Chapter 245: Jason's Twin Surprise

Nora’s POV

With Jason off to find Clara, Alexander suggested we head up to the executive dining room for lunch. I was dying to know what would happen between them, but that would have to wait. Right now, family time was calling.

The top floor restaurant of Claflin Enterprises offered breathtaking views of Kingsley City's skyline, but I wasn't paying much attention to the vista today. My mind kept drifting to Jason and Clara, wondering about their complicated history and uncertain future.

"Mommy, you're not eating," Aiden pointed out, his little fork stabbing enthusiastically at his chicken tenders. "Daddy says we need to eat to grow big and strong."

I smiled, returning to the present moment. "You're absolutely right, buddy."

Alexander shot me a knowing look over his water glass. "Someone's mind is elsewhere. Still thinking about Jason's drama?"

"Can you blame me? Ten years apart and then suddenly—boom!—pregnant after one night together. It's like something out of a movie."

Aiden looked up suddenly, his green eyes—so much like his father's—sparkling with curiosity. "Mommy, why doesn't Aunt Daisy's baby come out yet? I've been waiting forever to play with him!"

The question caught me off guard. I exchanged a quick glance with Alexander before turning to our son with a gentle smile.

"Sweetheart, babies need time to grow before they're ready to come into the world," I explained, reaching over to smooth his dark hair. "Next year, Aunt Daisy will have her baby, and then you can play together."

Aiden's face lit up. "Will the baby like dinosaurs? Because I have so many dinosaurs I can show him! And my race cars, and my—"

His excited planning was interrupted by the sharp ring of Alexander's phone. Seeing Jason's name flash on the screen, Alexander immediately answered and put it on speaker.

"Jason, what's—"

"Alex," Jason's voice sounded strained, almost panicked. "Clara's been in an accident."

My heart dropped. "What happened? Is she okay?"

"She left my office upset... it's my fault. I said things I shouldn't have." Jason's voice cracked. "She was distracted crossing the street and a car—" He couldn't finish.

"Where are you now?" Alexander asked, already signaling for the check.

"Kingsley Central Hospital. The doctors are examining her, but I'm worried about the baby. God, what if—" Jason's voice broke completely. "What do I do if something happens to them?"

"Don't panic," Alexander said firmly. "Nora and I are on our way. Everything will be fine."

Alexander ended the call and immediately stood. I followed suit, gathering Aiden's things.

"Leo can take Aiden back to the estate," I suggested quickly. "The Blakes will look after him."

Alexander nodded, already texting his assistant. In the elevator down, he quietly filled me in on the details.

"Clara was hit crossing Madison Avenue. Jason said it wasn't high-speed, but she was knocked down."

I bit my lip nervously. "Poor Clara. And poor Jason... he must be blaming himself."

"He sounded like he's falling apart," Alexander agreed, his face grim. "I've never heard him like this."

Within twenty minutes, we were rushing through the hospital corridors. At the end of a long hallway, we spotted Jason sitting alone in the waiting area, head in his hands, the picture of despair.

"This is all my fault," he muttered as we approached. "If I hadn't started arguing with her about how complicated things would be... she wouldn't have been distracted when she left."

Alexander placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Let's not jump to conclusions. What have the doctors said?"

"Nothing yet," Jason replied, his usually confident demeanor completely shattered. "They're still examining her."

Just then, a doctor in a white coat approached. "Mr. Sterling?"

Jason shot to his feet. "Yes? How is she? How's the baby?"

The doctor smiled reassuringly. "Ms. Wilson is doing fine—just some minor scrapes and bruising. Most importantly, the twins are perfectly safe."

Jason froze. "The... twins?"

"Yes, both fetuses are developing normally and weren't affected by the accident," the doctor confirmed, still smiling.

Twins. The word hit me like a physical force. I found my hand unconsciously drifting to my own stomach, a complex mix of emotions washing over me.

Alexander noticed immediately. His hand found mine, squeezing gently, his eyes full of understanding and tenderness.

As the doctor gave Jason more details, I leaned against Alexander's shoulder, suddenly feeling a strange combination of happiness for Jason and a wistful longing of my own.

"I need to see her," Jason said finally, looking both terrified and elated. "Can I go in?"

The doctor nodded, directing him to Clara's private room. Once Jason left, Alexander turned to me.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly. "I saw your face when you heard about the twins."

I sighed, deciding to be honest. "Remember when we thought I might be pregnant again? Before we knew it was just stress? I couldn't help thinking... what if?"

Alexander's arms encircled me, his lips brushing my temple. "We'll have another child, darling. Perhaps sooner than you think."

Something in his tone made me look up at him. "What do you mean?"

"I've seen the way you've been feeling lately. The fatigue, how you couldn't stomach coffee last week..."

I hadn't realized he'd noticed these little changes. Truthfully, I'd been so busy with moving back and settling in that I hadn't connected the dots myself.

"I think I should see a doctor while we're here," I said quietly. "Just to check."

Alexander's eyes lit up with hope, but he tempered his expression, not wanting to get too excited. "If that's what you want."

An hour later, after a quick examination and blood test, I sat holding Alexander's hand as we waited for results. When the doctor returned with a broad smile, I already knew.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Claflin. You're approximately six weeks pregnant."

I gasped, tears springing to my eyes. "We're having another baby?"

Alexander's face was a picture of pure joy. He lifted me into his arms, spinning me around once before remembering where we were and gently setting me down. "You've given me the most perfect gift," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you so much."

As we prepared to leave, Alexander suggested we stop by Clara's room to say goodbye. Hand in hand, we walked down the hall, both of us practically glowing with happiness.

Outside Clara's door, we paused at the sound of tears and raised voices.

"Jason Sterling, you're a complete idiot!" Clara was crying.

"Please don't cry, Clara," Jason pleaded. "Think of our babies..."

"I thought you'd forget about me forever," Clara sobbed. "I thought I'd forget about you. But I still love you..."

"From now on," Jason's voice was thick with emotion, "nothing and no one will ever separate us again, I promise you that. Clara, marry me!"

Alexander and I exchanged amused glances before he knocked lightly and pushed the door open.

"Our Jason, Kingsley's most eligible bachelor, crying and saying 'marry me,'" Alexander teased. "Now that's something I never thought I'd witness."

Jason and Clara turned to us in surprise, Jason looking embarrassed but undeniably happy. "You... heard that?"

I couldn't hold back my own news. "We have some good news too," I announced, unable to keep the smile from my face. "I'm pregnant."