Four years later…
The queen of Vallia had been warned her “advanced maternal age” meant she might have trouble conceiving. Since she was expected to produce an heir and a spare, she’d been urged to begin trying on her wedding night.
As with everything else in the course of their relationship, she and Laszlo had seemed fated to wait. They tried for nearly a year and never once saw happy news on the pregnancy stick.
It was demoralizing, but Laszlo insisted there was no pressure on her. Laszlo was Sofia’s delegate in many halls of power, developing a reputation for pushing boundaries and taking risks, but above all he was her most stalwart supporter, known best for his fearsome devotion to his wife. He assured her that they lived very full lives and her brother could secure the throne if needed.
As they closed in on a year of trying, they saw a fertility specialist. Laszlo took his test and was pronounced fertile. Sofia wanted to discuss whether it was time to see if any of her eggs she’d had frozen a few years ago were viable.
The specialist ran a standard screen before beginning treatment and came back with the news that she was already pregnant.
“I can’t be,” she said with disbelief while Laszlo reached for her and crushed her hand. His eyes were damp with joy.
She was pregnant. So pregnant that, when they went for her first scan, they learned she was carrying twins.
“You’re a twin. How can you be this shocked?” Laszlo asked through his astonished laughter.
“Because it’s a miracle. It makes me too happy.”
“No such thing,” he chided.
It seemed to be true. Aside from the usual discomforts of pregnancy, she carried to term and delivered naturally. As she held her son and Laszlo held their daughter, they were both smiling through tears.
“I never imagined I could be this happy,” she told him. “You did this, you know.”
“Oh, Solntse,” he choked. “You just birthed two babies. I held a pair of scissors and tried not to faint. Let’s leave credit where it’s due.”
“You know what I mean. You didn’t have to choose this life, but you did. You made this possible for me. Thank you.”
“I would do it again. It’s worth everything we’ve been through to see that beautiful light in your face.” He glanced down. “And in these ones. How will we tell them apart, do you think?”
She laughed but wanted to cry, too, she was so overcome with love for him.
“Colored caps. It worked for Luca and me.”
He chuckled and came to sit on the bed, being careful of the babies they held between them as he leaned in to kiss her. “I love you, my beautiful queen.”
The End
If you loved this story by Dani Collins, don’t miss the scandalous trilogy Signed, Sealed…Seduced featuring Dani Collins, Clare Connelly and Tara Pammi.
Out now wherever Mills & Boon books are sold!
Ways to Ruin a Reputation by Dani Collins
Cinderella’s Night in Venice by Clare Connelly
The Playboy’s I Do Deal by Tara Pammi
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