Three years later...

Lilly's POV

This is all his fault.

The thought echoed in my mind as I glared down at Chase, who was peacefully knocked out beside me, probably dreaming about airplanes and sex, totally unaware. Meanwhile, I was wide awake, staring at the ceiling, with a tiny human somersaulting on my bladder and stretching my insides like they were a personal trampoline.

This is all his damn fault.

The temptation to either slap him awake or shove him off the bed was getting more appealing by the second. I sighed dramatically, loud enough to possibly stir him, but no—he was still blissfully unaware. Of course, he was. While I was over here, in my third trimester, swollen and sleep-deprived, Chase was lost in la-la-land, completely oblivious.

I groaned, feeling my throat parched and dry. I reached over to grab my water bottle from the nightstand only to discover it was empty. Of course, it was. Just my luck. Now I had to waddle all the way downstairs to refill it. Fantastic.

I glanced back at Chase, narrowing my eyes as I watched him sleep like a baby. He should be the one doing the waddling. After all, he's the reason I'm carrying around a bowling ball-sized baby. Yet here he is, snoring softly, dead to the world. You'd think he was the one lugging around a few extra kilos in his stomach.

Men really do have it easy, don't they?

I contemplated how thirsty I was, but considering I'd been to the bathroom ten times in the last hour, my body was practically dehydrated.

Muttering curses under my breath, I attempted to roll out of bed. It was less of a graceful exit and more like watching a turtle flip itself off its back, but eventually, I made it to my feet. Barely. My back protested with every movement as I grabbed the empty bottle and shuffled toward the door, the ache creeping down my spine.

I pushed the door open and stepped into the hallway, which was softly lit by the nightlights my mom insisted on, as if I were a toddler who might trip over my own feet. Which, at this point, wasn't entirely inaccurate.

Since I was due any day now, my parents had practically demanded that we stay with them for the final week, just in case Chase had to hop on a last-minute flight. Heaven forbid I go into labor alone and end up giving birth on the kitchen floor or something.

I made my way down the stairs, one slow, achy step at a time, grumbling about my pregnant predicament. By the time I reached the kitchen, I felt like I'd run a marathon. I paused in front of the fridge, hands on my hips, trying to catch my breath. Who knew making life could be so damn exhausting?

I filled my water bottle, chugging half of it in one go like I'd just crossed the Sahara Desert. There was no way I was going back upstairs just yet—too much effort. So, I plopped down on one of the kitchen stools, sighing heavily as I took another long sip, savoring the cold water.

After a couple of minutes, I heard footsteps get near. My eyes flickered to the entrance, watching as Dad paused, he rubbed at his eye, clearing his vision before his eyebrows pulled closer. He edged closer to me, "What's wrong?" He asked, ready to fuss over me, "Are you okay?"

I nodded and lifted my water bottle, "Just thirsty," I mumbled.

His gaze flickered around before it found me again, "And why isn't your dear husband doing his one and only job which is attending to your every need?" He asked, eyebrow raising in annoyance and he seemed ready to go up and drag Chase out of bed himself.

I smiled and shook my head, "He has been working really hard lately, I didn't want to wake him up," I said, true I was bitching about him peacefully sleeping but yeah, he needed that rest too, "Also, I can get myself water, it's not that hard," It was fucking exhausting but I am not willing to admit that out loud, it makes me feel old.

Dad didn't look entirely satisfied. His gaze swept over me once more, as if making sure the baby wouldn't come popping out of me any second now. With a quiet sigh, he poured himself a glass of water and took the stool next to me, clearly not planning to leave until I headed back to bed.

I fidgeted with the edge of my water bottle, feeling the familiar weight of my swirling thoughts settle in. It wasn't just the physical aches or exhaustion that were keeping me awake. Lately, a deeper worry had been gnawing at me. I glanced over at Dad, who was watching me closely, picking up on the unspoken question before I even said it.

"Dad," I whispered.

"Yeah?" He said.

I hesitated, my shoulders sinking as the words slipped out, my biggest fear laid bare for the first time, "Do you think...I'll be a good mother?" My voice wavered, the vulnerability of it surprising even me.

A warm smile softened his features, his eyes crinkling as he leaned closer, "You'll be perfect," he murmured, his hand reaching up to brush a gentle thumb over my cheek before pressing a soft kiss to my forehead, "You had a pretty great example of that, after all."

The corner of my lip lifted up just enough, "I don't know how mom did it," I said, "She made it look so easy, but it's not, not at all. I am so scared."

His hand slipped from my face, covering my fidgeting fingers, grounding me, "I won't lie to you and say it's going to be easy," He shook his head, "It won't, this will be the hardest thing you'll ever have to go through," He added, "You'll have this...little human, who knows nothing, who has nothing—but you," He said and my heart squeezed so tight, my other hand instinctively going to my belly, "He will need you, every second, every moment of every day, every heartbeat...and he'll look to you like you're his whole world."

He tightened his grip on my hand, "For the very first time in your life you will really understand what it feels like to love something, someone, so much more than you love yourself," He explained and I felt emotional tears gather in my eyes, because he was indirectly addressing his own feelings too, "You see, I thought I loved your mother more than anything, I thoughts there isn't a higher form of love, that nothing could come equal or as intense."

