Page 112 of Unbroken

“You know babies can’t talk, right?” I thought my brothers were well-developed, socially functional humans, but the giant stuffed animals and Trevor’s offer of livestock is making me wonder.

My mother is already unloading food, doting on Mariah the way I knew she would. I know she is dying to get her hands on a baby, but I also know she wants Mariah to get all the love and care she deserves.

“This is a special smoothie that’s supposed to help your milk production.” My mom pulls a cup from her magic bag, switching out the top before poking a wide straw through the hole. “It’s also supposed to help replenish your energy after labor and delivery.” She hands it to Mariah before going back to her bag. “I also brought tons of fruit and vegetables with dip so you can snack whenever you need something easy.”

I stand from the bed so Mariah can have a little room to spread out. I’m barely a step away before Tobias is at my side. He jerks his chin at the bundle in my arms. “Give me that thing.”

I angle a brow at him. “That thing?”

Tobias matches my expression. “They’re Thing One and Thing Two until you name them.” He smirks. “And when they’re terrorizing everyone as toddlers.”

“I’m going to make sure they only terrorize you.” I shift my little girl so I can pass her off. “And they have names.” She barely stirs at the transfer. “This is Mary Elizabeth and her brother is Mitchell Ethan.”

The room goes quiet.

My mother’s hand comes to rest against her heart, the expression on her face filled with sadness. “Oh, Ty.”

I look over my family, the pain pinching their features, and recognize a loss I thought was mine alone. It never occurred to me they might carry pain of their own over losing Kara and the baby.I was so deep in my own suffering I didn’t consider how anyone else would be handling their deaths.

I swallow hard, my throat so tight it’s difficult to speak. But they need to hear who knew exactly how to give me—us—what we needed.

Again.

“Mariah chose the names.” I reach for her the way I always do—the way I always will—knowing her touch will ground me. Pull me from the past I won’t ever truly escape.

But am learning to live with.

And it’s all because of her.

Thank you so much for reading Titus and Mariah’s story!

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