Chapter 51 - Linus
fifty-one
Linus
Two Months Later
Avonna’s body is pliant from everything Liam and I did to relax her.
She rests on her side with a pillow under her belly. Six months along and her movements have grown careful. Her pace is sluggish. Her back is strained. Feet swollen.
Somehow, despite her limited mobility, her voracious sex drive is raging even more out of control.
Tonight she needed our mouths. Our fingers. Our cocks. We gave her everything she asked for, as many times as her body could take. Five orgasms later, she sleeps between us.
Sated. Glow still on her skin.
Liam is passed out behind her, arm draped across her hip. Peaceful. Lighter than I’ve seen him in years. Telling his parents the truth lifted something in him. He touches us more, smiles every day, sings with a brighter edge.
I wish I felt as relaxed as my loves tonight. I probably should have let myself orgasm.
Instead, my mind was whirling.
We’re in Dublin for a few days. Tomorrow is my turn to tell my parents about our relationship. Then we’re putting our little flat on the market and moving to the States for good. Life is changing and we’re meeting it head on.
None of us planned to be parents. Truth be told, the timing couldn’t be worse for Fireball.
Another example of life happening to you when you least expect it.
We probably should have seen it coming. Our sex life is insane.
Most days, if I’m honest, we fill Avonna on more than one occasion.
It’s our rhythm. Devotion to our girl. None of us ever worried about birth control, she’s been on the pill for years.
Somewhere between time zones and exhaustion, she missed a few and here we are in the craziest situation imaginable.
At our twelve-week scan, the three of us went in expecting one heartbeat. Came out with two. Avonna cried. Liam went pale. I laughed because I didn’t know what else to do. We held each other in the hallway outside the clinic while the world kept turning.
Our lawyer gently suggested a DNA test. For protection. Guardianship. Legal clarity. We’re doing everything possible to protect our family legally and we don’t have the luxury of surprise if we are going to establish parental rights.
The paternity results came in around the time we learned their gender.
Two girls. I’m the bio dad of one girl. Liam’s the bio dad of the other.
It’s so rare, the entire office got involved in the test confirmation.
Heteropaternal superfecundation, they call it.
Two eggs, two sperm, one ovulation window.
The science makes sense, even if the odds are one in a million.
“You’re both their fathers.” Avonna didn’t blink when we found out. “Of course you are.”
Restless, I slip out of bed, careful not to wake Liam and Avonna. The flat is dim and cool. I meander into the kitchen, turn on the smallest light, and brace my hands on the counter. My heart races and stomach roils as I think about tomorrow.
My parents love Avonna. They’ve wanted us to have kids for years and are gonna be shocked to the core when they learn my wife is carrying one of my daughters and one of Liam’s. It will be difficult for them to comprehend.
It’s my fault they don’t know Liam’s history with me and how Avonna and I have brought him into our marriage.
With the visit looming, I understand how scared Liam was when he was in the same boat a few weeks ago. I’m afraid of my family’s judgement and of losing them. It went well at the McGloughlins. Hopefully the O’Donnell’s will be accepting too.
A soft footstep pulls me out of my thoughts.
I turn.
Liam stands in the doorway. Naked. Sleep-warm. His hair messy, cock half-mast, his eyes still heavy with dreams. The sight of him pulls something hot and aching through my chest.
My dick fills. Suddenly, he’s the only thing I need.
“Linus,” he rasps. “Come back to bed.”
“I can’t sleep. I’m too wound up.” My fist wraps around my hardening cock.
He crosses the room. “What’s goin’ on?”
“I’m not lookin’ forward to tomorrow,” I admit. “I’ve hidden so much. It’ll be a lot for them to take in.”
He presses his forehead against my shoulder. “They may be freaked out, but it’ll be okay.”
“I’m scared.”
“I know.” He kisses my neck. “Come here.”
He guides me to the couch and sits. Pulls me into his lap. I straddle him as his hands slide up my back with grounding strokes.
“You always take care of all of us.” His tongue brushes mine with deliberate tenderness. My ribs loosen. “Every day. Tonight, let me take care of you.”
Liam reaches into the small drawer in the table beside the couch and pulls out the lube we left last time we were here. He works me open, staring into my eyes as he does it. I moan when he slides one finger in, then two, preparing me with practiced care.
“Yes, baby,” he whispers. “Relax for me.”
When I’m loose, he cups my ass and lifts slightly, then guides me down onto his cock with steady hands, making my breath stutter.
“That’s it,” he purrs and licks my neck. “Take me in.”
I open fully around him and we both groan. He fills me perfectly.
He moves with long, deep thrusts, not hurried, not rough. Each one erasing fear, unraveling worry, reminding me why I’ve belonged to him since I was twenty. His mouth moves along my neck, down my shoulder. His hands stroke my back.
“You’re safe. I love you.”
I cling to him as he wraps his hand around my aching cock and jacks me in smooth, firm pulls. Pleasure builds fast. My breath breaks into small sounds I can’t hide.
“You’re not facin’ tomorrow alone. We’re goin’ together. You and me and Avonna. And our girls,” he promises.
I gasp when he twists his hand over my crown.
“Liam…”
He kisses the corner of my mouth. “Come for me.”
I shudder and spill over his fist, body shaking. He thrusts deeper and erupts inside me.
After, he wraps his arms around me. Flutters soft kisses along my jaw, thumb stroking the back of my neck.
