Two Weeks to Tomorrow

A few months had passed since the Vaughn gala. The morning sun shone through the big windows of Alina's lab at Riverbend Hospital, lighting her workspace. She shifted in her chair, wincing as her growing belly reminded her she wasn't as quick as before. Just two weeks until her due date. My babies. The thought made her smile softly.

Finishing her last experiments, she worked carefully, double-checking data and notes one last time before maternity leave. Her mind was full of plans for the coming weeks, getting ready for the babies, and imagining the small moments she would soon share with them. Her quiet life she had built in Marlowe felt safe and full of hope, and she welcomed the calm before everything changed. 

Dr. Jensen, the hospital director and her mentor, peeked into the lab with a warm smile. “Almost done, Alina?”

“Just finishing up,” she said, voice steady and focused.

Beside him, Dr. Lila, his wife, her OB-GYN, and long-time friend gave her a knowing look. “You’re doing a lot for someone just two weeks away from having twins,” she said gently.

Alina chuckled. "I just want to leave everything in order. Everything in its place before the babies arrive."

Dr. Jensen placed a kind hand on her shoulder. “You always do things thoroughly. The hospital and your patients are lucky to have you."

By noon, she packed her bag and closed the lab door behind her. The soft hum of the machines felt like a quiet goodbye, a small reminder of the life she loved and the new one she was about to start.

When she got home, she expected quiet. Instead, the door burst open with laughter and cheerful voices.

"Surprise!"

Alina froze for a moment, blinking at the colorful streamers, balloons, and neatly arranged gifts filling her living room.

Regina stepped forward, hands on her hips, grinning. "You didn't think we'd let you skip your own baby shower, did you?"

"Alina!" Samuel called, smiling easily. He had always been a steady presence in her life, close to her and Regina. Over the years, he had quietly looked out for her, and she could sense the unspoken feelings between him and Regina.

Alina rested a hand on her belly, smiling softly. "I'm glad you're here, Sam. It means a lot," she said, warmth spreading through her chest.

Agnes fussed over her, adjusting her shawl. "You look tired, darling. Sit down! Wilfred, make sure she has water right away."

Wilfred, ever the composed butler, nodded and handed her a glass. "Freshly chilled, madam."

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Lila appeared next, smiling. "We couldn't miss this," Lila said, holding a small gift box. Dr. Jensen gave a gentle nod, pride shining in his eyes.

Lila patted Alina's shoulder lightly. "You're still doing great. Just keep resting when you can. Twins are a lot of work, even for the strongest moms."

Alina felt a rush of gratitude. Here, in this bright room with the people who truly cared, the outside world, the Vaughn's, the cameras, the whispers of ambition, felt far away.

They laughed, shared stories, and played small games. Regina teased her about her cravings and readying herself for the babies. Samuel quietly offered advice on baby names, always attentive and protective, without being overbearing. Agnes and Wilfred hovered over her like she was the most precious thing in the room. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Lila joined the fun, their presence calm but warm.

Then the door opened quietly. Adam Evert stepped inside, steady and composed.

“Hello,” he said, scanning the room.

Alina blinked. “Adam…”

He gave a small smile. “How are you doing? I’ve been busy in Atheria, but I came as soon as I could. I’ll be staying here in Marlowe for a while. I want to make sure you’re safe before and after the twins arrive.”

A soft warmth filled her chest. Adam's careful watch had always been there, even when she hadn't noticed. He respected her independence but stepped in when it mattered.

“You didn’t have to,” she said.

"I wanted to," he said gently. "You've built this life. I just want to help protect it."

Regina handed Alina a small pin. "Ready to pop the balloon and see the surprise?" she asked, eyes sparkling.

After a playful countdown, the first balloon popped, blue confetti falling everywhere. Gasps and laughter followed as the second balloon burst, pink confetti spilling out, swirling through the air. A cloud of blue and pink revealed the surprise: twins, a boy and a girl. Cheers and hugs followed as everyone celebrated.

"Names?" Regina asked, grinning.

Alina laughed, hand on her belly. “I have a few. But tell me yours.”

Samuel suggested Nathaniel for the boy; Regina teased him for being predictable. For the girl, he suggested Charlotte, and everyone smiled at how perfectly the names fit. Agnes and Wilfred joked about who would be godparents. Lila added, “They’ll be surrounded by love, that’s for sure.”

Adam said quietly, “I’d be honored to be a godparent too.”

"You all would be perfect," Alina said, eyes glistening. "But you have to actually help, not just spoil them."

Even in the noise, Alina found a quiet moment, hands on her belly, feeling the tiny movements inside. Samuel had grown alongside her, Adam had always watched over her quietly, and Regina had been her anchor. These twins would bring everything together.

When the evening calmed down, Alina slipped into the nursery. The crib was ready, her hospital bag packed, soft decorations glowing around the room. Two more weeks.

Everything she wanted, the life she chose, the people she loved, the children she was about to meet was here already. For the first time in a long while, she felt completely ready.

Even in the calm, Alina knew the outside world hadn't disappeared. Her peace was fragile. But tonight, surrounded by love, she had her own safe place, a quiet harbor untouched by everything happening far away.