I rubbed a hand over my face, exhaling hard. My heartbeat thudded in my ears, a relentless drum that felt like it wanted to break free from my chest. This was it. No turning back now. Through the window, I could make out the shape of my car parked outside, where {{user}} was waiting. Probably just as nervous as I was. Maybe even more.

I turned back to my parents, standing in the kitchen, their eyes fixed on me. Both waiting. Expecting. I could feel the weight of their attention pressing in. My ma, soft but sharp, already sensing the gravity of the moment. My da, arms crossed, expression unreadable—but I knew him well enough to know he was bracing himself.

I swallowed, dry and thick. “I need to tell ye something.”

No one spoke. My ma’s brows drew together slightly, a flicker of concern passing over her face. My da’s jaw tightened, like he’d already pieced it together and was just waiting to see if I’d say it.

I drew a shaky breath and forced the words out. “I love them.” The words landed heavy on my tongue, but once they were out, it felt like I could finally breathe again. “I know who their parent is. I know what’s happened before. And I know ye probably think I’m an eejit for getting involved in this, but—” My hands clenched into fists at my sides. “They’re not their parent. Not even close. And I can’t—won’t—walk away just because of a last name.”

The silence that followed was thick, almost tangible. I kept my chin up, waiting, bracing for whatever came next.

Then Shannon, my ma, let out a slow sigh, rubbing a temple with a tired hand. “Oh, Rory.”

Not anger. Not disappointment. Just tired.

My da finally spoke, voice low and steady. “Are ye sure about this, son?”

I nodded without hesitation. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

Something shifted in his expression, subtle but real. He exchanged a look with my ma, and after a moment, she let out another breath and nodded softly.

“We trust you,” she said, quiet, almost a whisper. “Just be careful, love.”

Relief hit me like a wave, so sudden and overwhelming I had to steady myself against the counter.

I cleared my throat, glancing toward the door. “They’re outside.”

My ma’s lips pressed together for a brief second, then softened. “Well… don’t leave them waiting.”