Page 47 of Triplet Babies for the CEO

I don’t even know what half of it means.

Brody must sense my hesitation, because he gives my hand a gentle squeeze, grounding me. “Don’t worry,” he murmurs, smiling warmly. “I’ll help you navigate it.”

His reassurance melts some of my tension, and I follow him to the table, where Josh and Gemma are already seated, looking relaxed and entirely at home.

To my relief, dinner goes far better than I’d feared and thought it might.

Josh, who’s always seemed a bit distant, starts to relax, his initial stiffness softening as he loosens up around his father and wife. He and Gemma laugh easily, trading stories and jokes with Brody, and eventually, I find myself drawn into the conversation, too.

They share anecdotes from their lives: like the time Josh accidentally hit a mailbox with his first car, or when Gemma managed to cook an entire meal using only a toaster after the oven broke.

My plate holds a delicate portion ofrisotto al tartufo, each grain perfectly creamy, the dish flecked with shavings of fragrant white truffle. I take small bites, savoring the richness, though I’m careful not to eat too much, trying to keep the queasiness at bay.

Thankfully, no one comments on my light appetite, allowing me the space to enjoy the food at my own pace. The flavors are exquisite, the truffle earthy and aromatic, mingling with the creamy pasta in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting.

As the evening wears on, I start to feel a warmth building inside me, something I haven’t felt in a long time. I think it’s a sense of belonging.

Josh and Gemma’s banter is easy and familiar, the kind that comes from years of shared memories and small, unspoken understandings.

Brody, seated beside me, watches his son and daughter-in-law with a prideful, gentle smile that tugs at my heart.

I can see the love in his eyes, the satisfaction of seeing his family happy, and for a moment, I feel like I’m part of it, like I’ve stepped into something real and beautiful.

The ease between them is contagious, and soon I feel myself relaxing, feeling lighter, almost as if this could bemyworld too.

I laugh at their stories, my own nerves dissolving, and find myself joining in, sharing little snippets about my life back home, though I keep the rougher stories tucked away.

I catch Gemma’s eye across the table, and she gives me a warm, knowing smile. It’s a look that tells me she’s glad I’m here, that she wants me here.

My heart flutters, and for the first time, I dare to imagine that maybe—just maybe—this could be a place where I could belong.

The clinking of glasses, the restaurant hum around us, the soft murmur of conversations, and the warmth of the candlelight giving everything a soft, inviting glow that makes me feel almost sleepy.

I sit back, taking it all in, the sounds, the scents, the laughter, wondering, quietly if this is what family is supposed to feel like. Is family supposed to be about warmth, love, and acceptance?

For a moment, I allow myself to believe that maybe I could be part of this, that maybe I could fit here in Brody’s life. He offers the kind of stability I always dreamed of but never really believed I’d find.

Excusing myself to go to the bathroom, I navigate my way through the maze of tables, feeling more at ease than I did when I first walked in.

After splashing some water on my face and reapplying a bit of lipstick, I make my way back to the dining area.

As I round the corner, I catch sight of Brody and Josh standing at the bar.

My name drifts over, faint but unmistakable, and I stop, my heart thudding as I realize they’re talking about me.

Brody has a glass in his hand, swirling the amber liquid as he talks to his son, who’s listening intently.

A part of me wants to turn back, but something holds me in place. I linger near a large potted plant, half-hidden, watching them through the glow of bottles stacked behind the bar.

I sense an underlying tension in the air that makes me nervous.

I shift from foot to foot, my nerves mounting as I hear my name again, swallowing hard and telling myself I shouldn’t be listening in, but I’m frozen, unable to pull myself away.

From where I stand, I can just barely make out Brody’s words, his tone low and cautious. “I know she’s too young for me, Josh…I’m aware of that.” His voice is tinged with an uncharacteristic vulnerability, and I feel my throat tighten. “And now…well, there are complications involved.”

Josh nods slowly, his face thoughtful. He places a hand on his dad’s shoulder. “Look, Dad, if you’re feeling like this is getting too complicated, maybe we can help. Gemma loves Tasha, and she’s already talking about her staying with us if she needs a place. You know we’d be happy to help.”

The words hit me like a punch to the nose.

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