Broken

Chapter 56: The darkness returns

Fatima and Zac walked through the front door, the excitement of the day still lingering in their eyes. Before they could even take off their shoes, Lana came speed-walking out of the kitchen, her face filled with eager anticipation.

"So, what are we having?" Lana asked excitedly, her eyes flickering between the two of them.

"No gender yet, Lana..." Fatima shook her head, her lips curving in a small smile.

"Yeah, the doctor said we'll have to wait a few more weeks," Zac nodded, echoing her response.

Lana's shoulders slumped slightly. "Okay..." she trailed off, then perked back up almost immediately. "I guess waiting a few more weeks won't be so bad then." She moved closer, her gaze settling on Fatima's growing bump, her eyes softening as she smiled. "So, how is my little one growing?" she asked, her hands hovering near the bump, almost cupping it but not quite touching.

Fatima smiled, holding up the sonogram pictures. "Very healthy... both of them."

Lana blinked, her eyes going wide as she reached for the sonogram. "Excuse me?" she said, her voice filled with surprise.

"It's twins, Lana," Zac said, unable to keep the grin off his face.

"Oh Dios mío!" Lana gasped, placing her hand over her forehead, her eyes wide in disbelief and shock. "This is wonderful! Not just one but two! Ohh, I have to bake a cake—no two cakes!" she squealed, practically bouncing on her feet as she spun towards the kitchen, already planning her next move.

"Lana—" Fatima started, attempting to stop her, but Zac chuckled and gently rubbed her back.

"Leave her," he said, amused. "She'll be baking all week now."

Fatima sighed with a smile, leaning into Zac as they both watched Lana disappear into the kitchen. She looked up at Zac, her hand resting over her belly. "This is really happening, isn't it?" she said, her voice soft.

Zac looked down at her, his eyes filled with warmth. "Yeah, it really is," he said, his voice filled with affection. He leaned down and kissed her forehead gently. "And we're going to love every minute of it."

Fatima smiled. "She's going to be over the moon until those cakes are done," Zac said with a chuckle.

Fatima shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "I swear she's more excited about this pregnancy than we are."

Zac grinned, his eyes meeting hers. "She loves you, and she loves this family." He paused, leaning in closer and placing a soft kiss on her lips. "And so do I."

Fatima looked up at him, her eyes warm. "I know," she said, her voice softening. "And I'm so grateful for it. For you. For everything."

Zac smiled. "We're in this together, Ti. Every step of the way. No matter how many cakes Lana ends up baking."

Fatima laughed softly. "Well, two cakes for two babies seems fitting." She took a deep breath, the excitement of the day still buzzing within her. "I think I need to sit down and relax for a bit. It's been a long day."

"Good idea," Zac said, guiding her towards the living room. "I'll grab you some water, and we can start looking at nursery ideas if you want."

Fatima nodded, letting herself settle down on the couch. She looked around, her heart swelling with emotion. The life they were building—the family they were about to grow—it all felt surreal but so right. And even in the chaos, there was so much love surrounding her, from Zac, from Lana, and from the little ones growing inside her. It was everything she never knew she needed, and she wouldn't trade it for the world.