She was too busy recovering.
And learning how to care for two babies.
She named them Lily and James.
Noah placed every remaining payment from the original marriage agreement into accounts for the twins’ future education.
Our Real Family
A few months later, we held a small dedication ceremony for the babies in the garden behind Gracie and Noah’s yellow Cedarbrook house.
Our uncle raised his glass.
“Some men become husbands.”
He looked toward Noah, who held James against his chest while Gracie cradled Lily.
“Noah became a protector long before anyone gave him the title.”
Everyone applauded.
I did too.
But when Noah looked at me, I shook my head slightly.
Protection was not the whole story.
Yes, he had protected Gracie.
But he had also made decisions for me by keeping the truth hidden.
We were rebuilding our trust carefully.
Honestly.
No more promises that required silence.