"But then you came," He added and the first tear fell down my cheek, his eyebrows pulled closer at its sight and he gently wiped it away, "You were already two years old the first time I laid eyes on you, so little and frightened, sitting on my couch," He rested his finger near my eye, softly brushing my skin, "And you looked at me with those big curious eyes and it...just happened, so quick, so fast I couldn't wrap my mind around it."

His smile was wistful, nostalgic and so heartwarming, "That's when I knew what love really was, I only learned it after you and your brother."

"One day soon, you'll feel it too," he whispered, "It'll change you, Lilly. It'll make everything else seem small. Nothing—no one—will ever matter as much as your child. He'll be your whole world."

I sniffled and edged closer, falling into Dad's embrace, and wrapping my arms so tightly around his back. He didn't waste a second in pulling me closer, safely tucking me between his arms. I pressed my eyes shut and hugged him so tight, savoring this moment for as long as I could, "It'll be hard but it'll all be worth it, little bug," He cradled the back of my head, dropping a kiss to my head, "I can assure you that."

At that moment, I knew—if I could be half the parent he'd been to me, I'd be just fine.

After Chase and I left for Paris, we spent a year there, a whole, uninterrupted year of us. It was perfect—magical, even. Away from everything familiar, we found each other in new ways. We walked hand-in-hand through winding cobblestone streets, free from the weight of others' expectations, free to just be. We wandered through nearly every European city, laughing in tiny cafes, sharing whispered dreams along riverbanks, and making promises on mountaintops. We didn't just build memories; we built a foundation.

But as incredible as the adventures were, there was this quiet ache, a pull, a melancholic nostalgic feeling of missing home.

The more we traveled, the clearer it became—there was a whole life waiting for us back home, one that was as precious as any destination we'd explored. We missed our family and that familiar sense of belonging.

It didn't escape me that as we were growing, our parents were aging. Time was moving, slipping away too quickly, and I didn't want to look back one day, realizing I'd lost pieces of them. Adventures were thrilling, yes, but being with the people we loved—that was what mattered most.

My project was nearing completion by that time, and with the major work behind me, I was able to manage the rest remotely, only needing to return to Paris when absolutely necessary. And so, we came back, ready to let life unfold in its simplest, truest form.

Not long after our return, Chase proposed. Like me, he wanted to start our new chapter surrounded by our family, in the very place that had shaped us, the place where he and I both started.

We got married after and as hard as it got over these past couple of years, we always managed to get through it. After everything we'd been through to get here, it felt like nothing could shake us anymore. It felt like we'd built something...unbreakable.

And then, life surprised us again. My pregnancy wasn't planned, but it wasn't a shock either—it felt like something we had quietly hoped for, leaving it in the hands of fate.

And now, in just a few short days, we'll begin a whole new story, one written with tiny fingers and toes, with sleepy midnight cuddles and a type of love that neither of us has known yet. The thought of it fills me with a wonder so deep I can hardly put it into words.

Chase and I decided not to find out the baby's sex because our families were pretty chaotic about it. But I have this feeling—a mother's intuition, I guess—that it's a girl. I didn't tell anyone but I've already bought tiny dresses that make my heart swell just looking at them, imagining my little one filling them, her laughter and giggles filling our home. God, I can't wait to meet her.

My somber smile widened as I pulled back from Dad's embrace, my fears and insecurities pushed back and buried. He was about to say something but his eyes flickered behind me, falling on the kitchen's entrance and his soft expression shifted instantly and he rolled his eyes.

I turned around, my eyes falling on Chase and my heart calmed down even more. His eyes drifted between us, his brows pulling closer and in a breath, he was next to me, his hand on my face, noticing my tearful eyes, "What happened?" He asked, "Are you okay?"

I smiled and nodded, "Yeah, I was ju—"

Before I could resume my words, Dad stood up and smacked the back of his head.

"Dad!" I shot out, my eyes growing wide.

Chase rubbed at the back of his head, glaring at Dad, "And now, what's that for?" He grumbled. They've been at each other's throats since we got here. They will kill me, I swear.

Dad, unfazed, crossed his arms and leveled Chase with a look, "When your wife wakes up, you wake up too," He warned him, scolding him for my benefit and I facepalmed.

"Wha...How—" Chase was about to get into the argument but he knew he'd get nowhere so he just let out a low breath and shot Dad a glare before he turned to me, focusing on me only.

"Let's go to our room," I mouthed to him, trying to end this before it starts and grows and never ends. Chase helped me get up, his arm going around my back and leading my way. I paused by Dad's side and snuck a quick peck on his cheek, "Love you, Dad," I murmured.

My words calmed down his expression before he turned back to Chase and made him the I-am-watching-you gesture.

Chase managed to hold his tongue but gave me a look that said he wasn't exactly sure he'd survive the rest of this week with Dad. He carefully led my way up the stairs, "Why didn't you wake me up?" He asked.

I shrugged, "You looked so peaceful, I couldn't," I mumbled.

He shook his head with a fond sigh, helping me settle back into bed before sitting down beside me. His hand found its way to my belly, and he leaned in, murmuring to our baby, "Please hurry up and come here quickly," He said, "Your grandpa isn't making this any easier," He added before dropping a soft kiss on my baby bump. I chuckled lowly as I playfully swatted his hand away.

His beautiful eyes met mine, giving me a wink and I smiled, "You think it'll get easier after this little one gets here?" I pointed out the obvious, my eyebrow raising, "Imagine the chaos your mother and my dad would bring alone, just imagine it."

