Page 79 of Baby For My Ex's Brother

"Have you told him about it? And Shiloh..." She pauses, choosing her words with care. "Would you want to keep it?"

The question hangs between us, heavy as the ocean air outside. I hesitate, the weight of the answer more than I'm ready to carry.

"Initially, I thought I wouldn't. I mean, we didn’t plan for this…" I admit, feeling the sting of tears threatening again. "But Liam... I want his baby. It’s unexpected, but it feels right." The words are out before I can stop them, a confession of a truth I hadn't fully acknowledged until now. "God, but there's Trinity, too," I rush on, my thoughts tumbling out in a jumble. "I wanted... I wanted time, Nadia. Time to build my career, our relationship—just a little longer without this kind of complication. None of this is going to plan…"

"Shiloh, listen to me," Nadia's voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts, steady and sure. "It's going to be okay. You'll figure this out. I'm here for you, no matter what happens. "

I clutch the phone tighter, drawing strength from her conviction. "Thanks, Nadia. That means everything to me right now."

"Go take those tests," she urges. "Call me back as soon as you know, okay?"

"Okay," I say, a whisper of resolve starting to build within me.

"Take care, Shy. And breathe."

I end the call and sit for a moment in the driver's seat, letting the silence of the car cocoon me. My heart is a drumbeat in my chest, but Nadia's words echo in my head:Breathe.

The drive back to the house is a blur, the morning sun casting long shadows on the road. I park the car, gathering myself beforestepping out. The keys jingle softly as I walk to the door, the sound disproportionately loud in the stillness of the morning.

I slip inside, hoping the quiet will shield me from waking Liam. I need a moment alone, just a little more time to face whatever comes next. But as I tiptoe past the kitchen, his voice stops me cold.

"Shiloh?" His tone is tinged with concern, and I freeze.

"Here," I call out, steadying my voice.

He steps around the corner, his eyes immediately finding mine. "I was worried. Where were you?"

I glance down at the cell phone clutched in my hand. Two missed calls… and of course I was too distracted to notice.

"Out," I say, but it's more of an exhale than a word. My gaze flickers, betraying me, as his eyes follow the movement down to the plastic bag clutched in my hand.

The air between us thickens as he sees what's inside. The box with its telltale plus sign is as clear as day through the translucent material.

A myriad of emotions flits across Liam's face—confusion, concern, and something that looks perilously close to hope. I can't read him entirely, but I don't have the luxury to try right now.

"Shiloh?" His voice cracks slightly, the single word heavy with unspoken questions.

My heart hammers against my ribs, threatening to escape. I swallow hard, trying to lubricate a throat suddenly parched with fear.

"I think I'm pregnant," I manage to get out, my voice sounding foreign to my own ears. "And I'm going to take these tests."

For a second, neither of us moves. Then he nods, almost imperceptibly.

"Can you make me some more tea?" I ask, my voice steadier than I feel.

"Of course." His response is automatic, but his eyes remain locked on mine, searching for something I'm not sure I can give him.

I turn away, needing to escape that intense scrutiny, and head towards the sanctuary of the bathroom. The click of the kettle echoes behind me, a mundane sound that somehow anchors me to the here and now.

As I walk, I rub the fabric of my shirt between my fingers—a small, grounding gesture as I brace myself for what comes next.

Liam knows.

He knows… and whatever comes now, we’re going to face it together.

Chapter thirty-two

Liam

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