The Surrogate He Discarded

By the time the twins were seven months old, the Foster mansion had settled into a comfortable rhythm filled with tiny giggles, sleepless nights, and the endless wonder that came with watching two little lives grow day by day.

It was around that time that Morgan’s parents, Julian and Leanne Foster, finally returned to Novare after spending several months overseas with their daughter, Judy.

Only then did Isobel learn that Morgan’s parents were very much alive.

She had once assumed they had passed away long ago because she never saw them.

Instead, they had accompanied Judy after her marriage to a wealthy businessman from a distant country. They remained abroad until they were certain their only daughter had found her place in her new home and had earned the love and respect of her husband’s influential family. Only then did they finally return to Novare.

The moment they arrived at the mansion, they were led straight to the nursery.

Inside, sunlight streamed through the tall windows, bathing the room in a warm golden glow.

Kit and Kat were happily occupying themselves on a soft quilt spread across the floor.

The twins had recently discovered the joy of crawling, and they moved with determined little wiggles, chasing after stuffed animals only to abandon them moments later in favor of another toy.

Kat had somehow managed to capture a plush rabbit in both hands and was triumphantly chewing on one of its floppy ears.

Kit, meanwhile, was busily attempting to stack colorful wooden blocks, only to squeal with delight every time they toppled over.

The sound of the nursery door opening drew their attention.

Two tiny heads turned in perfect unison.

For a heartbeat, the twins simply blinked at the unfamiliar faces.

Then Kat’s entire face lit up.

She clapped her chubby little hands and let out an excited babble before throwing both arms into the air.

”Oh, my goodness,” Leanne breathed, one hand flying to her chest. ”Look at them... they’re absolutely precious and adorable.”

Her eyes immediately softened with grandmotherly affection.

”I’ve seen their photographs, but they don’t compare to seeing them in person.”

Julian, who was usually composed, couldn’t help smiling as he watched the babies crawl enthusiastically toward them.

”They’re even cuter than I imagined.”

”They certainly know how to welcome guests,” Leanne said with a laugh.

”Mom!” Judy exclaimed, already kneeling onto the carpet. ”Look at Kirsten! She’s asking me to carry her.”

Kat let out another delighted squeal, stretching both pudgy arms toward Judy with complete confidence, as though they had known each other forever.

”Well, how could anyone refuse you?” Judy laughed.

She scooped the little girl into her arms.

Kat immediately settled against her shoulder as if she belonged there, one tiny hand reaching up to pat Judy’s cheek before erupting into another fit of bubbly giggles.

Judy laughed along with her.

”Oh, you’ve already stolen my heart.”

She studied the baby’s face, brushing an impossibly soft curl away from her forehead.

”Mom...” she said with growing excitement. ”Doesn’t she look a little like me?”

Leanne chuckled.

”You silly girl.”

She stepped closer, gently stroking Kat’s rosy cheek.

”Of course she does. She’s family.”

Julian leaned over to inspect his granddaughter, nodding thoughtfully.

”I can see it around the eyes.”

”And that smile,” Leanne added. ”That’s unmistakably a Foster smile.”

As though sensing they were the center of attention, Kat rewarded them with another toothless grin.

Not to be outdone, Kit abandoned his wooden blocks, crawled over at surprising speed, and tugged insistently at Julian’s trouser leg.

Julian looked down in surprise.

”Oh?”

The little baby looked up at him with wide, curious eyes before raising both tiny hands in silent demand.

Leanne burst into laughter.

”It seems your grandson doesn’t believe it’s fair that only his sister gets all the attention.”

Julian’s stern expression melted completely.

”So that’s how it is.”

He bent down and carefully lifted Kit into his arms.

The little baby immediately reached for Julian’s spectacles with determined little fingers.

”Oh no,” Julian laughed, tilting his head away. ”Those are not toys.”

The nursery filled with laughter.

Watching the scene unfold, Isobel felt a quiet warmth spread through her heart.

The twins had only just met their grandparents and aunt, yet it was as though they had always belonged together.

Some bonds, she realized, needed no introduction at all.

...

Morgan and Kristine remained by the doorway, smiling as they watched their parents and Judy dote shamelessly on the twins.

The nursery, moments ago quiet, was now filled with laughter.

”Dad,” Morgan called, unable to suppress an amused grin. ”Kit doesn’t like being held like that.”

Julian looked up, frowning.

”What do you mean?”

”He’s trying to get down.”

Indeed, Kit was squirming in his grandfather’s arms, his tiny legs kicking impatiently as though he had somewhere far more important to be.

Julian adjusted his hold, but the little baby merely wriggled harder.

”You ungrateful brat,” Julian grumbled, though there wasn’t an ounce of annoyance in his voice. His glare shifted to Morgan. ”And now you’re teaching me how to hold a baby?”

Morgan chuckled.

”I’m just saying—”

”Oh, be quiet.” Julian snorted. ”Do you think I don’t know how to carry my own grandson? I’ve raised two children already. Unless you’ve forgotten, you and your sister were once this small.”

Kristine laughed outright.

”He’s got you there.”

Morgan sighed in surrender and lifted both hands.

”Fine. I know better than to argue with Dad.”

”At least you’ve learned something.”

Leanne rolled her eyes fondly at the familiar exchange.

”You two haven’t changed a bit.”

Morgan simply smiled. Watching his parents with Kit and Kat filled him with a quiet contentment.

He had expected them to adore the twins, but he hadn’t imagined they would be completely captivated within minutes of meeting them.

The babies hadn’t needed to do much at all.

One gummy smile from Kat and one curious look from Kit had been enough to melt even Julian Foster’s usually imposing demeanor.

Then, as though only just remembering there were others in the room, Julian’s gaze drifted past the twins. It settled on Isobel.

His smile slowly faded. For a long moment, he simply stared.

There was unmistakable surprise in his eyes... and something else.

Was it recognition?

No.

That couldn’t be.

The room seemed to grow strangely still.

Finally, Julian spoke.

”...And who might you be?”