Contract Marriage: I’ve Always Loved You

Steve and I enter the room where Olivia has been taking care of our little twins.

Steve’s eyes light up as he approaches the crib where Giana and Evan lie peacefully. “Hey, my little munchkins. Daddy missed you.” He coos, gently picking them up one by one and kissing their foreheads.

A contented smile spread across my face as I stand by, watching him with the twins. The way he holds them, the affection in his eyes-it’s a sight that warms my heart. I never thought that I would ever experience this. But the more I experience this side of him, the more I fall for him.

“Olivia, you can go to the guest room. When we need any help, we’ll give you a call.” As Steve orders her, she leaves after nodding.

He embraces Giana closer to his heart with a contented smile on his face. “Princess, you have no idea how much Daddy missed these cuddles.”

As he spends time with Giana and Evan, I receive a message on my phone.

It’s from Elsa.

Elsa: Hello, babes. What’s going on?

I sit on the sofa, typing.

Me: I’m just facing media questions every day, and Steve’s father’s hatred. However, I’m glad that Steve is there with me in all these.

Elsa: He is a nice man, Grace. And I’m sure he loves you, therefore he is still supporting you.

As soon as I read her text, my eyes automatically went towards Steve. I really wish her words were true.

‘I just want to let you know that if you want to keep them in your life, you have to stay with me, just as their mother.’ His words echo in my mind.

Me: But he always says that he is letting me stay with him because I’m the mother of his babies.

I text her back, pouring my heart out. Knowing the kind of person Steve is, there’s no doubt that he can be good to me because I’m the mother of his children.

Elsa: Whatever it is, Grace. Just don’t lose him now.

I again glance at Steve, who is still engrossed in playing with the twins. My lips curve automatically into a small smile, while my eyes become a little teary at seeing my little family making memories. I never want to lose them. Never. But do I seriously deserve a person like Steve in my life? He has a heart of gold, and what am I? Nothing compared to him.

Me: I’ll try my best to fix things between us because I want him as my husband again. But sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve his support after all the mistakes I’ve made.

A tear trickles down my eyes as I type whatever is in my heart and mind, bothering me from deep inside.

Elsa: Grace, everyone makes mistakes. It’s about learning and growing. Steve sees something in you, and that’s why he’s standing by you.

I read her text and glance again at Steve, pondering Elsa’s words. It’s true; Steve has been there for me, supporting me. Maybe there’s a chance he’ll be ready to make me his wife again. Even though I feel like he is way too good for me, I can still hope for him to be mine again.

I truly desire him in my life; it’s more than just a want-it’s a need. His presence brings me happiness and peace. Without him, my life feels empty; every moment lacks joy and completeness.

I will change myself for him. I will make myself worthy of him. Although I can’t erase whatever I did in the past, I promise myself that I will be a better version of myself. Just for him!

Me: You’re right, Elsa. I should focus on learning from my mistakes and becoming a better person for Steve and the twins.

Wiping my tears, I text her back with a determined expression.

Elsa: That’s the spirit, my girl. Now tell me what my little munchkins are doing?

My eyes light up at the mention of my babies, my little bundles of joy.

Me: They’re playing with their daddy.

After texting Elsa, I make a video call to share a glimpse of Giana and Evan with her. As the call connects, her face appears on the screen, and she smiles warmly.

“Show me the twins.” As she speaks, her voice is filled with excitement.

“Wait, a second.” I turn the camera toward Giana and Evan, who are still in Steve’s arms, enjoying their father’s playful interactions.

I approach closer to the twins to give her a better view of them.

Elsa grins as she sees them. “Oh, my goodness! Hi, little ones! How are you?”

I chuckle, watching Elsa wave at the screen as if the babies could see her. “They miss you, Elsa.”

Steve, realising we’re on a video call, smiles and holds the twins closer to the camera. “Say hi to Aunt Elsa, Giana and Evan.” They let out a cheerful babble in response.

Elsa giggles at their cuteness. “They’re so adorable. I want to hold them.”

