Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

45

The soft hum of a lullaby filled the cozy living room, blending seamlessly with the crackling fire and the faint October breeze rustling through the open window. Winter Hausman sat on the plush recliner, one leg tucked beneath him, his antler-like crown of bone catching the golden glow of the fireplace. His wings, still a strange mix of feather and sinew, twitched occasionally as he shifted.

The living room hummed with quiet laughter and the soft melodies of a playlist in the background. Winter adjusted the camera on his desk, setting up his recording equipment while stealing glances at Ryan and Clarity on the floor. Ryan lay stretched out, his arms supporting Clarity as she wobbled on her tiny legs, her chubby hands gripping his thumbs for balance.

"You're getting so strong, June bug," Ryan cooed, his voice warm with pride. "Look at you, standing like a champ!"

Clarity let out a giggle, her bright blue eyes wide with wonder as she bounced slightly on her unsteady legs. Winter couldn't help but smile as he watched them. The sight of Ryan interacting with their daughter was something that never failed to fill his heart with joy.

"Careful, Ry," Winter called over his shoulder as he adjusted the mic stand. "Don't go turning her into a daredevil just yet. She's only six months."

Ryan glanced up, a cheeky grin on his face. "Come on, Win, she's fearless. Like her dad. Both of her dads, actually."

Winter's cheeks flushed, and he rolled his eyes, though a smile lingered on his lips. "I don't remember being fearless when I was balancing a newborn in my arms at three in the morning, wondering if I'd ever sleep again."

"You were a natural," Ryan said softly, shifting Clarity onto his chest as he lay back on the rug. "Still are."

Their eyes met for a moment, and Winter felt the familiar flutter in his chest. Even after everything they'd been through—his ex, Daniel, the nightmare of being kidnapped, transformed against his will, and the new reality of his altered body—Ryan had never once faltered. He'd been his rock, his partner, and now, the most incredible father to their daughter.

Winter cleared his throat, breaking the moment as he adjusted his headset. "I'm recording a cover today. Something simple to ease back into it."

Ryan chuckled. "You say 'ease back,' but I know you. You'll probably blow us all away."

"Confidence looks good on you," Wyatt chimed in as he entered the room, balancing a plate of sandwiches. River, trailed behind with a bottle of sparkling water in hand. "Don't forget to hydrate, rock star."

"Thanks." Winter accepted the bottle with a grin, though he knew Wyatt's watchful gaze meant he'd get an earful if he skipped another meal or forgot to take a break.

River plopped down beside Ryan, poking at Clarity's tiny belly, which earned him a delighted squeal. "You're gonna love hearing your dad sing, CJ," he said, his voice gentle. "Just wait till he starts belting out those high notes. You'll be the coolest kid in preschool."

Winter chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. She's still figuring out how to sit up."

"Baby steps," Ryan teased, lifting Clarity into the air like she was flying. She spread her arms, her tiny face lighting up with joy as she squealed again.

Winter turned back to his setup, running a final soundcheck. Music had always been his escape, his way of processing the chaos of life. But since Clarity's arrival, it had taken a backseat. Watching Ryan with their daughter reminded him why. Every moment with her, every smile and milestone, was a treasure he didn't want to miss.

As he started recording, his voice flowed smoothly, filling the room with a soft acoustic melody. It was a cover of one of his favorite songs, one he hoped would resonate with the emotions swirling inside him.

When he finished, he turned to find Ryan leaning against the couch, Clarity dozing in his arms. "Beautiful, as always," Ryan said softly, careful not to wake her.

"Thanks," Winter replied, his voice equally quiet. He crossed the room, sitting beside them and brushing a finger against Clarity's cheek. "I don't know what I'd do without you two."

Ryan's arm slipped around Winter's shoulders. "You'll never have to find out."

Wyatt and River, who had been watching silently, exchanged a glance before Wyatt spoke up. "Alright, sappy moment over. Who's ready for lunch?"

River laughed. "I think CJ's the only one who can nap through all this mushy stuff."

Winter leaned his head against Ryan's shoulder, a contented smile on his face. "You guys are the best."

"And don't you forget it," River quipped, grinning as he handed Winter a sandwich.

Winter bit into it, savoring the moment. Life had been anything but easy, but in the warmth of this home, surrounded by his family, he finally felt like he was where he was meant to be.

~

Later that evening, after CJ had been tucked into her crib, Winter sat on the couch with Ryan, the soft glow of the TV casting shadows across the room. Ryan's arm was draped over Winter's shoulders, his fingers absently tracing patterns on Winter's arm.

"You're thinking again," Ryan murmured.

"Always," Winter replied, leaning into him. "It's...hard sometimes. Accepting what's happened to me. The antlers, the wings...the scars. But then I look at her, and I realize it's all worth it."

Ryan pressed a kiss to Winter's temple. "She's lucky to have you, you know."

Winter turned to look at him, his silver eyes glistening. "I think I'm the lucky one. You, her, Wyatt, River...you've all saved me."

Ryan smiled, pulling him closer. "And we always will. Do you think she'll remember this?" Ryan asked quietly.

Winter tilted his head. "Probably not. But we will. Every giggle, every milestone, every new thing she learns—it's etched in here." He tapped the side of his head gently, careful not to graze his antlers.

Ryan nodded, his gaze softening. "You've been through hell, Winter. And look at you now. You're raising this beautiful little girl, making music again... You're incredible."

Winter felt a flush rise to his cheeks. "Stop it," he said with a shy laugh, though the compliment warmed him. "I couldn't have done it without you, Ryan. Without River, Wyatt..." His voice faltered. "And CJ. She gave me purpose when I thought I'd lost everything."