18. Ben
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
ben
FAMILY DINNER
Present Day
If you’d asked me a year ago what my biggest fear was, I would’ve said pissing off my coach.
Now?
Family dinner at Grandma Patty’s.
Especially considering the last time I came, I got maced by Ella, my own cousin.
So, when Katy invited me, invited me, like with actual words and eye contact, I couldn’t believe it.
“Friday,” she’d said. “You should come on Friday. To dinner.”
Not if you want. Just… come.
It was the first time she’d invited me.
So yeah. I showed up ten minutes early with flowers and a knot in my stomach that wouldn’t let up. I’ve faced stadium crowds with less adrenaline than this.
Danny, my cousin’s golden retriever, answers the door.
By answers, I mean he launches himself at me like I’ve been withholding affection from him for weeks. Even though I literally saw him this afternoon. I’m in charge of his midday walks while Ella’s working.
“Hey, buddy.” I laugh, dropping to my knees immediately because I have no spine when it comes to him. “Missed you too.”
He licks my face like I’m his favorite person.
“Traitor,” Ella mutters from behind him.
Declan’s voice carries from the kitchen. “Ben! You made it!”
He’s grinning, relaxed, genuinely happy to see me. Which is wild, considering he could snap me in half if he wanted to. And he would. If he knew what I did to his little sister.
“Good to see you, man.” He claps my shoulder. “Thanks for coming.”
Katy appears behind him, and my brain short-circuits the way it always does now. She’s in leggings and a tank top that hugs her belly, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, her face soft with no makeup on. She’s not wearing her armor. It’s just… her. My favorite version of her.
She gives me a small cautious smile. “Hey.”
“Hey,” I reply, suddenly aware of my posture, my breathing, and the fact that Danny is once again glued to my leg.
“You brought sunflowers,” Grandma Patty says approvingly, swooping in to take them from my hands. “Well done.”
“Uh. Thank you?” I’ve never been more relieved to pass a floral test I didn’t know I was taking.
She squints at me. “Relax, Benjamin.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And stop it with the ma’am nonsense. I’ve known you since you were five.”
“Right.”
Katy bites her lip to hide a smile.
Dinner is loud but shockingly normal and easy. But every time I relax, I remember I almost didn’t get a seat at this table.
Declan tells a story about him and Katy in middle school. Ella corrects him twice. Grandma Patty insists everyone should eat more. And Danny stations himself directly under my chair like he usually does because he knows I’m weak.
At one point, Katy leans over and murmurs, “You shouldn’t keep feeding him.”
“He threatens me with his eyes,” I whisper back.
She snorts. A real laugh that hits me straight in the chest. I’d take that sound over a touchdown crowd any day.
Declan watches us with clear approval, like he’s proud of me for… existing politely.
“So,” he says casually, cutting into his steak. “You’ve been a big help lately, Ben.”
I choke on my water.
“I mean,” Declan continues, “showing up, being solid. I appreciate it.”
Katy stiffens for half a second, then relaxes.
“Yeah.” Her voice is quiet. “He has.”
The worst part is, I want to deserve that. Declan’s approval and appreciation, and Katy’s most of all.
Ella’s gaze flicks between us, sharp but unreadable.
I keep my mouth shut. Do not ruin the moment. Do not say anything. Do not look guilty.
Grandma Patty beams. “See? I told you he was a keeper.”
Ella’s fork pauses midair. Declan keeps eating, unfazed.
I let out the breath I was holding.
“Katy, when’s your next scan?” Grandma Patty asks.
“Tuesday. It’s a follow-up anatomy scan.”
Ella perks up. “So… this might finally be the one?”
Katy smiles nervously. “If the baby decides to cooperate this time.”
“Cooperate?” I ask, utterly confused.
“Well, I wanted to find out if it’s a boy or a girl, but the baby wouldn’t let the doctors see during the last scan. Legs crossed, spine turned, the whole diva routine.” Katy explains.
I laugh. “Oh, got it. Already a troublemaker.”
“You should come,” she blurts out. “I mean… if you want to.”
I grin, and for a moment, the world blurs. “Really?”