“Then come to meet us soon, Aunt Elsa,” I speak in a babyish tone, causing her to chuckle.

“Of course, I’ll come to meet my little bears super soon.”

Towards the end of the call, Giana stirs, and Steve gently soothes her.

I utter, “Looks like it’s time for their nap. Say goodbye, little ones.”

Elsa waves and blows a virtual kiss, “Goodbye, Giana and Evan! Aunt Elsa can’t wait to hold you again.”

“See you soon, Elsa.” I disconnect the call.

***

Next day,

Steve’s father has planned for the twins’ welcome party. Giana and Evan, dressed in matching white outfits, lie on the bed, looking absolutely angelic.

I just can’t get over them.

Giana wears a beautiful white dress, a tiny matching hairband adorning her head. Evan, in a white coat suit, looks like a little gentleman in the making. The two of them create an irresistibly adorable sight.

And now we never forget to make them wear mittens because we don’t want them to hurt each other or themselves by scratching their face or grabbing their hair.

As Steve and I stand by their bedside after making them ready, we gaze at them with overwhelming love. Their innocent faces, tiny fingers, and how beautiful they look in their outfit-I can’t take my eyes off of them. They both are so precious and adorable.

“Grace, they look perfect,” Steve whispers, his voice filled with awe as we settle down beside them.

I smile, gently adjusting the little hairband on Giana’s head. “They do, Steve. Our little angels.” I lean down and place a soft kiss on their forehead.

“Grace, now you get ready. I’ll take care of them.” He looks at me, caressing Giana’s hair.

“I don’t feel like leaving them.” I take their tiny hands in mine, admiring their innocent faces as they look at me.

Motherhood has completely changed me. Previously, I used to get ready for every occasion. It was my favourite thing-getting ready, admiring myself, praising myself. But from the moment twins have stepped into my life, all I want is to make them ready and flaunt them, to show how adorable and beautiful they are.

From flaunting myself to flaunting my beautiful babies, this journey has been even more beautiful than I could have imagined. But wait, I can’t forget about my babies’ daddy either. He’s handsome. I may not have fully accepted it before, but being his wife and showing him off was also something I loved to do.

***

Steve’s P. O. V.

When I play with the twins, rocking the rattles and talking to them, Grace returns from the dressing room. She is dressed up in a tiered, laced-up black dress, and I can’t take my eyes off her because she looks so gorgeous. Nobody can say that two weeks ago, she delivered two babies.

I just can’t resist this woman!

I see her struggling to tie the lace of her dress from behind, standing in front of the mirror.

Like before, she is hesitating to ask me to help her. Something can never change.

“Babies, Daddy is just coming after helping your mommy,” I whisper to my little ones who look extraordinarily adorable in their white outfits.

As I approach her, our eyes meet in the mirror, and for a moment, the world fades away. There’s an unspoken connection between us, an intensity that words can’t capture.

I grasp the laces of her dress to tie the intricate design, our eyes remain locked through the mirror. There’s a magnetic pull between us that neither of us can deny.

Unable to resist the urge, I lean in and press a soft kiss on her bare shoulder, causing a shiver to run down her spine.

Fuck! I can’t even explain in words how much I missed this.

I pull her towards me by the laces of her dress after securing it properly, our eyes locked in a passionate gaze.

The touch of her skin against mine sends electricity down my spine. Our bodies burn with desire as we stand here, lost in each other. The world disappears around us, and all that remains is the electricity between us.

Her body pressed against mine, I longed for this.

As I snake my arm around her waist and hold her close, the warmth of her presence envelops me, and in the reflection, I see her cheeks flush with a rosy hue.

That’s something new about her, and I like it.

“You look stunning, Grace,” I whisper in her ear, and she closes her eyes as my warm breath caresses her skin.

As I move down to kiss her neck, a loud cry interrupts the moment, startling us. We both turn our heads to see one of the twins fussing in the crib.

Grace rushes to soothe the baby while I stand there, my body still burning with desire. After a long time, we have shared a passionate moment, and I realise that I missed our proximity as much as I missed her.

***