Paris, December — The Langley Family Estate
Celeste had flown to France with no business itinerary,
no partner in tow.
For one reason only—
"This… I need to tell them in person."
"Oh, sweetheart, without even a call—"
Marcel's voice rose in delighted surprise as
he swept her into a warm, lingering hug.
She smiled faintly,
though there was still a fragile tension in her eyes.
George, ever the quieter one,
simply pulled out the chair beside him and waited,
his hand brushing hers as she sat.
"I came because I have something to tell you."
She set down her coffee,
her fingers tightening around the cup.
"Something… important."
A heartbeat of stillness.
Both men leaned in at once,
identical glints of concern—and curiosity—in their eyes.
Celeste took a breath.
"…I'm pregnant."
For a fraction of a second, silence—
Then both men broke into wide, irrepressible smiles.
Marcel gasped and clapped his hands together.
George laughed,
the kind of laugh that warms a room in an instant,
before pulling her into his arms.
"Oh my god, you're having a baby!"
Marcel's voice was almost giddy.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded quickly.
"The obstetrician confirmed it."
George's hand lingered on her cheek,
his eyes shimmering.
"You've just given us the most wonderful news of our lives."
Marcel, already tearing up, gave George a quick look—
one of those unspoken,
shared smiles they'd perfected over decades—
before turning back to her.
"This makes us… grandfathers."
He laughed through the word as if tasting it for the first time.
"And I couldn't be happier."
"…And the father?" George asked gently.
Celeste hesitated, lowering her gaze.
"I… don't know for certain yet."
Marcel's brows lifted for a heartbeat,
but the joy in his face didn't falter.
"Then whoever he is, lucky him.
This child will be adored from the very first day."
Her voice softened.
"I'm… scared. Of the world, of people… of love.
I don't know if I can give it."
George immediately shook his head,
his voice steady but warm.
"You've always given love, Celeste.
You just don't see it in yourself."
Marcel leaned forward,
pressing his forehead gently to hers.
"Think of how we raised you—
no conditions, no rules first.
Always love first.
That's all any child needs."
Her lips trembled,
and then the tears came—quiet, trembling sobs—
while Marcel wrapped her close.