Lines deepened on his forehead and he grimaced, "God, we shouldn't have left Paris."

I chuckled, feeling the last remnants of tension slip away. He reached over, flicking off the light, and then wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close. I nestled my head against his shoulder, inhaling his familiar scent, and felt his hand softly run through my hair. Sleep started to pull me under, but before it did, I tilted my head just enough to look at him in the dark.

"Chase," I whispered.

He looked down, eyes soft, his hand still stroking my hair, "Yeah?"

I took a quiet breath, a smile touching my lips. "You're going to be a great father," I said.

My words tightened the few lines between his brows, and in his eyes, there was the same uncertain fear surging through mine, unsure of how equipped we were for this next step, there was this shared anticipation of a life we were about to hold in our arms.

He leaned closer and pressed his lips to my forehead. "As long as I have you by my side, I will." He murmured against my skin. "I am sure we'll figure it out," he added. "As hard as it'll get, we'll do it together, Lilly," he assured me, reflecting on my inner fears and insecurities.

He edged back slightly, his eyes falling back into mine—and god, I hope she'd have his eyes.

At that moment, I felt it—the fierce, steady certainty that we would get through this too. In the darkness, with his arms around me, I closed my eyes, holding onto that truth: this, right here, was home.

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"You're sure there isn't anything else you want?" Mom asked for what felt like the hundredth time, her voice layered with gentle worry as she tucked a soft blanket over me.

I'd settled onto the couch, my legs stretched out in front of me, trying to relieve the constant ache that had only worsened over the past few weeks. Pregnancy had taken its toll on my already weakened legs, and my condition only worsened.

The extra weight had my muscles and nerves complaining with every step, to the point where, earlier, I'd nearly toppled over while making a simple sandwich in the kitchen. It had been...embarrassing, and painful.

The doctor had urged me to rest as much as possible in these final days, and thankfully, only Mom had caught my little moment of weakness. If anyone else had seen, it would've turned into a full-blown fuss. She'd instantly guided me to the couch, insisted I lay down and then appeared with a plate of food and a steaming cup of green tea. She even turned on the TV for me, her quiet way of saying, stay put.

God, she's the best.

She leaned down to press a kiss to my cheek, her hand lingering on my shoulder, "If you need anything, anything at all, call my name, okay?" Her eyes were soft but insistent, and I couldn't help but smile at her.

"I will," I promised, reaching up to squeeze her hand, "Love you so much, Mom."

She gave me one of those rare, deeply affectionate smiles and pinched my cheek lightly before straightening up. Just as she did, the doorbell rang, and she went to answer it, leaving me alone with my plate. I set it on my belly—a surprisingly sturdy resting spot these days—and took a bite of my sandwich. The second I did, I felt the familiar flutter and kick of my baby stirring inside, like she knew food was finally coming her way.

A small chuckle escaped me as I gently rubbed my belly, feeling her little movements grow stronger with each bite, "I know, little baby, you're hungry too, aren't you?" I whispered, smiling down at her, "Don't worry, we're both getting fed."

I heard soft voices from the hallway, Mom saying something like, "She's inside." Curious, I set my plate on the table and wiped at my mouth, leaning slightly to see who'd arrived. Right then, Max came into view. A huge grin split across my face as he walked in, his own smile bright and warm as he dropped his bag by the door.

Without a word, I raised my arms, beckoning him over, and he didn't hesitate. He sat on the edge of the couch and wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight. I closed my eyes, melting into his embrace, savoring this moment, "God, I've missed you," I murmured, squeezing him just a little tighter.

He's been doing his med-school clinical rotation in a well-known hospital in another city, which meant he had to move out and away, making me miss him more. Dad doesn't shy from grumbling and whining that he is following in my footsteps.

"I missed you more," He said, pulling back, his eyes flickered to my round stomach, "God, you've gotten fat since I last saw you," He added playfully, making me punch his arm. He chuckled and looked at me before he brought his hand and rested it ever so carefully over my bump, "Hey, little thing, your favorite uncle is here," He murmured, ever so softly.

I tilted my head, smiling up at him, "Are you here on a break or something?"

He leaned back, "Nah, I came just for you. Figured you could use a doctor on standby, in case you go into labor any minute now."

I snorted, raising an eyebrow, "You're not a doctor yet, genius."

"Still, I'll be that soon," He shot back, not satisfied with me dismissing him as always.

"Still, you're not going to be a gynecologist," I pointed out.

He grimaced at the notion, "Yeah, no way," He said, "I prefer to look at vaginas the only way god intended them to be looked at," He explained, "Only during sex," He added, making me punch his arm again at his vulgar mouth, the one he got from Dad for sure.

"Anyway, let's keep the gynecologist part for Valerie—" He said, and right then, she walked into the room after Mom finally let her go and my smile widened as I waved her over, "Come here," I said.

She returned my smile and came to our side, leaning closer as she gave me a warm tight hug, "I am sorry, I can barely get up," I mumbled with a pout.

She laughed, shaking her head, "Oh, don't be silly," she said, nudging Max out of the way so she could sit next to me. Her gaze fell to my belly, her expression softening into the sweetest little pout, "Oh my goodness, look at you," she murmured.

"Yeah, she's gotten so fat, hasn't she," Max commented making her eyes widen in disbelief.

