Broken

Chapter 62: Snow falls

Fatima sat in the cozy rocking chair in the twins' nursery, the gentle creak of the chair providing a soothing rhythm as she folded tiny clothes, each outfit a reminder of the two lives growing inside her. Her belly was round and heavy, the anticipation of their arrival almost tangible. The nursery was a peaceful space, the soft yellow walls she and Zac had painted glowing in the afternoon winter sun. The cribs were assembled, the room neat and organized. Now, all that was left was to wait.

Tia, Zac's mother, sat across from Fatima, helping her fold the seemingly endless supply of baby clothes. The two women worked in companionable silence for a few moments before Tia broke it.

"So, have you and Zac decided on any names yet?" Tia asked, folding a pair of tiny socks and placing them on the dresser.

Fatima paused, biting her lip nervously. "Umm... no, not really," she admitted, glancing up at Tia with a sheepish smile. "Khalid said he wants their names to start with a K, and Zac, being Zac, said they should start with a Z."

Tia laughed, shaking her head. "Of course he did. I can already see the battle over who wins."

Fatima chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Honestly, it's hard. There are so many beautiful names, and I just want them to be perfect."

At that moment, Lana, who had been busy organizing the twins' closets, looked up. "Wait—whose closet is who's again?" Lana asked, her brow furrowing as she tried to remember.

Fatima chuckled, leaning back in the rocking chair, her belly rising and falling with each breath. "Whichever one you want, Lana. They have the same of everything anyway. Once we figure out these names, we'll stick their names on the closet doors and sort it out properly."

Lana nodded. She grabbed some of the neatly folded clothes and started packing them into the closets. "I can't wait to smell them."

"Right? Babies smell amazing," Tia chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That new baby smell is better than any perfume."

Fatima laughed, folding a soft pink onesie. "You two are going to be hogging the girls, aren't you?"

Tia grinned, her expression filled with mischief. "Of course! I've waited years for grandbabies. Don't think for a second I won't be here every day."

Lana turned from the closet and added, "They are my grandbabies too after all."

Fatima smiled at them both, warmth spreading through her chest. She felt so lucky to have this family around her, supporting her. "Thank you, both of you. It really means a lot knowing I have you here."

Tia looked over at her, her expression softening. "Anything for my daughter-in-law. You're family, and we're all ready to help with our grandbabies."

Fatima reached out and took Tia's hand, squeezing it gently. "It wasn't easy between us at first, but you've been such a delight. I really appreciate everything you've done for me and Zac."

Tia smiled warmly, her hand squeezing back. "Of course, sweetheart. I'm just happy we're all together now."

Fatima's heart swelled at Tia's words. She truly felt like a part of the Taylor family, and it was a comfort she hadn't expected to find. The bond between her and Tia had deepened over the months, and now, sitting here preparing for the arrival of the twins, Fatima realized how far they had come.

"And let's not forget," Tia added with a wink, "you're officially a pending Mrs. Taylor now."

Fatima grinned widely, her eyes lighting up as she held up her left hand next to her face, flashing the stunning diamond engagement ring Zac had given her. "Oh yes! It's official now!" she beamed.