Not Alec.
Our little expansion was solid. That pleased me.
I joined them. Because why not?
We didn’t wait long. Ella emerged a minute later, fingers pushing her hair back as she spotted us standing there. Surprise flickered across her face before easing into a slow, genuine smile. I held my arm out. Nick rushed to claim the other. This time, Alec stayed back, watching us instead.
After a light meal and a stop at the facilities, we took our coffee outside. That was when Alec produced her pill.
He enjoyed this part. I suppose we all did—but Alec relished it. The quiet deception. The routine she trusted.
Ella swallowed it with her coffee, unaware. The daily ritual she believed was protecting her was nothing more than a lie we maintained.
I only needed confirmation now.
Once she’d conceived.
After all—how far could she really run with a baby in tow?
???
I tossed the keys to Nick, who caught them mid-air. He didn’t complain—we rotated driving duties, and we’d reach the beachfront villa well before lunchtime. I wasn’t sure whether Ella would want nightlife or nature, but our destination offered both. Options mattered.
Alec gathered her dress as she climbed into the dark blue SUV. The height made it more awkward than our usual cars, but we’d need to get used to it. Travelling with a baby changed the logistics. The sports cars were off the table for now—this was as close to a family vehicle as we were willing to get.
I watched her settle into the seat and found myself assessing the space.
The build.
The safety.
Was it enough?
A newer model might be wiser.
The thought barely finished forming before another followed—uninvited.
What if there were twins?
Triplets?
Fuck.
Five seats wouldn’t cut it.
I must’ve stalled too long, because Alec looked up from Ella, his gaze catching mine. He always noticed.
“We might need a bigger vehicle,” I said lightly, as if it were nothing more than idle planning.
“I’ve already chosen one,” he replied, his hand resting casually on Ella’s thigh.
“Of course you have,” Nick drawled from the driver’s seat.“What did you go for—a ten-seater?”
I smirked and laced my fingers through Ella’s, ignoring her confusion.
Six kids.
Two each.
