Page 88 of Pieces

I don’t have to move much at all, he’s already so close, but as I lean into him, his arms are right there, wrapping around me like it’s second nature. His hold feels effortless, solid and comfortable, like this is exactly where I’m meant to be. With his steady chest beneath my cheek, the rise and fall of his breathing anchors me in a way I need.

His hand comes up to cradle the back of my head, his fingers slipping gently into my hair, while his other hand rests on my back, moving in slow, soothing circles. “I’ve got you,” he murmurs.

I feel seen. Fully and completely, like every part of me—messy, scared, and uncertain—is worth holding on to.

Chapter thirty-seven

Hudson

Walkingbackouttomy mom and sister, I keep Daphne’s hand in mine as we round the corner back to the dining table.

I clear my throat, my heart thudding just a little harder than usual. “So,” I start. Squeezing her hand gently, I turn back to my mom and sister. “There’s something we want to tell you.”

My mom sets down her glass, her expression shifting. My sister leans forward slightly, eyebrows raised.

This is it.

I take a breath and one more look at Daphne. “We’re having a baby.”

The silence stretches in the room, surrounding us in a way that makes me sweat.

“A baby?” Mom asks quietly.

“Yes,” Daphne says, shifting on her feet. “We wanted to tell you together because we really care about how you feel.”

My sister blinks, her mouth opening slightly before breaking into a wide grin. “Are you serious?” she asks, her tone jumping to one of excitement. “Like…you’re going to have a real baby?” Leaning back in her chair, she looks between the two of us.

I let out a light laugh. “Of course a real baby, you dufus.”

“Can I teach them to play soccer like me?”

“Counting on it, squirt,” I say.

Mom stands slowly, her chair scraping softly against the floor as she pushes it back. Her expression is unreadable for a moment, and I hold my breath. Then she steps toward Daphne, her arms opening with a warmth that makes my chest ache.

Daphne freezes for half a second, her eyes wide, as if she’s bracing herself for something else entirely. But when Mom wraps her in a hug, something shifts. Daphne exhales shakily, her shoulders relaxing as she leans into the embrace. Her arms rise slowly, almost hesitant, before she hugs Mom back with the kind of sincerity that makes me want to pull her closer myself.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Mom murmurs, her voice thick. She pulls back just enough to meet Daphne’s eyes, keeping her hands on her shoulders. “And how are you feeling? You must be feeling a lot.”

Daphne blinks quickly, her cheeks pink as she gives a small, tentative smile. “Thank you,” she says softly. “I… I was so worried about howyou’dfeel, actually.”

Mom tilts her head in confusion. “Why on earth would you be worried about my feelings, honey?”

Daphne glances at me, and I see that glimmer of fear in her eyes, so I step in, clearing my throat. “We told Daphne’s parents already,” I begin. “And…her dad’s my coach. When we met, we didn’t know that, and let’s just say, he didn’t take the news well.”

Mom’s frown deepens, her lips pressing together for a moment. I can see the understanding dawning in her expression, and I know exactly where her mind has gone. My mom’s parents weren’t happy when she got pregnant with me at nineteen, and even now, after years of strained civility, we only see them a couple of times a year. I know she remembers that pain. She knows exactly what Daphne’s going through.

“I’m so sorry, honey,” Mom says, her voice quiet but full of empathy. “I know how that feels. It’s tough, and it’s unfair.”

She pulls Daphne into another hug, this one even tighter than before. When she lets go, she looks between the two of us, her gaze warm but serious. “It’s not ideal timing, because you’re both young, but let me tell you something: having a baby doesn’t mean your life ends. It means you face challenges earlier, yes, but it also means you learn how to adapt. You’ll find ways to overcome obstacles, and you’ll do it together. That little life you’re creating is going to bring so much love into this world.”

Daphne swallows hard, her lips pressing into a trembling smile. “Thank you,” she whispers.

Mom’s gaze flickers between us, and then, with the faintest lift of her eyebrows, she asks, “So…are you two, you know,together-together?”

Rory giggles, reminding us that she’s sitting at the table still. “Of course they’re together. Look at the way Hudson goes all heart-eyes around her.”

Oh fuck. Thanks for that, little sis.

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