Hunting Eden (Triple Trouble 1)

Chapter Thirty

Baffies: Plural noun, slippers. Pronounced: Baff-aiz.

Bahookie: noun, a person’s buttocks. Pronounced: Baa-hook-ee.

* * *

Eden - Two months later

“I’m not staying,” I say as I clatter my car keys on top of the parlor booth table in front of me.

“Stay for one ice cream,” Eva begs.

“No, I’m parked on double yellow lines outside. I’ll get a ticket if the traffic wardens are around. I only stopped by to say a quick hello and because I need a pee. Another one.” I roll my eyes.

“Go then. Come back quick. I have something to speak to you about. Plus, we haven’t seen you in over two months. Now you’re not in our WhatsApp group anymore I have no idea what you’re up to these days. I miss you. We miss you. And also, I have a lot of questions about the fire department being called to Jamie’s house. Go.” Beth points to the bathroom doors.

I groan and grin simultaneously. “Okay, but if I get a ticket, you’re paying for it.”

Coming out of the bathroom stall, I realize how big I’m getting.

Having washed my hands, I dry them on the hand towel.

From the side, my bump looks huge.

I walk over to the mirror and gently stroke my black fitted tee over my ever-growing tummy.

My babies.

Hunter’s babies.

Our babies.

I turn to the side again and my heart does a flutter.

I’m so in love with my bump. I spend hours talking away to it. If I could sing, I would do that too.

To say it came as a shock when I found out why I was sick all the time is a colossal understatement, and it took me a few days to get used to the news.

Without question, these babies are meant to be. It’s part of my story. My journey.

It’s not a junction; it's a pathway to something new and wonderful.

I look down. How can I be this big at only four months pregnant? I’m going to be the size of a house full-term, and my boobs? Well, don’t get me started on those. Balloons is the only word for them.

I’ve been taking every precaution to prevent the same thing from happening before. Vitamins, eating well, rest, and I’m being closely monitored too by my OB. So far so good.

I smile at myself in the mirror, but with a heavy heart that Hunter isn’t here to share this magical experience with me.

My accusations and my lack of trust drove him away. I never wanted that to happen. I also don’t want him to think I am after his money. I don’t need it.

I royally messed up, and now I’m living with the consequences. I’ll be a single mum at twenty-eight. Deep joy.

“I hope you’re not sad, babies. Well, happy sad. ’Cause that’s how I feel, munchkins.” I rub my tummy and head back into the parlor.

I’m now sitting around the table with the girls. “So what do you want to know?” I ask them.

“We just want you to confirm or deny, that’s all.” Toni swipes her hand through the air in front of her.

I smile. I miss my girls.

“And I have something important to tell you too, Eden. We need this information first,” Beth says.

I’ve distanced myself from everyone. Even Mum and Dad. I’ve been running the office and not doing any classes to ensure my babies are safe and well. I’ve left Ella and Eva to run the classes.

I’m enjoying being pregnant and focusing on rest and being strong for when the little ones come along. I had my twelve-week scan. I went alone; they said everything was fine so I am focusing on that.

Everything is fine.

I miss joking around and laughing though. I have done little of that since Hunter left.

A prickling sensation of aching twinges my soul. It’s a sensation I know so well. It dips in and out in waves every now and again.

I focus back on Toni.

“Ted heard from Lewis, who heard from Richard, who heard from Colin, who heard from Christ knows, I’ve lost track now. That a certain little blond bombshell showed up at Jamie’s house and handcuffed him to the bed in a sordid tale of Eden’s Revenge,” Toni rasps in a demonic voice toward the end. “Then his parents returned and had to call the fire brigade, where they cut him out of his metal bed frame.”

She taps a fake mic in her hand as if testing it. Then she places it under her mouth. “Can you confirm or deny, Ms. Wallace?”

She holds the invisible mic under my mouth.

I belly laugh and lean in. “Confirm. It was me.”

Toni splays her fingers and lets the invisible mic drop.

“You are a badass.” Beth whoops and the girls all start clapping.

“I knew nothing about the fire brigade, though. That’s news to me.”

“Well. It’s all over the town. Jamie deserved that. He’s told everyone. How embarrassing for him. Apparently, the firefighters had a good laugh at his expense.” Ella chuckles.

“I took a photo, but I’m not showing you.”

“You’re no fun,” Eva dramatically huffs.

“He had it coming. Did he leave town; does anyone know?” I ask.

“Apparently, he left a few weeks ago. No idea where, but he’s gone, Eden,” Ella confirms.