Valerie's eyes shot over to him, "Max!" she scolded, clearly appalled, then turned back to me, shaking her head. "I swear, I can't take him anywhere," she sighed, and I just nodded, chuckling lowly at them. Since they'd started their rotation at the same hospital, they've moved in together, and it warms my heart to see them grow closer every time I see them.

"You guys really didn't have to come here, you know," I said, glancing between them. "I could've just called when the baby decided to show up," I was practically whining as I added, "It's already a full house in here."

Max chuckled knowingly and gave my shoulder a pitying squeeze. "Trust me, I get it. That's reason number one why I moved far away."

I sighed dramatically, "They're smothering me, like too much, way too much. I swear, I'm going to lose it. So if you two really want to help me out, why don't you just pick me up, smuggle me out, and take me all the way to the hospital where you work? Because I'm not sure I'm ready to go through labor with all these crazy people around."

As if on cue, the doorbell chimed, and I wanted to throw my hands up in exasperation, "See? It's like this all day," I said.

Valerie chuckled, pulling the blanket snugly around me, "Close your eyes. I'll tell them you're napping," she said with a wink, adding, "We'll hold down the fort."

I gave her a pout and she tucked the blanket below my neck, "Sleep," She whispered, hearing the footsteps get closer to us.

I was about to pretend to be napping when I heard a familiar soft voice, "Lilly, where are you—" Maria questioned, her footsteps getting closer. She paused by the doorway, her eyes growing wide when they landed on Max and she gasped, "Max is here!" She shot out and rushed forward in delight.

Max bent down just in time as Maria barreled into his arms, wrapping her little arms tightly around his neck. "And here's my favorite girl," he said, giving her a warm squeeze. I pouted and nudged Valerie beside me, "I thought I was his favorite girl," I mumbled dramatically.

Valerie arched an eyebrow, playing along, "And I thought it was me," she said, feigning indignation.

Maria pulled back, beaming up at him ever so brightly as she cupped his face, "When did you get back?"

Max brushed a stray hair from her face, his smile softening, "Just now," he replied, "and I brought you a present."

Her eyes lit up with pure delight, "Really?!"

He nodded, taking her hand into his as he straightened up, "And did you bring me a present?" I chimed in, narrowing my eyes at him in mock jealousy.

He turned and gave me an exaggeratedly serious look, "Nope."

I gasped, "But I am making a human over here," I said, pointing at my big belly.

Max chose to ignore me entirely as he walked off with Maria to show her the gift, leaving me pouting with my head tipped dramatically onto Valerie's shoulder, "He doesn't love me anymore," I muttered. Valerie chuckled and patted my cheek, "You poor thing."

She picked up my sandwich plate and held it out to me, "Here, finish your food." I sighed, but accepted it with a small smile, as she got up. "I'll check what Max is up to and be right back."

I nodded and resumed eating, chewing contentedly, when I spotted Nikolas entering just as Valerie was walking out. They exchanged a few quiet words, and he gave her one of his rare, gentle smiles before she disappeared. Then his gaze landed on me, and his brows furrowed slightly as he walked over, clearly scanning me to see if anything was wrong.

With my free hand, I patted the space next to me, urging him to sit. He eased down, his eyes steady on mine. "You alright?" he asked, softly.

I nodded my head, finishing another bite from my sandwich.

"You sure?" He asked, "I heard your mother say you almost tripped over today."

My frown deepened, "It's so embarrassing, I don't wanna talk about it," I mumbled, "It's like I am a baby who can't walk, who is also carrying another baby," I grumbled, dropping the left of my sandwich onto the plate.

Nikolas reached over, his thumb brushing the crumbs from the corner of my mouth, a faint smile pulling at his lips, "You know you'll always be our baby," he said, his voice warm, "that's never going to change."

A smile tugged at my lips, and I felt my shoulders relax as I let out a breath. "It's gonna be so hard, isn't it?" I murmured, more to myself.

He nodded, "You have no idea," he said, "I mean I've been physically tortured and it is not as hard as being a parent."

I shot him a playful glare, "Wow, thanks for the pep talk."

He chuckled lowly, his arm slipping around my shoulders, and pressed a kiss to the top of my head, "You'll do just fine," he murmured into my hair.

I leaned into him with a soft sigh, sinking into the comfort of his presence. My hand instinctively went to my bump as my baby began her usual tour for the day, rolling and kicking as if she were testing the limits of her little world. Nikolas caught the motion, his eyes following my hand. A knowing smile crept onto my face, and I reached for his hand, guiding and pressing it to the spot where she was most active.

An unexplainable look clouded his eyes. His smile widened when he felt her kick against his palm, "Another wild one in here," He mumbled softly.

I shook my head, "Nah, I have a feeling she is gonna be a calm little baby, like her father," I said.

Nikolas's brows pulled closer, "She?"

I gulped down and looked around, making sure no one else heard, "Okay, don't tell anyone, but I think she is a she," I whispered lowly.

His eyes softened as the words sank in, and his hand lingered protectively over my belly, "I can't wait to meet her," he said, his voice barely above a murmur.

I nodded my head, "Me too."

Just as the moment settled, the doorbell rang. Again. I groaned, leaning back against the couch as muffled voices carried through the hallway. A few seconds later, Auntie Katherine strode in, beaming up ever so brightly. It has become a sacred thing, to drop by here every morning. She and Dad did have a big fight about her wanting me to stay with them for these last weeks, but somehow Dad won. See, this has been my life for the past nine months.

