When 3 turns into 4

Wednesday – 10:21 AM, Clinic Car Park

The engine was off, the doors closed, and the silence in the car was loud with everything they hadn't said yet.

Elenora stared at the folded scan photos in her lap.

Two tiny shapes. Two little hearts. Two futures blinking to life.

Ric sat beside her, hand still holding hers tightly.

He exhaled slowly.

"I mean..." he said, voice hoarse, "we always said we were good at chaos."

She laughed — softly, tearfully.

"This isn't chaos," she said. "This is mayhem."

He looked over, eyes warm, unreadable, full.

"And I love it."

She finally turned, met his gaze.

"Do you mean it?"

"I'd do it again tomorrow," he whispered. "With you? With them? This is the best kind of surprise."

He leaned forward and rested his forehead against hers.

"Twins," she whispered.

"Twins."

He kissed her — slowly, tenderly, as if anchoring them both.

⸻

Later That Morning – Alessia's Flat

The moment they stepped through the door, the noise hit them like a wave.

Crinkling paper. High-pitched giggles. The smell of glue sticks and betrayal.

Ric narrowed his eyes immediately.

"I thought they were napping."

Elenora held up a finger at him, lips twitching.

Alessia met her at the kitchen island, eyes scanning her face instantly.

Elenora gave a subtle signal — a barely-there nod and two fingers pressed against her stomach.

Alessia blinked.

Mouth opened.

Then—

"OH MY GOD!" she squealed, jumping in place like she'd won a raffle.

Declan nearly dropped a bowl of grapes.

The kids froze mid-glitter pour.

Ric slowly turned.

"You told her already?"

"I didn't say anything," Elenora said innocently.

"Lessie just figured it out?"

Alessia tried to compose herself, fanning her face. "I—I'm just so happy to see you guys so soon!"

Eli narrowed his eyes. "Are you okay?"

"I'M GREAT!"

Lucy whispered to Eli, "Abort the mission."

Eli dove behind the couch, covering a poster board with his whole body.

Declan blinked. "Are you guys—planning a coup?"

Alessia clapped her hands. "I think it's snack time!"

Ric leaned over to Elenora. "So... twins and a suspicious covert operation."

She smiled, eyes still shining.

"Our life's about to get even louder."

He looked around the room — glitter, half-decorated balloons, Alessia shaking, the kids pretending they weren't hiding something.