Page 76 of Through the Storm

Thank God Ben arrives at my side at that exact moment. “Back off, Declan,” Ben says, kissing my forehead. “You need to get over this,fast.”

My brother seems anything but over it. Leo and Mateo, of course, are delighted and joking about karma. My face burns. The shame starts to creep in. But then Leo fist-bumps me and says, “Respect.”

Huh. So, this is what happens when you’re a man with questionable decision-making abilities. You get congratulated. Gotta love Leo’s feminism.

Grandma Patty laughs from the couch where she’s sitting next to Ali, Lily, and a grinning Jack. She raises her mimosa. “Oh, lighten up, Dec. The more men bringing diapers, the better.”

Declan pinches the bridge of his nose. “I hate everyone.”

I barely have time to enjoy that exchange before Caroline appears at my side, her hand slipping around my arm like she’s claiming territory.

Logan’s mom, Christina, steps closer too, her smile tight but sincere.

“Katy, I was thinking,” Christina says, “I could help babysit anytime you need…”

“Well,” Caroline cuts in smoothly, “Katy will obviously have our help, so no need for you to worry.”

Christina blinks. “Oh. My understanding was that you live in Boston.”

Caroline’s eye twitches slightly. “My husband and I are planning to relocate here soon.”

They’re not fighting exactly. They’re… circling.

The guys all look like they’re watching a tennis match. Someone whispers, “This is getting intense.”

And it would’ve been funny, except my chest suddenly gets tight. Because all these people care about me. About my baby. These women are even fighting over us.

Before I know it, I’m sobbing. Like, full, messy, hormonal sobbing.

Everyone freezes.

“I’m sorry,” I hiccup. “You’re all just… being so nice. And you don’t even have to be.”

Talking about the baby like he already belongs to them. Like love is already assumed. And my own mother couldn’t even be bothered to show up.

Something in me breaks before I can stop it. I choke, backing away. “I just…”

Caroline and Christina both reach for me at the same time.

“Oh honey,” Christina starts, “what’s wrong?”

Caroline rubs my arm. “We’re sorry, we didn’t mean to upset you. We’re just both very excited. Aren’t we, Christina?”

“Very,” she agrees.

“Why don’t you hate me?” I ask, voice small.

“Why on earth would we hate you?” Caroline asks, truly worried.

“Because you slept with more than one man?” Christina scoffs. “Please, I would have to hate myself too, then.”

I can’t help but laugh at that.

“I just… can’t believe you want us. You don’t even know if the baby is your grandkid. But you’re both here.”

“Katy, I love you and the baby no matter what. Biologically or otherwise.” Caroline squeezes my shoulder.

“Me too. Logan has always talked about what a great friend you’ve been to him, and as his mom, I’m grateful. So I promise to be there for you no matter what that test says. You know I raised him by myself, right?” Christina adds. “I’m not letting you go through that alone.”