"Move away," She grumbled, shoving Nikolas away from next to me, making him stumble a bit as she settled in his spot. He shot her a glare, muttering something under his breath as he straightened up. She ignored him as her hand went to my baby bump and gently carressed it, "Hey, little baby," she said, ever so warmly

Then, she looked up at me, her hand moved to my face and she leaned in to peck my cheek, "and hey, you big baby," she said, finally remembering that I exist.

Before I could respond, she dove into the shopping bags she'd lugged along, pulling out tiny baby outfits in rapid succession and draping them over my lap, "Look at these ones too," she said, fussing over each detail—the bows, the buttons, the fabric, the colors—until I was buried under a mountain of adorable chaos.

I looked up, my puppy eyes pleading with Nikolas to save me. He only raised his hands in a helpless manner, surrendering and not willing to interfere. I couldn't blame him. The last time he tried to step in, she'd thrown a vase at him.

Auntie Katherine was a force of nature, and when it came to this baby, she was somehow even more intense than Dad. God help us all.

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"I'm gonna need your help," I said, locking eyes with Maria as I tried—unsuccessfully—to hoist myself up from the couch. My belly made every movement feel like I was trying to flip a boulder uphill.

"Yes, sure,"  she said, bouncing up to help, her excitement so pure it made me smile despite my discomfort.

I patted her head gently, like she was my little partner in crime, and she followed me toward the kitchen, "I need your help making something to eat," I said, my voice hushed, as if we were planning a heist.

Maria's brows furrowed in confusion, "Should I call your mom?"

I instantly shook my head, "No, no, don't call for anyone, just you and me," I said, giving her a warning look. I needed a break. I'll make myself a sandwich and go hide in my room till everyone else leaves.

We reached the kitchen, and I leaned against the counter, rubbing the dull ache in my lower back that had become all too familiar. "Get me the bread, please," I said, opening the fridge to grab the cheese.

Maria nodded her head, marching off to complete her task. She returned with the bread in hand, smiling so softly, and I couldn't help but smile back at her innocent enthusiasm.

I got to work, pulling out a plate and stacking ingredients with utter focus. Maria watched me, her little hands clasped behind her back. But then, her posture shifted, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw her fidget nervously.

"Uh, Lilly," Maria said, her voice low and hesitant.

"Yeah?" I replied, not looking at her side yet as I concentrated on perfectly aligning the slices of tomato.

"Uhm—" She edged closer, her voice dropping to a whisper, "I think you...peed yourself," she said with the utmost sincerity, "But don't worry—I won't tell anyone."

My hand froze mid-air, a slice of cheese dangling from my fingers. "What?" I blinked, finally turning to her. Maria's big eyes were locked on the floor, pointing slightly toward the growing puddle beneath me.

My breath caught, realization crashing over me like a tidal wave.

"Oh my god," I whispered, my gaze flicking between Maria's concerned expression and the small pool of colorless liquid on the tile. My brain struggled to process what was happening, though the relentless pressure on my back suddenly made a lot more sense, "Oh god—" I mumbled, barely able to catch my breath. This was really happening.

I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply to calm the swirl of panic in my chest. Letting go of the half-made sandwich, I turned to Maria, who was watching me like I'd just grown a second head. "Maria," I said, steadying my voice as much as I could, "I need you to do something super important, okay?"

Her little head bobbed up and down with enthusiasm, though her face was a mix of confusion and sheer determination, "What is it?"

I dropped my hands gently onto her shoulders, leaning down to her level. "Go outside and find Chase."

Her brows furrowed as she processed the request, "Chase? Okay. Then what?"

"You tell him," I whispered, glancing around like a spy on a secret mission, "that Lilly's water broke. But—" I held up a finger for emphasis, "only Chase. No one else. Just whisper it in his ear. Quietly. Only him, okay, make sure no one else hears you. Can you do that?"

Maria blinked up at me, her mouth forming a tiny 'O' of understanding, "What does that mean?" She murmured in utter confusion, "Did you break something?"

"I'll explain later," I said, patting her shoulder, "Right now, this is critical. Just find Chase and tell him exactly what I said. Got it?"

She nodded, her face deadly serious, "Got it," And with that, she spun on her heel and bolted out the door, shouting, "CHASE! CHAA—"

"Quietly!" I called after her, groaning as I heard her little feet thudding down the hall.

My body acted on the flight or fight response, my adrenaline kicked into overdrive. With a speed I didn't know I possessed, I cleaned up the kitchen mess, shuffled to my room, cleaned myself up, and threw on the comfiest pair of pajamas I could find.

Just as I was tying my hair up, the door burst open. Chase stumbled in, his face a reflection of sheer panic, "Lilly!" he called out, his eyes darting around the room until they landed on me, "Maria said that your wate—"

"Shush!" I rushed forward, clapping my hand over his mouth.

My shushing him only added to his panic, his eyes grew a bit wide, "What?" He asked, "Are you okay? What happened?" He asked, his eyes going to my belly, "Is the baby okay? What's wrong—"

I nodded my head, "Everything is okay, just—" I popped my head outside the room, my eyes drifting to the hallway before facing Chase again, "We need to sneak out of the house before anyone else finds out. We'll go to the hospital, have the baby, and then call them, okay?"

