Chapter Eleven

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I rushed out of the cafe as soon as I finished the call with Jordan and Brandon in tow.

"What's going on? Izzy tell us. What did Zac say?" I ignored their questions and asked.

"Did either of you guys drive? I walked here but I need to get home right now!"

"Sure. Brand and I came together but tell us what's going on first."

"No time. I'll tell you in the car." We quickly ran into the car and Jordan sped off from the parking lot.

"Hey slow down. Want to kill us all."

"Well you're in a hurry besides, you still haven't told us." He moderated his speed to a reasonable limit. The house wasn't far and we'd be arriving soon.

"Britt's gone into early labour. Zac's in a panic. He needs to take her to the hospital but he can't leave the twins by themselves. He needs me back to take care of them." We soon arrived at the house. I already had my belt off and practically jumped out of the car while it was still moving. Zac and Brittany came out as soon as they heard the car.

"The twins are in their feeding chairs. Sorry to run off but we've got to go." Zac had his arm around Brittany. She had her hand on her belly and she was bent over slightly as if she was in considerable pain.

"Look after my babies. Zac and I will call you when we have some news." Brittany eased herself into the car and gave a slight grimace. I ran into the house and saw Joshua and Jacob sitting in the kitchen with their wide eyed expressions. They both smiled brightly when they saw me and called out 'Zezy'. I took Joshua out of his chair while Brandon lifted Jacob and we took them into the living room. After settling them down on their play mat, Jordan, Brandon and I settled down on the sofa. We sat there in silence. The twins were playing nicely but they still needed to be supervised. I was just watching them when I heard Jordan speak.

"So is this a bad time to ask you about your decision?" I turned to him and sighed.

"I can't think about that right now. I'm thinking about whether Britt will be ok. Zac seemed pretty panicked. I've never seen him like that. He's usually Mr Cool."

Jordan continued. "Izzy. I know it's not a good time to ask but I need to know. I need to know that our kiss that night under the fireworks meant something."

"Hey what?? Jord what are you talking about? You kissed her? What happened to no physical activity?" Brandon suddenly looked very angry. He punched Jordan on his arm but it was anything but friendly.

"Hey what was that for. Don't tell me you weren't thinking about kissing Izzy the whole time you were on your date."

"News flash Jord! I did kiss Izzy and it was spectacular. I knew once she kissed me that she'd never go back to you."

"WTF! You liar!"

Suddenly Jordan and Brandon were fighting each other. Joshua and Jacob who were playing so happily before started to cry. I instinctively went up to them to protect them. "Stop it. You're scaring the twins."

I was cradling both of them in my arms. They clung to me, their eyes wet with tears and fear. Jordan and Brandon stopped fighting. Their faces suddenly feeling ashamed.

Brandon spoke first.

"Izzy. Stop playing us. I'm sure I'm speaking for Jord as well when I say you need to make a decision and you need to make it now. Tell us Izzy. Who did you choose." They were both waiting for me to answer. I had to stop the hurt. There was only one thing I could do.

"You want to know who I choose. Well I choose me. I value your friendships too much. I'd rather be friends with both of you than see you fight like that." They both sat there in shock.  "So you mean your not choosing either of us?" Jordan sat there shaking his head. I cuddled Joshua and Jacob closer to me. I didn't want them more stressed than they had already been. Sooner or later they would figure out that their parents weren't there so I needed them to stay calm.

"I hate to be rude but I've got to look after these two. You guys are welcome to leave anytime. I need to start making their dinner." I hoisted Joshua up on one hip. They were getting so big now. I tried to lift Jacob onto the other hip but I was finding him too heavy. "Here let me."Jordan came over and hoisted Jacob up. "Hey you're not leaving me out of this." Brandon got up and followed us into the kitchen and started preparing the dinner.

After settling the twins in their cots, I flopped back onto my bed exhausted. I was right. Sometime during dinner the twins realised that their parents weren't there and started crying for their Dada and Mama. It took them a long time to settle them down for the night despite giving them their bath which usually helped soothe them. Thank goodness Jordan and Brandon stayed on. Honestly the task would have taken so much longer without their help. As tired as I was I knew I needed to see them out. It was the polite thing to do. I came downstairs and saw them busily cleaning up the kitchen and neatly putting the toys back into the box. "Hey guys. Thanks for the help but the twins have settled in for the night. You guys must be exhausted so you're free to go home now."

"Brand and I had a chat. We are staying overnight here with you. I mean on the sofa of course. We just don't think you should be alone especially with everything going on. That's what friends do. They support each other in times of need." I gave them both a big hug. "You guys are the best. I'm afraid your right. You guys will have to stay on the sofa. I don't think Joshua and Jacob are prepared to give up their cots for you." We all had a good laugh and retired to bed.

In the morning, the light began filtering through my window, waking me up from my deep sleep. I was about to get out of bed when my mobile rang. "Hey Izzy. Britt's had the baby and all is well. Can you dress the boys and bring them to the hospital. The room number is 105." I finished the call and went into the nursery. The twins were not there. Panic set in. Where were they? I quickly ran downstairs to the sight of the twins in their feeding chairs happily eating the breakfast. Brandon was wiping their mouths while Jordan was fixing their sippy cups. "Hey guys. Zac just called. He wants us to bring the boys to the hospital."

"No problems. I'm just fixing their drinks but they are fed and ready to go." I smiled at the scene. Everything was under control. I bet the twins couldn't wait to see their parents again. 

The five of us arrived at the hospital and made our way quickly to room 105. As we entered Zac scooped his boys on either side of him and took them over to Brittany who was holding a tiny dark haired newborn swaddled in a pink blanket.  "Joshua, Jacob. Meet your new baby sister, Peyton." The twins stared at their sister in awe. It looked so perfect I quickly took out my phone and snapped a picture. They were the picture of happiness. Living proof of what true love can bring. I hoped one day that I'd also be able experience the same thing. Jordan and Brandon were waiting for me in the hall. "I'm going to hang around in case they need me. You guys go home and rest. You did great. I think we make a fantastic team. They looked weary and didn't protest. I gave each of them a hug and watched them walk away. Jordan turned around and looked back. As he did I mouthed the words, "I chose you." He smiled and gave me his special wink. The one that made the scar above his eye crinkle. Somehow I knew we could make this work. This was the beginning of something special.

THE END
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Thank you for reading Double Exposure. If you want to read what happens next, please read my next book, Fire and Desires scheduled for release on 5 January 2018.

A big thank you all my loyal readers. Writing this story after a short break was so revitalising. I really hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Feel free to message me your thoughts and suggestions for the next one. I love hearing from you guys.

Brittany. xoxo

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