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Lily squeezes my hand, her touch radiating warmth and reassurance. We’ve been through so much together already, and this moment is a culmination of our love and resilience. I’m grateful for her support and for the strength we find in each other.

Olivia enters the room, her face curious yet suspicious and a hopeful glimmer enters her eyes.

“Hey, you two. Are you okay?” She looks at the lack of space between us and perks up, a hopeful look on her face. “Wait, don’t tell me: you’re dating.”

Her playful remark brings a wide grin to my face.

“Better,” I tell my sister, unable to contain my excitement.

She raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Better than dating?” she questions, anticipation evident in her voice.

Lily and I exchange a knowing glance, a silent agreement passing between us. We’re about to share the most incredible news. The anticipation within me bubbles over.

“We have some exciting news,” I announce, my voice laced with a mix of joy and nervousness, aware that this moment will shape our family’s future.

Olivia’s eyes widen, her curiosity piqued. “Well, what is it? You’re both practically swooning!”

Lily takes a deep breath, her voice filled with sheer happiness as she shares the news we’ve been holding onto with bated breath. “I’m pregnant, Liv. We’re expecting a baby.”

The words hang in the air, and for a moment, silence follows. Then, Olivia lets out a gasp of delight, her hands instinctively flying to cover her mouth, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy.

“Oh, my goodness!” she exclaims, her voice filled with wonder. “No?!”

“Yes!" Lily confirms, her smile radiant and contagious.

“Oh, man! You slept with my best friend!” she accuses, playfully smacking her brother. Olivia playfully accuses us, her delight palpable. Her scolds lighten the atmosphere. “And you! You slept with my brother.”

We find ourselves enveloped in a tight embrace, the shared joy and happiness filling the kitchen.

“I’m sorry we didn’t tell you,” I say, my voice filled with sincerity. “You were right. I deserved that chance with Lily, and hearing you say that to me was what I needed, even if I didn’t like it at the time.”

Olivia plants a kiss on my cheek, her gesture brimming with love and acceptance.

“I know you both so well, and what you needed was each other,” Olivia tells us sincerely, her voice filled with genuine understanding and affection. Her words carry a profound sense of acceptance and support, easing any lingering doubts or fears. “I know Sarah would be so happy that you two found each other.”

Her mention of Sarah brings a bittersweet ache to my heart. I know deep down that Sarah would have embraced Lily with open arms, and hearing Olivia acknowledge that sentiment warms my soul. It’s a reminder that love can transcend something as dark as death and that our journey is guided by those who watch over us from above.

“Thank you. It’s still difficult to accept she’s not here, but I think you are right,” I say, feeling poignant. “And the kids get on so well. They’re going to wet their pants when we tell them.”

“Oh, God! The kids!” she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. As Olivia’s excitement takes hold, she bounces on the balls of her feet, unable to contain her joy. The thought of the kids sharing the bond of siblings fills her with glee. “They’re going to be so happy when they find out! They’re going to be brother and sister!”

The image of Emma and Ethan’s faces lighting up with sheer delight at the news brings a broad smile to my face. The idea of our family expanding, intertwining their lives in even deeper ways, fills me with a profound sense of happiness and gratitude. I can already picture the adventures, laughter, and shared moments that await us all.

“I know,” Lily says, her voice tinged with a mixture of excitement and caution. “But we’re going to leave it a little longer to tell them about the baby. I just want to be in the clear and confident that nothing is going to go wrong.”

Her words resonate with me deeply. I understand her desire to wait, to ensure that everything is progressing smoothly before sharing the news with our children. Lily’s past experiences have taught her to be cautious and to anticipate the unexpected. I wrap my arm around her, pulling her closer, offering a silent reassurance that I stand by her side.

Her worries remind me of the hurdles we’ve overcome together. Lily has indeed faced disappointments and setbacks in her life, and the fear of things not going her way is a valid concern. I don’t want to dismiss or downplay her anxieties. Instead, I choose to honor and support her feelings, understanding the significance they hold for her.

“So no baby shower or gender reveal just yet,” Olivia suggests, trying to gauge our readiness for the celebratory milestones that often accompany pregnancy.

“Oh, no, please,” Lily replies, her voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and a touch of apprehension. Her overwhelmed expression speaks volumes, her emotions still raw and vulnerable. She’s not quite ready to dive into the whirlwind of surprise parties and elaborate announcements. I respect that wholeheartedly.

My sister nods, a compassionate smile gracing her lips. She understands, as we all do, that this journey is unique to Lily and me. We’ll celebrate in our own time, on our terms, when Lily feels more at ease and confident.

“Okay, no surprise parties,” Olivia affirms, her voice gentle and understanding. “Wait, does that mean you guys are moving in together then? Blake, you’re going to need a house. One that’s big.”

Olivia’s question hangs in the air, and I can sense her curiosity and anticipation. She’s always been perceptive, and it’s no surprise that she picks up on the need for a bigger space now that our family is expanding. She knows how frustrated I’ve been that I still haven’t found somewhere.

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