"So, we need to leave. Right now. And we're doing it quietly."

Chase's brow furrowed in confusion, "Quietly? Why?"

"Because if everyone out there realizes what's happening, we'll have a caravan to the hospital. And I love my family, I do, but if I have to go through labor with your mother reading baby name lists and Dad pacing a hole into the floor, and Nikolas threatening the doctors, I swear I'll snap."

Chase nodded his head, "Yeah, yeah, you're right, okay," He said, still trying his best to breathe. His eyes scanned my face like he was searching for a hidden instruction manual. His brows pinched tighter, "Are you in pain now?"

"Not yet," I said, gulping down as I shook my head, "I think the real pain starts later."

His face paled slightly, as if he was the one who was about to give birth. I patted his cheek, smiling despite the chaos, "You'll survive. Probably."

His lips twitched at that, a flicker of humor breaking through the panic as his hand found mine, squeezing gently. A little warmth, a little reassurance. I exhaled slowly, grounding myself. "You'll stay by my side, right?"

He nodded his head, leaning closer to softly peck my lips, "Always."

I smiled against him, letting the moment anchor me before pulling back, "Okay. The bag's already in the car. Now let's escape before the cavalry shows up."

Chase nodded his head, his arm going around my back, while his other free hand wrapped around my own, ever so tightly, as he led my way down the stairs, both of our heads turned left and right, and our gaze flickered all around the house, making sure no one would catch our escape.

When we hit the last step, my heart leaped as footsteps approached. My hand tightened on Chase's, a bit too harshly, and I hissed under my breath, "Abort mission. Abort!"

Too late. Auntie Katherine appeared in the hallway, beaming like she'd just caught us sneaking cookies before dinner, "Hey," She said, ever so softly, "Are you two going somewhere?"

"Yes," I said quickly.

"No," Chase blurted at the same time.

I whipped my head toward him, glaring daggers. Clearing my throat, I turned back to Katherine with what I hoped was a convincing smile, "Uh, yeah. I mean...kinda. We were just going to get, um—" Why couldn't I think of a single plausible excuse? "Ice cream!" I blurted, my voice a little too high-pitched, "I'm craving ice cream. We'll grab some and be right back."

Katherine's eyes lit up, and she sighed wistfully, "Oh, I remember those cravings," She said, "When I was pregnant with this one" She added and patted Chase's shoulder fondly, "they would hit me after midnight, and even though it would be late, Ashton would always go out and get me whatever I wanted," She said with warm nostalgia, her lips pouting at the memory.

"Aww," I smiled, "Uncle Ashton is the best." Then I turned to Chase and shot him a pointed glare. "Learn something from your father. All you do is sleep through the night while I suffer in silence," I grumbled, suddenly feeling angry.

Chase's eyes widened in disbelief, "How did this turn into my fault?"

I rolled my eyes at him before I looked at Auntie Katherine, who shook her head with a soft smile, "Anyway, you guys don't have to go all the way to the shop, I'll send someone to grab you ice cream," She said, ready to push me back into the bed, "You need to rest."

My panic spiked. "No, no! I need the fresh air," I blurted, waving my hands dramatically. "And besides, I don't even know which flavor I want. What if they get the wrong one? I need to see the options."

Katherine frowned, her motherly instincts clearly battling my flimsy logic, "Well—"

"LILLY!"

"Little bug, where are you?!"

The sound of my name being shouted in varying degrees of panic was followed by thunderous footsteps. My heart dropped into my stomach as my dad, Nikolas, my mom, Natalie, Max, and Valerie all burst into view like a very chaotic SWAT team.

Katherine spun toward them, visibly startled, "What's going on?"

"Her water broke!" Mom announced, her voice high-pitched and trembling.

My eyes darted to Maria, who stood at the back of the group, her guilty little face giving everything away. She pouted deeply, mumbling, "I'm sorry." Then, with a tiny accusing finger, she pointed at her father, "Dad made me tell him what I whispered to Chase!"

Dad's wide, frantic eyes locked onto me. He scanned me up and down like he was trying to figure out if the baby was going to drop out right there on the tile.

I swallowed hard and shook my head, backpedaling so fast I nearly tripped over my own feet. "Uhm, no. No. It wasn't my water breaking," I stammered, shaking my head like a bobblehead on a bumpy road, "I peed myself, okay? That's what happened. Just a little...accident," I waved my hands as if I could erase the panic in the room.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to my room to sleep through this entire ordeal, so bye-bye!" I spun around, aiming for the stairs. But Chase, bless his entirely useless self, grabbed my arm and stopped me, "Lilly," he said in that you're-not-going-anywhere tone that immediately made me want to push him off the stairs and smack his head.

I groaned loudly, whining like a toddler.

There were about five seconds of shock and silence before everyone exploded together.

Five seconds only. And then—chaos.

"Oh, shit—"

"Okay, I'll call the hospital!"

"I'LL GET THE BAG!"

"Oh, my dear god!"

"I'll call Ashton, OH MY GOD, THE BABY IS COMING!"

"I'll get the keys."

"The keys aren't in the fridge, Max!"

"WHERE'S THE FIRST AID KIT?"

"WHAT DO YOU NEED A FIRST AID KIT FOR? IT'S A BABY, NOT A PAPER CUT!"

