High Stakes

Chapter 1

Nick's POV

"Pops!!!!!" I groaned as two bodies landed on me taking a few air from my lungs.

"Ugh..." I ignored the two bundle of energies and buried my face under the pillow. "Go away..." I mumbled.

"Pops! Pops!" They jumped, humped and shook the bed as I buried further under the pillow. "Pops!"

"Gahhhh..." Submitting to my fate, I turned around and carried my twins out of the bed room. They were both giggling and laughing at the same time. "Two think that's funny huh? You little monsters!" I acted annoyed but they knew that I was only kidding.

Goodness I missed my kids!

It has been more than three days since I last seen them. We had a very high profile case involving the death of the senators daughter. The poor teenager was drugged and raped. And after three sleepless days and night we finally caught the culprit. It was the senator's driver. He finally confessed after we showed him all our evidence.

Making my way down the stairs, I could already smell the scent of bacon. And I guess my twins smelled them too.

"Bacon!!!!" They yelled and jumped off my shoulders as I hit the last step. I strode towards the kitchen where my wife was busy flipping pancake while frying the bacons while my sons were eagerly waiting for their breakfast.

Still oblivious on my presence, I signaled the twins to remain silent while I sneaked upon my wife. Then I gently snaked my arms on her waist and place my chin over her shoulder. "I missed you so much." I whispered after I kissed her cheek.

She leaned closer while I showered her with few more kissed. "Our kids and I missed you more." She flipped the bacons and made a few more pancakes while she continued to lean on me. "The boys woke you up?"

"Uh huh..."

"You promise to take them out today." She said while she turn off the stove. "Set the table boys."

"Yes mom!" The twins responded.

Michael took the plates, spoon and fork while Matthew took out the juice and fruits from the fridge. Emilia made sure that they always have fruits on every meal.

"They are so adorable." I said out loud.

"Yes they are."

It was a great sight. The twins were both well mannered just like Maddy. As far as attitude were concerned, all feedbacks that I received from their school was all positive. They also have great grades which I'm proud off since both Emilia and I worked full time.

"Come on pops! Let's eat." Emilia gave me a cup of coffee as I joined my family at the table.

When Maddy learned about the truth behind her real mother, she then asked Emilia if it was okay to call her 'mom' which she gladly accepted. To our surprise, Maddy then asked me if it was okay to call me 'pop'. We explained to her that I'm also a woman just like her and Emilia but she just explained that it was easier that way.

"Is Maddy coming home for the holidays?" I asked. Maddy moved out when she started college and had been independent ever since. She's been working in child care and services.

"The last time I spoke to her, she said she'll be here." Emilia replied.

"Is she and that 'boy' still dating?" I asked with a little angst on my voice. It's not that I hated the guy, it's just the protective 'father' instinct kicking in.

"Yes!" Emilia replied. "And that boy has name." Emilia added.

"Yeah... Bobby." I interrupted.

"It's Billy." Emilia corrected.