Chapter 63: Chapter 63

- I think we better reveal the surprise soon. I don't think your mother can take much more...

Laughing, Missy moved quickly up the stairs to the Knights' house as soon as she spotted Logan nearby, holding the small package that was to be Daniel and Gwyneth's surprise in her hands. Under other circumstances, she and Logan would have spread the pregnancy news as soon as possible. However, after the first appointment with the obstetrician and being advised to keep the news a secret until Missy was three months pregnant, when there would be less chance of anything going wrong, they had decided to keep the news a little longer, telling also with the silence of Megan and Devon, who were the only two people who knew about the big surprise.

Or perhaps immense surprise would be a more apt expression.

After all, surely few times in their lives had she and Logan been as surprised as the moment the obstetrician had told them that Missy was carrying twins.

So surprised or so happy.

Gently, with a delighted smile, Missy caressed the small bulge that was already beginning to appear in her belly, completely unnoticeable due to the voluminous skirt she had chosen to wear on purpose, so that they could surprise Daniel and Gwyneth with news that, in 06 months , they would gain not just one more grandchild, but two, although, with only 03 months of pregnancy, it was still not possible to know which were the sexes of the babies. Not that it really mattered. All she wanted was for her little dup to stay healthy and growing, so the whole family could get to know them as soon as possible.

And she was anxious to know how her in-laws, who she already considered her second parents, would react to the news that they were going to be grandparents.

However, already at the beginning of the corridor, Missy stopped suddenly, surprised to realize that Logan was standing right in front of the tapestry of the first Knights, watching her intently, but also with a strangely lost look, almost as if he could actually see that sun sewn in the distance on the horizon. Slowly, Missy approached him, but Logan only seemed to notice her when she hugged him from behind, giving him a kiss on the cheek as he opened an affectionate smile, but also slightly tense.

- Were you looking for me? he asked, turning his neck so he could look at her.

- Yes. – she smiled a little, worried about that shadow in his expression – I thought that maybe we could do the big surprise for your parents, now…

- Good idea. – he agreed, with a smile that didn't reach his still hazy eyes, before starting to turn around – I'm sure Megan must be anxious to film and...

- Logan, wait… - Missy stopped him, holding his arm when he was about to start walking – Is there something wrong? she asked, concerned, as she cast a quick glance at the tapestry in front of them. "You look so... troubled."

With his shoulders down, Logan remained silent for a few seconds, just watching her with that saddened look, before finally sighing heavily.

- It's okay, I just… – he went back to looking at the tapestry, looking at it almost with regret – I came here to put away the sheets that the children were using to play and… Suddenly I caught myself. looking at the tapestry. I mean finally looking. – he sighed softly – I spent all my life seeing this only as the symbol of something bad... Of a curse that seemed to be always around me, ready to devour me... But now, finally, I see it as really It is. – His eyes widened a little, full of understanding – It's about a love story. One that I now understand. Now, I realize that maybe he and I are more alike than I realized, beyond the name. – Logan stared at the black-haired figure in the image, thoughtful – Could it be that he also feared love? The feeling of leaving your heart vulnerable to someone else, not knowing if they'll embrace it or destroy it? How many mistakes must he also have made, just because he was afraid of what he felt? How many times must he have hurt her because he was too stubborn to admit that she was everything he wanted from the start? How many times must he have made bad choices, just for fear of losing her? It's almost frightening how I've spent so much time despising and trying to avoid our family history, our legacy... only to, in the end, just repeat the worst parts of it. I almost destroyed my happiness by trying to avoid what I feared most. – More than ever, Logan looked tormented as he stared at the tapestry's horizon – One of my many mistakes, actually. Perhaps, if I had just respected and lived with our legacy, instead of demonizing it... A lot of bad things would have been avoided.

"Oh, Logan…" Missy wailed, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting hug - Don't think so. It all doesn't matter anymore. You backtracked. You managed to fix things. Please don't act like your past mistakes cancel all of that out. – she implored, turning her face to look at the kissing couple next to them – We are just like them. I might not have tried to stab you... - she joked, making him laugh a little - But, like them, we also face many things... And we managed to overcome them. – Missy smiled brightly, in jubilation – Our love won. And we got a happy ending. Just like them. You're right. You and him aren't much different, but not because of the mistakes or the name. But because of love. – she stated happily – We may not have a tapestry, but I have no doubt that we will be as happy as they were. – Missy joked, happy to see his smile become real and his face infinitely lighter.

- I can get you a tapestry in a heartbeat. he offered casually.

- No need. – Missy laughed, before wrapping her arms around his neck, with a persuasive tone of voice – But, come to think of it, there's something I want you to do for me.

- Anything you want, my love. he said promptly, looking overjoyed at the possibility of being able to give her something.

