Forbidden Desires

Chapter 70."Six Weeks Later"

Karlie's POV

"The fingers and toes and beating hearts that we can see on an unborn child's ultrasound come with something that we cannot see: a soul."
—George W. Bush

"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Fairview. I'm happy to see you both."

They both smiled as Dr. Austin greeted them.

"Now, Mrs. Fairview, how are you feeling? I trust there aren't any side effects from the medications I prescribed last time?"

"No, Doctor, I'm doing well. I feel fine," Karlie reassured him.

"Excellent news. Today, I'm going to do another ultrasound to check on the twins." He handed her a robe. "Go ahead and change, please. I'll be right back," he instructed before stepping out.

Anthony helped her change, his hands gentle as he smoothed the fabric over her shoulders. "Are you scared?" he asked softly.

"No, I'm not. I'm okay," she whispered. "I feel it is well—it has to be."

Dr. Austin returned, guiding her onto the examination table. "Lie back for me," he instructed as he began the ultrasound.

"The heartbeats are very strong," he announced after a few minutes, moving the probe carefully.

When the exam was complete, Karlie got dressed and turned to the doctor with anticipation. "So, Doctor, how are our babies doing? Is everything okay?"

"Certainly, yes. Both babies are doing well," he assured her.

Anthony let out a deep sigh of relief and smiled at Karlie before walking over and wrapping her in a firm embrace. He held her as if he never wanted to let go.

Dr. Austin gave them a moment before Anthony finally asked, "Doctor, when can we expect to meet the new additions to our family?"

Dr. Austin smiled. "Based on what I'm seeing here, Mrs. Fairview is just over her five-month mark. It's very rare for twins to make it to full term, but if they don't come earlier than expected, they'll arrive in about seventeen weeks."

Anthony beamed, the excitement visible in his eyes. He was going to be a father. Even if he wasn't the biological father, he knew that being a dad was about more than genetics. He had learned that from his own upbringing. Though he had forgiven his parents, he had vowed that his own children would never feel the way he once did. These children would be loved unconditionally.

"I'll see you both back in two months," Dr. Austin said. "I'll keep Mrs. Fairview on the same medication since she and the twins are doing well."

"Okay, Doctor. Thank you so much," Anthony said gratefully.

"Not a problem, Mr. Fairview. It's my pleasure."

The intercom interrupted them. Paging Dr. Austin.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go," the doctor said.

"No problem, Doc. Best of luck," Anthony replied.

As soon as they were alone, Anthony turned his gaze to Karlie. "Hey, let's get out of here," he said with a grin.

She smiled back. All in all, it was a good appointment.

Aiden's POV

"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently."

It had been two weeks since Aiden had left rehab. He sat on his balcony, staring at the beautiful ocean view. Something about the ocean always gave him a sense of peace—reminding him of the lake... and Karlie.