Signed In Ink, Sealed In Love

Thirty-five weeks.

Sleep had become a negotiation.

Aria shifted again in bed, trying to find a position that didn't hurt her lower back.

Too left.

Too right.

Too flat.

Too upright.

Finally she exhaled.

"This is ridiculous."

Leo stirred beside her.

"What is?"

"Existing."

He opened one eye.

"You're dramatic."

She laughed softly despite herself.

"It hurts."

He sat up immediately.

"Back?"

"Yes."

He adjusted the pillows behind her without complaint.

"Try this."

She leaned back.

Better.

"Okay."

He stayed beside her, hand resting lightly on her leg.

"You're close."

She looked at him.

"To what?"

"To delivery."

That word hung between them.

Not fear.

Reality.

Thirty-five weeks wasn't premature for twins to arrive.

Doctors had already explained it.

Anything from 36 to 38 weeks was common.

She swallowed.

"I still feel unprepared."

"You're not."

She frowned slightly.

"How can you say that?"

"Because preparation isn't perfection."

That quieted her.

She studied him.

"You're very calm."

"I have to be."

"Why?"

"Because if I panic, you will."

She smiled faintly.

"That's manipulative."

"It's truthful."

Nesting instincts returned with a vengeance that week.

Aria spent hours reorganizing the nursery drawers.

Clothes folded by size.

Socks paired perfectly.

Toys lined up like tiny soldiers.

Leo watched at one point and chuckled.

"You moved those again."

"They were uneven."

"They're identical."

She shot him a look.

"Don't start."

He raised his hands in surrender.

"Not starting."

She sighed and stepped back.

"Better."

He came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"You're working too hard."

"I need it right."

"It already is."

She leaned into him slightly.

"I can't stop."

That was the truth.

Nesting wasn't logical.

It was instinct.

He kissed the side of her head.

"Then I'll help."

At 36 weeks, discomfort increased.

Her belly was heavier.

Movements stronger.

Sometimes the twins kicked simultaneously - one high, one low - making her gasp.

One evening she sat on the couch with a pillow under her stomach.

"Okay," she muttered. "I get it. You're strong."

A firm roll answered.

She laughed softly.

"Rude."

Leo came over immediately.

"Pain?"

"No. Just dramatic."

He crouched beside her and placed his hand where the movement had been.

Another kick.

He shook his head slightly.

"They're fighters."

She smiled.

"Like their father."

He smirked.

"Careful."

She rolled her eyes.

"You love it."

"Yes."

That was the difference now.

Playfulness existed alongside seriousness.

Small disagreement

It happened over something stupid.

Dishes.

Specifically, the way he loaded the dishwasher.

Aria stared at it.

"You put the bowls upside down."

"They clean better that way."

"They fill with water."

He frowned.

"No they don't."

"Yes they do."

He turned to her.

"This is not a crisis."

"It's inefficient."

He blinked.

"Are you arguing about dishes?"

"Yes."

He stared at her for a second.

Then exhaled.

"Okay."

That single word almost deflated her irritation.

Almost.

Instead she crossed her arms.

"I just want things done right."

He nodded.

"I know."

Her frustration softened slightly.

"It bothers me when it's messy."

"I understand."

No sarcasm.

No pushback.

Just understanding.

She sighed.

"I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apologize."

"I snapped."

"You're thirty-six weeks pregnant."

That made her laugh softly.

"Not an excuse."

"It's context."

She looked at him.

"You're too calm."

He stepped closer.

"Because I love you."

That shut down the argument entirely.

Not in a dismissive way.

In a grounding way.

She softened.

"Sorry."

He shook his head.

"You already said that."

She reached for his hand.

He squeezed it.

"It's fine."

Small disagreements didn't become wars.

They became moments of adjustment.

That night, they lay in bed facing each other.

She traced small circles on his chest.

"You handled that well."

"It wasn't hard."

"I was irrational."

"You were emotional."

She smiled faintly.

"That's nicer."

He kissed her forehead.

"Because it's true."

She looked up at him.

"You're still attracted to me at thirty-six weeks?"

He frowned.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I feel huge."