"Ashton, listen, the baby is coming! Yes, right now...no, I don't know how long it'll take, I don't care which meeting you have, meet us at the hospital—"

"Where is the damn lamp!"

"WHY DO YOU NEED A LAMP?!"

"WHAT IF THE LIGHTS GO OUT IN THE CAR?!"

Their voices intertwined and chaos erupted all around us, some were going up the stairs, and others rushing, grabbing everything we needed and didn't need. Someone, I didn't see who, shoved a giant coat over my shoulders. A coat. In July. My confusion was only rivaled by my rising indignation.

Meanwhile, I just stood there, rooted in place, blinking as everyone ran everywhere except toward the door. It was like watching a particularly stressful episode of a sitcom.

Finally, someone—Dad, probably—took charge, yelling something about "We're going now!" Everyone funneled out the door like a herd of stampeding cattle, carrying bags, blankets, snacks, and entirely unnecessary items.

And then, silence.

Chase and I stared at the now-empty doorway, frozen. Outside, the sound of a car engine roaring to life reached us, and we both blinked as it pulled away, tires screeching dramatically.

I turned to Chase slowly, my eyes falling on the only sane person who stayed behind. Nikolas was standing next to us, just as shocked as he bore witness to all of this, "Did they just..." I mumbled.

Chase nodded his head, his face unreadable, "They left us behind."

Nikolas rubbed a hand over his face before he turned to us, "Come with me, I'll drive you both to the hospital," He said, his voice calm and composed, unlike every other man in this crazy family.

"Thank you," I mumbled, offering him a small, tired smile. He returned it with a reassuring nod and came to my side to help me navigate the stairs. Chase stayed glued to my other side, his hand wrapped protectively around my back like I might topple over at any second.

When we stepped outside, Nikolas opened the car door for us. Chase helped me before climbing in next to me. Nikolas slid into the driver's seat, his composed demeanor a refreshing change of pace, and moments later, we were on the road.

Seconds later, Nikolas's phone started ringing. He answered it, his eyes met mine in the rearview mirror and he gave me a knowing look, "Yeah, they're with me," He said to the other person on the phone, "It's okay, we'll meet at the hospital."

"They remembered us, apparently," Chase commented from beside me.

I gave a weak nod, but before I could respond, a sharp pain rippled through my back and belly, making me wince. Chase immediately noticed, his hand cupping my cheek as his eyes filled with panic, his expression twisting into worry, as if ready to take all of my pain if he could, "What can I do?"

"You can stop looking like you're the one in labor," I muttered attempting to sound playful, leaning into his chest. Despite my pain, I felt him press a soft soothing kiss on my head, his warm embrace made everything feel so much simpler.

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The hospital room was cold, bright, and decidedly not comforting. I was in bed, clutching the sheets so hard as another contraction slammed through me.

"Why does no one talk about this part?" I groaned, glaring at Chase, who was next to me, watching the events unfold and the process of my pain intensify, "They always show the baby after. No one shows this!"

"I know," he mumbled, looking as helpless as ever, "You can blame me for this, if you want," He added.

"It is your fault, actually," I grumbled and before I could go on about how easy he had things going, the door burst open, and the rest of my family tried to flood in like it was a movie premiere.

"OUT!" The nurse barked, her hands on her hips like a bouncer at a nightclub, "Like I said, only two people are allowed," She said, and Mom and Auntie Katherine took that honor, joining me and attempting to push Chase away but he didn't budge and stayed next to me. My baby, I love him.

"But I'm her father!" Dad protested, still fighting his way inside as he glared at the nurse.

"I don't care if you're the president, out!" She shot back, and Dad gave her a very annoyed look before he turned to Nikolas, and I heard him mumble something like where is your gun?

"Oh my God," I groaned, sinking deeper into the pillow, "Please, someone sedate me."

Chase squeezed my hand like he was also in labor, his knuckles white from the effort, "Deep breaths," he murmured, probably for his own benefit more than mine.

Mom sat on my other side and dapped a small cold cloth over my forehead. Oh, phew, that felt nice.

The more time that passed, the harder and closer the contractions came, and my pain only intensified. After many negotiations, my mom swapped places with Dad, and he joined us in the room. He came next to me, his eyes so soft and pained as he watched me. He side-hugged me and kissed my head, murmuring soothing words against my hair, "You've got this, little bug."

I sank into his beautiful hold, slightly relaxing for a second. Just one second...

When he pulled back, he shot Chase one hell of a glare, "This is all your fault, you know that, right?" He shot out and I groaned loudly, "She is in pain because of you."

Chase shot Dad an incredulous look, "Yeah because I invented childbirth, didn't I?"

Dad narrowed his eyes at him, "You know that I hate you, right," He shot back and I slammed the back of my head against the pillow repeatedly as they carried on.

"You know that I've had enough of this over these past months," Chase shot back, clearly channeling his worry and panic through this.

"Shut up, you stole my daughter from me, what do you want me to do," Dad shot back.

Katherine's eyes widened and she moved closer, smacking the back of Dad's head, "Stop shouting at my son," She scolded him. Dad rubbed at his head, glaring at her before he turned to Chase, "I hope she is a girl," Dad added, pointing toward my belly, "So you'd go through everything I went through because of you."

I groaned loudly, enough for them to hear and covered my face, "Stop," I whined, ready to burst into tears. As if my physical pain wasn't enough already.

