All I Need: Rod & Daisy (All Of Me Duet Book 2) A.D. Justice (short novels to read TXT) 📖

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Rod

Three weeks ago today, I saw the first ultrasound of my children and learned we’re having a boy and a girl. Two weeks ago today, I doted on Daisy after she had an amniocentesis. She insisted she was fine to return to her normal activities the day after, but I wasn’t ready to let her out of my sight. If anything had happened to her, I never would’ve forgiven myself. So I talked her into taking a few days off work and resting through the following weekend. She thought it was overkill, but she went along to appease me.

Today, we’re waiting to hear from the doctor's office about the amniocentesis results. Will Juliana be able to get a cord blood transplant instead of taking bone marrow from Daisy? The cord blood has so much better results. The preparation for the transplant will be grueling and will push Jules closer to the edge of death than she’s ever been. Knowing what poor shape she will be in is killing me. But if the cord blood is better accepted by her body, I can only surmise her recovery would be quicker.

The faster she’s pulled back from that slippery slope she’s on, the better.

Daisy is at the school, staying busy, while Jules and I are at home, waiting on pins and needles until the office calls with an update. Speaking of Daisy, the doctor warned us about a sudden growth spurt that would make her pregnancy unmistakable. I didn’t think he meant “overnight” literally, but that’s exactly what happened. One morning when we woke, I slid my arm over her waist and felt what was once a softball had become more of a basketball.

I threw the covers back to get a good look for myself. I've never been so amazed with a woman's body before. Now I diligently pay attention to every small change. The next significant milestone will be when I can feel them moving inside her for myself. It's so different knowing these babies are mine—my flesh and blood.

“If you don't stop shaking your leg, I'm going to break it. You're shaking the whole couch.” Juliana glares at me from her spot at the other end of the sofa.

“I can't help it. This nervous energy has to escape somewhere. I'm about to crawl out of my skin here. How long can it take to make a simple phone call?” I jump up and start pacing. “I tried to work, but I can't focus on anything else. This is pure torture.”

Juliana picks up the remote and starts channel surfing, trying to find something to entertain herself while we wait. This situation has me all crazy inside. I can only imagine she’s trying not to get her hopes up in case they have bad news. Either way, we know there’s a plan, but one is preferred over the other.

“Rod, they have a lot of appointments and get a lot of lab results every day. I’m not more important than any other patient. You just have to chill and wait for our turn. The results will come when it’s time.”

She’s right, of course, so I take my seat again and watch a movie with my little sister. Before I know it, time has slipped away, and Daisy walks in with Landen and Isa in tow. Isa runs to Jules to tell her all about her day, and Landon surprises me by crawling into my lap to share his with me. My chest swells with pride, and my heart feels as if it’ll burst.

Daisy remains in the doorway, shocked speechless at the turn of events. Her hand flies up to cover her mouth and her eyes are wide and unblinking. Landen chatters about his teacher, his friends, and his test grade as if sharing this with me is the most natural act.

That’s when I realize it is the most natural act. Why wouldn’t he confide in me? This is his family. My father was never around, and neither was his. He has relied on Daisy for everything, and she’s the absolute best mom, but this little boy wants a dad too. While I’ve loved and included him the entire time Daisy and I have been a couple, I’ve kept an invisible barrier in place so I wouldn’t cross a line I shouldn’t where he’s concerned.

For all intents and purposes, Landen is mine. There are no unspoken boundaries or lines separating her family and my family anymore. I won’t treat him any differently than I’ll treat the babies still growing inside Daisy. This room holds my entire life, and I’m more than ready to be the man and the father they need.

When Landen finishes telling me about every moment of his day, I expect him to hop down and rush to the kitchen for his afternoon snack. Instead, he settles into the crook of my arm and watches TV with me. Isa lies down, snuggled against her mother, and has an expression of pure contentment on her little face. She misses her mom so much more than she tells us. She simply has adapted to this way of life and takes these moments with Jules when she can.

Daisy moves to sit beside me, and her cell rings just before she reaches us. Her hesitation to answer when she glances at the screen speaks volumes. It’s the doctor’s office calling.

“Hello?” Her tone is tentative but hopeful.

I’m holding my breath.

“Yes, this is she.” Daisy confirms her date of birth to prove her identity.

“Okay.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Thank you.”

This one-sided conversation is killing me.

She slips her phone into her pocket and wipes tears from her face.

“Jules… both babies are a tissue match with you. They’re using the cord blood from both placentas to make sure you have enough for the transplant. My obstetrician is coordinating the delivery with your oncologist so everything will occur like clockwork. You won’t be able to see the twins right away, but we couldn’t ask for better news than