When we finally get to the shower, my belly announces its current state of neediness, which puts an end to any further play.
Cockblocker.
“Don’t you need to be at work?” I ask as we finally make our way to the kitchen, which is when I look at the time.
Nate moves around my kitchen with practiced ease, cracking eggs into a bowl. “Took the day off, actually. I want to take you somewhere.”
“Oh?” I hop onto the counter, watching him whisk the eggs. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” Something in his voice, a slight tension, makes me curious. He seems focused on making breakfast, but his movements are a bit too deliberate, like he’s trying to appear casual.
After breakfast, we bundle up against the cold and head into town. When we turn onto Maple Street, I realize we’re heading toward The Striped Maple, the Irish pub.
I heard from Olivia that it’s run by three men in a relationship together, which I think is incredibly cool. She said the pub is known for its warm atmosphere, live music on Friday nights, and has a fireplace that makes it the perfect cozy spot during Vermont winters.
Even now, in the cold morning light, the brick exterior and the emerald green sign above the door exude a welcoming charm that makes me understand why it’s such a beloved local hangout.
As we get closer, I notice familiar faces through the window. Ben, Indy, and the twins. I can’t see the kids, but maybe there’s a play area in the pub.
“Nate?” I slow my steps, confusion creeping in. “What’s going on?”
He takes my hand, squeezing it gently. “These guys are in Maplewood for a particular reason.” His voice is soft, careful. “They need to talk to you.”
My stomach does an uneasy flip as Nate guides me toward their table. Ben and Indy smile warmly at me, but it’s the twins who catch and hold my attention. There’s something about them that’s been nagging at me since they first came into Special Blend and asked about my mom.
“Hi, Caspian,” one of the twins—Tristan, I think—says. “Thanks for coming. Would you sit with us for a bit?”
I slide into the booth next to Nate, who holds my hand under the table. “What’s this about?”
The twins exchange a look before Tate leans forward slightly. “We recently found something out, and we think you have a right to know.” He pauses, taking a deep breath. “We’re your brothers, Caspian. Half-brothers.”
The words hit me like a physical blow. “What?”
“Our father,” Tristan continues gently, “had a relationship with your mom. We only found out recently, and… We knew we needed to meet you.”
CHAPTER 30
NATE
The world seems to slow down as I watch Caspian process their words. His hand tightens in mine, and I can feel the slight tremor that runs through him.
Caspian shakes his head, and I can feel him trembling beside me. His features are etched with confusion and pain, making my heart ache to comfort him.
“We’re sorry we didn’t know about you before,” Tristan says, his voice gentle. “We only found out recently while going through our father’s papers after he passed away.”
Tate nods, leaning forward slightly. “We wanted to meet you as soon as we knew. We thought you had the right to know about your family.”
“My family?” Caspian’s voice comes out sharp, defensive. His hand pulls away from mine, and the loss of contact feels significant.
“You’re twenty-nine, right?” Tate asks.
Caspian nods.
Tristan continues. “Our parents divorced when we were nine, and…”
“My mother…she wasn’t…” He stops, swallowing hard. “She wasn’t the other woman if that’s what you’re implying. I don’t know anything about my father, but I knew my mother.”
His voice cracks on the last word, and my heart breaks for him. I reach for his hand again, relieved when he doesn’t pull away this time. His fingers are cold against mine.
