Blurred Lines: A Reverse Harem, Dad's Best Friends Romance (The Why Choose Haremland)

34. Silas

Bye, then, I tell Emily. Before she can say anything else, Caeleb, Finn, and I are headed out the exit. Flora tails behind us.

Shes pregnant, Flora tells us, so matter-of-factly that its just … classic Flora. You three?—

Wed love to be part of it, if she ever feels like thats something shed want, remarks Finn. Until then, though, respectful distance it is.

Flora nods and salutes us before heading her own way. I have a feeling Ill see you around, she says, a playful gleam in her eyes before she prances away.

At least someone feels that way, I grumble, as we pool into my car.

My knuckles are white-hot around the steering wheel, the leather cool and slick against my clammy palms. Were a blur of flashing road signs and scenery, the tires whispering a frantic hiss against the asphalt. Calebs in the passenger seat, phone clutched in his hand like a lifeline. Finn, ever the optimist, is drumming out a chaotic beat on the dashboard, a manic grin plastered on his face.

Are you sure we can just walk away from all of it, Silas? he yells over the roaring engine. What about the baby? What about Em?

I glance at him in the rearview mirror, catching the wild glint in his eyes. What do you want me to do, Finn? Ram the car back through the gates and declare myself King Dad?

He throws his hands up, exasperation battling with amusement. Maybe not king, but at least … something! We cant just abandon her.

Were not abandoning her, Caeleb cuts in, his voice low and strained. Were respecting her wishes.

He looks at his phone again, a deep frown etching lines on his forehead. I steal a peek, my heart leaping into my throat. Its a picture—the one we took, the three of us with Emily, our faces plastered with goofy grins. But its the caption below that hits me like a sucker punch.

Caeleb, I say, my voice thick with emotion. Read it out loud.

He hesitates, then speaks the words slowly, each one a balm to the churning mess in my gut.

Three amigos, one momma. Turns out happily ever after can come in messy packages. Wouldnt trade these goofballs for the world. They make every day an adventure. Love you more than pizza (and thats saying something)!

No, but in all honesty, so what if my forever is with three men? So what if Ive found something that allows me to be at my happiest, best, loved, safe, respected, and vulnerable self? Isnt that what all of us ache for—a space where we can be our unfiltered best?

Ive had my share of grief. Grief is a big neon sign, protruding through everything, broadcasting loudly, Love was here, love still is. Theres so much love in me. In all of us.

In my case, the blurred lines obscuring my vision have finally lifted. I can see what I want, clearer than ever. The best thing? What I want also wants me back with equal force, amplified times three.

Maybe it would be better, for the world as a whole, to admit our truths and to show love the way it suits us best. Ive found mine, I hope you do too.

#blessed #foundmytribe

My breath catches. Emily loves us. All of us. A warmth spreads through me, battling the cold dread thats been clinging to me since we left.

Then, Finn breaks the tension. So, what does this mean?

We exchange glances, a silent conversation passing between us. The answer is clear. We may not be the picture-perfect family Emily envisioned, but that doesnt mean we cant be a part of hers.

With a newfound determination, I slam on the brakes, throwing the car into a screeching U-turn. The tires squeal in protest, but I dont care. Were going back.

Hold on, boys! I yell, a grin splitting my face. Weve got a momma to comfort and a baby to celebrate.

The car lurches forward, the mansion growing larger in the rearview mirror with every passing second. The future is uncertain, messy even, but right now, all I can think about is the fierce love for the woman who brought us all together, and the little miracle growing inside her.

And thats enough. For now, thats more than enough.

We pull up to the mansion, the imposing gates and manicured lawns mocking the chaos roaring inside me. Before anyone can protest, Im out the door, slamming it behind me and striding across the grounds.

The house is eerily silent as I burst through the front door. A trail of discarded tissues leads me to the kitchen, and there she is. Emily. My—our—Emily. Her shoulders shake with muffled sobs, her hands clenched in her lap. The sight of her, usually so bright and vibrant, reduced to this shattered state twists a fresh wave of pain through me.

Without a word, I cross the room and sweep her into a fierce hug. For a long moment, she stiffens, then collapses against me, her tears soaking through my shirt. I hold her, rocking slightly, whispering meaningless words of comfort into her hair.

Em, I choke out finally, pulling back slightly so I can see her face. We saw the picture. Your post.

She sniffs and swipes at her tear-streaked cheeks, her beautiful eyes still swimming with a mix of misery and defiance. Figured youd hate me, she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hate you? I laugh, a bitter sound. Em, were idiots. We love you. We were scared.

My words hang in the air, heavy and fragile. Then, slowly, a flicker of hope sparks in her eyes.

I want it all, she breathes, her voice trembling slightly. I want chaos and mess and love. I want you guys, all three of you, and this baby. I want us to be a big, happy, completely strange family.

The relief that rushes through me nearly knocks me off my feet. I grin like a fool, a rush of joy erasing the lingering tension.

Emily, I say, taking her hands in mine. Ive been silly, and stupid, and so afraid to let myself have this. But youre right. This is our reality. It might be unconventional as hell, but its ours. If youll have us, if youll let us belong with you, then Im in. All in.

Me too, Caeleb grunts.

Yeah, same, Finn butts in.

The answering smile that blooms on Emilys face lights up the whole room. She laughs, a watery, joyous sound, then pulls me into another crushing hug. I hear the click of a door hinge and the familiar sounds of Caleb and Finn clearing their throats.

Guess this means group hug time? Finn calls out, that familiar lopsided grin back in place.

We tangle together, laughter and happy tears bubbling up all together. In that messy, beautiful embrace, I feel like Im finally home.