- I would like you to forgive yourself. – Missy asked, moving enough to bring their foreheads together, smiling when she saw his eyes widen in surprise – Everything turned out well in the end. Megan has forgiven you. Her brother forgave you... And I forgave you. – she caressed his cheek lovingly – Why keep torturing yourself this way, brooding over the past, angry with yourself? Forgive yourself, my love. – She looked at him intensely, completely serious in her request – Don't let it get in the way of a happiness that you deserve so much, after everything that happened. Leave the past in the past, where it belongs, okay? – Missy kissed him affectionately – Promise you'll do that? Not just for me and because I asked, but also for yourself? she asked, running her fingers through his hair.

- Oh, Missy... - Logan sighed, looking equally thoughtful and delighted, but soon his tone became beyond solemn - You're absolutely right, as always. It's not worth letting this haunt me, let alone get in the way of all the wonderful things we're building together. – He caressed her belly lovingly, before kissing her forehead softly – I promise I'll forgive myself, my love. Even if it takes some time. He smiled awkwardly, shrugging.

- Knowing you're going to try is enough for me. – she returned the smile, happily – As for the rest of the way, I will always be able to help you.

- You always help me, love. Even when you don't realize it. – He brought his hand to his lips, placing a warm kiss on her palm, before pulling her into her arms – Well, I think I've been too late for today. We have to break the news to my parents before my mother explodes with curiosity. – he teased, before pulling her into a kiss full of silent promises – Then, after the commotion, we can go home and have a game night just the two of us. What do you think?

- It sounds perfect... - she sighed, dreamily, but soon an idea struck her mind, making her remember that she needed to do one last thing, before sharing her joy with her family downstairs - But first, there's something i need to do. Do you still have my cell phone?

- Yes I am... - Logan frowned, pulling the device from inside his pocket - Why? – he wanted to know, curious.

- Because I want to send a message... to my mother. – she revealed, shrugging weakly – To tell her about the babies.

- Your mother? – he now looked more confused than ever – But, you two...

- I know we haven't spoken since that day before Christmas. – Missy sighed, her head down – But… She will be our children's grandmother, after all. Even if she's ignoring me... I don't want to feel like I've done the same. – she admitted, a little sadly – So I'll at least break the news to her. Whether or not she wants to respond or be happy for me or not is her decision alone. Because, in the end, I know that my real family will always be there for me, happy that my kids are coming, no matter how they react. – She stated, without any hint of doubt in her voice, earning a proud smile from Logan.

- You couldn't be more right. – he caressed her cheek with the tips of his fingers – And you deserve to have a clear conscience about that. Even if your mother doesn't deserve your consideration.

Giving a rueful smile, knowing that unfortunately she couldn't disagree, it took Missy less than a minute to open the messaging app and type the message she wanted to send.

Hello mother. How are you? I have great news: Logan and I are pregnant. Of twins. We'll find out the sexes in a few months, at the next ultrasound. And Megan is hosting an after-wedding baby shower at the Knights' if you're willing to come visit and attend. I guess in the end I just wanted to send you this message to say how happy I am to know that I'm going to become a mother too. Well I hope you are well and we can see each other soon.

- I think that's enough. – Missy pondered, turning off the cell phone screen as soon as the message was sent – Honestly, I don't trust her not to ruin my afternoon with some unnecessary comment, if I called to break the news.

- I couldn't agree more. – Logan grumbled, before tightening his arms around her waist, opening a passionate smile – Do you have any idea how much I love to see this? How proud do I feel seeing you imposing yourself like that? Stopping her from hurting her? It's just amazing. – he sighed, satisfied – Just… Keep going. Keep it up forever, my love. – he asked, looking deep into her eyes with adoration – Make sure you never have to put up with other people causing you pain again. – His eyes became dark for a moment – Whoever it is.

Knowing full well that he was referring to himself, Missy pulled him in for a soft, almost nurturing kiss before smiling.

- Oh, Logan... Don't worry. - She smiled widely - I won't stop. I don't think I could, now that I know what it feels like to be... Well. And at peace. It's even a little addictive. – Missy laughed, making him follow her – I can't imagine myself regressing to the point of accepting less than that, as before. Now I know that I deserve to feel loved, happy and at peace. – she shook her head, determined – Just as I would like to make your parents feel, with this news – she looked again at the small box in her hands – I want them to feel how happy and grateful I am that they have made me part of the family, even when I wasn't his girlfriend yet... And how grateful I am to know that my babies will have grandparents as wonderful as they are. After all... - she sniffed discreetly, emotional - I know how much my father would love to receive this news. And I know he will always love and protect our babies... just like I know he will be there for me when I walk down the aisle on our wedding day... wherever he is. Missy blinked away a few tears quickly, with a shaky smile.

- Of course he will, my love. Because he loved you, just like my parents do. – Logan smiled, visibly moved – And, therefore, I think it's finally time to let you know that soon you'll have two more babies to spoil, isn't it? – he questioned, offering her his arm – Shall we go?

