Chapter 28
28
LILY
T he last customer leaves with a wave and a promise to return tomorrow, the bell above the door jingling cheerfully in their wake. I flip the sign from “Open” to “Closed” and lean against the cool glass, utterly exhausted but radiating satisfaction.
“We did it,” I breathe, turning to face my three Alphas, who look just as worn out as I feel.
“We didn’t just do it,” Archer states, collapsing dramatically onto one of the café chairs. “We crushed it, demolished it, absolutely annihilated opening day expectations.”
Hunter, ever practical, is already counting the cash drawer. “Final tally will be impressive,” he confirms. “We sold out completely. Even those experimental matcha ghost cookies James wasn’t sure about.”
“People will buy anything if it’s shaped like a ghost in October.” James shrugs, wiping down the last of the counters. His sleeves are pushed up to his elbows, revealing strong forearms dusted with flour. Even exhausted, he radiates a quiet competence that still makes my heart flutter.
My father emerges from the back office, hanging up his apron with the careful precision that defines everything he does. “I’d say that was a successful first day,” he announces, his weathered face crinkled with pride. “You kids knocked it out of the park.”
Hannah joins us from the kitchen, her perfect French twist showing not a single hair out of place despite the hectic day. “I counted the final receipts,” she reports. “We made almost double what Flour I can’t wait another day to share it.
Downstairs, I find my Alphas sprawled in the living room. The scene is so domestic, so perfectly ordinary, that for a moment, I just stand in the doorway, drinking it in.
Hunter notices me first, of course. “Feel better?”
“Much,” I confirm, moving to join them. Instead of taking my usual spot on the couch, I remain standing, suddenly nervous again. “I have something for you. For all of you.”
Their attention focuses on me immediately, three sets of eyes curious as I produce the three gift bags from behind my back, then hand one to each of them.
“What’s the occasion?” Archer asks, reaching for it eagerly.
“Just open it,” I say, my heart pounding so hard, I’m sure they must hear it.
Each of them pulls out a tiny shoe box, all their expressions puzzled. They open the boxes simultaneously, revealing the miniature shoes with the sonogram photos tucked inside.
For a moment, there’s complete silence as they process what they’re seeing.
“Lily,” Hunter says finally, his voice uncharacteristically unsteady. “Is this...?”
“I’m pregnant,” I confirm, twisting my hands nervously. “Eight weeks along. With twins.”
The silence stretches for three more heartbeats, then?—
“TWINS!” Archer whoops, leaping to his feet with such force that Thor startles and barks. He crosses the space between us in two long strides, lifting me off my feet and spinning me in a circle. “We’re having twins!”
His joy breaks the spell. James is suddenly there, tears already streaming down his face, pulling me from Archer’s arms into his own.
“Twins,” he whispers against my hair, his voice thick with emotion. “Two babies. Our babies.”
Hunter’s face transforms instantly, eyes widening as the tiny blue shoes slip from his suddenly trembling hands. He catches them mid-fall, clutching them to his chest as a smile breaks across his face—slow at first, then crescendoing into something radiant.
“We’re… you’re…” he stammers, voice cracking with joy. “Twins? We’re having twins?”
The practical concerns still flicker across his face, but they’re secondary to the pure elation radiating from him. He crosses to me in two quick strides, not walking but practically bounding.
“Yes,” I assure him with a matching smile. “Everything looks perfect so far. Eight weeks and two days, according to the doctor.”
Unlike the others’ exuberant displays, Hunter’s joy manifests in its own unique way—he lifts me off my feet in a gentle spin. His eyes shine suspiciously bright, a laugh bubbling up from somewhere deep as he presses his forehead to mine.
“Twins,” he whispers again, voice filled with wonder and unmistakable excitement. “We’re going to need another pair of these,” he adds, glancing down at the blue shoes still clutched in one hand. He kisses me with such tenderness it brings fresh tears to my eyes.
“So, I’m guessing pizza isn’t the best dinner choice for you right now,” James says. “I should make you something healthier. More nutritious. With vegetables.”
I laugh through my tears. “Pizza is fine. I’m pregnant, not sick.”
“Still,” he insists, his nurturing instincts already shifting into overdrive. “You need proper nutrition. You’re eating for three now.”
“Three,” Archer repeats, sounding dazed but delighted. “There’ll be seven of us in this house, counting Thor.”
“A real family,” Hunter says softly, and something in his tone makes my heart contract. I remember what he told me about his childhood—losing his parents young, the strained relationship with Travis, and losing his grandfather recently.
“Our family,” I correct gently, taking his hand and placing it on my stomach.
He nods, a rare, full smile spreading across his face. “Our family,” he agrees.
We settle on the couch as they bombard me with questions. How am I feeling? Have I had morning sickness? Do I have cravings? When is my next appointment because all three plan to attend?
I answer each one, basking in their genuine excitement and their immediate acceptance of this unexpected development. There’s no hesitation, no doubt, just pure joy and anticipation.
“I know it’s fast,” I say finally, voicing the concern that’s been nagging at me. “We’ve only been together less than a year, the bakery just opened...”
“Lily,” James interrupts gently, taking my face in his hands. “We’ve never been more excited about anything in our lives.”
“Ever,” Archer confirms, dropping to his knees before me to place his hands over my stomach. “These babies are a miracle. Our miracle.”
“And we’re going to spoil them rotten,” Hunter adds, his voice unusually soft. “All three of us.”
“Three dads, two babies, one very lucky mama,” Archer quips, his eyes suspiciously bright despite his teasing tone. “The math works out perfectly.”
They spend the rest of the evening making plans—nursery designs, baby names, childcare schedules. Archer wants a literary theme, naturally. Hunter suggests woodland creatures. James just can’t stop grinning.
“We can combine both,” I suggest diplomatically. “Woodland creatures reading books.”
“Perfect,” Archer declares. “Just like you.”
As we finally eat our now-arrived pizza, Thor settles at my feet with a contented sigh while my three Alphas continue to stare at me with wide smiles. I feel a sense of completeness I never knew was possible.
This is my family. Unconventional, unexpected, but absolutely perfect.