Page 89 of The Hotel Room

James nodded, his voice thick.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

Nick nodded back, and the tension broke—just a little—as James extended his hand.

But Nick rolled his eyes, shaking his head.

“Dude. Come on. We’re past the handshake.”

Before James could react, Nick pulled him into a rough, back-thumping hug.

And as they pulled apart, James felt something loosen—just a little—in his chest.

Not fixed. Not whole. But better.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Kate

Kate sat on the couch next to James, their knees just barely touching. Close enough for warmth, but not quite close enough to feel likethem. Not yet.

Noah and Lily sat across from them. Noah sprawled out in the armchair, arms crossed. His face was carefully neutral, but the tension in his posture told her how on guard he was. Lily sat on the edge of the loveseat, her legs swinging.

Kate swallowed, pressing her hands together in her lap to steady them.

This was supposed to be a happy conversation.

Itwashappy.

So why did it feel so complicated?

James was the one to break the silence, his voice soft but sure.

“We wanted to sit down with you both because we have some big news to share.”

Lily immediately looked up, her eyes wide.

“Good news or bad news?”

Kate forced a smile, reaching over to brush a stray lock of hair from her daughter’s face.

“Good news, sweetheart. Really good news.”

She exchanged a glance with James, who nodded slightly, his hand resting on his knee, close but not touching hers.

Kate took a breath, heart pounding harder than it should.

“You’re going to have a little brother or sister.”

The words hung there for a beat.

Lily gasped.

“What?!” Her face split into the most brilliant smile, her whole body lighting up as she practically bounced on the loveseat. “Ababy? Really? Like, a real baby? When? How big is it? Can I help pick the name? Oh my gosh—can I hold it when it’s born? I’m going to be the best big sister ever! I can helpso much—”

Her excitement was infectious, her energy filling the room. Kate felt her throat tighten with unexpected emotion.

This. This was the reaction she’d hoped for. The joy. The innocence.

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