The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 218

Mia's POV

The boys immediately forgot their questions, racing to the door. "Thomas! Thomas! What's our surprise?"

I followed more slowly, my heart still heavy from their questions. Four years, and it didn't get easier.

Thomas stood in the doorway, his tall frame bent down to the boys' level as he pretended to search his pockets. "Surprise? Did I mention a surprise? I can't seem to remember..."

Their giggles filled the apartment as he finally produced two small boxes from his jacket.

"Careful," he warned as they tore into the packages. "These are special."

Inside each box was a child-sized compass on a sturdy cord. "For our adventure tomorrow," Thomas explained, showing them how the needles always pointed north.

The twins were delighted, immediately testing their new treasures by walking in different directions around the apartment.

Thomas straightened up, his smile warming as it met mine. "Ready for dinner? The reservation's at 7:30."

"Just need to grab my purse," I replied, touched by his thoughtfulness—the compasses would keep the boys entertained for hours.

As I collected my things, I watched Thomas with the twins. He crouched between them, explaining how explorers used compasses to navigate the world before GPS existed. His patience with them never wavered, his genuine interest in their thoughts and ideas evident in the careful way he listened to their excited chatter.

"Adventure tomorrow?" I asked as we headed out, a twin attached to each of our hands.

The twins raced ahead of us down the hallway to the elevator, their new compasses clutched tightly in their hands.

"Don't press the button until we get there," I called after them, though I knew it was likely futile.

Thomas laughed beside me. "I think that ship has sailed."

Sure enough, by the time we reached the elevator, Ethan was proudly announcing, "I did it correctly, Mom. I only pressed it once."

Alexander, not to be outdone, added, "And I held the door!"

"Well done, explorers," Thomas said, ruffling their hair as we stepped inside. "A good navigator always helps his team."

"Is Mom on our team?" Alexander asked, looking up at Thomas with those piercing gray eyes that sometimes made my heart stop.

"Always," Thomas replied without hesitation. "Your mom is the captain of our expedition."

"What's a captain do?" Ethan asked, carefully tucking his compass into his pocket just as I'd shown him.

"The captain makes all the important decisions," Thomas explained as the elevator descended. "Like where to go for dinner."

"Pizza!" Alexander shouted immediately.

"We had pizza yesterday," Ethan reminded him with the serious expression he often wore when correcting his brother. "Mom said balance is important."

Thomas caught my eye over their heads, his smile reflecting my amusement. This was our life now—practical negotiations with miniature logicians.

"Mom and I are going to have a grown-up dinner tonight while you two have your adventure with the puppies," Thomas reminded them gently. "But I promise we'll let you choose where we eat tomorrow."

"Even if I want ice cream for dinner?" Alexander pressed, his expression hopeful.

"That's a decision for the captain," Thomas replied diplomatically, winking at me.

My mother was waiting in the lobby, elegant as always despite the prospect of an evening with two energetic four-year-olds.

"There are my handsome grandsons!" she exclaimed, opening her arms as they ran to her.

"Grandma! Look what Thomas gave us!" Ethan carefully showed her his compass while Alexander swung his in circles, narrowly missing a potted plant.

"Amazing! We'll have to use those on our adventure tonight," my mother said, seamlessly catching Alexander's compass mid-swing without breaking her smile.

"I've packed their overnight bags," I told her, handing over the small backpacks. "Ethan's medicine is in the front pocket, and—"

"Darling, I've got this," she interrupted gently. "We've done this before. Multiple times."

Thomas placed a reassuring hand on my back. "They'll be fine."

"I know," I sighed, then knelt to kiss each of my boys. "Be good for Grandma, okay? Mind your manners and help with the puppies."

Thomas laughed, the sound warm and familiar. "Alexander or Ethan?"

"Alexander, of course. Though Ethan was the one who reported the crime."

"Always the watchful one," Thomas nodded. "How's the arts center proposal?"

"Approved unanimously this morning," I said, unable to keep the pride from my voice. "Construction begins next month."

"Congratulations. I never doubted they'd accept it." His smile was genuine, his pride in my accomplishments unforced. "I have something for you, to celebrate."

He reached into his jacket pocket and withdrew a small velvet box, sliding it across the table.

"Thomas—" I began, a flutter of something between anticipation and uncertainty rising in my chest.

"It's not what you think," he said quickly, always attuned to my reactions. "Open it."

Inside the box lay a delicate silver charm for my bracelet—a miniature building, intricately detailed to match the arts center I'd designed.

"I had it custom-made," he explained. "To commemorate your first solo major project. I know how much it means to you."

My throat tightened as I lifted the charm, turning it to catch the light. The attention to detail was remarkable—he'd clearly provided the jeweler with my actual designs.

"It's perfect," I whispered, genuinely moved. "Thank you."

he helped attach it.

"The boys are staying at Nate's tonight," I said, once he'd settled back in his seat. "Puppy slumber party, apparently."

Thomas's eyebrows rose slightly. "A free evening? What will you do with such luxury?"

"I thought maybe we could see where the night takes us," I replied, holding his gaze. "No schedules, no timelines."

His smile deepened, reaching his eyes. "Mia Williams without a schedule? Now that's something worth celebrating."