll try to keep them in as long as I can.”

He didn’t like it, not one bit, but he nodded, accepting defeat.

When we made it to the hospital, I kissed them both goodbye and gaped nervously at the building as a nurse helped me in a wheelchair and rushed me up to labor and delivery.

I couldn’t do this.

Jesus fucking Christ I couldn’t do this.

Another contraction came, and by the end of it, I was panting hard and had even broken a sweat trying to breathe through the pain. They hadn’t been as consistent since I’d arrived and got settled in a room, but each one seemed to be more excruciating than the last.

“Make sure you aren’t holding your breath when the contractions come. It’ll only make it more painful. ”

I nodded at the nurse, who was standing beside me, observing a parchment which was slowly printing out the progression of each contraction. “How-how far?”

“They were coming rather strong at first, but now that you’re in bed, resting, they’re ranging between fifteen to twenty minutes apart. Give me a moment to speak with the doctor and I’ll have her come in and check you.”

She stepped out of the room, giving me some time to grab my phone off the side table and shoot off a quick text to the guys. I knew I was going to regret this, but I wasn’t sure if they’d called my parents, so I picked up the phone and dialed my father first.

“We’re coming,” he’d literally shouted through the phone, sounding flustered and excited all at once.

I sighed.

Well, damn. They did call them.

“Gary,” Mom sneered in the background. “For the love of God, slow the fuck down! The last thing we need is to get a speeding ticket!”

“Kiss my ass, June,” he snapped right back at her. “My grandbabies are about to be born, and I am NOT missing it.”

I sighed again and tiredly rubbed my temples. “Mom’s right, Dad. Don’t be reckless. I know you’re excited, but I don’t want you to wreck trying to get to me.”

“Fine,” he said in a low, sad baritone. “I’ll be careful. We’ll see you in about an hour, pumpkin. I love you.”

“Love you too, Dad.”

I hung up, then squeezed my eyes closed, praying they would find some way to get along and not make this the most dreadful experience of my life. The process of their divorce was still ongoing and last I’d heard from Mom, which was a few months ago when she’d called to check in on me and the babies, she told me she’d somehow managed to convince Dad to see a therapist with her. Given what I just heard, it must not have been going so well.

Or maybe it was.

Hell, I really didn’t know, and I frankly didn’t care.

Two knocks rapped against the door then, and in stepped Dr. Scanlon, the OBGYN I’d been seeing since the beginning of the pregnancy. She had on dark grey scrubs and her blonde hair was pulled up in a messy bun. She offered me a bright smile and then outstretched her arms for a hug.

“How are you doing, Charlotte?”

“I’m okay,” I said as we parted. “But I’m scared. The babies aren’t due for another month, so I don’t understand why my water broke so early. I-I’m supposed to be in court right now.”

She chuckled softly. “You’re having twins, Charlotte. It’s quite normal for patients like yourself to experience an early labor.”

“But they’re fine, right? The babies aren’t in any trouble?”

She smiled. “Don’t worry yourself over it. You’re in great hands, so just try and relax. Stressing out isn’t good for you or the babies. Now, I need to check and see if you’re dilating. Do me a favor and try to scoot down and spread your legs for me.”

It was uncomfortable, depressingly uncomfortable, but I did like she asked.

“Oh, wow,” she said, blinking in surprise. “You’re farther along than I thought.”

“Wh-what?” Now I was starting to get worried. “What do you mean?”

“You’re already 3m dilated, nearing 4. If you want an epidural, now is the time to get it. The contractions will only get worse from here and if you wait any longer, you won’t be able to get it.”

Fuck.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

There was no way in hell I was going to suffer if I didn’t have to. “Give it to me.”

“You’re sure?”

“As long as it won’t hurt the babies, then yes, give it to me.”

She nodded, then promised she’d be right back with her team.

This was bliss.

Absolute bliss.

Ever since I’d gotten the epidural just over an hour ago, I hadn’t felt a single contraction.

Not one.

Halle-fucking-lujah.

“Smile for me, pumpkin.” Dad jumped up from his chair with his cell phone extended above us, the camera ready and a giant, jubilant smile on his face. “SAY CHEESE!”

I faked another smile, then blinked when the flash went off in my face for what felt like the hundredth time now.

“That’s enough, Gary,” Mom snipped at him, her expression wrapped tight in a giant bow of annoyance. “Let the girl rest.”

He made a face, mimicking silent words like he was mocking her. Mom just rolled her eyes and continued to flip through a healthcare magazine.

