Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

16

The morning sun filtered through the thin curtains of the Rees' shared apartment, casting a warm glow on the bustling space. Ryan, River, Wyatt, and Winter had settled into a rhythm over the past few months, each finding their place in the small yet cozy home. Ryan's relationship with Winter had blossomed, providing a comforting contrast to the turmoil that had preceded it.

Winter stood at the kitchen counter, idly stirring a cup of tea. His mind was a whirl of thoughts, filled with the incredible news he had received just days ago. He hadn't yet found the courage to share it with anyone, not even Ryan. But with Ryan and River's birthday approaching, he knew he had to find the right moment.

Ryan walked in, his messy hair and sleepy smile making Winter's heart flutter. "Morning, Win. How're you feeling today?"

Winter forced a smile, hoping it didn't appear too strained. "Morning, Ry. I'm... okay, I guess. Just a little tired."

Ryan's brows furrowed in concern. "You sure? You've been feeling off for a while now."

Winter nodded, the words of reassurance feeling hollow. "Yeah, just one of those things, I guess."

Before Ryan could probe further, Wyatt and River appeared, the former energetically chatting about their plans for the day. "Hey, Winter! We've got a busy day, but I was thinking we could squeeze in some time to brainstorm ideas for Ryan and River's birthday."

Winter smiled, grateful for the distraction. "That sounds great, Wyatt."

The day passed in a blur of activities. Wyatt, River, and Ryan were absorbed in their latest paranormal investigation video, while Winter's mind kept drifting back to the news he had yet to share. He watched Ryan from across the room, the weight of his secret growing heavier with each passing hour.

~

Later that evening, as they settled in for a movie night, Winter found himself sitting next to Ryan on the couch. He felt Ryan's arm wrap around his shoulders, pulling him close. The warmth and comfort of Ryan's presence gave Winter the courage he needed.

"Hey, Ry," Winter began softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Can we talk after the movie?"

Ryan turned to look at him, concern etched in his features. "Of course, Win. Is everything okay?"

Winter nodded, though he knew his eyes betrayed his anxiety. "Yeah, just... something important."

The movie ended, and Wyatt and River headed to their rooms, leaving Winter and Ryan alone in the living room. The soft glow of the television cast shadows on the walls, creating an intimate atmosphere for their conversation.

Ryan turned to Winter, his expression serious. "What's on your mind, Winter?"

Winter took a deep breath, his heart pounding. "Ryan, there's something I need to tell you. It's... it's something I've only just found out myself, and it's... it's huge."

Ryan's concern deepened, but he squeezed Winter's hand reassuringly. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together. You know that, right?"

Winter nodded, feeling a surge of love and gratitude for the man beside him. "I know. That's what gives me the strength to tell you this."

He paused, gathering his thoughts. "For the past few weeks, I've been feeling really sick. At first, I thought it was just a flu or something, but the symptoms didn't go away. You convinced me to see a doctor, and... well, they ran some tests."

Ryan's grip on Winter's hand tightened. "And? What did they find?"

Winter took another deep breath, his eyes locking with Ryan's. "They found out that I'm a carrier. It's a very rare condition, but... it means I can conceive and carry a baby. Ryan... I'm pregnant."

Ryan's eyes widened in shock, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to process the information. "You're... you're what? Pregnant?"

Winter nodded, tears welling up in his eyes. "Yeah. I know it's a lot to take in. I was just as shocked as you are. But it's real, Ryan. We're going to have a baby."

For a moment, the room was silent, the gravity of the revelation hanging in the air. Then, Ryan pulled Winter into a tight embrace, his voice choked with emotion. "A baby... we're having a baby. Oh my god, Winter, this is... this is incredible."

Winter clung to Ryan, relief and joy flooding through him. "I was so scared to tell you. I didn't know how you'd react."

Ryan pulled back slightly, his eyes shining with tears. "Winter, I love you. This... this is the most amazing news I could have ever imagined. We're going to do this together. You, me, Wyatt, and River—we're a family."

Winter smiled through his tears, the weight of his secret finally lifting.

They sat there in each other's arms, the future suddenly filled with new possibilities and hope. Winter knew there would be challenges ahead, but with Ryan by his side, he felt ready to face anything.

The next morning, Winter woke with a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time. Ryan was still asleep beside him, his arm draped protectively over Winter's waist. Winter carefully slipped out of bed, not wanting to wake him, and headed to the kitchen.

Wyatt was already there, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He looked up as Winter entered, his expression curious. "Morning, bro. You look... different today. Something on your mind?"

Winter took a seat at the table, his heart racing. "Actually, yeah. There's something I need to tell you."

Wyatt's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh? What is it?"

Winter took a deep breath, knowing that his twin deserved to know the truth. "Wyatt, I'm pregnant."

Wyatt stared at him in stunned silence for a moment before breaking into a wide grin. "No way! Winter, that's amazing! I'm going to be an uncle!"

Winter laughed, feeling a wave of relief. "Yeah, you are. It's a lot to take in, but... I'm happy. Ryan's happy too."

Wyatt rushed around the table, pulling Winter into a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you, Winter. This is incredible news."

As they hugged, River walked in, looking curious. "What's all the excitement about?"

Wyatt grinned, pulling River into the hug as well. "Winter's pregnant, you're going to be an uncle too!"

River's eyes widened in surprise before a smile spread across his face. "Congratulations, Winter! This is amazing!"

Winter felt a swell of emotion as he looked around at his makeshift family. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot to have your support."

They spent the rest of the morning discussing the future, their excitement growing with every passing moment. Winter knew that there would be challenges ahead, but surrounded by the love and support of Ryan, Wyatt, and River, he felt ready to face them head-on.

A few days later by Ryan and River's 28th birthday. The house was filled with friends and family, all gathered to celebrate not only the twins' birthday but also the upcoming arrival of Ryan and Winter's baby.

As the party wound down and the guests began to leave, Ryan and Winter found a quiet moment together in the backyard. The stars twinkled overhead, casting a serene glow over the garden.

Ryan wrapped his arms around Winter, resting his chin on his shoulder. "You know, this has been the best birthday ever."

Winter turned to face him, a radiant smile on his face. "And it's only going to get better from here."