Goodbye to old news.

I get out of the tight booth. With my head facing toward the table, I ask if anyone wants a drink or ice cream.

“I’m never going to get out of here in a few months. Look how big I am already.” I stand to the side and show the girls.

But they aren’t looking at me. They’re looking past me. All wide-eyed and openmouthed.

“What are you all look—” I twist my head around.

Standing in the middle of the parlor.

Hunter.

My legs almost go out from under me, and I grip the table for support.

He’s still so dazzling, instantly setting my body on fire and making my heart race.

“Ah, that’s what I needed to speak to you about,” whispers Beth.

Hunter mumbles something under his breath that I can’t make out. He swipes his eyes down my body. His eyes bug out as they zoom in on my bump. Promptly, he turns on his heel, walking away from me.

Frozen solid, I watch as he places his hand on the back of a tall brunette. Ushering her out the door, they’re gone in a flash.

I clench my eyes shut and breathe deep.

Turning around quickly, I grab my car keys to my new boring mum car off the table in haste.

“I have to go. I just remembered I have to go do something,” I stutter.

“Eden, stay. Please don’t go,” Beth pleads. “I was going to tell you. I promise. He’s only here for a week. He’s launching a new initiative for us. Shit. I’m sorry I should have texted to warn you.”

“It’s fine. I’m fine. Do you think he saw?” I look down.

“He saw.”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Couldn’t take his eyes off it.”

They all speak at the same time.

Aw, poop.

What if he wants joint custody and takes my babies away to America? I sweat at the very thought of it. This can’t be happening. I’ve already lost Chloe.

In a fluster I dash away from the girls and mutter over my shoulder that I’ll see them soon.

* * *

Hunter

She looked beautiful today.

She’s cut her hair to half its length.

And it’s darker than before.

My angel dressed in black.

But she’s not mine anymore, and she’s pregnant with his baby.

I feel sick at the thought.

Throwing the sheets back, I get into bed. There are no words for how I feel.

I lost her to him.

Sleep is the only thing to take the torturing ache away. I roll over, hoping for sleep to come soon. I’m somewhere between mourning and heartbreak.

Between worlds.

Between the land of having what was and now can never be.

As I drift off, all I see is her behind my eyes. My Eden. My place of paradise.

* * *

Not knowing how long I’ve been asleep for, I’m abruptly awakened to the loud persistent ringtone from my phone.

“Who the hell is calling at this time?” I say groggily, trying to locate my phone on the bedside table in the dark.

I open my eyes. Squinting from the brightness of the glaring screen.

Ella?

I swipe open the call.

“Ella?”

“Hunter, you have to come to the hospital.”

“Why?”

“It’s Eden. She fell down the stairs. She’s been bleeding. They’re not sure if the baby is okay yet.”

My heart skips a beat.

Confused as to why Ella is calling me, I rub my eyes with my hand. I feel sympathy pain in my chest as I feel Eden’s pain. “Okay, but why are you calling me exactly?”

“Eden’s going to kill me for calling you.”

She pauses.

“It’s your baby, Hunter.”

I catapult upright.

“What?” I exclaim, now instantly awake.

“The baby is yours.”

“Not Jamie’s?” I ask to confirm.

“Jesus Christ, Hunter, for someone smart, you sure are dumb. She’s four months pregnant. The baby is yours. And she never went with Jamie.”

Holy shit. She’s having my baby. I swipe back the bedcovers at high speed. My stomach somersaults with giddiness and anxiety.

“I’m on my way. Where are you? In fact, text me all the details and zip code or postcode or whatever the hell you call it.”

“See you so—”

I cut her off.

Dashing around the room, I pull my clothes on at supersonic speed.

I call Lisa, my new agent, to let her know what I’m doing. I check the time. We’re supposed to be launching this new scholarship with the Golf Association in a few hours' time. My lawyers couldn’t get me out of the contract I signed months back, so now I’m committed, traveling back and forth. That sounds exhausting.

But maybe not.

“Forget it, we can always push to the next day if we have to. Get your girl.” Lisa yawns through the phone.

“Thanks, Lisa.”

“Oh, and Hunter?”

“Yeah?”

“Congratulations.”

I smile.

But she’s fallen.

She didn’t tell me.

Our baby.

Holy shit.

I run out of the hotel room to go see my girl.

* * *

Eden

I don’t remember falling asleep, but I’m still lying on my side when I wake up. It’s the only comfortable position I can lie in now.