“So,” she spoke after a moment. “Have you decided what you’re naming the babies?”

“Not yet,” I admitted. “We’ve been playing around with names but haven’t found anything we can all agree on.”

“Naming babies isn’t hard, Charlotte. Did you not get the baby book I sent you?”

I sighed. “Yes, Mom.”

“Did you read it? ”

“Of course I did.” It was a lie. I didn’t read it. That thing had been sitting on my bedroom dresser collecting dust for months. She didn’t have to know that though. “There weren’t any in it I liked.”

Mom’s reply was cut off by the door opening. Dr. Scanlon skittered in, offering my parents humble smiles as she introduced herself.

“It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Scanlon,” said my mother.

“What’s the update, Doc?” Dad wondered.

She didn’t speak at first, just wandered over to the machine, examining the parchment. “Contractions are coming a bit more frequently now, so I’d like to check and see if Charlotte has dilated farther than 4cm. If she hasn’t, then it may be several hours before we see any headway.”

“And if I have?” I asked her.

“It all depends on how far you’ve progressed. Before we proceed though,” she said, frowning at my father. “I have to ask you to step out of the room, please. It’ll only be for a moment.”

Dad happily nodded, then rose to his feet, kissing my forehead. When he was gone, I had to unpleasantly scoot down as much as I could so the doctor could do her thing.

“Shit,” she whispered under her breath. “You’re almost ready.”

“WHAT?” Mom and I bellowed at the same time.

“Ho-how is that possible?” my mother asked before I could. “She’s barely been in here 2 hours!”

“All pregnancies are different, ma’am. I don’t know what else to say except that it appears these babies are far more eager to arrive than any of us anticipated.”

“How-how far am I?” I didn’t want to do this so soon without Spike and Phoenix in the room.

“You’re 7cm dilated.”

My lips parted. “7?”

“Are the dads here?”

I shook my head. “No. They’re in court. ”

“Reach out to them if possible. At the rate this is going, I suspect you’ll be pushing within the—” Something hard crashing into the door had me, Mom, and Dr. Scanlon jumping out of our skin.

“Charlotte!”

The door jarred open, and like two panting dogs dying from thirst, Phoenix and Spike came storming inside the room. Two suitcases were tightfisted in Spike’s hands, and Phoenix had the straps to a pink and blue diaper bag thrown over his shoulder. The bags rested against each hip, and his fingertips were wrapped tightly around the tops of the two brand new car seats we’d purchased a few months ago.

“What did we miss?” Phoenix asked through a heaving breath.

“You’re just in time,” said the doctor. “Charlotte is 7cm dilated.”

“7?” Spike’s eyes rounded. “But she just—”

“All pregnancies are different,” she calmly repeated. “As I was just telling Charlotte, I suspect she’ll be pushing within the next hour. I’d like to also remind everyone that only two people can be in the room when it’s time for Charlotte to push. There are four of you here, so I’m leaving it up for you to discuss who stays and leaves.”

“Thank you, Doc.” Phoenix placed one of the car seats down and graciously shook her hand. “Spike and I will be in the room with Charlotte.”

Mom opened her mouth to protest, but I shot her a nasty look and sternly shook my head. While they may have been her grandbabies, like it or not, they were our kids, and she was not going to fight with us over who stayed and who had to wait outside the room.

“Fine,” she sighed out, placing the magazine down and grabbing her purse. “Your father didn’t make any stops for food on our way in, so I’m going to head down to the cafeteria for a bit. Would you like me to bring you something back for later, after the babies are born?”

“That’s fine, Mom. Thank you. Could you do me a huge favor and grab me some ice chips on your way back? ”

“I got it right here, pumpkin,” Dad announced as he entered the room, grinning until his eyes rolled slightly to the side as my mother departed. “And oh, you have another visitor.”

Dad placed my ice chips on the table, and then my eyes widened when Carter unexpectedly came strolling in, smiling ear to ear with his arms spread wide.

“You son a of a bitch.” Spike placed the suitcases down and hauled Carter in for a tremendous hug. Phoenix finished getting the diaper bags and car seats neatly situated against the wall and claimed a hug for himself.

“How the hell have you been, man? How’s the new job and house?”

Carter had moved out about six months ago, after finally receiving word from the real estate company that there was a client interested in buying his old home. Instead of sticking around in Seaview Pines, he’d relocated about an hour away to a city I couldn’t quite remember off the top of my head. Thanks to all the years he’d served in the military, Carter landed quite an impressive job working as a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst.

