“God. Why’s it so hot in here?” She comes into view, and I nearly burst out laughing when I see she’s taken off her pants and shirt.

Meanwhile, I’m in joggers and a sweatshirt since she’s turned on the air conditioner.

“I think it’s you, sweetheart,” I tease, standing to meet her. My palm automatically lands on her belly, and I’m overcome with pride. “You’re not only eating for three, but your hormones are raging.” I smile, thinking about the two babies inside her that I can’t wait to meet.

She pouts with a groan, and I pluck her bottom lip from between her teeth. “I’ll turn down the thermostat, baby. Go sit, and I’ll grab the fan, too.”

“You’re amazing.” She sighs. “I feel like a freaking oven.”

“It’ll pass,” I reassure her. It typically does anyway. “I’ll grab you a sweet tea, too.” Pressing my lips to her forehead, I grab the fan from our bedroom, then go to the kitchen for her drink. Lately, she’s been getting hot flashes all the time and even in the middle of the night. To combat it, Maize has started sleeping with the fan blasted on her face, nearly naked, while I’m wrapped in a blanket.

Once I’m back in the living room, I make sure she’s comfortable before I sit next to her. One hand rests on her bump as she sucks down her tea. Without even trying, Maize is the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Making her my wife was the best day of my life, tied with the day we found out she was pregnant with twins.

We hadn’t expected it to happen so fast, but I was ready since I’m not getting any younger. Though if you ask Maize, she’d argue that her biological clock is ticking since she’s closer to turning thirty. Undoubtedly, she was ready to get knocked up as soon as humanly possible. Apparently, the Bishop legacy of having multiples lives on.

My parents were undoubtedly thrilled when we told them the news. They visit at least once a month but I have a feeling they’ll be coming a lot more or even moving here after the twins are born.

I go back to our clothes. We’re finally having our housewarming party now that everything’s unpacked. We moved in right before the wedding five months ago, but it wasn’t completely finished. I helped the crew between shifts, and since I didn’t want Maize to have to juggle unpacking and working, I took care of it all.