As I flutter my eyes open, I come face-to-face with the most incredible set of dark-chocolate eyes I know so well.

I miss these eyes.

Chin balanced on top of his tent of strong fingers, he stares straight at me and blinks twice.

“Hi,” he whispers.

I reach out to touch his face. Then I realize what I’m doing and pull back.

Familiar goosebumps appear, making all the hairs on my arms stand on end. He’s like static electricity.

“Hi,” I whisper back.

We stare at each other as I place my hand back on the bed. I don’t know why he’s here, but I feel so much relief that he is.

He’s my person and my calm, but he’s no longer mine, remembering the girl from the parlor.

“How are you feeling?” he asks eventually.

“Sore. I think my bruises have bruises. Wooden floors are not ideal when you fall down the stairs.” I groan, now noticing the pain in my backside and thigh.

It all happened so quickly. My front of my flip-flop style baffies caught on the edge of the stair and before I knew it was on my ass, bumping down each one. I hit my thigh and bahookie, hard, and the right side of my stomach.

Those stairs will not work with tiny feet running about.

“How did you know I was here?”

“Don’t be mad. Ella called me.” He keeps staring at me.

“So you know?” I close my eyes.

“What, the baby is mine? Yeah, I know. That’s why I’m here.”

He’s only here for the baby.

I clench my eyes as I feel tears forming. I haven’t cried since he left. I can’t because I don’t think they’ll stop if I start.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I’m crazy mad at you for not telling me. I’m the dad.”

I can’t hold them back and my tears flow like a river. “Because of what I did to you. The things I said. The things I believed about you. I’m so sorry, Hunter. I’ve hurt you enough, and I didn’t think you’d want to be involved. I’m not after your money. You have a busy life and what I did is unforgivable. I understand if you don’t want to speak to me.” I sob. “I don’t want you to take the baby away to America without me. I lost Chloe; I don’t want to lose another baby.” I cry out my worst fear.

“Hey, hey. No crying. You’ve had enough upset for one night. Sh, sh, sh,” he coos, thumbing my tears off my cheeks. “The doctor says you’re to have complete rest and no upsets. C’mon, Cupcake. Look at me.”

I open my eyes to his reassuring and honest face.

I’ve missed my nickname.

“I would never take your baby away from you. Never. Ever. Just because we live on different sides of the country, I will try to be here when you need me. Our baby will stay with you.” He strokes my temple with his long fingers, which I love so much. I love everything about him.

I wish I could take the evening of the ball back.

“You're in control here. I will respect all your wishes. We will sort this out between you and me, Eden. No matter what, we will make it work. Everything that’s been, has been, we have to forget the past. We have to move on from that. For the baby’s sake, we can’t hold on to any of that now. We have lots to talk about. We’ll do that before I leave again, but you need to rest and relax.”

My body sags slightly with relief. But he’s leaving again. “I am really sorry, Hunter. I truly mean that; please believe me.”

Anguish washes across his face, and I feel all hope finally leaving my body.

“I forgive you, Eden. I can’t hold on to grudges. It’s been eating away at me, every minute of every day. I can’t stay mad at you. Look at this face.” He delicately thumbs my cheek. “I’ve missed you.” His mouth trembles.

I’ve missed him so much too.

“Can we please be friends again, Eden?”

Friends.

That’s more than I was expecting because I didn’t think he would want to speak to me ever again.

Hunter is such a lovely guy; how he’s able to forgive me, I’ll never know. I let serious trust and vulnerability issues cloud my judgment all those months ago.

“I’d like that. We are going to be parents together so I am guessing we have to speak to each other once in a while, huh?” I say.

He takes my hand and squeezes it before letting go, then rests back in his chair, deep in thought.

I want to know what he’s thinking. We sit in comfortable silence.

Once I’ve calmed down, I turn around to check the time.

“Where is everyone else?” I ask.

“I sent them all home. I said I would stay and keep them up to date.”

“But what about your girlfriend? Do you not want to go be with her? She'll not like you being here with me. God, why do I always make everything so complicated?” I clench my teeth. “I’m so sorry about the baby. I didn’t get pregnant on purpose. My bloody implant was due for renewal; we never took extra precautions, and I missed my reminder letter before we went to Florida. You can have a new life with your girlfriend, Hunter. I won’t stop you. I’m not like that. I won’t hold you prisoner. I promise,” I say adamantly but with a painful chest. I don’t want him to ever find someone else.

“Girlfriend? What the hell are you going on about?” he asks, standing up now.

I push myself up the bed. Hunter helps me rearrange my pillows.