“Amazing,” he replied when they parted. “The house, the job, everything is great. I honestly couldn’t be happier.”

“How did you know where to find us?” I asked when it was my turn to hug him.

“I came into town for Perry’s trial,” he said, sighing with a look that had my brows shooting up to my hairline. “When I got to the courthouse, nobody was there except for Harley and that new attorney who’d taken Ben’s place. Harley told me you were in labor, so I came straight here.”

“Wait…what?” I asked in confusion. “The trial never happened?”

Now it was Spike and Phoenix’s turn to sigh.

“No, baby, it didn’t. The reason Harley called us to the judge’s chambers is because Perry’s dead. He committed suicide last night.”

It took me a moment to process Phoenix’s words, and after a moment I said, “He did what? ”

“He’s gone, Charlotte,” Spike repeated with a chipper grin. “One of the guards went to get Perry first thing when his lawyer arrived and found him with a noose around his neck. He hung himself.”

I bristled then, and from the corner of my eye, I could see my father sitting beside me, beaming. I’d completely forgotten he was still in the room.

But then again, if what they were saying was true and Perry really did kill himself, then the case was considered closed, and we wouldn’t be penalized by speaking about it in front of an open civilian.

“He… He really killed himself?” I asked.

Phoenix nodded, which truly shocked the hell out of me. “We should’ve called you, but Spike and I both felt like this was something you needed to hear in person instead of over the phone. As soon as we were dismissed, we went straight back to your place and got the diaper bags, car seats, diapers, wipes, baby clothes—hell, everything we could think to grab is packed in both of the suitcases and diaper bags. With Perry gone, we have nothing to worry about now, Charlotte. None of us have to testify and—”

“It’s bullshit.”

I wanted to be happy. In a way, I was, but knowing Perry had taken the pussy way out and offed himself sent anger flooding through my veins and had my breaths coming in harder, sharper.

“Pumpkin,” Dad nervously rasped as the monitor beside the bed started freaking out, showing a spike in my blood pressure and heartrate. “You have to calm down. This-this a good thing, is it not?”

“No.” I shook my head, tears filling my eyes. “It’s not. Delilah, Amber and Daniel, Karl, Felix, Blaire, and Peter—none of them will get the justice they deserve! Not even ME!”

“Charlotte.” Carter came forward, eyeing the monitor before he looked at me, eyes flashing. “It’s okay. Really, it is. But your dad’s right, you have to calm down. You’re about to give birth to two beautiful babies, so just think about that and only that, yeah?”

It took some time—far too fucking long, but after sucking in deep, healthy breaths, expelling them as I fought casting that crude bastard from my mind, my heartrate eventually returned to normal, same with my blood pressure.

He was gone.

Perry was gone and he was never coming back.

I was free.

We were free.

“I-I’m tired,” I whispered. “I want to take a nap, but the babies could be here at any moment.”

“Rest while you still can,” said Carter, who earned a hum of agreement between my guys and father. “Even if it’s for a few minutes. We’ll make sure you’re up when the doctor comes back in.”

“Are-are you staying?”

“For the night, I am. I have to be back first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you for coming. It means a lot to me. To us.”

He smiled. “Rest now, Charlotte. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

I nodded and closed my eyes… But when I opened them again, I was confused to find Dr. Scanlon and her team hovering over me. Carter and my parents were gone, but Spike was on my left and Phoenix was on my right, both squeezing my hands with anticipation when the doctor told me it was time to start pushing.

“Now?” I said disbelievingly. “I-I just fell asleep.”

“You’ve been out for over an hour,” Spike whispered to me. “You’re fully dilated and it’s time to push.”

What? How in the hell was that possible?

I’d literally just closed my eyes!

Dr. Scanlon gave me fast orders I promptly followed and with the support of her team, they helped keep my legs open.

“Okay, Charlotte. The first baby is ready. Start pushing. ”

“Oh God,” I cried softly to myself, squeezing my eyes closed as I shook my head. My heart was pounding through my chest and it was a struggle keeping my breathing level. “I-I can’t do this.”

“You’ve got this, babe,” Spike murmured as he pressed a fierce kiss against my head. “We’re right here. We love you.”

“I-I love you too. So much.”

“Start pushing!”

I tried not to sob as I sucked in a hardy breath and pushed, losing my breath after about six seconds.

“Good,” the doctor praised. “Now again. PUSH!”

