So why does Rose’s reaction feel like a warning?
I order tea, needing time to think. Around me, normal life continues—people getting coffee, checking phones, and living without secrets.
The café door opens. For a moment, I expect Rose returning with explanations. Instead, a young mother struggles with a baby carrier.
Watching her, I remember Violet’s birth. Luca’s pride turning to rage when she wasn’t a boy. His careful abuse afterward, never marking where it would show.
This baby will be different. Will have three fathers who love regardless of gender. Who protect rather than harm.
Won’t it?
My hand drifts to my stomach again. Under my palm, that tiny heartbeat echoes in memory. Strong. Steady. Real.
It’s time to start telling the truth.
I just hope I survive the fallout.
Surprisingly, I catch up with Rose in the parking lot. I run after her and grab her arm before she can reach her car. “What protocol?”
She yanks away.
“Go home, Evie.” Her voice comes out cold. “Take care of your girls.”
“Not until you explain.” I move between her and the car. “What plan? What timelines?”
“You don’t want to do this here.” Her eyes scan the parking lot.
“Then let’s go somewhere else.” I hold up my ultrasound photo. “Because I’m not letting this go. Not after everything.”
For a moment, I think she’ll refuse. Then, her shoulders slump slightly. “Fine. Follow me.”
We drive to an abandoned warehouse lot outside town. The kind of place Rose always seems to know about. The kind of place with no witnesses.
When we get out of our cars, she says, “Eight weeks. Are you sure?”
“Doctor confirmed it this morning.” I touch my stomach unconsciously. “Why does the timing matter?”
“Because it wasn’t supposed to happen this fast.” She rubs her temples. “You were supposed to establish roots first. Build trust slowly. Not…this.”
Ice forms in my gut. “What are you talking about?”
“The brothers.” Her laugh holds no humor. “Three potential fathers. Do you have any idea how complicated this makes things?”
“Complicated for who?” The ice spreads. “Rose…who are you really?”
She turns finally, and I don’t recognize the woman looking back at me. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is damage control.”
“Damage control?” My voice rises. “I’m pregnant, not compromised!”
“You don’t understand.” She checks her mirrors compulsively. “This changes everything. The timeline, the extraction plan?—”
“Extraction?” The word hits like a punch. “What extraction? Rose—” I grab her arm again. “What the hell is going on?”
She stills completely. When she meets my eyes, there’s something like regret there.
“I was supposed to protect you,” she says softly. “I was supposed to keep you safe until everything was in place. But you had to go and fall in love.”
“With three amazing men who love me back.” My hand covers my stomach protectively. “Who love my girls.”