I look up. “Yeah, the beautiful brunette you were with yesterday, in the parlor.”

“Lisa? Hell no. She’s my new agent. Jesus Christ, Eden. You don’t half jump to conclusions. And she has a girlfriend, Eden.” He rolls his eyes.

Relief washes over me as I suddenly can’t make eye contact with him, feeling dumb at yet another accusation.

“Sorry, I just assumed.”

“You need to stop assuming and ask me. Communicate with me. Text me. Call me. Just come out and ask. Anything. Everything. I wished you’d done that before. It also would have been nice if you’d told me we were having a baby. You don’t have to do all this yourself. This is a big deal. Huge deal. I think I need a stiff drink from this news, but we are having a baby, Eden.” He points to us both. “You need to speak to me.”

Here goes. “Babies. Plural.”

He stops what he’s doing.

“I beg your pardon.” He dips his head to his chin, raising his eyes toward me, like he’s peering over the top of a pair of glasses and frowns.

“Babies. Three. Triplets.” I hold up three fingers.

I count down from five… Five… Four… Three… Two… One.

“I think I need water and a seat. Or a fan. Has it gotten really hot in here suddenly?” He pulls the neckline of his tee shirt back and forth quickly. “Three babies. Three. Not one. Three,” he mumbles. “Are they sure?” He looks at me.

“Yes, they confirmed it again last night on the scan. I have told no one yet. And that’s why I’m so big. I’ve known for a few weeks.” I stroke my stomach.

“But where are they going to fit? You're so tiny.” He paces. “That cannot be good for someone your size. Will it be cesarean delivery then? Or how does that work? Will you be okay? Are you okay?” I laugh and cover my mouth to hide my amusement. “Oh, I feel faint. I think I need to lie down.” He walks over to my bed. I shuffle across carefully so he can get in next to me.

“You okay? Should I get a nurse?” I ask, confused and amused.

“Maybe I think I’m having a seizure. Or a heart attack or a panic attack—maybe all three.” He puts his hand to his head. “Feel me. I’m burning up.”

Someone clearing their throat startles us. “Mr. King. You’re not supposed to be on the bed.”

The doctor.

“I think I’m dying.”

I’ve missed this incredibly funny man in my life.

I look at the doctor.

“I just told him it’s triplets.”

“Yeah, that’s going to tip you over the edge a little.” He laughs. “Do you think, Mr. King, you could get off the bed and die elsewhere, please? Eden’s had a fall, and she requires space and rest.”

“You have no heart, Doctor,” Hunter says, sliding his feet back to the floor.

“Are you good for me to continue, Mr. King?”

“Yes. Are you okay, Eden?” Hunter looks at me.

“I’m perfectly fine. You’ve cheered me up. Let’s listen to what the good doctor has to say, Hunter. Okay?” I say reassuringly.

I think it’s four babies I’m having.

“You’re good, Eden. You are fine. Everything looks perfectly normal on the scans. You’re doing all the right things. Your bruising will feel worse these next few days. You really took quite a tumble. But otherwise, you are good. You have no other symptoms other than the spotting you had last night. The disruption from you falling has caused the bleeding, but the babies are healthy. Their heartbeats are strong. We want to keep you in for the next few days for observation, just in case. And I think…” The doctor cranes his neck out the door. “Here it comes now. We’re just going to do another scan.”

“Ready to meet your babies, Hunter?” I ask.

He’s nervous, but his eyes are sparkling with excitement. I can tell.

With everything set to go, the radiographer slides the handheld probe across my skin and in full black-and-white picture, our babies appear on the screen.

Hunter leans in to get a good look. Instinctively, he takes my hand.

“Look at them, Eden. They're ours. We made people,” he says in awe. “What size are they now?” he asks.

“About the size of an apple or avocado. Roughly,” the radiographer replies. “Would you like to hear their heartbeats?” she asks, staring at Hunter.

Yup, he’s very difficult not to look at.

“Would I ever.”

With that, a multitude of fast-racing thunks sound throughout the room.

“You hear that, Cupcake?” He squeezes my hand.

“I do.”

“Would you like to record it on your phone, Mr. King?”

“Can I? Thank you, ma’am.”

He’s so polite.

I watch as he digs about in his pocket for his phone. Before he clicks it open, I see his locked screen photo is a selfie he took of us at Magic Kingdom. I’m kissing his cheek and his face is all scrunched up. We look so happy.

He hasn’t changed it. My heart does a hopeful swoop.

