Page 172 of Twins for Three Bad Boys

“No,” he says gently. “We’re circling it. Let’s say it.”

Silence.

“If she keeps it,” Rex continues, “we’re tied to each other for life in one way or another.”

Fletcher’s jaw tightens. “I’m aware.”

“And if she doesn’t,” Rex adds, “that’s still going to change her. Us.”

No one argues that.

I look at Fletcher. “You didn’t know?”

“No,” he says evenly, “I didn’t.”

A beat.

“Does that bother you?” I ask.

His eyes flicker. Honest, even if he doesn’t love being.

“Yeah,” he says. “It does.”

Rex nods slightly. “She was at the café, crying. It just… came out.”

“She shouldn’t have to carry it alone for even five minutes,” Fletcher says quietly.

I lean forward, forearms braced on the table.

“I need to know where you stand,” I say.

Rex lifts his gaze first. “I already told you.”

I look at Fletcher.

“If it’s mine,” he says, “I step up. Fully. No question.”

“And if it’s not?” I ask.

His jaw flexes.

“That doesn’t change how I feel about her.”

Rex nods once. “Same.”

The kitchen feels smaller now.

More serious.

Less three men figuring something out and more three men realizing the stakes.

“I’ve got a son,” I say. “I can’t be reckless.”

“June isn’t reckless,” Fletcher says sharply.

“I know,” I snap back. Then lower my voice. “I know.”

Rex watches us both.