Natalie turned to watch Mason laugh, her hand slipping to her belly without thinking. This was her life now. Not perfect. Not easy. But chosen. And finally… whole.
The porch was steeped in late afternoon gold, the kind of light that turned every rough edge soft. Natalie turned to Davey and stole a glance as they sat side by side on the weather-worn steps, the air crisp. The scent of pine mingled with faint smoke from the chimneys, and every now and then a bird called from the woods, as though even the wildlife sensed things were shifting in the right direction.
They’d been sitting in companionable silence for a while. Mason and Olivia were still inside the lodge arguing over how many pies a proper engagement party required. Davey had bet three. Olivia insisted on six.
Davey leaned back on his elbows, legs stretched out, his boot scuffing lazily at the gravel. Natalie sat more upright, her hands resting gently in her lap, one palm absentmindedly pressed to the small curve of her abdomen.
“You know,” Natalie said quietly, “I’m not sure what our relationship will be.”
Davey glanced at her. “You and me?”
She nodded, eyes on the far trees where a pair of deer grazed at the edge of the woods. “What I’ll be allowed to be to you. What you’d be comfortable with.”
Davey shrugged, but there was thought behind it. “It’s been complicated lately hasn’t it. But ever since I’ve known you as Mom’s friend you were always… good to me. Like a faraway aunt who sent cool presents to a kid out in the sticks and when you visited, you made everyone happy. I’d just like that to carry on, for you to be there and part of my life… but closer now, not miles away in the city.”
Natalie smiled, her heart warming. “Then that’s what I’ll be and I’m glad it’s you. That you’re the one who’ll be the baby’s big brother.”
He blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She looked over at him now, her gaze direct and soft. “You’re kind. Smart. Strong in ways that most people miss at first. You’ve got a quiet heart, Davey, but it’s a good one. And I want this baby to grow up knowing they have someone like you to look up to.”
He shifted slightly, clearly moved, unsure how to process the depth of what she was offering.
“I didn’t think I’d ever be anyone’s brother,” he said after amoment. “Not really. It was always just me and Mom. Even when she was with people, it felt like it was still just us.”
Natalie nodded, understanding more than she could say.
Davey turned toward her, searching her expression. “And you… you’re okay with all this? Even after everything?”
She reached for his hand and held it between both of hers. “It’s not always easy to choose love, especially after pain. But I am choosing it. And I’m choosing you too, Davey. As family.”
He blinked rapidly and looked away, clearing his throat. “You’re gonna make me cry on the porch like some overly sentimental Hallmark movie.”
She laughed, the sound light and true. “Good. That’s what soon-to-be big brothers are for.”
They sat like that for a while, fingers still linked, hearts a little fuller.
Then Natalie took a breath, hesitated, and said, “There’s something else I wanted to ask you.”
He looked over, curious.
“I know it’s traditional for a father to give the bride away,” she began. “But… I don’t have a father in the picture. Haven’t for a long time.”
Davey nodded slowly, understanding blooming in his expression.
“I thought maybe, if it’s something you’d be okay with, maybe you could be the one to walk me down the aisle.”
His eyes widened. “Seriously?”
She nodded. “You’re already my family. It would mean the world to me.”
He sat up straighter, stunned for a moment, then rubbed a hand over his jaw as a slow smile broke across his face. “I’ve never been to a wedding where I wasn’t just sneaking cake.”
Natalie grinned. “Well, you’re officially promoted.”
He reached out and hugged her, tight and sincere. “I’d be honored.”
“Just don’t trip over your shoelaces.”
