Mom answers first. “Declan! You sound good. You eating enough?”
“Hi, Ma. Yeah, I’m fine. How’s Dad?”
“Restless,” she says, and I can hear him in the background protesting. “Doctor says another few weeks and he can start walking laps again.”
A beat later, Dad’s voice cuts in, rough but warm. “Don’t listen to her. I’m stronger than ever.”
I laugh. “Glad to hear it. You sound good, old man.”
“Don’t call me that,” he mutters, but I can hear the smile. “How’s the leg?”
“Solid,” I say. “The Final is around the corner. I’ll be back in the lineup.”
“Good. Team needs you.” There’s pride in his voice. “How’s Sophie doing?”
“Great. Growing too fast. She’s… she’s really happy.”
There’s a pause, just long enough for Mom to catch it. “And you sound happy too.”
I exhale. “I am.” Then, before I can talk myself out of it, I add, “Actually, there’s something I should tell you.”
There’s a short pause, then Mom’s voice softens. “Go on.”
“It’s Charlotte Blake,” I say.
Another pause. “David’s sister? You said she was helping with your rehab.”
“Yeah,” I say, smiling. “She’s been incredible. And… we’ve been seeing each other for a while now. Sophie knows, and it’s going really well.”
Dad lets out a quiet laugh. “You and the girl who used to follow you and David around the rink giving advice? Never thought I’d see the day.”
“That makes two of us,” I admit, laughing.
Mom’s voice softens. “Well, that sunshine of hers probably did you some good. We’re happy for you, sweetheart.”
Dad adds, “Tell her hello for us. Once I’m cleared to travel, we’ll come up for a game. I’d like to meet the woman who finally tamed our captain.”
The back of my throat tightens with a smile. “She’ll like that. So will I.”
I clear my throat, heart pounding. “That’s not all, though.”
Another pause. “What do you mean?”
I lean back in the seat, staring at the mountains catching the last bit of light. “She’s pregnant.”
Mom gasps. “Pregnant?”
“Yeah. We just found out.” I hesitate, grinning despite myself. “Twins.”
For a second, all I hear is stunned silence. Then both of them talk at once.
“What?!” Dad blurts. “Jesus, Declan. Twins?”
“Oh, honey,” Mom breathes. “That’s wonderful. How’s she feeling?”
Dad exhales, then laughs once. “It’s a good thing you have so many bedrooms.”
I laugh, rubbing the back of my neck. “We’ll figure it out. She’s doing great. We’re keeping it quiet for now, until the playoffs are over, but… I wanted you to know.”
