Page 151 of Daddies' Holiday Toy

Then Jack takes a small step forward, his eyes sweeping over my face like he’s checking for damage.

When he speaks, his voice is quiet. “Can we come in?”

I can only nod.

My body moves before my brain catches up, stepping aside to give them room.

My legs feel like they’re running on some kind of autopilot, numb and floaty.

They file in, one by one, the scent of the cold air and whatever’s inside those bags trailing after them.

The space inside my apartment instantly feels smaller. I close the door behind them and lean back against it because it’s either that or I’m face planting onto the floor at their feet from sheer shock.

“Is everything okay?” I manage, though my voice sounds more thin and fragile than I mean for it to.

Jack glances at Liam, then at Reece, before his gaze returns to me.

His face is unreadable, but the faint pinch between his brows makes my stomach knot. “We should talk.”

The three most dangerous words in the English language.

I swallow hard, my fingers tightening against the edge of the door before I force myself to move.

“Okay…kitchen or couch? I’m baking right now, but I can pause that for a second.”

“Couch is good,” Jack says, nodding toward it.

I settle into the armchair across from the couch, tucking one leg under me before grabbing a blanket to wrap around my body.

I’m not sure if it’s for comfort or protection, but I need the extra layer between me and them to keep sane.

After setting their bags underneath my Christmas tree, they sit shoulder to shoulder on the couch.

The sight alone feels like a verdict is already forming, that they’re here together in a united front.

Whatever this is, they’re in total agreement.

Jack leans forward, resting his forearms on his knees.

He’s the first to speak again, his voice steady but carrying something heavier underneath.

“So. We’ve been talking. A lot. About…everything.”

I nod slowly, keeping my face as neutral as I can manage, though inside I’m spiraling so fast I can barely keep up.

Reece leans forward, resting his forearms on his knees.

He looks tired.

The expression is so uncharacteristic on his face that I stare at him for a long moment.

“We owe you an apology. For how we reacted when you told us about the baby. And for disappearing when you needed us to step up.”

I bite my lip, staring at the space between them on the couch because it’s safer than looking them in the eyes.

“I mean…you said you needed time, so I wanted to give that to you. It was a lot to throw at you at once.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t deserve that kind of silence, Holly.” Liam says, making my eyes move from the floor and up to him again.