Page 84 of Beyond Oblivion

Cheers, shouts, laughter—like someone had just lit a firework in the middle of the table. Abby squealed and practically launched herself at Camille, pulling her into a hug, while Falyn and Ellison—who was screaming through the screen—were already talking baby names and guessing nursery colors. The kids were a little stunned, but then Jessica and James started yelling “We’re getting a cousin!” at full volume as they bounced.

My brothers were up in an instant. Taylor pulled me in with a solid hug, his face breaking into a grin as he clapped me on the back. Thomas jumped in next, nearly lifting me off the floor, pulling us into a tight, solid huddle.

“Finally, man!” Taylor said, his usual deadpan replaced by a wide grin. “You’re gonna be a dad!”

“Can’t believe it,” Thomas added, his voice choked with laughter.

Dad had already moved to Camille’s side, hugging her gently, as if she were one of Mom’s crystals. “I told you, sis. I told you! I’m thrilled for you, sweetheart. You’re gonna be incredible,” he said, his eyes soft with pride.

Camille beamed up at him, making my throat feel tight as I choked back tears.

He turned to me, placing a steady hand on my shoulder, his gaze as solid as his grip. “Son,” he began, his voice carrying that calm, steady wisdom that seemed built into his bones, “sometimes life makes you wait for the things that matter most. But you’ve been patient, you’ve stayed positive while still taking time to grieve the tough days, and you never wavered. That’s exactly what being a good father is all about. On days you doubt yourself—because, son, we all do—know that you’ve already shown all the qualities that raising a child well requires.”

My eyes burned. “Thanks, Dad.”

Olive grinned, her entire body shivering with excitement, her eyes glossing over as she spoke, “You actually are? You’re pregnant?” she asked, her bottom lip trembling.

Camille nodded, and Olive hugged her, burying her face in Camille’s neck, sobbing. The room got quiet then, watching them rock back and forth.

She turned to me then, getting my shirt wet with happy tears.

I kissed her hair and then hugged her tight. “You’re still my number one girl, Ew, you know that, right?”

Olive righted herself, nodding. Suddenly serious, she sniffed once. “I get dibs on babysitting, right?”

“Absolutely!” I ruffled her hair, which earned me a playful swat on the arm.

The moment felt perfect—one of those rare times when everything clicked into place. The energy in the room shifted from our usual family bedlam to a buzzing, celebratory frenzy, filled with happy and sometimes relieved voices chattering and laughter bouncing between hugs and high fives. We must’ve missed the first round of knocking because suddenly, it echoed from the entryway like someone was swinging a battering ram, a giant demanding to be let in.

Thomas stood to answer the door, exchanged a few low words with whoever was on the other side, and then a few moments later, Kostas stepped into view, wearing an expression that could only be interpreted one way:bad news incoming.He barely had to open his mouth for me to know that our little celebration bubble was about to pop. Kostas was good at a lot of things, but lately it seemed he’d being trying to win an award for showing up with exactly the kind of news nobody wanted to hear.

He shot me a nod, one that said we needed to talk. I glanced over at Camille, who continued the conversation, knowing without a word that the rest of the family needed to be distracted from whatever Kostas had to say.

“What do you think about the nameRalphfor a boy?” she asked Jessica.

“Nooo! You can’t name my cousin after the sound of vomit!” she retorted, and the excited chatter picked up again.

Trying to keep my expression calm, I followed Kostas into the hallway, catching Thomas and Liis slipping away to join us. I did a double take, momentarily surprised that they were so invested, but it was clear they’d picked up on the change in atmosphere, too. Kostas looked between us but kept his line of sight low, checking that the kids had stayed in the other room. He crossed his arms and sighed.

Fuck, this was looking grim.

“Hate to chuck this at ya now, but it couldn’t wait,” he said, glancing between me and Thomas. “It’s about Madison.”

Madison.The name alone was enough to set my jaw tight. I knew any day we’d be hearing of her release, but this seemed to be something more nefarious.

“This was meant to be good news. The psych team recommended another three months of treatment,” he said, keeping his voice low. “But we found out early this morning she walked out AMA last night. Strolled straight out the front doors with a small group. We reckon they’re the same ones who’ve been ringing the facility, asking about visitor policies and her release date.”

Thomas’s face darkened, his jaw clenching as he listened. I expected him to ask who they were, but he didn’t, so I did.

Kostas sighed. “We’re not completely sure yet, mate. But they were pretty hostile about her leaving. The facility called her parents—they’re worried about her safety—but I reckon they mean to shield her for later use. They’re not friends or family. We’re looking into it, but these people have ties that go beyond your standard harassment cases.”

My fists clenched involuntarily, anger prickling under my skin. “This doesn’t make any sense. What would they have to do with Madison?”

“Dunno quite yet, but I’m on it.”

“So,” I began, feeling like my blood was boiling under my skin. “She’s just… out? With some group of strangers?”

Kostas’s expression wasn’t reassuring. “She’s done what the court ordered. Anything else’d be voluntary, and she’s over eighteen, so yeah. Looks like she’s got more dependable resources than we thought. You and Camille need to watch yourselves. Madison’s unpredictable, and the mob she’s with? Not the blokes you want sniffing around.”

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