Grace stands in the doorway with the doctor. Colt’s hand is still under my shirt as he reluctantly pulls it back. I slide off his lap, then stand and quickly wipe my cheeks. He stands beside me, his hand in mine, and we walk toward them together.
“Nice show, big bro,” Hux mutters before Grace elbows him.
Macy and Caleb enter as the doctor pulls out a folded sheet of paper. “Shall we sit for the results?” he offers.
“No. Just tell us,” Colt says, voice tight.
The doctor glances at the paper. “Huxley and Colt… I’m sorry. Due to prior substance abuse, neither of you is eligible for the donor program.”
Colt squeezes my hand as Hux exhales sharply.
Macy’s face crumples.
“Is there anything we can do?” Colt asks.
“I’m sorry,” the doctor replies. “However… Grace matched.”
Everyone gasps.
Grace beams. “Of course I did. He’s my grandson.”
Macy breaks down, hugging her, while Caleb watches, confused.
Colt steps in, tears falling. “Thanks, Mum. You’ve given useverything.”
They’re all hugging.
Celebrating.
Joseph moves beside me, his arm sliding around my shoulders. “You haven’t changed your mind, have you?” he whispers.
I stare at Colt—at the smile I haven’t seen in so long. “No,” I say, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Look at him. He’s with his family. He doesn’t need me.” I start walking toward the door.
“Dee, wait,” Colt calls, catching my arm. “You have to celebrate with us.”
“I, ah—” I start to respond, unsure what to say.
“Actually,” the doctor interrupts, glancing around. “Colt, I need to speak with you privately.”
Everyone turns toward him.
“It’s important,” the doctor adds.
Colt nods, his expression suddenly serious. “Okay.”
The others begin to filter into the lounge room, giving them space. I move to follow, assuming Colt will want this discussion to be between him and his doctor, but he stops me with a gentle tug on my arm. “Anything you need to tell me, you can say in front of my wife,” he says firmly, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
I shake my head subtly, hesitant to intrude, but he pulls me in closer.
His message is clear—we’re in this together.
The doctor gives a small nod. “All right then. This is regarding a secondary result from the donor screening, the paternity test you requested.”
I look up at Colt, startled. “You had a paternity test?”
He nods, eyes soft as they meet mine. “Yeah. I wasn’t going to, but… I know it mattered to you. And honestly, what’s the harm, right? If it gives you peace of mind, I figured I’d do it.” He leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead, and my heart swells at the quiet sacrifice.
“Thank you,” I whisper, touched.