"You are huge."

She gasped.

"Rude."

He smirked.

"Beautifully huge."

She laughed softly.

"That was better."

He slid his hand under her shirt, resting it on her stomach.

The twins moved immediately.

He exhaled.

"They're active tonight."

"Yes."

He looked at her.

"Almost there."

She nodded.

"Almost."

That word carried weight.

Delivery was close.

Life would change again.

But they were ready.

Not perfectly.

Not without nerves.

But together.

The Moretti reality

They didn't need to show off wealth.

It existed.

The house was comfortable and modern.

Nursery thoughtfully designed.

Medical care secured.

But their focus wasn't luxury.

It was family.

One afternoon, a delivery arrived - baby essentials ordered through a private supplier.

Boxes stacked neatly near the nursery.

Aria opened one and smiled at the tiny outfits inside.

"So small," she murmured.

Leo joined her.

"They won't be for long."

She held up a tiny pink onesie.

"Daughters."

He smiled.

"Daughters."

No extravagance.

Just preparation.

Love expressed through action.

35–36 weeks

The heaviness increased.

Sleep became fragmented.

Backaches were common.

But so was anticipation.

One night she woke to strong movement.

"Leo."

He stirred.

"What?"

"It's happening."

He sat up immediately.

"What is?"

She laughed softly.

"Not that."

She guided his hand to her stomach.

A powerful kick pressed against him.

He exhaled.

"That's stronger."

"Yes."

He looked at her.

"You okay?"

"Yes."

She smiled faintly.

"They're reminding us they're almost here."

He kissed her hand.

"We're ready."

Not perfectly.

But ready.

Marriage solid

The small disagreement didn't linger.

They talked about it.

Softly.

Respectfully.

"I don't like snapping," she admitted.

"I don't take it personally."

"Thank you."

He pulled her into a gentle hug.

"We're fine."

She nodded.

"We are."

That was the truth.

No lingering resentment.

No silent treatment.

Just resolution.

The Moretti penthouse was quiet that evening.

Not silent - just the peaceful kind of quiet that comes when a home is settled.

Aria sat on the massive living room couch with her feet slightly elevated on a velvet stool. A soft throw blanket covered her legs, though the weather wasn't cold.

Her belly was huge now.

Twin huge.

The movement inside her stomach was constant these days. Strong rolls. Sharp kicks. Little stretches.

She rested one hand on the top of her belly.

Then suddenly-

THUMP.

She laughed softly.

"Okay, that was definitely you, baby A."

Another kick followed immediately.

Then another.

"Or maybe that was baby B..."

From the kitchen island across the room, Leo looked up.

He had an apron tied around his waist.

Yes.

Leo was cooking again.

And he'd gotten good at it too.

"Who's attacking you now?" he asked casually while stirring something in a pan.

Aria grinned.

"One of your daughters just tried to break my rib."

Leo immediately walked over.

He crouched in front of her and placed both hands gently on her belly.

"Which one?" he asked seriously.

Another strong kick landed directly against his palm.

Leo's eyebrows lifted.

"Oh."

Another kick.

Then another.

He chuckled.

"They're definitely Morettis."

Aria laughed.

"They're restless tonight."

Leo leaned closer and kissed the side of her stomach.

"Easy, princesses," he murmured to the babies.

"Your mother is carrying two of you. Show some respect."

Another kick landed.

Aria winced slightly.

"Okay that one hurt."

Leo's face instantly changed.

"Pain level?"

"Relax," she said quickly, grabbing his wrist. "Just strong kicks."

He exhaled slowly.

Even after months, Leo still reacted like every discomfort was a national emergency.

He gently rubbed the side of her belly where the kick landed.

"Try leaning back more," he said softly.

She adjusted slightly.

Another slow roll moved across her stomach.

Leo watched it with complete fascination.

"You see that?"

Aria nodded.

"Baby B."

"That was a whole elbow."

She laughed.

"They're running out of space."

Leo kissed her stomach again.

"Two more weeks," he whispered.

Aria raised an eyebrow.

"You think I'm making it two weeks?"

