Pregnant With Alpha’s Genius Twins

#Chapter 4 – Quiz Nation

I wave goodbye to Melissa, my client, as she wipes her eyes and walks to her car. She’s going to be all right – but wow, what an exhausting session.

As she drives away I click my phone open and check my email, pleased to see that the confirmation I was looking for is there. “Boys!” I call, “get your shoes!”

My children clatter around in the living room before spilling into the hallway, Ian hopping on one foot as he pulls on his sneaker. Alvin carries his shoes carefully and sits down to tie his laces. “What’s happening, mama?”

I feign surprise, teasing them. “What, didn’t you want to go to the quiz show?”

“Really, mama?!” Ian’s face lights up and he throws himself against me in a hug. “We can really go?!”

I laugh and hug him back as Alvin joins us. “Well, you earned it, and I could use a break from my work. I contacted the show and it’s all real – you earned your place. Since you qualified together, though, you have to play as one. Are you okay with that?”

“Yes!” they say together, two pairs of bright brown eyes smiling up at me.

“Okay, into the car!” I say, smacking their bums as they pass. Off we go.

“Alvin and Ian Ortega,” the receptionist says, her eyes wide. “This…this is them?”

I nod, a hand on the shoulder of each boy. “Yes,” I say. “Is there a problem?”

“No,” she says, shaking her head, surprise clear on her face. “They’re just so…young. You know,” she tears her eyes away from them and looks at me, “most of the contestants on this show are…adults. Doctors. Lawyers. Educated people.”

“It’s not a mistake!” Alvin chimes in. “We qualified!” He slips his printed-out paper onto the desk. Ian gives the receptionist a gap-toothed grin.

guess…everything’s in order!” She laughs,

off towards it. As I begin to follow, she stops me with a light hand on my arm. “You know, you

smile warmly at her and gently pull my arm away. “Thanks,” I say. “I know. I count my blessings every day.” I catch up with my boys at

course, but overall you must remember to have fun, and be polite.” I narrow my eyes at Ian in particular. “No funny

mama,” Alvin says, smiling

at me a little

with guilt, but I put on a smile anyway. “We’ve talked about this, boys. Your father is a great man, but he’s very busy – he’s out there doing big, big work, and helping people. He loves you,” I say, hoping, deep down, that it’s not a lie. “He just needs to be somewhere else. But he’s

gently push the boys forward and watch them run away to be prepared in hair in makeup, or whatever they do.

with anticipation. I try to keep my face smooth so that if the boys look out into the audience they will find

boys stand on stage behind a podium. Their answer appears in text on the front of

pause, and then… “Yessssssssss!” The announcer shouts enthusiastically, and the crowd goes wild, me included. I

– you have

set of podiums where they will face the previous champion, a scientist from LA. He generously shakes hands with the boys, who, I am pleased to

Stagehands scatter and I take

into the final level, let’s take a moment to get to know our newest contestants. Alvin and Ian,” the announcer says, leaning casually against their podium. “You are our youngest contestants ever and have, amazingly, made it to the final round on your

is real smart,” says Ian, and the crowd laughs.

charmed. “And what will you do,

the crowd hushes awkwardly. I huff out a breath of air and paste a smile on my face.

says Alvin. “Our dad is real busy, but we want him to know

am sure…he is very proud of you already,” the announcer says, a little stiffly,

the twins