The Twin Birthright

The doctor touched each baby’s head lightly before squeezing Naomi’s shoulder. “We have plenty of guides and emergency numbers in your baby welcome packet. Don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions.”

The nurse pulled the papers off the clipboard and tucked them into a sack with the hospital logo on the side. “Congratulations. To both of you. All four of you, actually. I never grow jaded about the joy of releasing a family.”

A family. Royce didn’t bother correcting the nurse. He’d actually given up on correcting that assumption at all—and apparently so had Naomi—after the second shift change had brought in yet another wave of well-wishers who assumed he was the father.

“Wow, I can’t believe we’re leaving. It’s all happening so fast.” She opened the cabinet and pulled out the clothes her sister had brought. “Thank goodness Delaney brought a bag for the babies and me. And their car seats.”

“Lucky to have all that here. Makes things easier. Although you could wear your boots with the nightgown and coat. No need to tire yourself out.” He couldn’t miss the furrows creasing her forehead. “Naomi?”

She shook her head, pulling out the loose sweater dress. “It’s just a little overwhelming. Not the way I envisioned it. Although I will go home in this, like I planned.”

“Right. And I’ll get the girls in those little outfits you picked out for them.” At least he hoped he could. Figuring out how to build modifications for a safer, more efficient oil pipeline sounded easier at the moment than wrangling those spindly baby arms into miniscule matching clothes. “Take your time getting dressed. I’ll be sure to snap plenty of photos. Your girls are going home. You’re a mom.”