-Yes… - Missy looked at the gift that was still in one of her hands, with an excited smile – I think they'll like it, don't you?

- I think there are no words to describe how happy they will be. – he laughed, without hesitation – If there's one thing my parents love, it's children. Especially grandchildren. And that will ease the resentment Mom has with me for being the oldest but the last to marry. - Logan shook his head, theatrically regretful, making her laugh as the two descended the stairs, hugging each other.

- There you are! – Gwyneth exclaimed, sitting on the sofa in the living room, as soon as she saw them – Missy took this box in the car, but still she didn't let me see what was inside, until she found you. Will I finally find out what this big surprise is all about? She raised an eyebrow, curious but also a little wary.

- Right now, Gwyneth... - Missy practically skipped over to her, with Logan at her side, until the two placed themselves in front of Daniel and Gwyneth, placing the small, beautifully decorated box in front of them, on the coffee table. “Open it up…” She bit her lip anxiously as Megan moved around them, cell phone in hand, recording every second with a smile as euphoric as Missy's.

With a raised eyebrow, Gwyneth placed the box on her lap, gently undoing the satin bow, while Daniel leaned over one arm of the wheelchair to look beside her. One of Gwyneth's eyebrows was raised in utter confusion when she finally lifted the lid of the box... to find two tiny baby shoes lying on top of a note Missy herself had written.

We look forward to meeting you Grandpa and Grandma. See you in six months. Ass.: Knight Babies.

P.s. Derek wasn't being rude at the last family lunch. Mom's belly is actually a little bigger.

- Oh, my God... - Gwyneth gasped, raising her green eyes full of tears to face Missy, with an emotional smile on her face - Are you... Are you...

- Yes, grandma. – Missy smiled, with her own tears of joy starting to flow – I'm pregnant. And soon you'll have two new grandchildren, all at once.

- Is that all? Ellie gasped from the side as Gwyneth scrambled to her feet to wrap her arms around Missy, being careful not to put too much pressure on her belly.

- Oh, my darling daughter… – Gwyneth sobbed, now completely in tears – This is the most wonderful news we could have. My babies will bring more babies into the family! – she celebrated, kissing Missy's cheeks before turning to Logan, who was also teary-eyed – Oh, my son… You're going to be a father! – Gwyneth exclaimed, amazed, before wrapping him in a big hug too – You deserve this happiness so much…!

- Congratulations my dear. – Daniel, calm as always, but no less jubilant, approached the two, first taking Missy's hand between his in a fatherly grip – This is simply incredible. And as for you... - he moved the wheelchair towards Logan, with a playful smile - You managed to perpetuate a tradition that I created in the family: the tradition of twins.

- Turn that mouth over there. – Diana lamented, walking towards them with Paul, Eleanor and Derek on her heels – If, in my next pregnancy, I end up with 04 children, I don't know what I'm going to do.

- Maybe buy a bed completely enclosed underneath. That way they'll never have to wake us up at three in the morning, saying they saw a monster there. – Paul joked, before pulling both of them at once into a hug – Congratulations on winning a one-way ticket to many sleepless nights and dirty diapers!

- Oh, but Grandma will be here to help... - Gwyneth melted, gently caressing the small bump on Missy's belly, while Diana also congratulated them - Don't worry about anything.

And so she spent the next few hours just wrapped up in the joy and congratulations of her family, snuggled in Logan's arms as she told everyone every detail she knew about the pregnancy and the babies so far, all the while the fathers and mothers who were in the meeting room to give her some tips about pregnancy... Even if some tips canceled each other out, in a very confusing movement, which earned Missy more laughs than any real help.

Finally, early that Sunday night, Missy lay her head back against the back of the car seat, happy and exhausted as she watched Logan climb into the driver's seat, ready to take them away for a night's rest in House. But before he could start the engine, something seemed to make him stop and, confused, he pulled her cell phone out of his back pocket, raising his eyebrows as he read something on the lit screen.

- I think you'll want to see this. - Logan gave a small smile, handing her the cell phone.

Curious, Missy took the device in her hands, surprised to see that there were several message notifications from her mother appearing on the screen... But not as surprised as she was when she read the last one.

Because, underneath a torrent of not-so-pleasant starting sentences in the notification bar, like “Well, at least you managed to grab him…”, “Twins? You're going to need a lot of plastic surgery to... ", "You need to postpone the wedding so your belly doesn't show...", and other things like that... Victoria had typed something Missy had never expected to read in her life, coming from your mother.

But I think the important thing is that you're happy. You are happy, aren't you?

Smiling fondly, Missy just stared at that message for a second. It wasn't a big step, a big advance or a big change. But from her own experience, she knew that the most important changes started with small things, like wearing her favorite outfit, looking at herself in the mirror a little bit every day… even sending a text message like that. So, sensing that even if the road was long, she and Victoria could still get somewhere, Missy immediately returned the message with the only possible answer to that question.

Yes mom. I'm more than happy.