Chapter 253

• "Hi there, Nicole and Dallas. You two are so beautiful. And so big," I said, softly talking to them as I gazed down into their tiny, innocent faces.
• They were both looking up at me like they actually recognized me or something like that. I wasn't sure, but there was something in their eyes that gave me the impression that they knew exactly who I was. It wasn’t just a random stare; there was a familiarity in it. I don’t know how to describe it, but I just felt that instant connection with them. It wasn't forced or imagined. It was real. And I knew deep down that they felt it too. There was a bond forming between us that needed no words. I knew that they understood I was their mother. There was no doubt in my heart. And they were all mine. My heart felt full to the brim, overflowing with warmth and love I had never known before.
• It didn’t take long for word to spread throughout the pack that we had finally named the babies. Their names traveled quickly from one person to another, and Ryker was the first one to call from the castle. He couldn’t wait to congratulate us. He told us over the phone how much he loved the names we had chosen. He said they were perfect and that they held strength, elegance, and meaning. That call meant a lot. Just hearing his voice, hearing the pride in it, reminded me of how close we had all become.