Baby Steps

Ch. 5 Willa POV

Willa

Gently closing the door to the twin's room behind me I make my way to my bedroom. Tonight was my first night away from the twins and it went exactly how I expected. Worrying about leaving them too soon and then getting a call later that Atticus's fever was high.As soon as I got home, I gave Atticus Tylenol, then held him as he drifted off to sleep. Thankfully Talia didn't have a fever but she cried just as much as Atticus. Maybe she felt his pain or maybe she was just crying because he was. Either way I am exhausted.

Only now that both Atticus and Talia were sleeping soundly in their room, did I think about my run in with Tom. Seeing him tonight brought back all the mixed emotions I've felt since I first found out I was pregnant. It's hard to believe that was more than a year ago. But seeing him with another woman was like a dagger to the heart. The fact that he can move on so easily and not care about his kids.

From the moment I found out I was pregnant everything I did was now for them. I lived and breathed for Atticus and Talia. So how could Tom just brush them aside?. How could he just ignore every message and every call I left him and pretend to be surprised to see me tonight?

Even when the twins were born I gave him one last chance to be a part of their lives. Texting him their names, their birthday, how much they weighed, and how long they were. I texted him everything, praying and hoping he would change his mind. But he never responded.

I cried more that night than when I was giving birth.

I never wanted my kids to grow up without a father. But it looks like that's what's going to happen. But I'm not entirely alone. I have Brooke, who is the best auntie to my babies. And Kelly, who has become more of a surrogate grandmother to Atticus and Talia. Even Miguel, the same man who was there when I found out I was pregnant, he and his wife, Sabrina, had become the kids' aunt and uncle in a way.

The void I felt from not having my own family around was slowly closing as I became surrounded by my chosen family.

As I remove my jewelry I think about the conversation I had earlier with Kevin Feige. He's seen my work as 2nd unit director for Wicked Games and wants me to sign with Marvel as the new 2nd unit director for four upcoming marvel movies. As much as an amazing opportunity it sounded like I also knew it would not only take me away from the twins but it would also mean working with Tom again. And I don't think I'm quite ready for that or if I'll ever be ready.

Slipping out of my dress I shrug on my robe and walk to the bathroom to wash off my make-up. I'm in the middle of applying my night cream when the doorbell rang. Startled, I drop the face cream causing its contents to spill out. I rush to the baby monitor to check on the twins. It's late for someone to stop by and ring the doorbell knowing the twins are asleep. Thankfully both Atticus and Talia are still sound asleep. I check the front door camera on my phone wondering who the hell is here so late.

My heart skips a beat, that traitorous organ, when I see Tom standing in front of the door. He's still in his tux from the premiere but his tie is gone and the top buttons of his shirt are undone. Damn, he looks good. Shaking my head I clear it of those thoughts I should not be having.

But why the fuck is he here? And how the hell does he know where I live??

Taking a deep breath, I square my shoulders and make my way downstairs. My hand hovers over the top latch for a moment but since I don't want him to ring the doorbell again and risk waking up the twins I reluctantly open the door.

Tom stares at me under the glow of the porch light. We stare at one another for what feels like an eternity. His hair is sticking out as if he were running his fingers through it continuously. Even when he looked disheveled he still looked handsome as hell.

Tom opens his mouth and closes it a few times before shaking his head and running his fingers through his hair. Then he moves faster than lightning, pulling me into his arms. My arms are glued to my sides as Tom hugs me tighter, almost urging me to reciprocate the hug. Finally, I gather my bearings and push back against him creating much needed space between us.

"What are you doing here, Tom?" I pull my robe tighter, the breeze of the night causing goosebumps along my arms.

"Can we talk?" He pleads.

There's something in the way that he's looking at me that causes me to pause before nodding. I step aside and let Tom inside. I point to the shoe rack next to the door, he nods and removes his shoes. I don't care if they're designer shoes but it's hard enough to keep things in order with two ten month olds and crawl faster than Quicksilver can run. So I take every precaution to keep a somewhat clean house.

Leading him to the living room, which was still a mess from the twin's toys, I gesture to the couch. But he doesn't sit. His gaze is locked on the mantle, more importantly it's locked on the picture of me and the twins. The day they were born.

My eyes are red rimmed, I have dark circles under my eyes, my hair is a bird's nest. But my smile is wide and full of love as I hold Atticus and Talia, both swaddled in their baby blankets.

Tom gently picks it up, studying it more. His jaw is clenched, that much I can tell but other than that I can't tell what's going through his mind.

"Why are you here?" I ask again.

After a brief moment of silence he sets the frame back down. Turning to me, tears pool in his eyes.

"We need to talk."