I did it again, holding it for about a good ten seconds before my lungs burned and I had to stop. Right away I started to sweat, and my breathing became more erratic.

Dr. Scanlon grinned. “One more big push, Charlotte. You can do it.”

I did it again, hard, and before I’d realized it, cries met the air, and both the guys were jumping to their feet.

“Congratulations, Charlotte. You just birthed your baby boy.”

I didn’t want him to leave me, but Spike rushed after the nurses no sooner than they’d taken the baby away to clean him up. I could hear his frantic cries, and all I wanted was to hold him and see his face, kiss those precious little cheeks I’d been waiting so long to see.

“He’s perfect,” Spike sobbed from across the room, and I glanced over to see him in a puddle, grinning big with tears flooding his face. “He’s perfect!”

“Ca-can I see him?” I asked Dr. Scanlon.

“Soon. The second baby is coming. At my signal, start pushing.”

A hand brushing against my cheek caught my attention, and as I turned to Phoenix, I found so much love and adoration starting back at me, I’d almost forgotten to breathe.

“You’re amazing,” he whispered, leaning over and kissing my lips. “There isn’t anyone else I’d rather raise a family with than you, Charlotte. ”

My heart soared at his words. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“START PUSHING!”

I heaved in several breaths, sweating beading down my forehead, then gave it all I had, breathing out hard when the doctor yelled that my daughter’s head and shoulders were out. On her cue, I sucked in all the air I could hold and then gave her one long, final push.

Just like my son, they hauled my baby girl away, not letting me get a mere glimpse of her. Phoenix was hot on their asses though, watching their every move as they took her across the room and cleaned her.

“You did great, Charlotte.”

The doctor rose to her feet as Spike came trotting over with our son. I laid back, then smiled as Spike gently rested him along the right side of my chest. Phoenix followed soon after, and once I had both babies side by side, instantly their crying ceased. I couldn’t help but kiss both of their little foreheads as I welcomed them into the world in a soothing whisper.

“Julian,” said Spike. “Julian Peter Hutcheson. How does that sound?”

My lips parted. “Wh-what?”

“And Amelia,” said Phoenix. “Amelia Blaire Rhodes.”

“You… you want to name them after Peter and Blaire?” My eyes burned, and it was all I could do to hold it together with the babies in my arms.

“Just the middle names. Phoenix and I discussed it before we ever got here and thought you may like the idea. Is it too much?”

I shook my head, a tear snaking down my cheek. “No, it’s perfect.”

“Charlotte,” said Dr. Scanlon, and we each looked up to find a slight frown on her face. “I’m sorry to ruin the moment, but we need to get you stitched up. Once I’m done, your parents are welcome to come in and see the babies, but soon we’ll have to take them for a bit and run some tests.”

“Tests?” Phoenix’s brows furrowed. “What kind of tests? ”

“Just the basics: a heart screening, a hearing test, and we’ll need to gather a few drops of blood from both babies to ensure they don’t have any genetic disorders like sickle cell disease, PKU, and hypothyroidism.”

He didn’t look happy, but he sighed, nodding. “Of course, Dr. Scanlon.”

Phoenix stood, carefully scooping little Amelia in his arms and whispering tenderly to her as she began to fuss. Spike did the same with baby Julian, and it must have been my maternal instincts kicking in because an eerie emptiness washed over me as I watched them amble across the room and plop down in their seats.

I couldn’t take my eyes away from them while Dr. Scanlon worked, drinking in all the love and adoration glittering through every crease on their faces. It was beautiful, so scenic that I wanted to make this a memory none of us would ever forget. So when Dr. Scanlon was finally finished stitching me up, I retrieved my phone and snapped as many pictures as I could before they caught me in the act.

“I love you.” Phoenix’s voice cracked as he lifted his shoulder up to help wipe under his left eye before his gaze darted to Spike, then me. “Both of you.”

“We love you too, Phoenix,” said Spike.

“Always and forever?” I asked.

I knew it wouldn’t be easy. That there would be trials we’d have to face every single day to help us learn and grow together as a family. That was perfectly fine with me because even though they drove me batshit crazy at times, I was madly in love with Spike and Phoenix, and I couldn’t imagine taking on this crazy thing called life and parenthood without them.

Phoenix gave me a smile that had my heart swelling wider than the grin spreading across Spike’s face.

“Until death do us part, my love. ”

Thank you for reading Fatal Attraction, the final book in the Love Kills Duet.