Leo stood slowly and returned to the kitchen.

"You're making it to whenever the doctor says you're delivering."

"That's not an answer."

He pointed a wooden spoon at her.

"Doctor said twins usually come around 38 weeks. So I'm preparing for any day now."

Aria sighed.

"I'm so tired of being pregnant."

Leo chuckled.

"You say that now. Wait until they're here screaming at 3am."

She smirked.

"You'll be the one holding them."

He didn't even hesitate.

"Obviously."

Dinner was ready twenty minutes later.

Leo helped her stand up slowly.

"Easy."

"I'm pregnant, Leo, not ninety."

"You're pregnant with twins."

He guided her carefully to the dining table.

Dinner was simple but good.

Grilled salmon.

Rice.

Vegetables.

Doctor-approved.

Aria ate slowly.

Halfway through the meal she stopped suddenly.

Leo noticed immediately.

"What?"

She blinked.

"Nothing."

"What happened?"

She tilted her head.

"Just pressure."

Leo froze.

"What kind of pressure?"

She waited a moment.

Then the feeling faded.

"False alarm."

Leo leaned back in his chair slowly.

"You can't say 'pressure' like that and then eat rice calmly."

She smiled.

"Relax."

He shook his head.

"Hospital bag is by the door."

"I know."

"Driver is on standby."

"I know."

"Doctor is aware you're full term."

"I know."

He leaned forward again.

"And your husband is ready to panic."

She laughed.

"Leo."

"What?"

"You're more pregnant than me at this point."

He smirked.

"Impossible."

After dinner, they moved back to the living room.

Aria was walking slowly when another strong kick hit.

She stopped.

"Oof."

Leo was beside her instantly.

"What?"

She grabbed his arm.

"Your daughters."

Leo placed his hand on her stomach again.

Another visible movement pushed across her belly.

"Wow," he murmured.

"They're boxing."

Aria leaned into him slightly.

"They're strong."

"They're Morettis," he repeated proudly.

He helped her sit down again.

Then he knelt in front of her.

His hands gently massaged her swollen feet.

Aria sighed with relief.

"That feels so good."

Leo continued.

"You carried them for nine months. The least I can do is massage your feet."

She looked down at him.

"You've been spoiling me this whole pregnancy."

"Yes."

"No complaints."

"None."

Another kick hit his arm.

Leo paused.

"Okay that one had attitude."

Aria laughed.

"She's already like you."

Leo looked offended.

"I'm calm."

She stared at him.

"You threatened a hospital administrator once."

"He was incompetent."

She laughed again.

Then suddenly-

Her face shifted.

Leo noticed instantly.

"What."

Aria frowned slightly.

"That... felt different."

Leo straightened.

"What do you mean different."

She waited.

A few seconds passed.

Then-

A tight squeeze moved across her stomach.

She inhaled slowly.

Leo's eyes widened.

"Was that-"

She nodded slowly.

"...Maybe."

They both went quiet.

Thirty seconds passed.

Then the sensation faded.

Leo exhaled slowly.

"Contraction?"

"Maybe."

"Pain?"

"Not really."

He stood up immediately.

"I'm calling the doctor."

"Leo-"

"No."

She sighed.

"You're dramatic."

"Yes."

He pulled out his phone anyway.

"Because my wife is carrying two human beings who might decide to arrive tonight."

Aria leaned back against the couch, rubbing her stomach gently.

The babies shifted again.

She smiled softly.

"Girls... if you're coming tonight... try not to destroy me."

Leo returned after speaking to the doctor.

"Doctor said monitor contractions."

"How often?"

"If it becomes regular or painful, we go to the hospital."

She nodded.

Leo sat beside her.

Then pulled her gently into his arms.

She leaned against his chest.

His hand rested on her belly.

Another slow kick pushed against his palm.

He smiled.

"Soon."

Aria closed her eyes.

"Very soon."

The room was quiet again.

But this time...

The anticipation was real.

She was having just tiny contractions she slept through, Leo also didn't sleep deeply until midnight.

The Moretti estate got unusually quiet by the time it was morning.

