Splitting Our Odds Into Evens

The Good Part

ONE MONTH LATER...

"Twins?" Rudy repeated, staring at Bonnie through the screen. "Baby girl, did you just say twins?"

Bonnie laughed. She had expected surprise, but the way her father's entire face had frozen made keeping a straight face impossible.

"Yes, Dad. Twins."

Rudy leaned back in his chair and dragged a hand over his face. "Lord have mercy. I thought you were calling to tell me you finally picked a wedding date or something."

"Working on that."

"Instead, you tell me I'm getting two grandchildren at once."

Bonnie smiled, resting a hand over her stomach. A month ago, saying it aloud still would've sounded strange. Even now, there were moments when she forgot there were actually two babies growing inside her until nausea hit or Kol became distracted listening to heartbeats she couldn't hear.

"We didn't exactly plan the two-at-once part."

"I'd hope not." Rudy shook his head, although the smile had already returned. "How are you feeling, baby girl? Everything's been okay?"

"I'm good. Tired all the time, but good. I've been back at work, and I haven't thrown up today, so I'm counting that as a win."

"Today isn't over yet."

"Why would you put that into the universe?"

A voice came from somewhere behind her. "Because he's a cruel man, darling."

Bonnie turned as Kol walked into the living room, fastening the cuff of his shirt.

"Ah," Kol said as he leaned into view. "My favorite future father-in-law."

Rudy stared at him. "Kol."

"Rudy."

Bonnie looked between them. "We're not doing this."

"I've done nothing," Kol said.

"Neither have I," Rudy added.

"That's usually when the two of you are the most irritating."

Kol kissed the side of Bonnie's head before straightening. Rudy watched him do it, his expression unreadable.

Bonnie had stopped expecting her father to wake up one morning delighted that she'd chosen to spend her life with an Original vampire. Rudy tolerated Kol because he loved her. He'd given Kol permission to propose because, somewhere along the way, he'd accepted that Kol loved her too.

For Rudy, that was progress.

Apparently grandchildren hadn't magically turned them into best friends.

"You taking care of her?" Rudy asked.

Kol's amusement faded just enough for Bonnie to know he understood the question beneath the question.

"I am."

Rudy nodded once. "Good."

That was as close to approval as either of them was getting today.

A knock sounded at the door.

"That should be Walta." Bonnie started to stand, but Kol was already heading for the door. "Dad, I have to go. We're doing the ultrasound."

Rudy immediately sat forward again. "Call me afterward."

"I will."

"And send me pictures."