Chapter 263
Dinner was loud and chaotic in the best way. Lily chattered nonstop about her preschool and her friends, while Liam made a mess with his food, getting more of it on himself than in his mouth.
“Liam, please, Sarah said for what felt like the hundredth time, wiping his face with a napkin.
He just grinned at her and went right back to smearing mashed potatoes everywhere.
Lily insisted on sitting next to me, and she kept reaching over to steal food off my plate even though she had her own.
“Lily, eat your own food,” Sarah said.
“But Aunt Athena’s tastes better,” Lily said, making everyone laugh.
“That’s because I’m not eating it,” I said, tickling her side.
She giggled and finally focused on her own plate.
I caught Tristan watching me from across the table, a soft expression on his face. I knew what he was thinking. Soon we’d have our
own kid sitting at this table.
The thought made warmth spread through my chest.
After dinner, Orion and Tristan cleared the table while Sarah and I got the kids settled in the living room. Derek helped carry dishes
to the kitchen.
Sarah put on a kids‘ movie for Lily and Liam, and they both settled on the floor with some toys Tristan had bought for them.
“Okay,” Sarah said, turning to me. “What’s going on?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
up.”
“Come on,” she said. “I know you. You’re nervous about something. And you invited us over, which you never do unless something’s
I smiled. She knew me too well.
“You’ll find out soon,” I said.
We all gathered back in the living room once the kitchen was cleaned up. The kids were absorbed in their movie, and the adults settled into comfortable seats with drinks in hand.
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Chapter 263
Tristan handed me a glass of sparkling cider that looked like champagne. Sarah’s eyes zeroed in on it immediately,
“Not drinking?” she asked.
“Not tonight,” I said, taking a sip.
I saw her exchange a look with Orion, and I knew they were both starting to figure it out.
“Alright,” Orion said, looking between Tristan and me. “What’s going on? You two have been acting weird all week.”
My heart started pounding. This was it.
I looked at Tristan and he came to sit beside me on the couch, taking my hand.
“We wanted to have you all here because we have some news,” he said.
Sarah sat up straighter, her eyes bright. “Good news?”
“The best news,” I said, feeling a smile spread across my face.
Tristan squeezed my hand and looked at me. “You want to tell them?”
I nodded and turned to face everyone. My brother, my sister–in–law, my friend. My family.
“We’re pregnant,” I said.
For a heartbeat, there was complete silence.
Then Sarah let out a sound that was half squeal, half sob, and practically launched herself across the room to hug me.
“Oh my god,” she said, squeezing me tight. “Oh my god, I knew it! I knew something was different!”
She pulled back and I saw tears streaming down her face. “I’m so happy for you,” she said. “This is amazing!”
She turned to hug Tristan next, and he laughed as she nearly tackled him.
I looked at Orion. He hadn’t moved. He was just sitting there, staring at me with an expression I couldn’t quite read.
“Ori?” I said, my voice small.
He stood up slowly and walked over to me. For a second, I thought he might be upset. But then he pulled me into the tightest hug he’d ever given me.
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Chapter 263
“My little sister is having a baby,” he said, his voice thick.
“Yeah, I said, tears starting to form in my eyes. “I am.”
When he pulled back, his eyes were wet too. He looked at Tristan.
“You’re going to be a father,” he said.
“I am,” Tristan said, his voice equally emotional.
Orion pulled him into a hug too. “I’m happy for you, brother. So damn happy.”
Derek stood up and came over, a genuine smile on his face. “Congratulations,” he said, hugging me. “This is wonderful news.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
