The sun rose softly over the Montgomery estate, casting a golden hue over the vast grounds. Austin stood on the balcony of their bedroom, shirtless, sipping his black coffee while watching the calm world outside. Below, security patrolled the perimeter, ever watchful. Inside, Clair stirred in the large bed, her hands gently cupping her swollen belly.
At 21 weeks into the twin pregnancy and 9 weeks into the additional one, she had learned to move slower, speak softer, and embrace the flutters of life within her. But today felt different. Her stomach was tighter than usual, and an odd, twisting ache crept across her lower back.
Clair sat up slowly, catching her breath. "Austin," she called.
He was beside her in an instant. "You alright?" He reached for her hand, his voice full of concern.
"I don't know. My belly's hard. It feels weird."
He gently pressed his palm against her abdomen. The tightness alarmed him. "We're going to the hospital. Now."
Within minutes, the private helicopter lifted from the grounds. Austin held Clair's hand the whole way, his jaw clenched, heart pounding. He didn't say much, but his thumb traced her knuckles in comforting circles.
Dr. Simone and her team were already waiting when they arrived. Clair was wheeled into the examination room, and the fetal monitoring began immediately.
"Her uterus is irritable," Dr. Simone said. "It's not labor, but we need to stop this tightening."
Austin remained at Clair's side, eyes locked on the monitor that displayed three separate heartbeats.
"The twins are active," the nurse reported. "And the fetus from the superfetation is right where it should be for nine weeks."
Clair lay still, watching the screen as her heart raced. Austin leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"Breathe, baby," he whispered. "You're doing amazing."
She gave a small smile. "I just want them safe."
After a round of IV fluids and medication to calm her uterus, the contractions eased. Dr. Simone returned with reassuring news. "You caught it early, Austin. She's stable. But no more long outings or stress. Strict bed rest for now."
Austin nodded grimly. "I'll turn this house into a luxury hospital if I have to."
Back home, Austin didn't leave her side. Clair was moved into their sunroom, converted into a serene recovery space filled with pillows, fresh flowers, and soft music.
He watched over her like a hawk, reading to her from her favorite cookbooks and feeding her little bites of whatever she craved.
"You're doing too much," she murmured one afternoon, smiling as he spooned her homemade peach sorbet.
"You're carrying my heart in your body. I'd cook the stars down if it made you feel better."
Her eyes welled with tears. "I'm scared, Austin. I know it's all going well now, but I feel like I'm walking a tightrope."
He gently brushed her curls away from her face. "Then we'll walk it together. I'm not going anywhere."
Later that week, she was allowed a short walk on the patio. Austin supported her gently, guiding her to the carved bench under the magnolia tree. They sat in silence for a while, just listening to the birds.
"Do you think we're ready for three kids at once?" she asked.
He chuckled. "No. But I wasn't ready for you either. And look what a masterpiece that turned out to be."
Her laugh rang clear. "You have a way with words."
"Only for you, Mrs. Montgomery."
That night, Austin held her close in bed, his hand resting protectively over her belly.
"Tell me again," she whispered drowsily.
"What, baby?"
"How you'll keep us safe."
He kissed her shoulder. "I've bled for this family, I've burned down worlds. Nothing will touch you. Nothing will touch them. Not while I breathe."
The days rolled on in peace. Austin kept up his business remotely. Elias dropped by, bringing lighthearted banter and carefully selected gifts for Clair's comfort.
"You look huge," Elias said, sipping a smoothie while squinting at her belly. "Like you swallowed a medicine ball and a beach ball."
Clair threw a pillow at him, laughing. "Get out."
"She's growing our dynasty," Austin said proudly, sliding in behind Clair on the couch and wrapping his arms around her.
"Don't let it go to your head, brother," Elias replied with a smirk. "You're still a terrifying mafia overlord with a softness problem."
"Only for her," Austin said. "Only ever for her."
In the quiet of those weeks, Austin began compiling a journal. A private one. Not of deals or threats, but of dreams and memories. Notes to the babies. Letters to Clair.
He wrote:
To my first daughter, you already have my temper. To my first son, you've got your mother's fire. And to my little miracle, born of nothing but love and fate, you are the surprise that healed everything.
Clair found it one evening, weeping quietly over the pages.
"You weren't meant to see that yet," he said, kneeling before her.
"It's perfect," she whispered. "I love you more every day."
He kissed her then, slow and deep. "Let's get married again," he said suddenly.
She blinked. "We're already married."
"But this time, not because I forced your hand. Not because of the danger. Just because I can't imagine another day without calling you my wife."
Clair nodded, tears streaming. "Yes."
They renewed their vows in the garden that weekend, with only Elias, Dr. Simone, and a few trusted staff present. Clair wore a soft blush gown, her belly round and proud. Austin wore a tailored ivory suit.
He whispered his vows through tears. "I was made of shadows until you lit me up. You are my peace, my fury, my fire. I vow to love you beyond every threat, through every storm, until my last breath."
Clair answered, "You are my impossible, Austin Montgomery. But also my always. I promise to walk through fire for us. To love you, fight with you, and raise these miracles beside you."
That night, beneath the moonlight, Austin carried her inside and laid her gently in bed. He kissed every stretch mark, every curve that carried his children.
"You're so beautiful," he murmured.
"I feel like a balloon."
"You look like my whole world."
And as she drifted off in his arms, their world finally felt safe again. But Austin knew peace could be temporary. So while Clair rested, he worked in the shadows, strengthening their fortress, drawing lines no enemy could cross.
Because love was their home.
And he would kill to protect it.