The backyard smelled like cut grass and the last roses of the season. Theo sat cross-legged on the picnic blanket between them, a half-eaten slice of watermelon dripping down his wrist. The sun was low and golden, turning everything soft. Sophia’s heart beat so hard she felt it in her throat. Tristan cleared his throat. “Buddy, there’s one more thing we need to tell you. About before.” Theo looked up, juice on his chin. “Is it bad?” “No,” Sophia said quickly. She pulled him onto her lap so he could feel her heartbeat against his back. “It’s just… big. And we should have told you sooner.” Tristan met her eyes over their son’s head, then spoke. “The night your mom and I… made you, it was complicated. I was scared. I did a lot of things wrong. I let everyone think you were Uncle Ethan’s son because I thought it would fix what I broke. But you were always mine. From the very first day.” Theo was quiet for a long time, kicking one foot against the blanket. Then he leaned back aga
Last Updated : 2026-05-11 Read more