Liam's Wife, Harry's Half Sister

Chapter 30

Louis' POV

It was still hard to wrap my head around everything that had happened in the last few months. I'd been in Luca's life for a while, thanks to my friendship with Harry and Courtney. But for the longest time, I thought he was Liam's. Courtney had kept the truth from me, afraid of how Liam's temper would react if he found out the truth.

When she finally told me that Luca was mine, it was like the world shifted beneath me. I didn't expect it, and I didn't know how to feel at first. But now, a few months in, I couldn't imagine my life without him.

This weekend, though, felt different. It was the first time Luca was staying with me overnight, and it was a big step. We'd spent time together before, but this was something new—a new chapter for both of us.

As we drove to my flat, I kept glancing back at Luca in the rearview mirror. He was fiddling with the straps of his car seat, his small fingers restless. I wondered if he was nervous about spending the night.

"You alright back there, bud?" I asked.

"Yeah, Daddy," he said with a smile, his voice soft but steady.

Hearing him call me "Daddy" still felt surreal. I was still getting used to it. But it was real, and I was going to do everything I could to be the best father I could be.

When we arrived, I helped Luca out of the car and carried his bag inside. The flat was simple but cozy, and I'd made sure to set up a room just for him. It wasn't much—a superhero bedspread, a bookshelf of books, and a few toys—but it was his space.

"Wow! This is mine?" Luca asked, his eyes lighting up.

"All yours," I said, watching him run to the bed and bounce on it.

His excitement made me feel like I was doing something right, even if it hadn't been easy to get here.

We spent the afternoon playing games and reading books, and before long, dinner time rolled around. Luca was hungry, and I was more than happy to make his favorite—pasta.

While I cooked, Luca chattered away about his favorite TV shows, how much he loved being a big brother, and all sorts of little details about his life. I was amazed at how easily he talked to me.

After dinner, we called Henry. The moment Luca saw his brother's face on the screen, he beamed.

"Henry! Look at my room!" Luca said, holding the tablet up so Henry could see every corner.

"Wow, Luca! It's so cool!" Henry replied, his nose pressed close to the screen.

"I checked—no monsters here," Luca said proudly.

"Good job!" Henry said. "I miss you."

"I miss you too! But it's only the weekend," Luca said. "Daddy said I can call you every night."

"That's right," I said, leaning into the frame. "We're having a good time. You'll see him soon, don't worry."

The boys talked for a while, making plans for when Luca got back home. It was clear how much they missed each other, but I knew this weekend would be good for Luca.

When the call ended, I tucked Luca into bed.

"Daddy?" he asked, his voice soft.

"Yeah, bud?"

"Do you love me?"

The question hit me harder than I expected.

"Of course I do," I said, my throat tight. "I love you more than you know."

"Good. I love you too," he said, his small hand reaching out to mine.

I stayed by his side for a few more minutes, just watching him sleep. He looked so peaceful, so trusting. I thought about how much I'd missed by not knowing him sooner.

Later, as I lay in bed, I thought about Courtney. She had kept Luca a secret for so long, afraid of what Liam might do if he found out. I couldn't blame her, but it didn't make it any easier.

And then there was the kiss. The one she gave me before I left with Luca. It was quick, innocent, but it lingered in my mind.

Why had she kissed me? Was it just a thank-you? Or was there something more?

I rolled over, trying to shake the thought. This weekend was about Luca, about creating memories with him, about building something real between us. But even as I drifted off to sleep, Courtney's kiss was there, unanswered, in the back of my mind.