Chapter 62

I’m scrubbing the house from top to bottom, desperate to keep my mind occupied. The news still hasn’t fully sunk in—I’m pregnant.

When Ethan had shut down the idea of another child, I’d resigned myself to Liam being an only child. Now, against all odds, there’s another baby on the way, and I don’t know how to process it.

My phone rings. Normally, I’d ignore it, but not today. Pushing everyone away hasn’t helped.

"Hi, Amelia," I murmur, sinking onto the couch.

Lately, exhaustion has been relentless. I should’ve realized something was off.

"Oh my God, you actually answered!" she shrieks, her voice thick with emotion. "I thought you’d ghosted me forever. It’s been weeks!"

"I’m sorry," I exhale. "I didn’t know how to handle everything, so I pushed you away."

I’ve never been good with emotions. When things get overwhelming, I shut down. Burying feelings has always been easier than facing them—until now.

"Are you okay?" she asks softly.

"Not completely," I admit. "But I will be."

I don’t know how yet, but I will pull through.

The memory of considering ending it all—myself and this baby—makes me sick. This child is mine, just like Liam. I will be a good mother to them.

I shake off the dark thoughts. I can’t dwell on how far I fell.

"I’m pregnant," I whisper when the silence stretches.

"What?" Her gasp is sharp. "Since when?"

"A week ago."

Just like with Liam, this baby is unexpected. But that doesn’t change anything. I’ve always wanted another child. Even if I can’t stand their father right now, that’s not this baby’s fault.

"Oh, darling, congratulations," she breathes, her voice warming with joy.

"You sound happy. I thought you’d be upset, given… the father."

"I am happy. A baby is a blessing, Sophia. This little one? They’re your lifeline. They came exactly when you needed them." Her voice cracks. "You were drowning. We all saw it. This baby pulled you back when nothing else could."

Her words hit hard. She’s right. Liam and this baby are why I’m fighting to get better.

"Thank you for not giving up on me," I whisper, tears pricking my eyes.

"You’re my sister in every way that matters. I’d never give up on you."

We talk for over an hour, shifting to lighter topics. By the time we hang up, I feel more like me than I have in weeks.

I finish cleaning, collapsing onto the sofa just as the front door swings open.

I tense. Who the hell walks in without knocking?

Then I hear his voice.

"Mommy! I’m home!"

My heart soars. I bolt up just as Liam barrels into the living room.

"Liam!"

He crashes into me, and I crush him against my chest, tears streaming. He fits perfectly in my arms. I’ve missed him so much.

I cover his face in kisses, and he giggles but doesn’t pull away.

"Mom!"

"I missed you! How are you here?" I ask, still holding him tight.

We’re a tangled mess on the floor, but I don’t care. I’m just so happy.

"Dad brought me. He said you needed me. It was a surprise!"

Only then do I notice Ethan standing there. Our eyes lock. There’s something unreadable in his gaze.

"Hi," I say softly.

He’s been checking on me daily—supportive, kind. It’s unsettling. This isn’t the Ethan I know.

True to his word, he got me a therapist. Every kind act leaves me stunned.

"Hey, Sophia. How are you today?" he asks with a small smile.

"I’m… getting there," I shrug.

Liam tugs my sleeve. "Is it true? You’re having a baby?"

I glare at Ethan, who rubs his neck sheepishly.

"Yes," I admit nervously.

Liam’s never mentioned wanting a sibling. But then—

"Yes!" He punches the air. "Can it be a girl? I want a baby sister!"

His excitement eases the knot in my chest. If he’s happy, maybe everything will be okay.

"It doesn’t work like that, sweetheart," I laugh. "It could be a boy."

"No! It’s a girl. I always get what I want," he declares, looking so much like Ethan it’s eerie.

"Liam—"

"Buddy," Ethan cuts in. "Give me and your mom a minute?"

Liam nods and dashes upstairs.

"How did you know I needed him?" I ask, standing.

Ethan shrugs. "Instinct."

"But is it safe? The Reapers—"

"They won’t touch Liam," he says firmly. "That’s all that matters."

I don’t react to his vague "they." Liam’s safety is my only concern.

"Thank you. For bringing him back. For… everything."

"Anything for you, Sophia."

The words throw me. Since when does he say things like that?

Before I can overthink it, Liam’s footsteps thunder downstairs.

"Mom! My room is awesome! Even better than the video!"

I smile. Why Ethan’s changed doesn’t matter. I’ve got bigger things to face—like seeing Daniel tomorrow.