A Mother for His Twins

‘I had the best time.’

‘So you’ve said. More than once. But don’t think I’m complaining. I had a great time, too.’

Jennifer found herself gazing into his eyes once more and knew she’d never grow tired of it. Things were moving fast, faster than she’d anticipated. ‘Jasper, what if people at work find out we’re…you know.’

‘Interested in each other?’ He laughed. ‘Too late, Jen. They know.’

‘What? How?’

‘I think it has something to do with you calling me Jasper, rather than Eddie.’

‘Really? No. I’m sure other people in the hospital call you Jasper.’

‘Nope. Not one. Except for the new head of unit.’

‘Oh.’

‘Is that a problem? Do you think it will wreck your ice-queen status?’

‘No.’ She shook her head.

‘Good, and for the record I just told everyone that we have mutual friends outside the hospital. That cooled the wagging tongues.’

‘You did?’ Jennifer sighed. ‘Thank you.’

‘Why? Would it be so bad for people to think that we’re…more than colleagues? More than friends?’

‘Jasper.’

Jasper shifted in his chair, glancing out to where he could see his mother spitting onto a napkin to wipe Lilly’s face. He took her hand in his again, holding it tightly. ‘Let me come round tonight and we can talk. Once the girls are asleep, I’ll let Mum know I’ll be out and she can monitor them.’

Jennifer shook her head. ‘I don’t think it’s a good idea, Jasper.’

‘Why not? We need to talk.’

‘I agree with that part but…’ She shook her head again. ‘Not at my place. Just the thought of the two of us…alone…with no distractions and, well, with this…thing sizzling between us, it’s just asking for trouble and I honestly believe it’s trouble neither of us need at the moment.’

She had a point. ‘Where, then? It has to be soon because I’m having trouble functioning.’

‘I know. I know.’ She thought. ‘How about I come back to your place tonight and once the girls are in bed, we can talk? That way you don’t need to bother your mother.’

‘Good. I like that.’

‘And I can help you get the girls ready for bed.’

Jasper was a little surprised at that. ‘You really want to do that?’

‘Sure. They’re so yummy, Jasper. The more time I spend with them, the more I can pick up on their different personalities. I’m determined to be able to tell them apart.’

He nodded, pleased. ‘They may look the same but both are unique little individuals, who usually enjoy ganging up on their father.’ He smiled as he spoke and Jennifer joined in. Jasper squeezed her hand. ‘I’m glad you like them.’

‘I do, Jasper. You’ve done a brilliant job with both girls.’

‘I’ve had help.’

‘Of course, but you’re their father and it’s quite clear to see they love you and vice versa. It’s what I always wanted with my father but…’ She trailed off and shook her head. ‘Anyway, it’s nice to see.’

Jasper was now more relaxed because he was going to get to spend some time alone with her tonight. She had been right in declining to be alone at her house because he wasn’t sure how much longer he’d be able to keep himself under control. The desire to touch her, to hold her close to his body, to press his lips to hers…everything had intensified and he’d come to the realisation that fighting what existed so naturally between them was ridiculous to ignore any more.

Lola walked into the marquee and headed straight for Jennifer, climbing up onto her knee. Surprised but delighted, Jennifer let go of Jasper’s hand and put her arms around the little girl. ‘How are you enjoying yourself?’

‘Really good, but Uncle Matt said the sausages are almost ready but Aunty Sara said they had to cool before we ate them all.’ Huffing, Lola folded her arms tightly in disgust.

‘She’s right, though,’ Jennifer said as she watched Lilly come in and climb up onto Jasper’s knee. He automatically hugged her close and pressed three quick kisses to her cheek. ‘If you ate the sausage straight off the barbecue, you’d burn your tongue.’ Jennifer wrinkled her nose and Lola laughed. ‘That’s not a nice thing to do.’

‘I can blow on it,’ Lola said eagerly.

‘Now, that’s a fantastic idea. We can cut it up for you if you like, which will help it cool faster, especially if you blow on it.’

‘Will you cut it up for me, Jen? Please?’