The baby project~~

10.

~Ace pov~

As we step through the door, the warmth of home wraps around us. The boys are exhausted, their eyelids drooping from the excitement of the party. Nova gently guides Noah and Liam toward their room while I cradle Emily against my chest. She fusses for a moment before settling, her tiny hand gripping the fabric of my shirt.

Nova disappears with the boys upstairs. I head to Emily's crib, her weight a small but reassuring pressure. I lay her down carefully, watching her eyelashes flutter before she slips into a deep sleep. For a moment, I stand there, listening to her quiet breaths. It grounds me.

Nova reappears, a tired but content smile on her lips. "The boys are out like a light," she whispers, running a hand through her hair. She glances at Emily and softens. "Good job, Ace."

I shrug, trying to act indifferent, but there's a warmth in her praise I can't ignore. We both head downstairs, steps slow and heavy from exhaustion. Once in the living room, Nova sinks into the couch, her shoulders relaxing. I drop down beside her, running a hand over my face. For a few moments, it's just us, basking in the quiet after a whirlwind day.

"Long day," she says, exhaling.

"Yeah." I lean back, eyes closing. The weight of everything starts to lift when my phone buzzes. The sudden noise feels like a gunshot in the silence. I grab it without thinking, irritation prickling my skin. When I see the name, a cold wave washes over me. My father.

My thumb hesitates, but I answer. "What?"

His voice is cold, as always. "Your grandfather's in the hospital. It's serious."

Everything around me blurs. I grip the phone tighter, as if that will stop the past from flooding back. My grandfather—the only person who ever truly cared. My chest tightens, old scars tearing open.

I hang up without a word. Nova's watching, worry creasing her forehead. "Ace? What happened?"

"It doesn't matter." My voice is a cold, unfeeling blade. I stand abruptly, the sudden motion jarring. She steps closer, but I can't look at her. Can't let her see me like this. "We're leaving." The words come out harsh. I don't explain. There's no time.

"Ace, wait," she tries again, but I'm already moving. My movements are rigid, every breath a struggle. I grab the keys, feeling the weight of her eyes on me. When she tries to reach for my arm, I pull her along, my grip firm and unyielding. "Let's go."

We step into the cool night air. I shove the key into the ignition, start the car with a roar, and grip the wheel so hard it might snap. Nova sits beside me, confusion and hurt radiating off her. I keep my eyes on the road, ignoring the tightness in my throat, the memories clawing at me. She doesn't understand. I won't let her.

"Talk to me, Ace."

"Not now." The words are harsh, final. I don't meet her eyes. The car speeds through the streets, each second pulling me closer to a place I dread and the ghosts I've tried to bury.

 The car jerks to a stop outside the hospital. I am out before the tires even settle, the slam of my door reverberating through the night. Nova follows, barely managing to catch up as I storm ahead.

my mind too consumed by the thought of my grandfather. The familiar sterile smell hit me, but I couldn't care less. I had to get to him. No one else mattered right now.

I stormed up to the reception desk, my hand slamming onto the counter. "Room number for Richard Hale," I growled, my voice low and threatening, barely controlling the fury bubbling up inside me.