Declan’s head snaps up. “But I’m taking you.”
Ella very helpfully intervenes. “You can both come! I’m sure the baby will love all this attention and support. Right, Declan?”
“Yeah, okay,” he agrees. Very reluctantly. But I don’t care, I’m too excited.
Later, when dessert’s on the table and Katy’s cheeks are flushed from laughing, she nudges my knee under the table.
“Thanks for coming tonight,” she says. “I know it was… a lot.”
“It’s not.” I shake my head. “It’s nice.”
And I mean it.
Declan catches my eye from across the table and raises his glass.
I raise mine back.
No idea how long his approval will last. I don’t know if I’ve earned any of this. But tonight, at least, they’re letting me try.
The room is dim, the lights are low, the screen is glowing softly at the foot of the bed.
Katy’s lying back, paper crinkling beneath her, one hand gripping Declan’s fingers, the other resting protectively over her belly.
Ella stands near the counter, arms crossed, acting very professionally but clearly invested.
I hover just behind them, trying not to look like I’m about to pass out.
Her doctor enters with a warm smile.
“Good morning, Katy. How are we feeling today?”
“Nervous,” Katy admits. “And hungry. I’m always hungry.”
Dr. Meier chuckles. “Very expected.” She glances around the room. “Looks like you brought a whole support squad today.”
“This is Ben,” Katy says.
I straighten instinctively, like I’m being called on in class.
Dr. Meier’s smile widens as she shakes my hand. “Nice to finally meet you, Dad.”
The word lands like a dropped tray.
I freeze.
Declan’s head snaps toward her.
“Oh, no.” He lifts a hand. “He’s not… he’s just…”
“Another uncle,” Ella supplies smoothly, without missing a beat. “We collect them.”
Fuck. That feels all wrong. But I can’t just claim the baby without Katy’s permission.
Dr. Meier blinks once, then laughs softly. “Ah. Got it. Apologies.” Her tone is gentle, but her eyes flick to Katy, curious.
Katy doesn’t look at me. She just smiles at the ceiling, cheeks faintly pink.
I love that she wasn’t the one who corrected the doctor. And I hate how much I wish she’d been right.
She pulls on gloves and gestures to the tech. “Alright. Let’s take a look at this little mystery baby.”
The screen flickers.
And then…
“There we go,” Dr. Meier says softly. “Strong heartbeat. Everything looks good.”
Katy’s breath catches. Declan squeezes her hand. Ella leans closer, eyes bright.
I don’t think I breathe at all.
Dr. Meier moves the wand slightly, studying the image. “And if our guest is willing to cooperate today…”
She pauses for a second, and then smiles.
“Well. There’s no question this time.”
Katy swallows. “What…what is it?”
Dr. Meier turns the screen just a bit more toward us. “Congratulations. You’re having a boy.”
For half a second, no one speaks.
Then Katy laughs, a breathless, disbelieving sound, and presses her hand to her mouth. “A boy.”
Declan exhales hard, eyes shining. “Holy shit.”
Ella wipes at her eyes and mutters, “I knew it. Absolutely feral energy.”
I just stare at the screen.
A boy.
Something in my chest caves in and rebuilds itself at the same time.
Dr. Meier continues, voice calm and reassuring. “Everything looks healthy. We’ll keep monitoring closely, but today is a very good day.”
She finishes up, wipes Katy’s stomach clean, and starts noting things in the chart.
As she does, she glances at me again, gentler this time.
“He’s a lucky boy. Lots of people already love him.”
Katy finally looks at me then.
And for a moment, everything else fades.
Declan waits until Ella and Katy are distracted, Ella asking Dr. Meier a question and Katy staring at the ultrasound screen like she’s trying to memorize it.
Then Declan nods toward the hallway.
“Ben. Walk with me.”
My shoulders tense, but I follow him.
The hallway is quiet, fluorescent lights humming overhead. Declan stops near a window, hands in his pockets, posture relaxed in that way that means he’s very much not.
He doesn’t look at me right away.
“You know,” he says calmly, “I was a little surprised when she invited you to come today.”
