Page 57 of Four Stepbrothers for Christmas

But while my heart rejoiced, a nagging thought lingered. How would the guys react? Sure, they loved me, and we had already weathered many storms together. But a child? That was a commitment of an entirely different magnitude.

In the days that followed, I wrestled with my emotions. The joy of the holiday season was intermingled with my own internal conflict. On one hand, Mikey's condition added a layer of complexity. His brush with the abyss, the toll of his drug use, was a painful reminder of how fragile life could be.

But he was already showing signs of recovery. He’d come to on Christmas morning, feeling well enough for a little hot cider. The light was slowly returned to his eyes, and by the morning after Christmas, he seemed to be regaining some semblance of his old self. Knowing I’d be leaving him in the caring hands of Mom and Sal was no small relief.

Before leaving, I confided in Mom about the pregnancy. She hugged me tight, tears glistening in her eyes.

"This is a gift, Becca. A blessing." I made her swear not to tell the guys, though I gave her permission to share the news with Sal. Some things were too precious, too important to be kept from those we loved.

We’d left that next day. And as the guys’ private plane soared through the clear blue sky, taking us back to New York, I felt the weight of the secret pressing on me. It was time. I had to tell them.

The ambiance inside the plane was light, with sporadic bouts of laughter and playful banter. The guys seemed relaxed, enjoying the luxury of the plush leather seats and the panoramic views outside. But as I looked at each of them — Vinnie with his charming smile, Archer enjoying a glass of his usual red wine, Isaac, calm and collected, and Luke already getting started on work for the new year — I felt a pang of nervousness.

With a wistful smile, I gazed at them, thinking how incredibly lucky I was. They seemed to be radiating an irresistible charm today, each in their own unique way.

Vinnie caught my gaze first, his dark eyes twinkling mischievously. "Like what you see?" he teased, flexing his arm muscles in an exaggerated gesture.

I feigned shock, placing a hand over my heart. "Oh my! I might just faint from the sheer overwhelming display of machismo!"

Archer chuckled from my left, leaning in closer to whisper in my ear, his warm breath sending a tingling sensation down my spine. "I think you're just flustered because we keep getting better with age. Like fine wine."

Grinning, I turned toward him, placing a finger under his chin. "Oh, Archer, honey, while you definitely age like wine, I think Vinnie's more like cheese. Some might say he's...aged to perfection?"

Luke leaned in and smoothly interjected, "Careful, Becca. With all these compliments, you might just inflate our egos to an unsustainable size."

Winking at him, I quipped, "Wouldn't dream of it. Just calling it as I see it. I mean, seriously, did you guys make a pact with the devil or something? It's like you become more irresistible by the day."

Vinnie smirked. "Maybe it's all that love from you. It has rejuvenating properties, you know."

I laughed. "Well, in that case, you'll all be forever young."

"Or," Archer added with a roguish grin, "it's just the effect you have on us. Keeps us on our toes, keeps the blood pumping. Good for the complexion, you know?"

Rolling my eyes playfully, I retorted, "Nice try. I'm pretty sure it's just your genes. But if you're trying to butter me up, it's working."

Isaac leaned in, his blue eyes soft yet intense. "You know, we might be a good-looking bunch," he started, his voice dripping with mock arrogance, "but there's a particular lady here whose beauty steals the show every single time."

Blushing slightly, I swatted him lightly on the arm. "Oh, stop. This isn't a competition, you know. Besides, surrounded by all of you, how could I not glow a little?"

Vinnie pretended to ponder for a moment. "I have a theory," he mused. "We're all just reflections. We shine because you shine."

Archer snorted and smirked. "Deep, Vinnie. Real deep."

Chuckling, I shook my head at their antics. "All I know is, I'm one lucky girl to have such...visually pleasing company. And even luckier that you all have personalities to match those devilish good looks."

Isaac smirked, capturing my hand and placing a gentle kiss on the back. "Well, remember, you're the gem that completes this dashing ensemble."

The warmth in the cabin was unmistakable, filled with lighthearted laughter, flirtatious exchanges, and a bond that was only growing stronger.

Surrounded by the luxurious trappings of the private plane, I could feel the tension of desire in the air. It wasn't just the altitude; being enclosed in this exclusive space with the four men I adored most was heady and intoxicating.

"Gentlemen," I began, a sly grin forming on my lips, "as much as I would love to christen this plane properly with each of you, I think patience is a virtue worth practicing." I let my fingers brush past Archer's thigh and winked at Vinnie, delighting in their collective groans.

Truth be told, I was way, way too nervous about the pregnancy news to be thinking about sex. I mean, I wasalwaysthinking about sex when I was around the guys – how could I not? But the news was so intense, so earth-shattering, it temporarily eclipsed my desire for them.

Isaac's penthouse in Midtown Manhattan was nothing short of a masterpiece. The vast living space was adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows that boasted a panoramic view of the New York skyline. Rich mahogany accents, plush furnishings, and a minimalist design exuded opulence. An open-concept kitchen with sleek black granite countertops glistened under the soft, ambient lighting. Every inch of the place radiated luxury and elegance, fitting for the man who owned it.

“Now, this isn’tmyplace,” Isaac said as he took my bag. “Why don’t you move in with us, assuming that’s what you want?”

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