Page 45 of Twin Babies for the Silver Fox (Happy Ever Alpha Daddies #3)

CHAPTER FORTY

Josie

The Timberline Inn smells like brown sugar and butter and warmth. It always does. Comfort, maybe. Or memory.

I push through the back door, arms full of cinnamon rolls I promised to bring for the breakfast rush tomorrow morning. It’s late enough that the sun has started to vanish behind the clouds, the kitchen half lit in that dreamy way that makes everything feel softer than it really is.

I’m halfway to the fridge when I hear it.

A cutesy, quiet laugh.

Then a second voice, lower, more careful.

“Nova,” Dee says, and it’s her tone that makes me freeze.

I set the tray down gently. I know I should make some noise, let them know I’m here. But something stops me.

I peek around the corner.

They don’t see me.

Nova’s leaning against the counter, flour dusting her shoulder, and Dee’s standing so close their knees almost touch. The moment hangs, still and full, and then…

Dee cups Nova’s cheek, leans in, and kisses her.

It’s gentle. Sweet. Like something they’ve done a dozen times now, comfortable and unhurried. When they pull apart, Nova’s smiling like the sun cracked right through her. Dee says something I can’t hear, and they laugh, forehead to forehead like the world doesn’t exist beyond this moment.

And just like that, it clicks.

They’re together.

Really together.

At last.

I back up silently, heart thudding louder than I want to admit. I wasn’t meant to see that, and I won’t ruin it for them. I slip out the side door, pretending like I never even walked in.

“If you go to Denver, I’m coming with you.”

I remember all of Dee’s words.

“I’ll figure it out. Find a transfer or take some time off or whatever. But you are not doing this alone. Not when he bailed. Not when it’s twins.”

I press my hand to my lips.

“My nieces or nephews need me right now.”

But now?

Now, I see the way she looks at Nova, like the whole world stops and starts with her. I see the way Nova softens when Dee walks into a room. How they orbit each other, slow and steady, like they’re finally letting themselves believe in gravity.

And I know.

There’s no way Dee could leave now.

No way I’d let her.

Not when she’s finally found something for herself. Not after everything she’s given up to keep me standing.

She’s got her own love story unfolding right here in Silver Peak.

And whatever comes next for me… I’m going to have to face it on my own.

Not because I’m alone.

But because maybe... it’s time I learn how to stand on my own two feet.

The Timberline Inn is flooded with more tension than I ever thought possible.

Everyone’s already gathered around the big farmhouse table. Mom’s lit the candles like it’s a celebration, but the pie waiting on the counter feels more like a consolation prize. I asked for this dinner. Called everyone here. And now I have to say the words I’ve been choking on for days.

Maya’s nursing a glass of wine, her eyes already suspicious.

Dee’s got her arms folded, leaning back in her chair, watching me like she’s waiting for me to back out.

Gracie’s perched on the edge of her seat, nervous and smiling, like she thinks I’m about to announce some big promotion or surprise party.

And poor Internet clueless Mom has no idea what’s about to hit her. She’s all sparkle-eyed and curious, probably hoping I’m finally moving into some cutesy Silver Peak home.

I take a breath. Then another. My hands are damp where they grip the chair back.

“Okay,” I say, my voice louder than it feels in my chest. “I’ve got something to tell you. And it’s a lot. So let me get through it before anyone interrupts.”

Dee raises a brow but stays quiet. Maya nods once, jaw tense.

I glance around the table, then say it.

“I’m leaving Silver Peak.”

Gracie’s smile falters. Mom blinks, confused. Dee and Maya exchange a look.

“I’ve accepted the job in Denver. I start next week. I’m going.”

Gracie stares at me, blinking fast. “Wait, what? You’re moving?”

I nod. “For good.”

Gracie’s hands curl in her lap. “I just got here, Josie. I moved here because of you. You’re the reason I even dared to leave Chicago. You made this feel like home.”

My throat tightens. “I know. I’m so sorry.”

Mom is silent for a long second. Then she laughs, a strange, hollow little thing. “Wait, this is a joke, right? You’re not really leaving. I thought you were just going to look at the place. I mean, you came back and didn’t talk about it. I thought you didn’t want it.”

My heart breaks in slow motion. “I’m not joking. I am leaving.”

“Denver?” she repeats. “Denver?”

I nod again, barely holding it together. “There’s more.”

Dee exhales. “Oh, here we go.”

I ignore her and face our mom. “I’m pregnant, Mom.”

Mom blinks once. Twice. “You’re what?”

“Pregnant,” I say again. “With twins.”

The room drops into stunned silence. Then…

“Twins?” Mom’s voice cracks into an octave I didn’t know she had. “Oh my— Twins?”

I can’t tell if she’s about to pass out or start crying.

Dee puts a hand on Mom’s arm gently. “We found out a few days ago. It’s been a lot.”

Mom grabs the back of her chair and sinks into it like her knees gave out. “Is it... is it his?”

Dee grimaces. “Yes, Mom. It’s his.”

“I— I don’t even— When— How long… Twins!”

Gracie covers her mouth with her hands. Her eyes are glassy, and it guts me.

“I was supposed to learn under you,” she whispers. “We were going to build something amazing in that kitchen.”

Tears spill before I can stop them. “I’m so sorry, Gracie. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. But I have to go. I need a fresh start. A clean break.”

Dee’s voice is steady, low. “We get it. We really do. But it doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck.”

Maya’s smiling, but her eyes are red. “You’re gonna do amazing. But I swear if you don’t text me every day, I’ll show up in Denver and kidnap you.”

“Deal,” I whisper.

Betty’s still staring at me, stunned. “You’re leaving home. With two babies on the way. And he’s not even?—?”

“I’m not doing it for him,” I say. “I’m doing it despite him.”

That lands hard.

Betty wipes her eyes. “Then you’d better let me throw you a proper send off. And don’t think for a second I’m not driving down the second those babies show up needing warm socks and a grandmother.”

I nod, crying openly now. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Dee gets up and pulls me into a hug so tight I feel her heartbeat against mine. “I hate this,” she murmurs. “But I’m proud of you. I really do wish I was coming with you.”

Maya joins in, arms wrapping around us both. “We’re your ride or die girls, remember?”

Gracie stands too, hesitating. Then she steps into the hug with us, sniffling. “I want visitation rights.”

“Deal,” I croak.

Mom’s already heading to the kitchen, muttering something about casseroles and car seats.

And even though my heart is breaking, surrounded by these people, my family, my tribe, I start to believe I might survive this.

Maybe even thrive.

Even if I’m scared.

Even if I’m still in love with the man I’m trying to leave behind.