To my surprise, a small tendril of hunger curls in my stomach when I smell the gnocchi soup. They’ve forced me to eat something small every day, but it’s been mostly broth and smoothies. Things I could consume with little effort. Today’s meal is one of my favorites that Antonia used to make me often. It takes longer to eat, but as I do, I start to feel some of the fog clearing from my head.

“Is Santi still angry?” I ask between bites.

Ivy shifts on the chair next to me, and I know that’s a yes. But she tries to soften the blow. “He’ll get over it. He has no choice. I think more than anything, he’s hurt. He feels betrayed by Judge, and he’s worried about your future.”

“I’m going to be okay,” I tell her, and for the first time in days, I feel it’s true. There will always be a part of me that’s emptier without Judge. A broken, hollow part of me that aches for him. Though I have no choice but to move forward for my children.

“I know you will,” Ivy answers with a reassuring smile. “I’ll be here for you, no matter what.”

“Thank you.” I dip my head to hide the emotion in my eyes. “That means a lot to me.”

“Your friend Solana has been in contact,” she informs me. “I’ve been giving her and Georgie progress updates.”

“Oh.” I set the spoon aside and stare at the remaining soup, too full to finish. “I need to contact her. I’m sure they’ve been worried sick.”

“You can use my phone.” Ivy holds it up in offer. “Anytime you want to talk to them.”

I nod at her, grateful. “Maybe after dinner. I need some time to prepare.”

A smile curves her lips, and she dips her head in understanding. “Okay. Tonight then. I’m going to leave you to rest, but only for an hour. And then I’m going to bring Elena in here, and we’re going to do some online baby shopping and put a dent in your brother’s credit card.”

I laugh at the idea, but it fades away quickly as I consider the looming conversation I’ve yet to have with him.

Ivy hands me some books and magazines to keep me busy if I want them, and then heads for the door. But before she closes it, I stop her.

“Hey, Ivy?”

“Yeah?” She turns to look at me.

“It isn’t baby, as in singular. I’m having twins.”

“Oh, my god.” She claps a hand over her mouth to cover her small shriek. “Twins?”

I smile too, the excitement on her face contagious. “Yep. I’m really in it now.”