CHAPTER 115: CAN I HAVE A BABY BROTHER?

Inside the bathroom, Zeke splashes cold water onto his face, trying to cool the heat creeping up his skin. He exhales slowly, gripping the edge of the sink. Get a grip, he tells himself, glaring at his own reflection.

After a moment, he unwraps the pajama set Nolan bought him. Thankfully, Nolan had thought ahead, there’s a fresh pair of underwear and even a new toothbrush. Of course he did, Zeke thinks, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Nolan always thinks of everything.

He showers quickly, letting the water rinse away not just the sweat but the tension clinging to his body. But when he finishes and reaches for a towel, he realizes there isn’t one.

Of course.

Still dripping wet, he hesitates, then cracks the bathroom door open just enough to peek his head out.

"Cass," he calls softly, "do you have an extra towel?"

Cassidy, who’s sitting on the bed with Claire curled beside her, turns instinctively at the sound of his voice. Her breath catches when she sees him—Zeke’s head poking out, his shoulders bare, water trailing down his chest and collarbones.

Her face flushes instantly.

"There’s—" she stammers, eyes darting away. "There’s a clean towel in the bathroom cabinet. You can use that."

Zeke nods quickly. "Got it. Thanks."

He disappears back into the bathroom, leaving Cassidy with a heart that’s suddenly racing far too fast for no good reason.

Claire looks up at her mother, noticing the red creeping up her cheeks. "Mommy?"

Cassidy clears her throat and grabs a book from the nightstand. "Let’s read something before bed, okay?"

She opens the book, but her eyes flick briefly toward the bathroom door. Just once.

And it takes her longer than usual to find her place on the page.

Zeke steps out of the bathroom, towel slung over his shoulders as he rubs his damp hair dry.

Cassidy glances up and says, "There’s a hair dryer in the vanity drawer. You can use it if you want."

He nods. "Thanks."

Crossing the room, Zeke walks to the corner where her vanity stands. He finds the hair dryer, plugs it in, and starts drying his hair.

The sound of the hair dryer fills the room.

Claire, still sitting beside Cassidy on the bed, perks up with curiosity. Her eyes light up as she watches him.

"Daddy," she calls, sliding off the bed, "can I try drying your hair?"

Zeke turns off the dryer and glances at her with a soft smile. "Of course you can."

Claire trots over, excited, her little feet padding against the floor. Zeke sits down on the vanity stool and hands her the dryer. He keeps the power off while guiding her small hands around it carefully, making sure she knows how to hold it.

Then he switches it back on and lets her take over.

But as Claire stretches up, her arms reaching, she quickly realizes she’s too short to reach the top of his head.

She frowns slightly. "Daddy, can you bend down?"

Zeke chuckles, then leans forward obediently, his head lowered so she can reach.

"Like this?"

"Mm-hmm!" Claire beams and starts gently moving the dryer across his hair.

Cassidy watches from the bed, warmth spreading gently through her chest. Seeing Claire so focused and happy while drying Zeke’s hair brings a quiet smile to her lips.

"I think my hair’s all dry now, Princess," Zeke says with a smile.

Claire switches off the hair dryer, then giggles as she uses her little hands to ruffle his hair, checking carefully.

"Yep. All dry, Daddy," she confirms with a proud nod.

Claire tugs on Zeke’s hand, urging him toward the bed.

He follows her, and as he climbs onto the mattress, his eyes meet Cassidy’s. They both pause. It feels a little strange—this is the first time they’ve shared a bed again since the separation. And now, Claire is here between them.

Claire lies down in the middle, not under the blanket yet. She stretches her arms and legs, then pats the bed on both sides.

"Lie down with me, Mommy, Daddy," she says happily.

Zeke lies on one side, Cassidy on the other. It’s quiet for a moment.

Then Claire looks at both of them and says with a smile, "I’m so happy right now."

Cassidy smiles gently and says, "Mommy’s happy too, sweetheart."

"I want it to be like this forever," Claire says softly. "Sleeping with Mommy and Daddy."

This time, Cassidy doesn’t answer. Because deep down, she knows. It’s a wish she can’t promise to keep.

Trying to change the subject, she asks, "Do you want Mommy to read you a bedtime story?"

Claire shakes her head. "No. I want Daddy to tell the Little Prince story again. I want to hear it."

Zeke freezes.

Claire’s request feels like a punch straight to the chest. That story meant only for her, was the one he’d told to explain a piece of his heart. And now, she’s asking him to tell it while lying beside the very person the story was about.

He hadn’t expected this.

Zeke looks at Cassidy, unsure of what to say.

"How about I tell you a different story instead?" Zeke offers, hoping to steer things in a safer direction.

"A different story?" Claire tilts her head. "Is this one about a princess?"

Zeke nods. "Yeah. You want to hear it, Princess?"

Claire smiles wide. "Yes!"

Zeke lets out a quiet breath of relief, then begins.

"Once upon a time, there was a little princess. She was beautiful and smart. Just like you, Princess," he says, looking at her with a soft grin.

Claire giggles, her eyes beaming with joy.

"The little princess’s mother suddenly passed away," Zeke continues softly. "And her father got married again. The stepmother had a child, and soon... the little princess had a baby brother."

Claire, who’s been listening intently, suddenly speaks up. "I want a baby brother too."

Zeke freezes.

And then he heard it.

Claire turns to her mother with wide, hopeful eyes. "Mommy, can I have a baby brother? Or... if that’s too hard, a baby sister is okay too."

Cassidy blinks, caught off guard. Her mouth opens, but nothing comes out.

Because how do you explain something like that to a child who just wants love and family?

Zeke watches Cassidy closely, guilt twisting in his chest.

Just like that, he realizes he’s made everything even more messed up.

***