“My little artists. So much talent. Future New York City Gallery owners just like your Daddy.” I bent and caught them both in my arms, hugging them tightly. The boys were just like their father, creative types, they preferred to be hanging out at The Brooks Gallery instead of at the law firm with me.

I thought about quitting the firm with baby number four on the way but my work was too important and the office was always understaffed as it was. Not many people wanted to make peanuts as a lawyer or work pro bono cases.

Welcoming Kellen and Harrison into our lives had been a whirlwind. Twins had been the last thing we were expecting, but neither of our mothers had been surprised when we broke the news.

I looked back at Elis as he lifted our one-and-a-half-year-old son into the air and spun him around until he was giggling wildly. My heart stuttered to a stop, looking at all the men in my life who made my heart beat.

“Hey, Mama.” My gorgeous husband pressed a kiss to my lips.

I held his cheek as I kissed him. “Hey.”

“You look extra beautiful with that smile on your face,”

“Thanks for putting it there.” I took his lips with mine again.

“Daddy! Show me how to paint with the sponge again, please!” Harrison, the smaller of our twins, demanded.

“He’s ready, Daddy.” I smiled sweetly.

“After I set them up, can I get some alone time with my girl?” Elis quirked an eyebrow suggestively.

“Maybe at nap time, Mr. Brooks.” I rubbed my tummy, watching with dreamy eyes as Aunt Sarena and Elis set the boys up with painting sponges at their craft table overlooking the park.

It's funny how I almost hated this place. It was so lonely upon moving in, and now it was jam-packed with life.

Elis returned, wrapping his arms around my waist and swaying me back and forth as he tucked his nose into my neck.

I sucked in a contented breath and relaxed against his chest. “Thank you.”

“For what?” His lips tickled the skin beneath my ear.

“For everything. All of it. From the beginning to the end, thank you.”

“Mmm, my pleasure, ma’am,” he said in his sexy, throaty voice.

I turned in his arms and caught his gaze with mine. “Every minute I’m thankful for, even the hard ones.” Tears pricked behind my eyelids as I looked at the beautiful boy who had been stopping and restarting my heart from the moment I met him.

“Oh, baby.” He kissed me softly. “Thank you for bringing me back to life. For making this beat.” He put my hand on his heart. “It beats for you and them.” He gestured toward our babies.