“We’ll figure this out,” he says quietly. “Together.”

I want to believe him. I want to believe that we can make this work, that he can be the person I need him to be. But a small voice in the back of my mind whispers doubts I can’t ignore.

Before I can respond, the door swings open, and Cass strides in with Kendrick and Cassidy close behind.

“Emily,” Cass exclaims, his face a mixture of relief, worry, and exasperation. “How are you feeling? The doctor said you fainted because you’re pregnant.”

“I’m fine,” I say quickly, my cheeks flushing. “And yes, I… we’re having a baby.” I glance up at Sam for support.

Cass narrows his eyes, clearly not happy with the situation. “Sam told us—hell, he announced to everyone that you guys are married.”

“That can wait,” Kendrick gives Cass a warning look as she moves closer, “For now, we’re just glad you’re well,” Kendricksays, her voice warm. She leans down, giving me a gentle hug before sitting on the edge of the bed.

Cassidy peeks around her mom, her wide eyes filled with concern and curiosity. “Aunt Emily, are you really going to have a baby?”

“It’s true,” I say, my voice barely audible. “It’s all true. Sam and I got married a year ago in Vegas. And now we’re having a baby.”

“A year ago!” Cass explodes, then tries to rein in his anger, and in a quieter voice, “In Vegas?”

“It was... an accident,” I admit, my cheeks burning.

Cass throws his hands in the air. “An accident? Emily, you don’t just accidentally get married!”

“Cass,” Kendrick says sharply, placing a hand on his arm. “Calm down.”

He glares at her, then at me, before finally turning to Sam. “And what, you just decided not to tell anyone? You’ve been walking around all this time pretending nothing happened?”

“I told you earlier—it’s complicated,” Sam says, his tone steady.

“Clearly,” Cass mutters, running a hand through his hair.

Kendrick shoots him a warning look before turning back to me. “What does this mean? For the two of you?”

Sam glances at me, then back at Kendrick. “It means we’re still figuring it out.”

Cass folds his arms, his expression skeptical. “And how exactly are you planning to do that?”

“We’ll be moving into our own place,” Sam says firmly, surprising even me.

Cass raises an eyebrow. “You will?”

“Yes,” Sam says, his gaze unwavering. “Emily and I need space to figure things out. For us and the baby.”

The room goes silent, the promise of Sam’s words hanging heavy in the air.

Cass’s expression slowly shifts from anger to something softer, more cautious. “Emily, are you okay with all of this?”

“I am,” I say, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside me. “I didn’t know about the baby until today, but... I’m glad. Excited, but scared.”

Cass exhales sharply, his shoulders sagging. “Well, damn. I don’t know why I’m always the last to know these things. But…” Heshrugs, looking helpless. “Alright. I guess congratulations are in order.”

“Thanks,” I say, smiling faintly at my brother.

Cass mutters something under his breath but then slaps Sam on the back. “Congratulations to you too, man.”

Sam grins up at Cass with a grateful nod.

Kendrick reaches for my hand, her eyes shining. “We’re here for you, Emily. Whatever you guys need.”