Page 186 of Edge of Unbroken

“Oh, it gets better,” Frank says somewhat sheepishly. “We’re having twins.”

My mom’s eyes go wide. “You’re kidding!” she screeches, hugging Penny against herself again, then Frank, then Penny again.

I turn to Ronan, who looks like this is all news to him, too.

“What do you guys think?” Frank asks Steve and Ronan, his voice more hesitant, cautious.

Steve looks shell-shocked. “Holy shit, Dad. That’s…” Steve trails off for a moment. “Twins, huh?”

Frank nods, his gaze moving between Steve and Ronan repeatedly. “It would appear so, yeah.”

“Holy shit,” Steve says again.

“Ran?” Frank says to Ronan, who still hasn’t said a word.

“That’s… fast,” Ronan finally says.

I analyze his profile, trying to read his expression.

Frank nods, still studying his son’s face.

“We’re due in February, but my doctor said it’s unlikely I’ll be able to carry to term and that twins usually come sooner. I’m hoping we’ll make it to thirty-six weeks,” Penny says. I’m not sure she’s picking up on the tense energy between Frank and his boys; she’s too excited to tune in to the significance of what Frank just shared with his sons.

“Do you know what you’re having? Or is it too soon to tell?” my dad asks, equally as oblivious to the vibes.

“Well, technically we won’t have confirmation until a few weeks from now,” Penny says, “but I did the early genetic testing and we’re having twin boys.”

There’s more excited screeching from my mom and Penny, who are hugging again.

I reach for Ronan’s hand to squeeze it, and he looks at me. I detect sadness in his eyes.

My dad chuckles. “You’ll need to find yourselves a bigger home.”

“Actually,” Ronan says, his tone devoid of emotion, “I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you that I’ve been talking with Shane and I’m going to move in with him.”

I’m surprised. We had talked about it before in passing, about Shane’s half-hearted search for a roommate over this last year and his confession that he was really just waiting for Ronan to move in. I know Ronan had been thinking about it, but neither he nor Shane wanted to put any pressure on the situation, and I wasn’t aware that Ronan had made a decision until now.

Frank takes a step toward his son. “No, Ran, you don’t need to do that.”

“Yeah, I do,” Ronan says. “There won’t be enough room for all of us with twin babies, even with Stevie in Boston.”

“Sure there is. The twins can have Steve’s room,” Frank says.

“Hey,” Steve protests in the background. “What about when I come to visit?”

Frank waves off his oldest son. “You can sleep on the couch or in Ran’s room.”

“No, Dad, I really think this is for the best. You guys will need the space; it’s you and Penny now. And that’s okay,” Ronan says. “Plus, I can’t say I’m excited about the idea of sleeping in a room next to two babies who will be crying a thousand times a night.”

“Buddy,” Frank says, his voice warm, “I’m sorry we’re just springing this on you two. I meant to talk to you sooner, but I just… I couldn’t find the right moment. I’m sorry, Ran. Please, you don’t need to leave. I don’t want you to—”

“Dad, stop,” Ronan says. “It’s not… I want this. I need this. I need to move out. It’ll be good for me.” He takes a deep breath. “If you all don’t mind, I’m going to step out for some fresh air for a minute.”

He locks eyes with me, seeking my understanding.

I nod, knowing that he needs a moment to himself.

Ronan

---