Page 67 of Through the Storm

“And this?” she asks, lifting the onesie.

“Jason.”

She nods like she’s tallying something important.

Declan pinches the bridge of his nose. “I don’t like this.”

The doorbell rings again.

This time, Ben appears in the doorway, holding a giant box like he’s unsure whether he’s allowed inside.

“Uh,” he says. “This might be… mine?”

Declan’s eyes narrow. “You too?”

Ben winces. “In my defense, I was peer-pressured.”

Grandma Patty beams. “Open it.”

Ben looks at me. “You don’t have to…”

“I want to.” I grin.

A stroller system. The one I’ve been eyeing.

Grandma Patty presses a hand to her heart. “Oh, Benjamin wins.” She pats Ben’s arm. “You did good, sweetheart.”

Ben flushes. “I didn’t want to overdo it,” he says quietly. “I just… wanted to be supportive.”

I meet his eyes. “Thank you.”

The kitchen is quiet for a beat. Then Grandma Patty claps her hands. “Well. If the baby doesn’t feel loved already, I don’t know what to tell you.”

Declan exhales, shaking his head. “I am so confused right now.”

Grandma laughs as she heads upstairs.

Declan leaves to meet Ella. It’s just me and Ben now. I smile, surrounded by boxes, warmth, and people who showed up without being asked. Maybe this is what it looks like when a family starts forming. Messy, loud, and full of surprises.

Ben inspects the onesie. “Please tell me you’re kidding.”

“It’s cute, right?”

“Cute?” Ben’s groan turns into a low growl. “Over my dead body is my kid wearinghisnumber.”

I smirk. “But it’s free clothes. And technically, there’s like a ten percent chance?—”

“Katy Cat.” His voice is sharp, pleading, tortured. “Stop doing percentages at me.”

Before he keeps complaining I find another package. Out comes a crocheted… something. I tilt my head. “Okay, this is either a giraffe or a deformed llama.”

Ben squints. “Who even sent that?”

“Matt.” I hug the mutant giraffe. “Looks handmade. I kind of love it.” I slide onto his lap, smirking. “You’re jealous.”

“Jealous?” He scoffs. “Of your revenge roster sending apology gifts? And don’t think I didn’t notice these guys are all football players.”

“Well, I was specifically trying to spite you. So…yes.”