*+*Unexpected*+*

|3| {Sofia's Questions}

Dinner had ended in a swirl of laughter and clinking dishes, the room still buzzing with warmth. Sofia sat cross-legged on the carpet, her sunglasses now pushed up like a crown, staring curiously at Aiden's stomach.

She tilted her head. "Uncle Aiden?"

Aiden, still nestled against James on the couch, glanced down. "Yeah, Sofi?"

Her little brow furrowed. "How did the baby get in your belly?"

The room went quiet for half a beat before Rosa groaned softly. "Ay, Dios mío."

James's grin spread wide, absolutely shameless. "Magic."

"James," Aiden hissed, elbowing him in the ribs, his face going red.

"What?" James said innocently, ruffling Sofia's hair. "Babies are magic. Love puts them there."

Sofia tapped her chin thoughtfully. "So, because you love Uncle Aiden so much, the baby just... popped in?"

"Exactly!" James beamed, pointing at her like she'd just solved a riddle. "Smartest kid in the world."

Sofia lit up, clearly satisfied with that answer. She clambered onto the couch beside Aiden and carefully pressed her tiny ear against his stomach. "Hello, baby cousin," she whispered seriously. "I'm Sofia. I'm four. I'll teach you everything, like coloring and dancing. And I'll protect you 'cause I'm the big one."

Aiden's eyes filled instantly. He looked down at her, his hand trembling as he rested it gently on her back. "You're already the best cousin," he whispered.

Rosa, watching from across the room, covered her face with her hands. "She's going to make me cry."

Lake laughed, nudging Mariana. "Told you. This family just keeps growing."

James leaned down, kissing Aiden's temple softly as Sofia continued her whispered promises to the baby. "See, sunshine?" he murmured. "Our little one already has the best team in the world."

And for the first time since that test turned positive, Aiden's smile wasn't laced with fear—it was pure, unguarded joy.