Callan had noticed the glint of happiness that always lightened up her face whenever she talked about the babies. He was certain that it was the same for him, or might even be worse. Right there, he was more emotional than he had ever been his whole life.
"Your family is here, Orla. Your father drove us here." He watched the smile on her face weaning off as he mentioned her father. "Do you want to see them?"
"Not now, Callan." She demurred, her arms folded. "I don't want to see them now. I think I should rest now, I am tired and…"
"Orla,"
"Callan, you know that I can't face them now. I promise you that the twins will meet their maternal aunties and grandfather, and they will have a relationship with them, but I need time to get through all these and think. I'm still healing, I can't face my father now. What do I tell him? What does he have to say? That he's sorry for all these years?" Tears gathered in her eyes, but Callan held her down, wiping away every tear with his thumb. He won't let her cry, he would never let a tear drop from her eyes.
"I apologize for bringing it up. I just wanted you to know that your family is waiting for you." He pulled her closer, stroking her hair as she relaxed in his arms. "I am sorry, my love."
After a while, they heard a knock at the door and the door pulled open before they could give permission.
Elizabeth rushed in with two baskets in her hands, one filled with varieties of fruits, the other containing the meal she had specially prepared herself for her daughter-in-law. She dropped the baskets on the table and went back to haul in a big box.
She had gone back home to cook immediately after the doctors announced that Orla had given birth. She told Callan that his wife would need homemade meals to be stronger as she journeyed into motherhood, and she wanted her food to be the first that she would taste.
"Congratulations to you two." She walked further to join them where they were seated. "They are twins, thank you so much, Orla. You are a strong woman."
Orla smiled gratefully, appreciating her mother-in-law’s support. Elizabeth had regaled her with stories of Callan’s childhood and had eagerly anticipated becoming a grandmother.
"I brought their clothes." She gestured towards the big bag that was hauled into the room a few minutes ago. "Where are they?"
"With the nurses, they will be back," Callan said.
"Good, you must eat before they return. The babies will need your milk, and you don't look too strong to breastfeed them now. So, I cooked for you. Callan told me your favorite and I am here with it." Elizabeth walked back to get the basket that contained the fruits and food. She dropped it close to her and offered her a smile. "Fruits first."
Callan smiled but was still jealous that Orla didn't argue with his mother before taking the fruits from her and chomping on them. He had tried to convince her to eat, but she didn't.
"Do they have names yet?" She helped Orla up, feeding her with more apples.
"Yes, they do. Isla and Leor," Orla said.
"Leor?" Elizabeth's smile slacked. "Leor?" Her voice cracked as she stared at her son. "Leor," tears dropped before she could control them. "Leor is back," she muttered, looking between her fingers.
"Mom, don't cry." Callan held his mother, soothing her as she cried her eyes out.
A knock at the door jolted her back to normal. The nurses were back with the babies. They had been given a proper bath, all necessary vitals and parts had been checked, and they were fully clothed now. Isla was dressed in a pink gown while her brother was dressed in a blue gown, both of the same design.
"We ran out of male clothes, I am sorry we have to do this." One of the nurses said, her smile sad.
Orla giggled when she saw her son dressed like a girl. "We have their clothes here, you don't have to worry."
She thought about changing their clothes. She was new to motherhood, and it was no lie that the first few months were going to be difficult, but she had made up her mind to learn.
All she aimed at was to be the best mother to her children, and she wouldn't stop at anything lesser than that.
Elizabeth grabbed a male's wear from the bag and handed it over to the nurse. She made sure that she changed his clothes before handing him over to them.
"Thank you," she took him from the nurse while Callan held onto Isla. "You have to feed them, Orla. They are hungry."
Orla gave Elizabeth a questioning look. How would she do that?
"It's not hard," Elizabeth smiled. "I am here for you, and will teach you all that you need to know." They shared a knowing glance before she finally said, "Welcome to motherhood, Orla."
Orla smiled, grateful for her mother-in-law.
"When will you let your family in, Orla? They've been waiting outside for a long time.
Orla wished Elizabeth didn't ask her that question. She wished she hadn't ruined her mood with that one question, but then, she couldn't keep them waiting outside forever.
"Let them in, Callan." She turned to her husband, not sure she knew what she had to say when they came in.
"Are you sure about this?" Callan asked.
"Yes, I am."
Orla knew she lied. She wasn't sure, she didn't want them around.
Hello Lovelies.
How are you guys doing? I'm sorry for the late update. We have one or two more chapters to the end of this book.
I want to appreciate you all for staying right from the very beginning until now. I could only continue this journey because of your love and support.
Thank you so much.
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Thanks for reading. I love you all.