I nod. “Yeah. I get that.”
He glances at me now, eyes sharp but not hostile. Curious. Measuring.
“You’ve been showing up a lot lately.”
He tilts his head. Not an accusation. An observation.
“I have.”
Declan studies my face. “Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great. But why?”
The question lands heavier than it sounds.
I don’t rush to answer, because he’s right to ask. I don’t joke, and don’t deflect.
“Because I care about her,” I say simply.
“And because this,” he adds, nodding back toward the exam room, “isn’t casual.”
“No, it’s not,” I reply immediately.
Declan’s jaw tightens, not angry. Protective.
“I don’t know what this is between you two,” he continues. “And I’m not asking. But if you’re stepping into her life right now, especially like this, then you need to understand something.”
I straighten without meaning to.
“She’s vulnerable,” he says. “She’s been through enough. And there’s a kid coming into this whether anyone’s ready or not.”
I nod. “I understand.”
He turns fully toward me now. “Do you?”
“Yes.” I don’t hesitate. Because for her, I’m willing to become what she needs.
“I’m not here to play house,” I add. “And this isn’t a phase.”
Declan watches me closely. “Good,” he says finally. “Because I don’t care how charming you are, or how much Ella loves you. If you’re in, you’re in. If you’re not…”
“I wouldn’t be here,” I cut in quietly, “if I wasn’t.”
That does it. Finally, Declan exhales slowly, the tension easing just a notch.
“Alright,” he says. “That’s all I needed to hear.”
He pauses, then adds, not unkindly, “Just… don’t make me regret trusting you.”
I meet his gaze. “I won’t.”
He nods once, satisfied. “Let’s go back.” He glances toward the door. “Before they notice we left.”
And we head back down the hall, him reassured, me sobered by the weight of what I just promised.
KATY
I’m sitting in the backseat next to Ben, seatbelt adjusted carefully under my belly, staring out the window, when my phone starts buzzing.
It’s a boy. A healthy baby boy.
I still can’t quite wrap my head around it.
I’ve been doing everything the doctor said I should to keep him healthy, but honestly, I still lie awake worrying something could go wrong. Hearing he’s okay lets me breathe a little easier.
My phone vibrates again.
Then again.
I unlock it and immediately regret my life choices.
Maybe Daddies Brigade
Jason
Any updates or are we all stress-checking the phone
Matt
I’m pretty sure my phone thinks I’m unwell
Ethan
If no one answers in the next 60 seconds I’m assuming twins
I laugh, breathless, the sound surprising even me.
My fingers hover over the keyboard.
This feels… not weird, really. Just real. And amazing. Because these guys keep surprising me.
Katy
okay. deep breath everyone
Katy
it’s a boy
Ethan
LET’S GO
Jason
NO WAY
Matt
BOY ENERGY CONFIRMED
Logan
Are you both healthy?
That one gets to me. They’re all such good guys. They were my friends before, but the way they’ve reacted to this situation has really proved that to me.
Katy
we’re both good. very good
I glance over at Ben, who’s quietly looking out the window. Declan’s focused on the road, and Ella’s already texting someone furiously on the passenger seat.
My thumb hesitates, but I make the decision.
I tap Add Members, and I add Ben.
The chat goes still for half a second.
Then…
Ethan
Welcome to the potential dadhood
Jason
Ben???
Logan
Hey man
Ben’s phone buzzes in his pocket. He glances at it, then at me.
“You added me to the group chat,” he whispers.
“Yeah,” I say. “It felt right.”
His throat bobs. He doesn’t say anything else. Just nods.
Then his phone buzzes again.
Ben
Hey potential dads in waiting
Ethan
brO
Jason
Immediate dad joke energy
Matt
Bold entrance. Respect.
Logan
Congrats, Katy. Seriously. That’s great news
Katy
thanks. all of you. this… means more than you know
I press the phone to my chest, heart full in a way I didn’t expect.
This isn’t how I was raised to think life should look.
This isn’t neat or simple or clean or elegant.
But somehow it’s… happy. The whole thing feels just happy.
Maybe this kid is going to be okay.
Maybe I’m going to be okay.