Page 12 of Through the Storm

Ella’s voice breaks my thoughts. “You’re super cute with her.”

I shrug, trying not to look like I’m swallowing a compliment whole. “She’s easy.”

“She’s not,” Ella says quietly. “She just loves you.”

That hits deeper than I want to admit.

I lean my head back against the couch, staring at the ceiling so I don’t have to see the knowing look on her face.

“Hey, El?” I murmur. “If Danny tries to eat my socks again, you’re paying for new ones.”

“He won’t.”

And then of course he starts gnawing on my sock.

“Ella…”

She laughs into her sleeve. “I’ll Venmo you.”

I shake my head, but I can’t stop the smile tugging at my mouth. Lily is warm and heavy on my chest, Danny is vibrating with mischief on my legs, and Ella looks at me like she’s seeing something I didn’t mean to show.

And for a second, just one, I let myself imagine I could belong in a moment like this.

Then I shove the thought away.

The only girl I’ve ever wanted this with wants nothing to do with me. And rightfully so. I’ve been texting and calling her for weeks now, and she hasn’t responded once.

She deserved better. She still does. But that doesn’t mean I’m gonna stop trying.

Uncle Jack, the triplets’ dad, got back from a work trip this morning and immediately declared a family dinner, which is how I end up almost fainting in my cousins’ house on a night that changes everything.

Golden hour spills across the backyard, the kind of light that makes everything look happy. Steaks are on the grill. Glasses of iced tea are sweating in the heat. Danny’s stationed under the table, staring at each of us like he’s manifesting steak and never losing hope.

It’s peaceful.

Which is exactly how I know something’s about to go wrong.

Ella clears her throat.

“So, I wanted to talk to you guys about a few things.” She reaches for her drink like it’s no big deal. “Good things, if you keep an open mind.”

Forks pause. Knives hover. Leo leans back in his chair, eyebrow lifting. Mateo’s knee starts bouncing under the table.

The humor evaporates instantly. This one has scared us to hell and back already, so we’re all bracing.

Uncle Jack’s voice is gentle, but his grip tightens around his steak knife. “Okay. Go ahead, honey.”

Ella takes a breath. “The first one is that Katy Montgomery is pregnant.”

The world tilts.

Pregnant.

Katy. My Katy.

My fork slips from my fingers, clattering against the plate. Heat rushes up my neck so fast I feel dizzy. For a second, I can’t breathe, like my lungs just forgot what they’re supposed to do.

Ella keeps talking, but it takes effort to track her words.