Hailey's POV
**Song Suggestion: Sweet Child O' Mine by Taken by Trees**
"That's the last box," Ian huffed as he placed our last box of cherished memories down on the floor of our new home.
Ian and I had been house hunting since we found out we were pregnant again, finally closing on the perfect home of ours last week. The two-story, quaint town home was absolutely perfect. I never needed anything extravagant and neither did Ian. We were going to build a family in this house. Our home will be one full of laughter and love, where everyone will be welcomed.
The one-step stage in our backyard is called to be used often for the dancing parties we will be hosting. I am sorry, but you're not a true Hispanic if your parents haven't taken you to a party and kept you out way too late, leaving you to fall asleep in an uncomfortable plastic chair or a small corner of the couch. My children will know this plight, too, because they will be proud Cuban and Italian Americans.
I picture our child reading a book in the small nook at the three-panel window, surrounded by bookshelves. I may not have been much of a reader growing up, but apparently Ian was and he wants to share that love with our kids. And who am I to deny him that? The tree house in the back spoke to the many adventures our children will have together, because we are not just having one child. I have told Ian many times that I will have all his children, and I meant that.
"Perfect. Let's unpack, my dear husband." I smiled, still loving the use of the word husband. We had been married for four months now, but the giddy feeling of saying husband was still there.
"Right away, my lovely wife."
We organized and unpacked, meticulously placing things as we went. Both of us wanted the place to be perfect. We were excited, and we wanted everything to go well this time around. Still feeling nervous and crying when that pregnancy test came back positive. I felt an odd mix of emotions, feeling guarded as I tried not to let myself get too excited. I didn't want to be crushed again if this turned out the same way it did last time.
"We'll finish tomorrow. How about we go and get a bite to eat before our appointment?" Ian asked, pulling me up by the hand. "Tacos?"
"Yes! Carne asada!"
Today was our ultrasound appointment. I wanted desperately for them to see me sooner than the 12th mark, but they wouldn't. They didn't think I needed to be seen sooner, and it should have made me feel better, but it didn't. Instead, I was left anxiously waiting for this day.
We made our way to the taco truck stationed outside the hospital, where my OB's office was. Ian ordered our food, bringing me my requested tacos in no time. I scarfed them down rather rapidly, causing Ian to laugh.
"I can't imagine how much you'll eat growing our child," he teased me, making me playfully kick him under the table.
"Shut up. You're going to be the one driving around town to buy me all the things I crave."
"And I will happily do so." He smiled at me, being very genuine. Ian was the best man on this planet, and I know I am the luckiest woman to have him in my life.
"You ready? It's time to check in."
I nodded, feeling the tacos I just ate want to exit me through my mouth. Ian took my hand again, holding to his promises as he led me to the elevator. We were checked in by a not-so-friendly receptionist, who was clearly not having a good day. She was raining on everyone else's parade because of it. I took a seat in the only available chair, as for whatever reason, the place was packed. I looked at the chair where I sat the last time we waited for our ultrasound.
I felt a sense of deja vu, worried everything was doomed to repeat itself. Ian squeezed my hand, sensing my unease. His eyes twinkled with hope as he looked at me. He was the only thing keeping me grounded right now. It was because of him that I had any hope that this pregnancy would be different.
"Hailey Daniels." I heard my name called, smiling at the use of my new last name. I didn't hyphenate, not wanting the many hassles it brought.
We silently followed the technician to the back, somehow ending up in the same room as before. I squeezed Ian's hand the entire way, until I was forced to relinquish it for a moment to hop on the table.
"Can you please unbutton your pants?" she asked me, tucking a towel and pulling my pants down slightly when I did.
The warm gel oozed out of the bottle with a splattering sound, causing me to almost laugh as a small bit of it flew out and hit her scrubs. She ignored it, grabbing the ultrasound wand and getting right to work. I closed my eyes, scared to see those grape-like shapes again. It wasn't until Ian squeezed my hand twice that I opened my eyes. My heart oozed, filling my eyes instantly with tears as I looked at my little bean-shaped fetus. An actual baby.
I cried. God, did I cry. They were the happiest tears. This time was different. This time we really would be parents. I was so in love already, so ready to hold this little bean inside of me. Ian and I were both shedding tears of joy as we watched our little bean dance.
"Want to listen to its heartbeat?" She asked us, to which we nodded our heads fervently.
It sounded almost like a train- the fastest heartbeat I had ever heard. This moment could not be made any better, or so I thought when she leaned into her screen.
"Hold on a second." She moved the wand over my side a bit, getting a different angle and revealing another baby. "Identical twins," she whispered as she pointed to the screen with her mouse. "See here? They share a placenta."
I immediately thought of Hilda and Helena. Although identical twins are not genetic, you would think it was with the way things played out. I froze, finding my heart doubling in size as I stared at my two children. My rainbow babies. I was not only rewarded with one, but two babies, for all I went through last time.
"Twins," Ian whispered, resting his forehead against mine.
"Twins," I repeated, letting the news settle in.
This was all I needed in life. My husband and my children. Now that the dust of my starting career had settled into a stable spot, there was nothing holding me back. I was determined to be an amazing mother and to give my children my all. I know Ian feels much the same way. These kids will not know what loneliness is, will not know what feeling unloved is like. I am going to annoy the shit out of my kids, and give them all the affection in the world, even when they shove me off cause they are embarrassed.
All I can say is that I am glad I proposed a fake relationship with Ian. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would lead us here, but I couldn't be more grateful that it did. This is my life now. My own fairy tale-like ending. Gracias, Diosito.