Chapter 87
“What?” Pandora gasped out.
“It’s fine and the show isn’t for another five months,” she said as if those simple words would wash away her worries.
“Just go with it, if you don’t want to do it, it will be fine, too. While she loves clothes, she’s not overly pushy,” Benjamin whispered in her ear.
“Oh, and I now have the hairdresser sorted out as well as the makeup artists.” She looked at Maisey who was smiling away.
“Who did you get?” Benjamin asked.
“Ron, Pandora’s friend. He runs a line of spas and salons. Keira works elsewhere but I heard she helps with marketing, doesn’t she?”
“Yes,” Pandora smiled broadly, happy for her friends. “That is really nice of you, they are great.”
Maisey laughed and gave her a thumbs up. “And, I am so into his macho men photo shoot,” Maisey commented as she wiggled her eyebrows. “He said I could design the costumes, so that means I get to dress Milton up. And by goodness, I have wanted to get my hands on that man’s wardrobe for years now.”
In the end, Maisey added a cackling sound that made her giggle along with her.
“What’s this?” Benjamin asked.
Both Maisey and Pandora filled him in on Ron’s photo shoot to bring in more customers. By then he, too, was laughing with them. Maisey left when Alexis, Sia, and Keira arrived.
Benjamin took this moment to take her down to Peter’s office where there was a picnic basket waiting for them. After lunch, Benjamin sat with her while she expressed more milk. When they got back to the boys again, Jack needed to be changed and this time, Benjamin did it.
“I wish I had my camera with me,” she told him, wishing she could have caught the moment for posterity. They weren’t allowed to enter with their cellphones, so she was peeved.
‘I’ll text my dad to bring his when he comes to work,” Benjamin prompted and quickly typed out what she assumed was a text to his father. Pandora chuckled, feeling that he, too, seemed to be nervous.
They were first–time parents, and at least Pandora was not alone in this. She watched as he walked across the room to dispose of the diapers and washed his hands.
“Hey, how are mommy’s little boys?” she asked both of the boys, looking between them. I am here, I may not always get things right, but I hope you know that I love you. Her eyes flashed to the door, and then back to them. “Your daddy seems to be a great guy. I know even if we’re not a couple-”
She swallowed back as the pain hit her chest, knowing despite her overwhelming need and attraction for Benjamin, that didn’t mean they were going to be a perfect couple. They had to not only get to know each other in the romantic sense but also as parents to two tiny babies.
“Hi, Pandora.‘ She looked up to see Freddy looking at her. “I am here to check over the boys.”
She nodded at him and moved out of the way.
“Well, I am pleased to say Micheal’s doing well, but Jack here, is being a superstar. He’s doing so well I think you could hold him for a short bit if you want?”
Pandora felt her mouth drop open. She had so many different emotions surging through her. One was the want and need to hold him, but there was also the scared shitless feeling right alongside it.
“Really?” Benjamin said, wrapping his arms around her. Freddy nodded and she let out the breath that she seemed to be holding.
She looked at Benjamin and his eyes locked with hers. “You’ll be fine, he tried to reassure her.
Maybe you should hold him first,‘ she replied, jumping up, but Benjamin shook his head.
No, Mommy holds him first,” he told her as he guided her back down into the chair.
“Ready? Freddy asked and she turned to see he had jack. She felt unable to speak, so she nodded at him and he gently placed Jack in her arms.
“Hi, my sweet boy, Pandora cooed as Jack looked up at her. Benjamin kissed her head and they both just looked at Jack. He looks like you,” she commented without looking at Benjamin.
“Yes, he seems to have the Parks nose and mouth.”
8:08 PM
Chapter 87
They admired him for a short time, while a nurse changed his bedding and cleaned the entire area up. When Jack fell asleep, she kissed his head. Benjamin got up and took Jack from her.
She watched as he walked with him back to his bed.
Love you, son,” he said and kissed him before placing him in his bed.
She wiped her eyes even with her heart racing and her hands still shaking. She was delighted she got to hold one of her sons,
“Here you go,” Emily said, making her jump.
She frowned and looked at her hand, seeing that she was holding a photo. She took it from Emily and saw that Benjamin was holding her close as they both looked down at Jack in Pandora’s arms.
“Thank you, Emily,” she whispered as she passed the picture to Benjamin.
“Peter called and asked me to give you his camera. I knew that was a keepsake moment so I snapped the picture.” Emily turned away from her and looked at the boys. “They sure are the cutest little babies.”
Her eyes flashed to Pandora and she saw something in them. But before she could question Emily, she looked at Benjamin.
I need a word,” Emily said.
“What’s wrong?” Pandora asked, knowing that something was going on.
‘I just need a word about another patient,” Emily lied and Benjamin stood up.
“Just give me a moment,” he said to Pandora and walked out with Emily.
“Trust him,” she said out loud, hoping to calm down.
A few minutes later, Benjamin walked back in, clearly angered. made her heart race in fear.
“What happened?” she asked him.
“When Emily arrived here, she was met by Derrik’s mother. The woman was demanding to get in to see her grandchildren.”
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