Two Pink Lines

chapter 23: then there were three

"So, have you felt any abnormalities in your pregnancy that we should be aware of?" The doctor asked, holding up her clipboard.

Taylor shook her head, "I'm a bit bigger than last time, but I started the pregnancy with a little more weight anyway."

The doctor nodded, "Alright. Well let's get started."

Taylor shivered as the cold gel touched her stomach. Joe squeezed her hands, kissing her cheek. Today was the day of her first ultrasound. "Here we go," The doctor warned, as she began to move the transducer around her stomach. After a couple of minutes, a small image appeared on the screen.

The doctor looked surprised, "It's twins."

"What?" Joe said, looking down at Taylor's stomach. "Really?"

Smiling, the doctor pointed at the screen, "There they are. We'll have to make some additional appointments to make sure everythings alright."

Tears welled in Taylor's eyes as she grabbed onto Joe's hand. "Twins."

Joe looked down at Taylor's stomach, a soft expression in his eyes. "James is going to be so happy," Joe's eyes glistened. "I can't wait."

Time passed by quickly. Ten weeks later, they were overjoyed to find out that one of them was a boy. The other had their legs crossed, so it was impossible to tell. James managed to be even more ecstatic then his parents, making sure to help with the baby in any way he could.

"Flynn?" Joe suggested, adding it to the list of possible names.

"Too much like Flint's name," Taylor said hastily, crossing it out.

"Lincoln?"

"I don't want people picturing him as some old dude in a top hat named Abe."

"Benjamin?"

"Joe, that's our cat."

"Julius?"

"Do you want to suggest that we give him the last name Caesar next?"

Joe groaned, "Do you have any ideas instead of just shooting down on all mine?"

Taylor looked down grumpily at the long list of names she had crossed out. Sighing, she leaned her head to rest on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I just want it to be the perfect name, you know?"

"It's okay," Joe rubbed the side of her arm. "So do I."

Taylor let out a loud yawn, "Want to turn in for the night? We can decide later. The babies don't come for 2 more months."

He placed a gentle kiss at the top of her head, before moving his lips down to her stomach. "I love you. All of you," He murmured, carrying her over to the bed. After ensuring that she was properly covered with blankets, he laid down next to her, falling into a deep sleep of his own.

They woke to hear the quiet padding of footsteps at the doorway. "Mummy? Daddy?" Came James' soft voice.

"James?" Joe whispered. "Are you alright?"

"Can I sleep with you tonight?" James asked innocently, clinging to his stuffed elephant.

Too tired to say otherwise, Joe said yes. James clambered onto the bed, making himself comfortable between his parents. "Mummy?" James asked after a moment, turning to face Taylor.

Her eyelids fluttered open, "Yes?"

"Do you think they'll like me?"

"Who?" Taylor asked.