Christmas Secrets Collection. Laura Iding

wait to see the babies. Twin girls.”

      Alyssa’s smile faltered a little as she glanced over at Jadon, her brow raised questioningly. He tried to reassure her with his gaze that the decision was hers.

      He’d abide by her wishes.

      Alyssa found herself immediately warming to Jadon’s parents. They were both so nice and friendly it was difficult not to like them.

      And as they chatted, she began to hope that the fact Jadon had told his parents about the girls meant he was planning a future together.

      “Of course you’re welcome to see the babies,” she told them.

      They all climbed into Jadon’s car, talking as he negotiated the short distance to Cedar Bluff Hospital, the brown building standing out starkly against the white snow. She told his parents about the labor and delivery, having to go back and repeat the entire story about how she’d fallen into Lake Michigan, which had sent her into early labor. They were horrified and thankful everyone was all right.

      Inside the hospital, Jadon’s parents commented about how friendly the staff were when they were constantly greeted by people she and Jadon knew.

      “That’s why I like it here so much,” Jadon explained to his parents. “It’s like everyone is part of a family.”

      Up in the nursery, Jadon’s mother started crying when she saw the babies. Jadon’s dad held her with a sturdy arm around her shoulders and Alyssa’s, though his own eyes seemed a bit moist as he gazed down at the two isolettes holding Grace and Gretchen.

      “They’re just beautiful,” Janet said, reaching over to give Alyssa another hug as she sniffled loudly. “My granddaughters.”

      “Would you both like to hold them?” she offered, feeling very much like a proper daughter-in-law.

      When they both nodded, she fetched warm blankets and wrapped Grace and then Gretchen, handing one baby to each of Jadon’s parents. They settled into the two rockers, rapt expressions of sheer wonder on their faces.

      “Thank you,” Jadon murmured as they stood back, allowing his parents some time with the babies.

      “For what?”

      “Allowing them to visit.”

      “Did you think I wouldn’t?”

      He shrugged. “I wasn’t sure.”

      She stared at him, realizing he would truly have stood by whatever decision she’d made. If she’d thought the situation would bring too much stress, he would have turned them away. Love shone from his eyes and she realized that with Jadon actions spoke much louder than words.

      He’d shown her how much he cared in everything he’d done for her. Why had she been so hung up on the words?

      He was offering her the family she’d always wanted.

      Maybe it wasn’t perfect, she knew there would be challenges to face with Jadon’s twin brother, Jack, but did she really have anything to complain about? No family was completely perfect, and wasn’t it their flaws, along with all the love and laughter, that made the whole package?

      And worrying about illnesses of any kind, emotional disturbances, cancer, pick-the-disease-of-your-choice was ridiculous. There was no predicting the future. There was no point to living your life in fear.

      “Jadon, I would never keep you or your family away from the girls. Ever.”

      “Really?” He didn’t look sure.

      “Yes. And I hope someday you’ll allow us to be a part of your family, too.”

      Instead of closing down his emotions, a glimpse of hopeful surprise gleamed in his eyes. And she understood he didn’t want to be the cause of distress, so she needed to convince him that when you loved someone, you made sacrifices for them.

      Wasn’t that what Jadon had done with Jack? He’d made many sacrifices, she was sure.

      None of this was Jadon’s fault. He’d done the best he could, considering the difficult circumstances.

      “Alyssa, your girls are the most beautiful babies in the entire nursery,” his mother gushed. “Don’t you think so, Josh?”

      “Absolutely,” Jadon’s father agreed.

      “Thank you. Jadon and I feel the same way.”

      “Yeah, and we’re thrilled they’re doing so well,” Jadon added, taking her hand in his.

      His parents stayed a few more minutes, then stood to leave.

      “Do you want to ride home with us?” Jadon asked.

      “I think I should stay here, to see if they’ll nurse a bit,” she told him.

      He nodded. “Okay, I’ll take my parents back in my car and then come back to pick you up.”

      She watched them leave, and then turned to try nursing Gretchen, who’d woken up and started crying.

      The baby actually latched on for a few minutes and Alyssa was thrilled with the small progress. She then nursed Grace, finishing just as Jadon returned.

      “I don’t think I’ve ever seen my parents so excited,” he said, grinning broadly. “I think they’ve always secretly wanted a daughter.”

      She’d felt like a daughter with them, when she hadn’t for a very long time. And it was time to put her fears to rest, fighting for what she wanted. “Jadon, there’s something you need to know.”

      Instantly his smile faded and his gaze turned wary. “What is it?”

      Gathering her courage, she blurted, “I love you.”

      He stared at her, his gaze reserved. “Alyssa, I know you think you love me, but Jack’s illness isn’t going to magically disappear. I don’t think you understand the impact it may have on us. I’ll always have to help when he’s in trouble.”

      “Do you think I don’t know that?” His comments hurt. “I love you, Jadon, because of who you are. The man who loves his family. The man who supports the people he loves. The man who will be the perfect father for our daughters.”

      He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I love you, too, Alyssa. But I’m afraid. I’m worried our love won’t be strong enough to weather the stress of Jack’s illness.”

      “Jadon, everything we’ve gone through has been easier when we’ve been together. We’ll make it through the tough times. I believe in you and I believe in us. Our love is strong enough to get through anything.”

      He didn’t answer but drew her into his arms for a deep kiss and she could tell he was showing her the best way he could, with actions and words. “I have to be there for Jack, but I promise to love and support you and the girls, too.”

      “I know.” She believed him. And knowing he was committed to helping his brother only made her love him more. He wasn’t anything like her father, who hadn’t stood by anyone. Jadon was committed to his family. Their family was solid and would support Jack. She was optimistic that if Jack stayed on his medication, he’d be fine. “I think Jack will get better. And if there’s anything I can do to help, I will.”

      Jadon’s gaze was full of admiration. “What did I do to deserve you?” he asked.

      She smiled, circling his waist with her arms and resting her head on his strong, broad chest. “We deserve each other. I love you, Jadon. With my whole heart. With love, we can do anything.”

      “I want to believe that, Alyssa. Very much.”

      His hesitancy didn’t bother her. She had enough faith for both of them. She was confident the power of their love would