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Chapter 32

The soft hum of Eden’s sleepy breathing filled the quiet living room as I sat on the couch, my phone resting in my hand. Across from me, Noah reclined in his usual spot, his eyes flicking toward me every now and then. He didn’t say anything, but I could feel the unspoken encouragement in his gaze. He knew what I was about to do, and he was waiting for me to take the leap.

I opened the group chat I shared with my brothers. It had been quiet all day, save for the occasional random meme from Leo or a sarcastic comment from Atlas. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, doubt clawing at my resolve. Was this the right way to tell them? Would they be angry that I hadn’t said something sooner?

“You’re overthinking it” Noah said gently, breaking the silence. “Just tell them.”

I glanced at him, frowning slightly. “This isn’t exactly the kind of thing you drop in a text message, Noah. ‘Oh hey, by the way, I have a four-month-old daughter. Surprise!’”

He chuckled softly, adjusting his position on the couch. “Maybe not like that. But you don’t have to explain everything in one go. Just let them know you need to talk.”

I exhaled slowly, staring at the blinking cursor on the screen. The anxiety in my chest tightened like a vice, but Noah’s calm presence beside me was like a steady anchor.

I started typing.

Hey, everyone. I need to talk to you all about something important. Can we meet at Felis’s house tomorrow?

I hit send before I could overthink it again. The message felt heavy sitting there in the chat, but there was no going back now.

It didn’t take long for the responses to roll in.

Leo: Is this about what Atlas said earlier? Because I didn’t steal his stupid headphones.

Atlas: Don’t call my headphones stupid, and no one thinks you’re innocent, Leo.

Orion: Focus, guys. Estella, are you okay? You’re not usually this serious.

I bit my lip, my fingers trembling as I typed back.

I’m fine. It’s just... something I need to tell all of you. I’ll explain everything tomorrow.

Felis: I’ll make sure everyone’s there. Don’t stress about it, Stell.

Nash: Does this mean I have to wake up early?

Leo: Not everything is about you, Nash.

A laugh slipped out of me despite myself. Even in moments like this, they never failed to bicker. It was comforting in a strange way, a reminder that no matter how messy things were, they were my family.

I set my phone down on the coffee table, leaning back against the couch. My hands felt clammy, my heart racing even though the hardest part sending the message was over.

“You okay?” Noah asked, his voice low as he shifted Eden to his lap. She stirred slightly, but quickly settled again, her tiny hand clutching at the fabric of his shirt.

“I don’t know” I admitted, rubbing my palms against my thighs.

“They love you, Estella” Noah said, his tone steady and sure. “It doesn’t matter what you tell them tomorrow. They’ll still love you.”

I nodded slowly, my gaze dropping to Eden. Her little face was so peaceful, her tiny fingers so delicate. “I hope you’re right” I murmured. “I’m not just doing this for me. I’m doing it for her. She deserves to know her uncles.”

“And they deserve to know her” Noah added. “They’ll be shocked, sure. But once they meet her, they’re going to fall in love with her just like we did.”

A faint smile tugged at my lips as I reached out to brush my fingers gently over Eden’s soft curls. “She has a way of doing that, doesn’t she?”

Noah grinned. “It’s her superpower.”

The group chat pinged again, drawing my attention back to the phone.

Atlas: Wait, does this mean Felis is cooking tomorrow? Because if he’s making those dry burgers again, I’m out.

Leo: You’re such a baby. Bring your own food if you’re going to complain.

Felis: Both of you stop. Estella, don’t listen to them. Tomorrow is about you. The rest of them can behave or leave hungry.

I laughed softly, shaking my head. “They’re impossible.”

“They’re your family” Noah said, his expression warm as he watched me. “And tomorrow, they’ll finally get to see the whole picture.”