Kamrynn's POV
Anxiety curled in my stomach like a stubborn weed, refusing to be uprooted no matter how hard I tried to shake it. It had been two days since the nightmare, but Calvin's haunting gaze and his bloodied hands still lingered in my mind like a stain. Every time I closed my eyes, the vision of him whispering, "You're my salvation," echoed in my ears. The memory left a bitter taste in my mouth, a warning I couldn't decipher. I couldn't help but wish over and over again that I would never have to cross paths with that man.
I tugged absently at the hem of my dress, my mind racing. The party. I still wasn't sure I wanted to attend. In fact, every fiber of my being screamed to stay behind, to shut myself away with my twins and avoid the crowd altogether.
The sound of soft gurgling pulled me from my thoughts. I turned toward the crib and found Astor and Arabella lying side by side, their tiny hands waving in the air as they grunted at each other. They were only a week old, yet they already shared a bond so profound it brought tears to my eyes.
I knelt by the crib, patting his back gently as Astor let out a small hiccup while Arabella looked at him with the cutest smile, her emerald eyes half open. It reminded me of…their father. She'd taken after him the most, dark hair and forest green eyes while Astor could pass as my twin. I didn't let it bother me, I loved them to pieces.
"You two are going to be trouble, aren't you?" I whispered, reaching out to stroke their tiny hands. "But I wouldn't trade you for the world."
The love that filled me when I looked at them was overwhelming, an ache so sweet it felt like my heart might burst. They were the best thing that had ever happened to me, my reason for breathing, my anchor in a world that often felt so uncertain.
"Knock, knock," Rmonica's cheerful voice called out as the door creaked open.
I glanced up and felt a smile tug at my lips despite myself. Rmonica stood there, dressed in a stunning floor-length gown of deep emerald that shimmered under the light. Her hair was swept up elegantly, and the matching jewelry she wore highlighted her regal features.
"You look breathtaking," I said, standing.
"Me?" Rmonica waved a dismissive hand but grinned. "Have you looked in a mirror? That dress is stunning on you, Kamrynn. The color brings out your gorgeous blue eyes. It's perfect."
I glanced down at the dress I wore, a deep sapphire gown that hugged my figure before flowing into soft, rippling layers. It was beautiful, but I still felt self-conscious.
"Thanks," I murmured. "But I really think I should stay here. The twins-"
"Stop right there," Rmonica interrupted, raising a perfectly manicured finger. "Kamrynn, you've been in this room for days. You're a wonderful mother, but tonight, you're going to be more than that. You're going to be Kamrynn-the strong, beautiful woman I know you are."
I hesitated, my mind already forming another excuse, but she leaned closer, lowering her voice to a gentle but firm tone. "I will watch the twins myself. Personally. If they so much as sneeze, I'll come running to you. But I need you to trust me, just for tonight. Can you do that?"
Her words struck a chord, and after a long pause, I exhaled. "Fine," I said, relenting. "But you'll call me if anything happens?"
"Of course," she said, her grin widening. "Now go. You deserve this. And besides, if you don't, I'll have to take your place at the buffet table, and trust me-I won't leave anything behind."
I laughed despite myself, shaking my head as she shooed me toward the door.
I took a deep breath as the door closed behind me and I made my way to the party.
The moment I stepped into the hall, I was struck by the transformation. The air buzzed with energy, the hum of laughter and the upbeat rhythm of music filling the space. Silver and gold streamers crisscrossed the ceiling, catching the warm light of the chandeliers and casting a soft, magical glow over the room. Round tables draped in white linen were set with glittering glassware and floral arrangements bursting with vibrant blooms-roses, lilies, and soft sprays of baby's breath.
On one side of the room, the live band played a lively tune that had couples spinning across the polished dance floor, their movements elegant and effortless.
I barely had time to take it all in before I heard a familiar voice calling out.
"Kamrynn!"
I turned just in time to see Kyven and Thalia rushing toward me. They nearly collided with me in their excitement, Thalia wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug while Kyven grinned broadly.
"Oh, I've missed you so much!" Thalia exclaimed, her voice bright and full of warmth.
Kyven followed her hug with one of his own, patting my back affectionately. "Motherhood suits you," he said, stepping back to take a good look at me. "You look great."
"Thanks," I said, a genuine smile spreading across my face. "You two look radiant yourselves. How was the honeymoon?"
Thalia blushed, glancing at Kyven with a shy smile. "It was… magical, to say the least. But enough about us-congratulations on the twins! I can't wait to meet them."
"They're with Rmonica right now," I said, chuckling as Thalia's face fell slightly.
"Oh, I was hoping to hold them," she said, pouting.
"Don't worry," I teased. "I'll bring them out before the party ends. You'll get plenty of baby time."
"You promise?" she asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Promise."
"I'll hold you to that," she said with a laugh.
Kyven wrapped an arm around Thalia's waist and grinned. "Not too much baby time. We need to enjoy our child-free life while we still can."