Chapter 43
Kia
A pit the size of Rhode Island settles at the bottom of my belly. Any moment, I’m going to be sick, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the pregnancy.
I’m curled up on the couch with my knees tucked to my chest, arms banded around my legs, as if it’s possible to hold myself together through sheer willpower.
The fabric of the throw blanket scratches faintly against my cheek where I’ve pressed my face into it.
I breathe slowly, trying to convince my body that panic isn’t necessary.
It’s just a conversation.
Just words that happen to be with my brother.
Except the conversation is so much more. Once I say it out loud, the secret stops being mine and it becomes something that exists out in the open.
My mouth turns cottony at the thought.
From down the hall, Elody’s giggles drift through the penthouse.
She’s probably lining up her stuffed animals for a tea party or having a conversation with Penny about whether dessert should come before dinner.
The sound of her laughter feels like a reminder of everything that’s fragile and worth protecting.
There’s the familiar pad of footsteps before Laiken appears in the living room. He’s wearing a fitted Henley and dark-wash jeans that look ridiculously good on him. His hair is still damp from his earlier shower.
He looks so damn handsome.
More than that, he looks like a man who’s already decided how this situation is going to play out and isn’t wasting energy on it. I just want to soak up his certainty and believe it really can be that easy.
As soon as his gaze lands on me, his expression softens. It’s like he can see my panic and unease before I even say a word. It’s amazing to find a person who’s so in tune with your thoughts and feelings. As much as I love it, I’m still getting used to his ability to read me.
After crossing the room, he settles beside me on the couch before wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me in until my forehead can rest against his chest.
“Are you all right?” he asks quietly.
“Yup,” I say, wishing it were the truth. “Totally fine.”
His chest is solid beneath my cheek, his heartbeat slow and steady. The tension in my shoulders gradually eases.
He presses his lips to the top of my head. “Are you lying to me, Kitten? Because you look like you’re bracing for the other shoe to drop.”
A weak huff of laughter escapes from me. “Maybe I am.”
His arm tightens. Instead of feeling trapped, I feel connected to him. I shift closer without thinking, letting myself sink into his strength. I’ve never known a man who felt this unmovable. Like no matter how hard the ground shakes, he’ll remain standing.
“It’ll be fine,” he says. “I’ll be here the entire time.”
It takes effort to swallow past the emotion rising in my throat. “I know. And I appreciate it.” More than he could possibly realize. More than I’m capable of putting into words.
He pulls back just enough to meet my gaze. “Your brother loves you. He’ll understand.”
I’m desperate to believe that. Curled against him, with Elody’s laughter drifting down the hallway and Laiken’s steady presence wrapped around me like armor, I almost do.
“I really hope you’re right,” I whisper.
Laiken’s gaze stays steady on mine. What I find in his eyes is the quiet promise of a man who shows up and knows how to stay.
“I am.” He drops another kiss against my forehead, lingering for half a second before shifting, as if he’s about to say something, until the elevator dings.
The sound slices straight through me, and my eyes widen despite myself.
“It’ll be fine,” he says again, gentler this time, as if he knows the first reassurance wasn’t quite enough. “I’ve got you. I will always have you.”
He kisses me once more before rising to his feet. I stay on the couch for a beat longer, my hands flexing against my knees as my stomach roils, nerves flaring beneath my skin.
This is it.
There’s no more hiding.
As Laiken heads toward the entryway, I push myself up and trail a few steps behind, my bare feet sinking into the plush rug.
I’m suddenly aware of everything at once.
The faint trace of his cologne that clings to me, the warm gleam of the penthouse lights against polished marble, and the distant sounds of Elody playing in her room.
Life continues even though mine is about to shift.
The elevator dings again, softer this time, as the doors slide open.
My brother’s voice reaches us before he does. “Hey! We’re here.”
Rina’s laugh follows, filling the space as they step inside. Even though Oliver is dressed casually in jeans and a sweatshirt, he looks as if he belongs on a billboard wearing an expensive suit. His hair is slightly mussed, like he couldn’t be bothered to comb it.
Rina is at his side, wearing a cream-colored coat with a scarf tucked neatly around her neck. The moment her gaze meets mine, her expression shifts. It would be impossible to miss the concern, reassurance, and understanding in that one look.
Oliver’s attention flicks to Laiken first and then to me.
His brows lift slightly as he moves farther into the penthouse. “Hey, kid. How’s married life treating you?”
Before I can answer, Rina closes the distance between us in three quick strides and wraps her arms around me, hugging me tight enough for emotion to well in my chest.
“Don’t worry,” she whispers near my ear. “It’ll be okay.”
I swallow hard as the pressure builds behind my eyes.
When she pulls back, I nod once, knowing that if I try to speak, I’ll burst into tears. There is so much emotion churning inside me.
Oliver clears his throat, glancing around the penthouse. “So, where’s your little tornado of energy?”
“She’s in her room playing,” Laiken answers easily. “I told her we’d order pizza in about an hour.”