The apology rises before I can stop it. “I’m sorry for hidin’ you. For hidin’ us. I let my fear get between us for so long.”
“Linus…” His arms surround me instantly.
“I love you so much.” My voice shakes but I keep going. “I love you more than I ever said. Havin’ you back. Both you and Avonna. It’s the life I dreamed about for years and never expected to be my reality.”
He brushes his thumb over my cheek. “You’re both my dream too.”
I breathe in, shaky and relieved.
Held. Loved. Home.
Liam lifts my chin. “We’ll tell them tomorrow. Not with fear. With truth.”
For the first time since landing in Dublin, I believe him.
Mum opens the door before we knock, warmth blooming across her face.
“There’s my girl.” She tugs Avonna into a careful hug, hands brushing the curve of her belly. “You’re blooming. Let me look at you.”
Avonna smiles, one hand on her back. She moves a little slower, glows a little brighter. Mum always adored her. I hope nothing changes once we come clean.
Mum turns to me next. “You look thin.”
“Stop.” I kiss her cheek and hand her the bouquet of flowers we brought her. “I eat plenty.”
Da appears from the hallway with a soft grunt of welcome. “Welcome home.”
“Good to be back.” He hugs me roughly before looking behind me.
Liam stands patiently.
“Da, this is Liam McGloughlin.” I pat him on the shoulder. “We were at uni together. He’s in Fireball with Avonna.”
Da’s brow lifts, curious but not unfriendly. Mum’s smile flattens into something unreadable.
Liam offers a calm nod. “Hi, Mrs. O’Donnell. Mr. O’Donnell. Thanks for havin’ me.”
Mum steps aside. “Not a bother. Come in then.”
We sit at the table I grew up around. Mum brings out roast chicken, boiled potatoes, and carrots in butter. She’s pulled out the china, even though I told her this wasn’t a holiday.
Small talk holds the beginning of the meal together. They ask about the move. About the band. Focus mostly on the twins and Avonna’s health. No one asks why Liam’s here, it’s a friendly conversation filled with a bit of slagging and gossip.
Until I set my fork down and say, “There’s something we came here to talk to you about.”
The air shifts. The best way to ensure a quiet Irish household is to say you want to have a conversation.
Mum lowers her water glass. Da yawns, looks at me not unkindly.
“I’m not going to dance around it.” I take a deep breath. “You both know how much Avonna and I love each other. We’ve been married a long time now.”
They nod, cautious.
I look at Liam. Then back to them.
“What you don’t know is Liam and I have a history too. We were together romantically years ago, back in college.”
Mum’s face doesn’t move. Da leans back slightly in his chair, stoic.
“I never stopped loving him,” I attempt to explain. “Somehow, we found our way back. Avonna loves Liam too. He loves both of us. So now, our marriage is the three of us.”
Mum blinks, confused. “What do you mean?”
“Molly.” Avonna’s voice is steady. “He means we’re in a relationship. All three of us. Liam’s part of us now.”
There’s a silence so deep it drowns the sound of the clock ticking behind me.
“Let me get this straight. You’re sayin’—” Mum’s voice rises. “You’re all together?”
“Yes.” I nod. “We’re all together. In every way.”
Mum looks to me, then Avonna, then Liam. “Who’s the father of the babies?”
“Well, you aren’t going to believe this.” I smile at Avonna and Liam. “We’re havin’ twin girls. One is mine. One is Liam’s.”
She goes pale.
Da’s voice is quiet, deadly. “How long has this been goin’ on?”
“Over a year,” I admit. “Liam lived with us in Dublin before we all moved to the States. I was afraid to tell you, but none of us wants to lie anymore. We’re not askin’ for anything. You’re goin’ to be grandparents, so…”
Mum ignores me and turns her gaze on Avonna. “You’re pregnant with two men’s babies? You’re sharin’ your husband? What have you done to my son?”
“I love them both.” Avonna meets her gaze evenly, not rising to the challenge.
Mum’s hands curl around her napkin. “I misjudged you completely. Thought you had more sense.”
“Don’t.” I place my hand on her wrist. “Don’t put this on her.”
“She should’ve kept you satisfied so you wouldn’t give in to some diabolical situation.”
My voice sharpens. “Okay. Enough.”
“Everyone calm down.” Da raises a hand.
Mum turns to me, trembling. “You’re my son. My beautiful boy. I thought you’d come home and settle. Not drag us into somethin’ unnatural.”
“There’s nothing unnatural about our love.” I take Avonna’s hand.
“I don’t care what anyone says.” Mum shakes her head, trying to rattle the thought loose. “This isn’t normal.”
Da finally speaks. “How does this even work?”
“Simple. We parent together,” I say. “We live together. We love each other.”
“You think this is going to last?” Mum snaps. “You think this is forever? What happens when it blows up?”
“It won’t.”
She gestures to Liam. “What is he? The third wheel? The extra?”
“I love your son.” Liam’s voice is low but clear. “I love them both.”
Mum pushes her chair back. “Well, I hope you all enjoy explainin’ this to your children one day. I truly do. I want nothin’ to do with youse.”
Da exhales. “Molly.”
She storms out.
“I need to check on her.” Da follows her out.
We leave our plates unfinished. Outside, the Dublin sun is sharp and cold.
Liam walks beside me in silence. Avonna threads her fingers through mine.
It was a disaster.
And a blessing too.
It was truth.
For now, it’s all we can give them.