By the third week, Oliver had found his rhythm.

He woke up early, always before the sun. Luckily, the neighbor finished his fence by the middle of the second week. Since then Oliver hasn't seen or spoken to his neighbor, maybe he really was busy as he had mentioned. 

The quiet hours before the world stirred became sacred—when he could feel the twins shift gently within him and breathe without needing to brace for anything unexpected. He made herbal tea first, always the same kind—chamomile with honey—and padded barefoot through the apartment while the kettle hissed softly in the background.

He’d started taking morning walks too. There was a small park two blocks away, modest but well-kept, with a loop trail shaded by trees and a bench overlooking  a duck pond. He liked that bench. He started bringing a book sometimes, not really reading, just holding it while he watched the water ripple with the breeze.

It was there, on that bench,  after his walk, that a familiar voice found him again.

“Small town, huh?” came the voice, easy and warm. “Didn’t expect to run into you again so soon.”

Oliver turned—and blinked.

“Nate?” What a small world. Who would've thought I would see him again.

The man smiled, adjusting the strap of a canvas messenger bag slung across his shoulder. His hair was messier than Oliver remembered, and he looked a little flushed from jogging, but the eyes were the same. Kind. Open.

“I knew I recognized you,” Nate said, sitting on the other end of the bench. “You were in the city, right? The park near Marlow Street. You had questions.”

Oliver smiled slowly. “I did. And you gave me some good answers.”

“Well, you looked like someone trying their damn best. I figured you’d make it work.”

He laughed softly, the sound surprised and grateful. “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s said to me in a while.”

Nate nudged him gently with his elbow. “So… what brings you to North Bridge?”

Oliver hesitated a moment, then let the truth settle between them.

“New start. Quieter place. The twins and I needed something different.”

Nate’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Twins?”

Oliver rested a hand over his stomach and nodded.

“I’ll be honest,” Nate said, voice softening, “I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again. But I’m glad I did. North Bridge is a good place for beginnings.”

They sat in comfortable silence after that. The ducks quacked across the pond. A toddler threw a half-soggy piece of bread too far and squealed with delight anyway.

Nate eventually stood. “Hey, if you ever need someone to talk to who’s not trying to sell you prenatal vitamins or compare belly sizes in class, I’m around. I work down on River Street. Library assistant.”

“Thanks,” Oliver said, genuinely. “That means a lot.”

And it did. It felt nice to have someone there even if it's small.

He walked home slower than usual, letting that warmth settle. He hadn’t expected to feel known in this town, not so soon. But maybe that was the point. Maybe this wasn’t just a stopgap. Maybe this could be something more. 

Hopefully, I can continue living here, maybe even raise my kids here. Maybe, they'll have better luck then I did. 

Oliver left the park happier then he had been in a while. Oliver figured it might be time to start brainstorming names. Oliver decided to check online for inspiration while he walked home.

Celebrity names? Hmm.... Maybe.

Days of the week names? Nah... even though I know there are some who like those.

Color names? Maybe.... violet or Emerald. Hmm.

Tv series names? Merlin.... Neal .... Vincenzo. Too noticeable it's from tv.

Movie names? Gru... Alice... Carrie... Clark. A fan might be able to tell.