Sophie’s at Maya’s for a movie night and sleepover, which means it’s just us.
“Hey,” he says, that low, steady warmth in his voice. “You okay?”
I nod, setting my bag down. “Still processing.”
He grins softly. “Yeah. Same.” He pulls me in, and for a second, neither of us moves.
Then he laughs under his breath. “Two, Charlie. We’re really having two.”
I laugh too, the sound shaky. “I know. It still doesn’t feel real, does it?”
He brushes his thumb along my cheek. “I kept thinking about that screen all day. Those little heartbeats—” He breaks off, shaking his head. “Feels like everything’s falling into place.”
I press a hand to his chest. “I was so scared you’d be overwhelmed.”
“I am,” he admits. “But not in a bad way. I keep picturing Sophie’s face when she finds out.”
That makes my throat tighten. “She’s going to be the best big sister.”
Declan’s gaze softens. “We’ll tell her soon. After the Final, once things calm down. She deserves a moment that’s just hers.”
I nod, relieved he feels the same. “And David? My dad?”
“Whenever you’re ready,” he says simply. “I know it’s different, telling your family, but you don’t have to do it alone.”
I swallow, emotion tightening my throat. “I was thinking maybe when Dad comes down this weekend and we visit Mom’s grave together. It feels… right.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” he says quietly.
We eat leftovers on the couch, too distracted to notice the TV murmuring in the background. Eventually, he leans his headagainst mine. “They still don’t know who we’re playing. The East is going to Game 7 tomorrow.”
“So we’ve got home ice for Game 1?”
He exhales. “End of the week, most likely.”
The words hang between us—the Final and the twins, two huge futures coming fast.
He leans back against the couch. “We should start thinking about the timing for you moving in,” he says. “You said your rent is month to month, right?”
I nod. “I was thinking I can start bringing things over once the playoffs settle.”
He nods, thoughtful. “Good. Gives us a little breathing room to talk to Sophie first. She should hear it from us together.”
“I just hope she’s okay with it,” I say quietly. “It’s a lot of change.”
“She will be,” he says, steady and sure.
My throat tightens a little, but in the best way. “I hope so.”
He slides his arm around me, pulling me closer. “Hey,” he murmurs against my hair, “we’ve got this.”
And I believe him.
Chapter Forty-Two
DECLAN
The house is quiet when I wake, and for once, I don’t rush to get up.
