A Christmas Wedding: Hiding His Twins

six years later

Six years later

I smile when I watch my adorable little ones running towards me. Bending on one knee, I open my arms for them and they crash at me.

I hug them,taking a deep breath of their still lingering baby smell.

“ How was school my cute little bunnies?" I ask, ruffling their hair.

Kaiser scowls at that. He hates having his air messed up. Bailey is the exact opposite, she leans closer, loving my gesture.

“ I am old now momma, don't keep on messing my hair." Kaiser complains in a half pout.

" Oh yeah? Didn't know you are a big boy now.”

" Kaiser is just scared that Lilian will see him with messy hair.” My daughter chimes in, giving her brother a mischievous smile.

" Lilian? Who is Lilian?” I ask, puzzled. It's the first time I hear my kids talk about anyone in their class.

" The new transfer student. Kaiser likes her.” Bailey answers and Kaiser glares at her.

" I don't like her.” He retorts but the blush creeping on his chubby cheeks tell me otherwise.

“ You don't like her? Then why did you give her your favourite fruit kabobs? You wouldn't even share them with me.” Bailey counters and I hide my smile. Watching them bantering is like a breath of fresh air after a long day at work.

“ That's because you always have your share. Why should I share mine with you?"

“ I am your sister!" Bailey reminds him but Kaiser just frowns.

“ Doesn't warrant me sharing my portion with you, Bailey. Mommy said if you eat too many snacks, you'll grow big like a pig."

As much as I love hearing them argue, I don't want to end up with a crying Bailey because she is hard to placate.

" Okay, that's enough,both of you." I say and turn to look at Bailey.

“ If you love the fruit kabobs, I'll pack more for you next time.” I tell her and she gives me a grin.

“ Really momma?" I nod and she plants a kiss on my cheeks.

“ You are the best." She praises.

" Of course momma is the best. Now, come. We should head home.” I take both their hands and lead them to the car. The parking lot is almost empty since I picked the kids a little later than their usual clocking time.

Juggling between a job and a mother can be tasking.

I have to thank the heavens for giving me two adorable and obedient gifts otherwise I don't know how I would have managed.

I drive us back home just in time for snow to start falling.

“ Go and freshen up while I cook dinner." I instruct my babies and they nod, happily jogging to their respective rooms. I head to the Kitchen, clean my hands and get ready to whip a simple dinner for us.

It's still a miracle I can cook a decent meal without burning the Kitchen. When I arrived here in Italy six years ago, I couldn't do anything for myself.Growing up surrounded by people paid to serve me saw me unable to cook or even clean.

That changed six years ago though. With my limited cash and two babies on the way, I had to try and save the extra costs like hiring a cleaner or a chef.

It was hard at first, almost burning myself down but with time, I learnt my way inside the Kitchen.

I am no pro but at least my kids can have a decent nutritious meal.

After giving birth to my babies, I knew that I needed a job to supplement my savings. In a foreign land, I didn't have anyone to rely on. Not to mention the people here in Italy are different from the people back home.

It's easier to get help from someone in Los Angeles than here. Actually, they would spare you no glance even if you beg on the streets.

After months of intensive thinking, I started an online clothes’ store. By God's grace, the on-line shop thrived and in one year, our clothing line managed to open three physical shops where customers can do walk-ins.

With the success of my business, I outsourced a manager for the stores while I opened a flower shop where I spend my days working.

I make frequent visits to the stores to monitor the operations but spend most of my time at the flower shop.

I am about to make salad when the doorbell rings. With a frown, I head to get the door. I peep through the keyhole camera and sigh when I recognize the person.

I pull the door open and Jamie's smiling face comes into view.

“ Good evening Leen. I brought you this.” He says, lifting something in hís hand.

" Cheesecake?”

I almost drool at the sight of it. The last time he brought a chocolate cake, I mentioned preferring cheesecake. I didn't expect he would really get it next time.

“Yes, I tried it for the first time. I hope you like it." Jamie answers, flashing me a smile.

I collect the cake ànd say my thanks.

" I'll definitely give you the feedback tomorrow. Have a pleasant night.”

I dismiss him. I don't miss the disappointed look on hís face but I ignore it.

If he is expecting me to invite him into my house,he might as well forget it.

Despite living in the next house, we are practically strangers and I don't let just anyone come close to my bunnies.

Call me over- protective but that's just me.

Besides, I have noticed how he looks at me…with interest.

I am not looking forward to having any entanglements with the male species.

Whatever he feels for me, it's about time he nips that bud before it grows.

I finish making dinner and serve the table before walking towards my daughter's room.

I don't find her inside her room so I head towards Kaiser's room.

I halt when I hear them talking in hushed tones.

“ It's enough to have momma. We don't need a father." Kaiser says.

“ But that man seems good and he likes mommy. If mommy gets together with him, we will have a father." Bailey replies.

" I don't care about a father. Momma doesn't seem to like him that much. He doesn't even know what mommy's favourite cake is.” Kaiser snorts disapprovingly.

" What if our real father doesn't come looking for us? Are we going to let others laugh at us for being fatherless?”

“ If he isn't here with us, that means he doesn't want us. Stop dreaming about a father, we don't need one." Kaiser chides, his words stabbing my heart.