Chapter 35: A Name That Feels Right

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window as Elias set plates of pancakes on the table. Lani sat across from Luca and Lily, watching as they eagerly reached for the syrup. It was a rare, peaceful moment—one Elias had started cherishing more and more since deciding to stay.

Luca, always the quiet observer, studied Elias as he moved around the kitchen. His eyes flicked between the man and Lily before he finally spoke.

"You and Lily…" Luca tilted his head. "You look alike. A lot."

Lani stiffened slightly, but before she could react, Lily rolled her eyes with an exaggerated huff.

"Duhh," she said dramatically, flicking her pigtail over her shoulder. "I love my daddy, so I have to look like him."

Lani almost choked on her coffee. Elias, mid-step, paused before looking at Lily, wide-eyed.

Then—laughter.

Not nervous, not forced—just genuine, lighthearted laughter from everyone at the table. Because, at the end of the day, it wasn't a secret. They all knew the truth.

Elias shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. "If that's the case," he said, crossing his arms, "shouldn't you two actually start calling me Dad?"

Lily gasped like she had just been given the best idea in the world. "Yes! I want to call you Daddy!"

Elias chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Then that settles it."

Everyone turned to Luca, who sat with his arms crossed, staring down at his plate. He wasn't frowning, but he wasn't smiling either.

Lani watched him closely, knowing how much he overthought things.

Elias didn't push. He simply reached out and squeezed Luca's shoulder.

"Take your time," he said softly. "I'm not going anywhere."

Luca didn't say anything, but for the first time, he didn't pull away.

And to Elias, that was enough.

The moment was lighthearted, filled with laughter, but Elias felt something deep shift inside him. He had always been there for Lily and Luca, but hearing Lily call him "Daddy" so naturally made his heart clench in a way he wasn't prepared for.

"Since you two are my kids, you should be calling me Dad," Elias said, his voice steady but carrying a certain warmth.

Lily, always the bright and affectionate one, beamed. "Of course! You're my daddy, and I love you so much!" She jumped onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. Elias held her close, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, his heart swelling.

Luca, however, remained quiet. He simply stared at Elias, his expression unreadable.

Lani noticed and cleared her throat. "Luca?" she said gently.

The boy shrugged, looking down at his plate. "I'll think about it." His voice wasn't cold, but it wasn't eager like Lily's either.

Elias didn't push him. He had learned long ago that Luca was more reserved, more cautious. He wouldn't force him into anything. "That's okay," Elias said with an easy nod. "Take your time."

Lily, still clinging to Elias, turned to her brother. "You're so stubborn, Luca. You love Daddy too, just say it!"

Luca shot her a glare. "Lily, shut up."

"Language," Lani warned.

Luca huffed but didn't say anything else.

Elias ruffled Luca's hair playfully, making the boy scowl but not pull away. "It's okay, bud. Whenever you're ready."

Lani watched the interaction with a small smile. She had spent years raising them on her own, and now, seeing Elias step fully into his role made something deep inside her feel at peace.

As the night went on, they all sat around the living room, watching a movie. Lily curled up next to Elias, while Luca sat near them, though not directly beside them.

Lani sat back, watching them. For the first time in a long time, she felt like everything was as it should be.

And she wasn't going to let anything take that away from them.

To be continued…