Tony Martinez
FOUR YEARS LATER
“Where are my favorite twins?” Tony’s voice could be heard from the kitchen which caused loud laughter from Addison and Adrian who immediately ran out to him, knowing he came bearing chocolates.
He always did.
Harriett and her family had moved to Paris after the incident with Damien. They decided that in order for her to fully get over him, she needed to be far away from him.
They also made sure to keep a low profile in Paris as they didn’t want to be easily found by Damien if he ever tried looking for them.
Two months after Harriett moved to Paris, she found out that she was pregnant with a pair of twins- a boy and a girl. Her joy knew no bounds and even her parents were excited.
They had been expecting just one child but they were blessed with two.
Harriett met Tony Martinez in the hospital while she was getting her checkup. He was the doctor who was in charge of her and they got closer to each other with her every visit. When Harriett gave birth, Tony was also the doctor in charge and he had not left her for a single minute since that day. Naturally, they became best of friends.
Her children, Addison and Adrian even called him ‘ daddy ’ and her parents prayed everyday that they would fall in love because Tony loved and respected her just as they wanted. He was better than Damien in every way.
Harriett deserved someone like him.
“I have told you guys. No running. You could fall and hurt yourselves.” Harriett warned as she followed the twins out to the sitting room where Tony was.
“They won’t.” Tony promised as he scooped Addison into his arms, causing Adrian to whine jealously.
“Pick me up too, Daddy.” Adrian cried and Harriett felt a weight in her heart again. It happened every time she heard them call Tony ‘ daddy ’.
He wasn’t their father and she had told them this countless times but they never listened as all their friends had fathers. They were to little to understand why they didn’t have a father so they just stuck with referring to Tony as their father.
It pained her because every time they did that, it reminded her of the person she had worked so hard to forget.
It wasn’t easy to do that especially when her children were a carbon copy of him.
Their dark brown hair and grey eyes that always reminded her of the man she loved for her entire teenage years.
“Are you alright, Harri?” Tony asked, noticing how she was zoning out again. It was a habit of hers and he knew exactly why.
“Yeah. I’m good.” She smiled and he dropped the children slowly before moving to give her a hug and a small peck on her cheeks. Harriett relaxed in his hold as he was the only friend she had… the only one she could trust and rely on.
“I didn’t know you were coming over today. I would have prepared a feast.” She joked, her dark eyes warming up as she spoke to him.
“My terrible luck. I should have told you. I guess I just missed a feast then.” He replied, throwing his head back in laughter.
Harriett opened her mouth to speak when her phone’s ringing tone went off.
“Give me a minute.” She said and went to the kitchen to get her phone. When she saw who it was on the screen, her lips spread in a smile.
“Eric! It’s been ages since we last spoke.” She said into the phone with a big smile on her face.
“Tell me about it. We last spoke during their third year birthday. How are you.. and my babies?” His cheerful voice said.
“I’ve never been better and you know you Addison and Adrian. They’re attacking Tony for his chocolates right now.” She laughed, peeking through the kitchen door to see Tony struggling with the children as they threw themselves on him, asking for their chocolates.
When Eric heard this, he didn’t know how to feel. During his last visit to Paris, he bumped into Harriett and since then, they have been in contact. Although, Harriett made him promise not to tell his friend about her and the children and he immediately agreed as he also wasn’t in support of Damien’s decision back then.
He saw how well Tony treated Harriett and for a minute, he thought they were dating but Harriett clarified things and told him that they were just friends- best of friends.
He was indeed happy that Harriett was finally getting the love she deserved.
He felt bad for his friend as he had no idea that he had a beautiful set of twins but Damien brought it upon himself. Then, he didn’t deserve to be their father with the way he treated Harriett.
“I expect nothing less from them.” He said with a chuckle.
“You remember when I told you that I’ll be getting married next month?” Eric said and her eyes widened.
Of course, she remembered but she thought he was only joking as she never thought that Eric was capable of settling down.
“Wait. It’s really happening?” She asked, shocked that it was actually happening.
“Yes, Harriett. As crazy as it sounds, I’m getting married. You’ll be there, right?” He asks and the line goes silent for a few seconds as Harriett remembered that he wasn’t just her friend.
Going for his wedding would mean she would see him. The last person she wanted to see.
But, what better way to show him that she has moved on than to show up at Eric’s wedding looking happy and content?
“Yes. I’ll be there.”
*
*
“Are you sure?” Her mother asked her with wide eyes. She was worried for her daughter as she didn’t think she was ready to see Damien even though it had been four years since the divorce.
“Yes, mother. If you are worried that I still have feelings for Damien, don’t be. I’m over him. I don’t need him in my life anymore, especially now that I have you guys and Tony to help care for the kids.” She explained to her mother who nodded slowly and turned to look at her husband who had a proud look on his face.
He was happy that his little girl was finally becoming a woman.
“Alright. We should all leave together then. We also need to visit the branch in New York and sort a few things out. I was also thinking that it is time for I and your mother to move back to New York.. if it’s okay with you, of course.” Her father suggested and Harriett smiled.
“Of course, Dad. You guys gave up your life in New York for me. You’ve done so much for me already. It will be unfair of me to stop you guys from returning.” She held both their hands as she spoke with a sad smile.
“I have Tony here with me. I and the Twins will be fine. Of course, we’ll visit regularly.” She promised and her parents gave her a warm hug.
They felt relieved that their daughter had someone like Tony to rely on. They knew that with him, she was in safe hands.
The next week, the entire family were on their way to Harriett’s father’s jet to return to New York as Eric’s wedding was in four days. Harriett wanted to spend a few days there with her children so they could spend some time in their grand parents house before leaving.
“Tony? What are you doing here?” Harriett was shocked to see Tony standing beside the jet, with his own boxes.
“I’m coming to New York with you, Harri.” He said with a smile.