Once he’s finished recording, the radiographer then prints out a couple of copies of the scan for us, and then it’s just us again.

“So tiny.” He swoons over his mini munchkins photo.

“They don’t feel it,” I say, rubbing my tummy.

He tilts his head. He’s thinking. “Hmmmm, can I feel? Your tummy?” He motions with his head to my stomach.

“Yeah. I’d like that. Excuse the hospital paper pants, Hunter. So sexy,” I say, pulling up my hospital gown and revealing my swollen stomach again.

“You could wear a tent and still look beautiful and sexy,” he says.

I think he’s just saying that to make me feel better.

Tentatively, he gets closer to the side of the bed, reaches his hand out flat, and places it gently on top.

“It’s firmer than I thought it would be.”

I smile.

“And really hot.”

“I’m like a furnace now. I have triple insulation.”

“No belly ring?”

“Nope, I had to take it out.”

“That’s a shame.” He winks. “Although it’s probably the reason you’re in this dilemma now with these three monkeys. I could never resist that crystal blue belly bar of yours.”

I laugh and blush.

“Oooh, that goes tight when you laugh. That feels so odd.” He explores my skin and tummy with his long, lean fingers.

He bends down and whispers to my belly, “Hey, you three. This is Daddy. We haven’t met before. Now you’re not to give Mummy a hard time. She’s been through a lot already and you’ve got to behave. Okay? Are we on the same page?” He bends down and kisses my belly.

My heart clenches at his action and I burst out crying.

Covering my face, I sob. I can’t do this.

I can’t keep pretending I don’t love him.

I can’t be around him and not want him.

The tears I’ve been holding in pour out.

I love this man. Now more than ever.

He's so tender, loving, caring.

And I pushed him away.

I want him back.

There is no way he would ever want me, not after what I did. I hurt him deeply.

Hunter sweeps in and cuddles me tight, pulling my head onto his shoulder, and I’m encased by his citrus smells that trigger all the memories of our past.

“I’m really so sorry,” I say on a hiccup. “I always dreamed of a family. Not like this. With a mum on one side of the world and a dad on the other. I’m so sorry for everything. I know you said you forgive me. But I ruined everything. I can’t forgive myself, so I don’t know how you can forgive me.”

Sniffling and mumbling into his chest, I keep repeating how sorry I am. He continues to cradle me but says nothing.

“Heavens, please tell me the baby is fine,” I hear Ella gasp as she enters the room.

I can’t work out why anyone still cares about me anymore; I’ve been horrible to everyone.

“It’s fine. The babies are fine. Eden is fine. We’re fine, Ella. Eden’s just a little upset,” Hunter reassures Ella.

“Phew. Thank God for that.” She puts her hand to her chest. “Wait a minute, did you say babies? As in more than one?” She gasps.

“We’re having triplets,” I say, slowly removing myself from Hunter’s hug, and I wipe my face, which now feels red and hot.

“This is a risky business, this whole triplet thing, huh? I’m so not getting into that game. Holy crap, Eden. Three? Shit, how the hell are you going to do this yourself, Eden? It’s just as well Mum and Dad live beside you.”

I throw my hands in the air in defeat. Honestly, I do not know how I am going to do it either.

I watch Hunter’s face drop. I would love to know what he’s thinking.

Ella moves over and gives me a kiss on the cheek. It’s the closest we’ve been for months.

I miss my family and my friends.

I miss my sisters.

I miss Hunter.

“You okay, Cupcake?” Hunter asks me.

“I’m fine. I’m sorry. Ignore me. I’ll be just fine,” I reply.

“I hate to do this, but since you're here now, Ella, I have a launch thing on today with the Golf Association. It’s been scheduled for weeks. I’ll be back as soon as I can, though. I promise.”

“Yeah, Hunter. Go do your thing. That’s what you came back for, after all. Go do it,” I say, blowing my nose.

Hunter leans in to give me a kiss, then realizes what he’s doing and steps back.

“Okay.” He puts his hands in his jeans pockets. Text me if anything changes. That’s a warning. Com-mu-ni-cate. Yes?” He smiles.

I salute. “Got it.”

This is so odd.

“See you later.”

I give a small wave as I watch him leave and Ella chases after him. “Eh, Hunter. Can I have a quick word with you?”

I lean back against the bed; I hope Ella can help me shower, and I pray she’s brought me clean panties.

She and I, we’re not as close as we used to be, but I need her help today. I should apologize to her. I’ve treated her terribly too.

I feel blue.

I’ve pushed everyone away.

