Chapter 11

"Sure," Rebecca agreed.

Debra laughed, her heart overflowing with joy. Naming the babies was a big deal, so mother and daughter began brainstorming, scouring the internet for the perfect names. Debra felt such a big decision should be a family affair, so she texted Patrick and Rebecca's brothers, asking everyone to help choose names for the babies. But with so many opinions, the task became daunting, and they couldn't decide for a while.

Around noon, Paul called to say Janet had delivered a baby boy, and both mother and son were doing well. Paul was furious. He still remembered Theodore hadn't been there for Rebecca's delivery, but now, with another woman's child, Theodore was practically glued to the infant. He hadn't left the baby's side since leaving the delivery room.

"Debra, Rebecca must divorce that man! It's unforgivable!" Paul demanded angrily.

Debra was equally furious. How could such a person exist? Then there were Sam and Melissa, hypocrites who'd acted so righteously toward Rebecca, promising support if she ever suffered. But now? The moment the "homewrecker" had a baby, they were sprinting to the hospital! Not only did they go, but they ensured Theodore went along. The whole family was fawning over the mistress and her baby. How dare they ask for Rebecca's forgiveness?

"Mom, I'm fine," Rebecca said gently, squeezing her mother's hand, seeing her distress.

Debra looked at her daughter, her heart aching. Tears filled her eyes as she apologized, "Becky, it's my fault. If I hadn't been so careless, you wouldn't have gone through all that." Rebecca quickly wiped her mother's tears. "It's okay, Mom. It's over. We've found each other, and things will get better."

Chapter 12

Debra nodded. "Yes, Becky. You're right. Things will get better. You have your whole life ahead of you. You've been through so much; it's time for happiness."

Over the next week, Sam and Melissa were busy, trying to maintain peace at home, caring for Rebecca and the twins while sneaking off to visit their other great-grandchild. An heir was all they'd ever wanted. Had Janet given birth to a girl, they might not have cared so much, but a son changed everything. They might have despised the mistress and her family, but they didn't hate their great-grandson. They worried he'd be negatively influenced by Janet's family, so they tried to have Theodore take the child. Debra had Paul keep watch at the hospital; this is what he discovered.

Sam and Melissa wanted Theodore to take Janet's child and have Rebecca raise him. They argued the child was innocent, Rebecca was good, and she'd understand if they explained it properly.

Debra laughed angrily. Sam and Melissa had some nerve! Did they think her daughter was a saint who would raise a mistress's child? "Becky," Debra said earnestly, "there isn't a good soul in the Edwards family. Don't fall for their smooth talk. We need to see through their lies."

"I know," Rebecca agreed.

"Mom, why don't we let the babies pick their own names?" Rebecca asked, holding them.

Debra's eyes lit up. "Sure."

For a week, the family brainstormed names. Even Paul contributed. With so many options, they couldn't decide. They decided to let the babies choose by drawing lots.

Debra bought paper and a pen, writing down all the options. The babies would draw their first names and nicknames. The big sister was named Lillian Carter, nicknamed Lily; the little brother, Kevin Carter, nicknamed Kev.

The twins' birth certificates were pending. Paul had stalled it, not wanting the Edwards name. Now, with names chosen, they could apply. Debra sent the names to Paul, who quickly processed the certificates. The twins would have the Carter name. With the certificates, registration was easy. Bryce, who worked at the police station, submitted the licenses and information; the registration was quickly resolved.

Over two weeks had passed. In a week, the babies would be a month old. Sam and Melissa planned a party and asked about the babies' names.

Rebecca and Debra exchanged a glance and told them the babies didn't have the Edwards name. Melissa was stunned; Sam shocked. Even Theodore looked at Rebecca in disbelief.

"Rebecca, are you out of your mind?" Theodore asked angrily.

Rebecca remained calm. She looked at the babies, then at Theodore. "According to the divorce papers, the children are mine and have nothing to do with you. And since the children are with me, I choose their last names."