My brother pats his stomach. “Good. I’m starving. I made sure to save my appetite, since tonight’s on you.”
Laiken huffs out a laugh. “Don’t worry. I’ll get you back next poker night. It’s at your place, remember?”
Rina’s brows lift as she turns toward Oliver. “Oh?” Her tone is deceptively calm. “That’s strange. I don’t recall you mentioning anything about it.”
He winces before quickly recovering. “Remember the spa night I set up for you and the girls?”
A slow smile curves Rina’s lips. “Sneaky.”
“I think the word you’re looking for is strategic,” Oliver counters, flashing a grin.
Rina snorts, clearly unconvinced but amused.
Laiken gestures toward the living room. “Why don’t we move in there and I’ll grab some drinks.”
“I’ll take a beer,” my brother says, already on his way.
Laiken’s gaze shifts to Rina. “Water? Or can I get you something else? Maybe juice or tea?”
“Water sounds perfect,” she replies. “Thanks.”
He nods once before his attention settles on me. “Do you want a water too?”
The question is casually asked.
Oliver’s gaze slides toward me and his mouth twitches as he teases, “What? Let me guess—you’re pregnant too?”
The words hang in the air as everyone but Oliver freezes.
My brother stares at the three of us, confusion knitting his brows as the smile drops from his face. “Why do you all look like that?” he asks. “It was a joke.” His voice falters as his eyes dart to mine. “Kia?” His tone shifts, cracking just enough to give him away. “You’re not pregnant… are you?”
My heartbeat roars in my ears, drowning out everything else. Even though I open my mouth to respond, nothing comes out. The truth feels lodged somewhere between my chest and my throat.
When my gaze flicks helplessly to Laiken, he gives me the slightest nod, and my nerves give way.
I straighten my shoulders and meet my brother’s gaze. “Yes, I am.”
Oliver blinks once and then again, as if his brain is struggling to catch up.
His narrowed eyes settle on Laiken. “Is it yours?”
“Not biologically. But in all the ways that count?” Laiken steps closer, slipping an arm around me before drawing me against his side. “Yeah, it is. And as far as anyone else is concerned, I’m the father.”
Oliver’s forehead furrows. “Wait… Is that why you left school?”
I glance down at my hands before forcing myself to meet his searching gaze. “Yes.”
He takes a step closer, his tone lowering just enough to reveal the hurt beneath it. “I don’t understand. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Tears burn the backs of my eyes. “I didn’t know how,” I admit. “And I was scared.”
“Of me?” he asks quietly.
“Of disappointing you,” I whisper. “Of disappointing everyone.”
Rina steps closer before reaching out to squeeze my hand in a silent show of support.
My brother’s gaze drops for a beat before lifting again. I can almost see him putting all the puzzle pieces together. “Collin’s the father, isn’t he?”
It’s not really a question.
It’s the answer that finally makes sense.
“That fucking asshole.” His jaw locks tight, and for a split second, he looks like he might lose it before he wrestles back control. His gaze cuts to Laiken. “Looks like I owe you even more thanks, Lennox.”
Laiken presses a kiss to the top of my head. “You don’t owe me anything. I was taking care of my wife and the family we’re building.”
When my hand lifts to my belly, Oliver’s gaze follows the movement, and his anger gives way to something softer. He steps closer and, without warning, pulls me against his chest. The sound that escapes from me is caught somewhere between a sob and a shaky breath.
“I wish you’d told me sooner,” Oliver murmurs into my hair, his voice rough. “I really do.”
“I should have,” I admit.
He pulls back just enough to look at me, his hands gripping my shoulders. His eyes are glassy and filled with emotion.
“I would’ve helped you navigate this,” he says. “All of it. School. The baby. Collin. Whatever you needed, I would’ve been there.” His jaw tightens. “I never want you to doubt that. We’re Van Dorens. It’s kind of what we do.”
Despite everything, a small smile tugs at my lips.
Oliver exhales slowly before turning back to Laiken. Without ceremony, he steps forward and pulls him into a hug. It’s quick and solid, man to man. Respect threaded through the brief embrace.
And just like that, something fractured begins to heal.
Oliver releases him. “There’s no one else I’d want my sister with.”
My eyes burn again. I hate how easily my emotions get away from me now.
“Whatever you need,” my brother says, taking a step back, “I’m here for you.” He slips an arm around Rina’s shoulders. “We’re here for you.”
“Thank you,” I manage.
“Does Mom know?”
I shake my head. “Not yet. I’ll fill her in this weekend. Hayes and Theo too.”
“Guess Mom’s about to have two new grandbabies to dote on.” He snorts. “Pretty sure she’s going to lose her fucking mind when you tell her. I almost want to be there when you do it.”
I roll my eyes, laughter slipping free. “Now that’s something to look forward to.”
When Rina chuckles, my brother’s mouth twitches, and the tension eases.
The future no longer feels uncertain. It feels stable. Like something I can finally look forward to, especially with my family beside me—both the one I was born into and the one I’m building for myself.