It’s me, the babies, and now Hunter, again. He wants to be part of their lives.

How will we do any of this together? I’m unsure. I’m not sure how I will manage when Hunter has a new girlfriend and maybe a wife. My heart won’t take it.

God, that feels painful. What if the babies love her more than me?

The poor guy just had a whole lot of information thrown at him. I wouldn’t blame him if he actually ran away this time for good.

I’m so tired.

I close my eyes.

And drift off and dream about the perfect little family I could have had.

* * *

Hunter

I sit down next to Ella on the chairs near the exit of the hospital.

It took all my strength not to kiss Eden back there. To hold her for eternity and never let go.

She’s the missing part of my jigsaw puzzle; I’m not complete without her.

We’re having triplets. My mum is going to be beside herself. So will Pippa.

I’m going to be a dad. To three.

But it’s a mess. Me in America and Eden in Scotland.

The physical pain I’m in feels worse than ever.

Leaving her again and my children.

I never wanted to be a part-time dad. This was definitely not the plan, uh-uh, no way.

“Thank you for coming last night,” Ella starts, breaking me from my thoughts. “I know you’re just back and I have no idea what you and Eden were talking about. Or if you’re sticking around for the babies and stuff, but I wanted to speak to you, Hunter. Away from Eden. Just to fill you in a little about her since you were here the last time.”

I don’t like the sound of this.

“Before you start, I’m sticking around, Ella. I’m their dad. I’ll have to travel back and forth, but I’ll be here for the babies.”

“You’re such a lovely guy, Hunter.” She smiles. “You should know, Eden’s sad. Like, really sad. Next level sadness. It’s so hard to explain, but it’s palpable. She doesn’t speak to any of us anymore. She walks by herself on the beach. She’s changed her car. She’s thrown out half her clothes. The childish ones she said. Because you said she was high school and childish that night of the ball. She wears black all the time. She’s so unhappy. Did you see yesterday, she’s cut all her hair? It’s never been this short. It’s not a statement. It’s a sign of complete torment in my eyes. Trying to be someone she’s not. She hasn’t cried once since you left.”

“Never?”

“No. Never. Just now is the first tear I’ve seen. She’s angry. Silent angry. She spends no time with any of us. Yesterday was the first time I’ve seen her outside the studio in two months. Toni and Beth don’t see her at all anymore. She’s removed herself from our WhatsApp group. She doesn't text any of us. All of her sparkle has gone. You’ll see for yourself. She’s not the same girl you left behind. She’s so hard on herself. She can’t forgive herself. She can’t move on, and Mum and Dad are so worried about her. This is not the same as when Jamie left. This is so different because she loves you; you’re the only man she’s ever loved, Hunter.”

My heart shatters as her words punch deep. She loves me. Still.

Ella starts crying.

“She works in the back office now at the studio. She hasn’t danced since you left. She may look fine, but she’s dying inside. I feel it. I feel all her pain. Eva does too. It’s so fucking painful, Hunter.” She clasps her hands to her chest.

“What do you need me to do, Ella?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think there is anything you can do. But I just wanted you to know.” She looks around. “She doesn't speak to me anymore. We aren’t even friends. She hates me. I left her that night standing outside the ball. She’s angry at me. Angry with Jax and Jamie. Angry at herself for believing their lies. Angry with the world. It runs deep. She’s punishing herself and everyone around her. She feels alone and unloved, but we’re all here. It’s just so painful to watch. And she’s blooming. Have you seen her? She’s beautiful pregnant. But she’s somber. She’s going to have sad babies. They must feel her despair.” Ella mutters tearfully.

This whole situation is a beautiful disaster.

“She’s sad, heartbroken, and lonely. She loves you, Hunter. You’re embossed in her heart forever. I know in my own heart she will never go with another man. Never. She gave her heart to you. It doesn’t belong to anyone else but you. One of the things I do know about my sister is that she is loyal to the core. I wasn’t that night of the ball. I should have stayed with her. And now you're having triplets together.” She runs the back of her hand under her nose. “Now that is a surprise. She’s fiercely independent and will want to do it all herself. I think we get that from Mum.”

She gives a half-hearted laugh and suddenly stands. “Anyway, welcome to fucked-up Wallace-land. I’ll see you later, Hunter, and I’ll text if anything changes.” She walks back to the ward.

“Bye. And hey, Ella.” She turns. “Thank you for telling me.”

I need to fix this.

For Ella.

For Eva.

For her parents.

For her friends.

For our babies.

For us.