Reverie Dyad

Chapter 44

Iris POV:

"Hey, are you up?" Reid asked amidst Cole's quiet snores, and I sighed softly.

"Yeah," I answered quietly.

"I'm sorry about this morning," he said, glancing at me over Cole's shoulder.

"It's okay," I replied, still gazing up at the ceiling, my hands resting absentmindedly on my stomach.

"I don't want you to ever feel uncomfortable," he reassured, trying to convey his sincerity. Lost in my thoughts, I must have appeared deeply contemplative.

"Can I ask you something?" I inquired softly, mindful of not disturbing Cole with these trivial concerns.

"Yeah, go ahead," he responded, giving me his undivided attention.

"It's about what you said. Do you genuinely believe that I'm using you and Cole and that I don't have plans for our future... for all of us?" I asked the question weighing heavily on my mind throughout the sleepless night. My thoughts spiraled endlessly, conjuring scenarios and feeding into my insecurities.

"Darling, no, I don't think that. I was upset, and I blurted it out in the heat of the moment," he explained, swiftly getting out of bed and walking over to me.

"I know you love us, love me, and I deeply regret saying that. It was unacceptable," he whispered, kneeling beside me.

"It's okay. I've been grappling with it, and I'm sorry if I'm holding you guys back," I confessed, trying to veil the sadness in my voice. I didn't want to hinder them; I just wasn't prepared for everything—weddings, marriage, kids, the weight of responsibilities. I simply couldn't.

"Hey, hey, no, you're not," he reassured, gently holding my face to meet his gaze and wiping away the tears I hadn't realized were streaming down. "Val, you're not holding us back. We love you, and we'll always be here for you," he affirmed, pressing a tender kiss to my lips, his eyes fixed on mine.

"I'm so sorry that I made you feel otherwise," he murmured, his voice softening, his emotions almost palpable, as if he was teetering on the edge of tears.

"I truly hope you can forgive me, Val," he said, pressing his forehead against mine in a gesture of earnest apology.

"Do you, um, do you—" I stumbled over my words, trying to articulate my thoughts.

"You can ask me anything," he assured, moving closer. His fingers gently brushed through my hair as I fidgeted with my fingers, attempting to distract myself.

"Can I suggest another exercise?" I asked, searching for the right words.

"Anything to earn your forgiveness," he replied, planting gentle kisses on both my cheeks, coaxing a smile from me.

"Good," I replied with a grin.

"Nothing's good. I slept in the middle hoping for warmth, but instead, one side of me is freezing," Cole grumbled, prompting a giggle from me and a scowl from Reid along with an eye roll.

"Good morning to you too, man," Reid retorted, as Cole planted a kiss on my arm.

"Could you call me by my nickname, please?" Cole requested, snuggling closer and resting his head against mine.

"Cowboy?" Reid asked an amused glint in his eyes.

"Yeah, I discovered I like the way it rolls off your tongue," Cole said, placing a kiss on my neck this time.

"Stop," I mumbled playfully, to which he chuckled against me.

"Is this your typical morning?" Reid inquired, looking at me.