Chapter 147: Sofia

The sun has long set, and the house feels warm and comforting as we settle back in. Ethan is finally asleep upstairs, his soft breaths filling the room as he dozed off in his crib. I stand by the door for a moment, watching him, feeling the overwhelming love for this tiny little person who holds all of our hearts in his hands. I press a gentle kiss to his forehead, brushing a hand over his soft hair before I quietly step out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Downstairs, the guys are setting up for a night like old times. The lights are dimmed, and the smell of popcorn fills the air, the familiar, comforting scent pulling a smile from my lips. Danny's rummaging through the stack of movies we keep in the living room, his brow furrowed in concentration as he tries to find the perfect one. Riley is in the kitchen, grabbing drinks and snacks, while Nate is already sprawled out on the couch, his feet up on the coffee table, looking completely at ease.

“Alright, I think I’ve got it,” Danny announces, holding up a DVD with a grin. “Classic movie night. We haven’t watched this one in forever.”

Riley leans over, peering at the case, and then nods approvingly. “Good choice. We could all use something fun.”

I step into the room, smiling as they look over at me. “Is everything ready?” I ask, my voice quiet but filled with excitement. It feels like it's been ages since we've had a night like this—a night where the weight of everything can be forgotten, even if just for a few hours.

Nate pats the spot beside him on the couch, a grin on his face. “Everything’s ready, babe. Come on, get comfy.”

I make my way over, sitting down beside Nate, his arm automatically draping over my shoulders as I curl into his side. Danny pops the DVD into the player, and Riley brings over a tray full of snacks—popcorn, chips, chocolate, everything we used to have on our movie nights before Ethan was born. Before things got even more complicated.

Danny takes a seat on the other side of me, his arm brushing against mine, and I can feel the warmth radiating from him, a sense of comfort that makes me relax even more. Riley sits on the floor in front of us, his back leaning against my legs, his head resting on my knee. I reach down, threading my fingers through his hair absentmindedly, and he lets out a contented sigh.

The movie starts, and for a while, there’s nothing but the sound of laughter and the rustle of popcorn being passed around. It’s easy to get lost in the story, to let the worries that have been haunting us slip away, replaced by the warmth of being here together. The soft glow of the TV casts shadows on the walls, and the room feels like a safe little cocoon, far away from everything that’s tried to tear us apart.

I glance at Nate, his eyes focused on the screen, a small smile playing on his lips, and I feel a surge of love for him—for all of them. They’ve been my strength, my rock, through everything. And moments like this, when we’re all together, happy and safe, remind me just how lucky I am.

Danny reaches over, offering me a piece of chocolate, and I take it, my fingers brushing against his. He smiles at me, his eyes filled with that familiar warmth, and I can’t help but lean over, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. He kisses me back, gentle and sweet, and I hear Riley chuckle softly from where he’s resting against me.

“Hey, no making out during the movie,” he teases, tilting his head back to look up at me, a playful glint in his eyes.

I roll my eyes, laughing as I flick a piece of popcorn at him. “You’re just jealous,” I say, and he grins, his eyes twinkling.

“Damn right I am,” he says, reaching up to take my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. He lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles, and my heart swells with love for him—for all of them. They each have their own way of loving me, their own way of making me feel cherished, and I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.

Nate shifts beside me, his arm tightening around my shoulders as he leans in, his lips brushing against my temple. “I love you,” he whispers, his voice so soft that only I can hear it. I turn my head, meeting his eyes, and I smile, my heart feeling like it might burst from how full it is.

“I love you too,” I whisper back, my voice trembling with emotion. I glance at Danny and Riley, my gaze lingering on each of them, and I know they can see it too—the love, the gratitude, the happiness that fills me to the brim.

The movie plays on, and the night stretches out before us, filled with laughter, with stolen kisses, with the warmth of being together. The world outside may be uncertain, filled with dangers we can’t always predict, but right here, right now, everything is perfect.

As the credits roll, I feel a sense of peace settle over me, a quiet contentment that I haven’t felt in a long time. Riley shifts, turning to look at me, a sleepy smile on his face. “Think Ethan’s gonna let us sleep in tomorrow?” he asks, his voice laced with hope.

I laugh softly, shaking my head. “I wouldn’t count on it,” I say, my eyes twinkling. “But it’s okay. We’ll manage. Together.”

Nate nods, his eyes closing as he leans his head back against the couch. “Yeah,” he says, his voice filled with warmth. “Together.”

Danny reaches for my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine, and Riley shifts so that he’s leaning against my other side. I feel surrounded by love, by warmth, by the promise that no matter what comes next, we’ll face it together. Because this—this family, this love—is everything. And I know, deep in my heart, that it always will be.