Page 96 of Hat Trick Daddies

It feels right, like the next step in this strange, unconventional life we’re building together.

The coffee finishes, and I pour myself a mug, the heat radiating through the ceramic as I settle onto the couch. The remote is cool in my hand as I flip through channels, landing on some trashy reality TV show.

I kick my feet up, sipping my coffee and feeling a rare sense of contentment.

The distant hum of the hot water heater kicks on, the familiar sound signaling that someone else is up and in the shower.

It doesn’t take long for Nick to appear, descending the stairs with his usual grace.

He’s freshly showered, his hair damp and combed back, and there’s a satisfied ease in his expression that makes me smirk.

“Morning,” I say, my voice low and still laced with sleep.

Nick heads straight for the coffee pot, pouring himself a mug. He turns toward me, his eyebrows raised. “Wow, you actually made coffee? What, getting engaged suddenly made you care about the rest of us?”

“Maybe,” I reply with a shrug, a playful grin tugging at my lips. I lift my mug in a mock toast. “Figured since I was up first, I’d return the favor for once. You guys do it for me all the time.”

Nick chuckles, clearly surprised but amused. “Well, I’ll give you that. Didn’t think you had it in you.”

He plops down onto the couch beside me, the leather cushions creaking slightly under his weight.

We sit there for a moment, the TV playing in the background as the warmth of the coffee seeps through the mug and into my hands.

The sound of heavy footsteps on the stairs signals Brooks’ arrival.

“Ally’s almost done in the shower,” he says, leaning against the counter. “The appointment’s in two hours. We need to be ready.”

Nick nods, taking another sip of his coffee, but his eyes flick to me with a knowing smirk. “I don’t have to tell you that, do I, Tyler?”

I roll my eyes, groaning. “Oh, come on. Give me some credit. I’ll actually be ready for once.”

Brooks raises an eyebrow, a teasing grin spreading across his face. “Is that so? You’re not going to make us late this time?”

“Not today,” I reply, holding up my hands in mock surrender.

Nick chuckles, shaking his head. “Well, give him some credit, he did make coffee.”

Brooks sips his mug, his grin widening. “Now that’s a shock. Maybe there’s hope for you yet, Ty.”

I laugh along with them, the sound echoing through the kitchen as the three of us settle into the easy rhythm we’ve built over years of living together.

It’s moments like these that remind me how lucky I am, not just to have my brother and Brooks, but to share all of this with Ally, too.

“What the hell are you watching?” Brooks asks, his face twisted in exaggerated disgust as he stares at the television.

On the screen, two women with massive, obviously fake boobs are screaming at each other in a gaudy kitchen. One of them is waving a spatula like it’s a weapon.

I smirk, leaning back against the couch and crossing my arms. “It’s a reality show, think Big Brother, but with reality stars from other shows shoved into one house together. Drama city.”

Brooks rolls his eyes, his broad shoulders sagging as he sighs deeply. “You’ve gotta be kidding me. People actually watch this garbage?”

“Hey, this is quality entertainment,” I protest, feigning offense.

He steps closer, holding out his hand. “Give me the remote. Let’s watch something that doesn’t kill brain cells. Historical Network’s got a great documentary on medieval armor.”

I laugh, clutching the remote like it’s a lifeline. “No way, Grandpa. I’m not trading reality gold for another one of your boring documentaries.”

Brooks narrows his eyes, lunging for the remote. I dodge, tucking it behind my back. “Not today, old man! You can’t run after me right now with only one good leg. I get to watch what I want for a change!”

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