Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

30

Later that night, Winter, was still trying to process the news, "Deaf? But... how?"

"They're not sure why yet. She still has some hearing, but we won't know how much until she's older. They mentioned the possibility of hearing aids or cochlear implants in the future."

Winter swallowed hard, tears welling up in his eyes. "I see. I just... I need some time to process this."

Ryan nodded, understanding the whirlwind of emotions Winter was experiencing clearly needing some time alone. "Of course. I'll take CJ with me to the spare bedroom tonight."

Ryan carefully picked up Clarity and carried her to the spare bedroom across the hallway that used to be Winter's room. The room was bathed in the soft glow of a lamp as Ryan got them both ready for bed. He gently laid Clarity on his bare chest, positioning her by his heart while he rubbed her back. She fussed a little, but soon settled.

As he laid CJ gently on his bare chest, positioning her by his heart, he felt a profound sense of love and protectiveness wash over him. He began to rub her back in soothing circles, trying to calm her fussing. "Hey sweetheart," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You look just like me, you know? Except for your beautiful auburn hair. That's all from your Papa Winter."

CJ's tiny eyes fluttered, and for a moment, she seemed to settle, finding comfort in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Ryan tilted his head to get a better look at her, marveling at the delicate features that mirrored his own. The realization that she might not be able to fully hear his voice broke his heart, and a stray tear slipped down his face.

"I want you to know," he continued, pressing a tender kiss to her head, "that no matter what, we will always be here for you. You're our little miracle, and we're going to give you the best life we can. Your Papa and I love you more than anything in this world."

In the dim light, Ryan allowed his emotions to pour out, speaking to CJ even though he knew she might not hear him. "You're so strong already," he murmured. "And we're going to be strong for you, too. We'll get you whatever you need. I promise."

Unbeknownst to Ryan, River had been standing in the hallway, watching through the slightly ajar door. The sadness in River's eyes mirrored his twin's, and he felt a deep ache for his brother and niece. He watched as Ryan continued to speak softly to CJ, his voice a gentle lullaby in the quiet night.

"Every challenge we face," Ryan said, "we'll face together. And you'll always know how much you're loved, no matter what. Your Papa Winter is resting right now, but he loves you just as much. We're so lucky to have you, CJ."

Ryan breathed in CJ's scent, a mix of baby powder and something uniquely hers, and rested his cheek against her soft hair. He closed his eyes, finding solace in the closeness of his daughter. He didn't notice the tears that continued to fall, nor did he see River wipe away his own as he silently stepped back from the door, giving his brother and niece the private moment they needed.

~

Despite the doctors' reassurances that they would determine how much Clarity could hear as she grew older, Ryan found solace in speaking to her. He wanted her to know his voice, to feel his presence, even if she couldn't hear it fully. "Daddy loves you so much," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm in the quiet room. Clarity's soft breathing was the only response, but it was enough for Ryan.

As he settled back into the pillows, he felt a deep sense of peace wash over him. The room was silent, save for Clarity's gentle breaths. He closed his eyes, allowing himself a few hours of sleep. The tranquility of the moment enveloped him, and he drifted off, holding his daughter close.

A few hours later, Ryan awoke to Clarity's kitten-like cry beside him. He turned on the bedside lamp and glanced at the clock. It was 3 AM. "Time for a late night snack, huh?" he said softly, smiling down at his daughter.

Carefully, he got out of bed and headed to the kitchen. Ryan made up a bottle of milk, warmed it, and checked the temperature before returning to the bedroom.

Propping the pillows behind his back, he settled back into bed with Clarity in his arms. As he fed her, he gently shushed her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "There we go, CJ. Good girl."

Clarity's eyes fluttered as she drank, her small hands grasping at his fingers. Ryan watched her with a mixture of awe and tenderness. He knew the journey ahead would have its challenges, but he also knew that their love for Clarity would guide them through.

After Clarity finished her bottle, Ryan burped her gently, holding her against his shoulder. He rocked her back and forth, humming softly. "You're going to be just fine, sweetheart," he whispered. "We're all going to be just fine."

Clarity's eyes closed, and she nestled into her father's shoulder, falling back to sleep. Ryan felt a profound sense of gratitude as he laid her down beside him. He wrapped an arm around her, keeping her close, and closed his eyes, letting sleep claim him once more.