Aria had been awake since 5 a.m., sitting in the massive cream couch of their bedroom, one hand resting under her belly while the other rubbed slow circles over the side where one of the twins kept pressing outward.

Her stomach was huge now. Twin huge.

A sudden sharp tightening wrapped around her belly.

She froze.

"...Leo."

No response.

He was still asleep beside her.

Another contraction hit.

Stronger.

"Leo."

She shook his arm.

Leo's eyes snapped open instantly.

"What's wrong?"

Aria grabbed his wrist and placed his hand on her stomach just as another contraction started building.

His face changed immediately.

"Aria... is that-"

She exhaled sharply.

"I think so."

Leo shot out of bed like the house was on fire.

"Okay. Okay. Okay."

He was suddenly pacing the room.

Aria stared at him.

"Leo..."

"Yes?"

"You're panicking."

"I'm not panicking."

He was absolutely panicking.

Another contraction hit her.

This one made her bend forward.

Leo rushed back to her immediately.

"Hey hey hey... breathe. Breathe for me."

She gripped his shirt.

"These babies are coming today."

His eyes widened.

"Today today?"

Aria gave him a look.

"When do you think labor means, Leo?"

He ran a hand through his hair.

"Right. Right. Hospital."

Downstairs, the Moretti mansion suddenly turned into controlled chaos.

Security called the driver.

House staff were rushing everywhere.

Leo was trying to keep Aria calm while also barking instructions into his phone.

"Car ready. Now."

Another contraction hit.

Aria grabbed the marble kitchen counter.

"Oh God-"

Leo rushed to her again, holding her waist.

"Easy. Easy."

She glared at him.

"Easy for who?!"

He winced.

"Okay not easy. Definitely not easy."

Hospital

The private VIP maternity wing was already prepared.

The Moretti name had made sure of that.

Doctors.

Specialists.

Two neonatal teams for the twins.

Everything ready.

Aria was wheeled into the labor suite while Leo walked beside the bed gripping her hand like his life depended on it.

"Stay with me," she said through a contraction.

"I'm not going anywhere."

Another wave hit.

Harder.

Aria squeezed his hand so tight he almost lost circulation.

Leo didn't even flinch.

Hours Later

Labor with twins was intense.

Aria was exhausted.

Sweating.

Breathing hard.

Leo stayed right beside her the entire time.

Holding her.

Wiping her forehead.

Encouraging her.

"You're doing amazing."

She glared weakly.

"I hate you."

He nodded.

"Understandable."

Another contraction.

"Leo!"

"I'm here."

The doctor looked up.

"Alright. Aria, we're close. First baby is ready."

Leo froze.

"First?"

The doctor smiled.

"You have two babies, Mr. Moretti."

Right.

Twins.

Leo looked like he might pass out.

Aria laughed breathlessly.

"You better not faint."

"I'm fine."

He was not fine.

The Push

"Push, Aria!"

She screamed through the effort.

Leo held her shoulders.

"You've got this!"

Another push.

Another cry.

Then-

A sharp newborn cry filled the room.

The doctor lifted the tiny baby.

"A girl!"

Leo's eyes immediately filled with tears.

Aria collapsed back against the pillows in relief.

"Is she okay?"

"Perfect."

But the doctor spoke again.

"Alright Aria... one more."

Leo blinked.

"Oh right. There's another baby."

Twenty minutes later...

Aria pushed again with everything she had left.

Leo kissed her forehead.

"One more. Just one more."

And then-

Another cry.

Louder.

Stronger.

The doctor smiled.

"Second baby girl."

Leo completely broke.

Tears.

Actual tears.

Aria laughed weakly.

"Leo... you're crying."

"I have daughters."

He looked like he couldn't believe it.

Two tiny babies were placed on Aria's chest.

One on each side.

The twins.

Small.

Perfect.

Sleeping against their mother.

Leo sat beside the bed, staring at them like they were the most fragile things in the world.

Aria looked at him.

"You're a dad now."

He kissed her hand softly.

"You made me one."

Outside the room, their families were already waiting.

The Moretti twins had officially arrived.

And the entire Moretti empire had just gotten two new princesses.