His Return

0.Prologue

Positive.

The purple plus sign sends waves of excitement through my system.

I set the test down next to the three others, all showing the same symbol.

Excitement fills me as a wide grin spreads across my face.

"Mommy?" There's a questioning knock on the bathroom door, and the bubble of excitement surrounding me pops.

"Just a second, baby." I call, quickly sliding all the tests off the marbled counter and into a drawer.

My hands itch to call Michael; he's going to be ecstatic. We've been hoping, trying for another.

"Mommy," A second voice appears outside the bathroom. "We're hungry."

"What should we make Daddy for dinner?" I ask my twins, swinging the door open and finding them sitting Indian-style right outside the bathroom.

Mikey, my husband's personal 'mini-me', jumps to his feet with a lopsided grin that reminds me of the so much of his father's.

"Tacos!" He shouts, his dark curls bouncing as he runs off to the kitchen.

Sofia, my quiet one, just smiles up at me.

"Are tacos okay?"

She nods, standing, before reaching her arms up for me to carry her.

"Baby girl," I laugh, picking her up. "You're almost five, Momma's not gonna be able carry you much longer." Especially when there's a watermelon protruding from my stomach.

My daughter rests her head against my shoulder, her blonde waves tickling my nose.
"Sofie Girl," I whisper, burying my nose in my daughter's strawberry scented hair before giving her a swift kiss on the cheek. "How do you feel about a baby brother or sister?"

"Really, Mommy?" She lifts her head, her beautiful hazel eyes sparkling as she grins at me. "You'll get me a baby? Can I have a sister, please!" She starts bouncing in my arms. "Mikey drives me crazy! I want a sister!"

"We'll see, Fragolina." I mutter as I set her down.

But four years olds don't understand the meaning of 'we'll see' and that proven as she runs to the kitchen.

"Mikey! Mikey!" I hear her squeal. "Mommy is gonna get me a baby sister!"

"What?!" My son shouts in response just as I found the corner, entering the kitchen.

"Mommy, I wanted a brother."

"We don't get to pick, Tesoro." My hand comes down to ruffle his curls. "But I think you'll love having a tiny baby sister as much as a brother."

"I guess." He shrugs, climbing up the black kitchen stool. "As long as she doesn't take my toys."

I laugh as I make my way to the fridge that matches the rest of the kitchen.

"Lets make Daddy tacos and a chocolate cake!"

"Cake!" My twins yell in unison. "Yay!"
-
Hours later, it's eleven o' clock and I'm anxiously tapping my nails on the black dining table as I wait for my husband.

A little white box sits perfectly centered on the table while the lopsided chocolate cake seems to be leaning further than it was before.

Nervousness starts to creep through me, this isn't simply just getting tied up at work.

I dial his number again, but like the last three times, it goes to voicemail.

I've spent the past two hours refusing to consider worst case scenarios but now they're there, starting to seep in.

Maybe he was mugged. Maybe a car accident. Maybe...

No, Kate. Don't go there. Not yet.

I bet he went to the bar with Anders!

I nod to myself, satisfied with that theory. He and his best friend go out every now and then, that's totally fine. He just forgot to tell me. This is the first time that's happened so I can't be mad, it's fine.

'Just wait,' I whisper out loud, my hand coming to my stomach. 'Daddy will be here soon.'

With that thought I settle onto the couch, preparing to pounce on Michael the second he walks through the door.

I just wish I realized how long I'd be waiting.

***

I'm really excited to start sharing Kate and Michael's story!