I felt Chase's arm going around my shoulder, "Hey baby, I am sorry," He murmured lowly and I could see him glaring at Dad for adding to my discomfort.

They all fell silent for a blessed moment, the chaos finally ebbing. Then Dad muttered under his breath, "Still his fault."

"Dad!"

"Okay, Okay," He grumbled back, finally putting an end to this never-ending argument, "I'm done now."

After a short moment, a knock echoed from the door and I resisted the urge to scream out loud. Uncle Ashton popped his head inside, his eyes falling on me and flickering around, "So, no baby yet?" He asked.

Katherine facepalmed, "No, go away," She shooed him away. His eyebrows pulled closer as she walked to the door and pushed him out, "Hey, Alex is inside, why can't I—" He whined, his voice fading.

"As a matter of fact, everyone is going outside except for Chase," Katherine declared, knowing they wouldn't leave me be unless someone took charge. She dragged my dad outside, pulling at the sleeves of his shirt. "Hey, you should leave too, then!" Dad shot out as she pushed him out of the door.

"I will," She grumbled as she glared at him. She turned around and came to my side one last time. She smiled, ever so softly, leaned closer, and carressed my cheek, brushing the damp strands of my hair away before she leaned in and pecked my cheek, "You're doing great," She murmured, "I don't want you to be scared, okay," She added, her voice only meant for me to hear, reading the immense fear in my eyes, the little voice in my head telling that things could go wrong, I was so terrified of that.

Tears prickled my eyes and she brushed her thumb over my temple, "It's gonna be okay," She assured me, an emotional smile lifted her lips and I nodded, my lips curling somberly, "It will, right?" I murmured.

She smiled, tears glimmering in her own eyes, "It will, sweetie. And before you know it, you'll be holding the most beautiful little baby in your arms."

She leaned closer and wrapped her arms around me, so tightly and mother-like. I sniffled lowly and buried my face in her shoulder, hugging her back, and drawing some of that positive energy from her. She kissed my head before she pulled back, brushing my tears away.

She looked between me and Chase, "I'll make sure no one disturbs you anymore," She said, patting my shoulder.

"Thanks, Mom," Chase said with a small smile.

She smiled back, her love radiating in the way her eyes crinkled at the edges. Blowing us a playful kiss, she turned and slipped out of the room, the soft click of the door closing behind her leaving a fragile silence in its wake.

I looked at Chase, my heart soared with pain and happiness, "We're so lucky, aren't we," I murmured. True, I bitch about how they smother us all the time, but I could've not done it without them.

Chase nodded, a soft smile lifted his lips before he leaned close and pecked my own, "Very lucky."

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The room seemed to shrink around me, the bright lights glaring down as the sharp edge of another contraction tore through my body. I squeezed Chase's hand so hard I was surprised he didn't yelp or push me away. Instead, he tried to keep a positive face, though the worry in his eyes was impossible to miss.

"Just a little more, Lilly," the doctor encouraged, his calm voice contrasting with the storm inside me.

"Oh, sure, just a little more," I gritted out, shooting a glare at him, "Why don't you try pushing a watermelon out of your—"

"Lilly—" Chase cut in quickly, squeezing my hand before I slammed my feet into the doctor's face...I was this close to doing it, "You're doing great baby, really great, just a little bit more."

The doctor's chuckle was brief, sensing my utter frustration. Oh god, this was taking forever. I am so tired. Exhausted. I don't want to do this. I wanna go back home, "Almost there. Come on," The doctor said, encouraging me, "Just one more push."

Every muscle in my body felt like it was on fire, but I closed my eyes, summoning every last bit of strength. Chase's voice was a soothing murmur in my ear, his arm around my shoulders, grounding me in the moment, "You've got this, baby, almost there."

I pushed, a raw unbelievable pain tearing me from the inside out. I tried my best not to scream out loud. Then—then, there was this sudden sense of relief. Then...silence.

"It's a girl!" the doctor announced and the world seemed to stop. She... she was here. My breath caught, and a tidal wave of emotion crashed over me. The room blurred as I tried to see her, my whole being straining toward that tiny, perfect form. Where is she?

A sudden chill spread through me—something...something was wrong. I strained to hear, but the room was too silent. I didn't hear her cry. They're supposed to cry once they're out, don't they?

The seconds stretched into an eternity, the silence felt like a crushing weight on my chest, "Why isn't she crying?" My voice was barely a whisper, raw with fear. I gripped Chase's hand, my eyes wide, desperate, "What's wrong? Is she okay...what's wrong?"

Chase's gaze mirrored my panic, his grip on my hand was firm, yet I could feel the tremor there. His eyes flickered from me to the doctor, who was gently patting my baby's back, "It's okay," The doctor said, trying to calm us down but I could hear the tension in his voice.

Oh my god, no, no...

Then, it happened—a sharp, high-pitched wail pierced the silence, filling the room like the sweetest symphony. Relief crashed over me, sudden and overwhelming, tears streaming freely down my cheeks. I sobbed, a sound that was half-laughter, half-broken release. My body sagged, every muscle unraveling as the weight of fear lifted.

I heard Chase suck into a deep shuddering breath beside me, our little one scaring us both before she even managed to take her first breath.

I watched as the nurse swaddled our baby in a soft blanket, wrapping her up like the most precious gift. She turned to me, a smile softening her features, and carefully placed the tiny bundle into my waiting arms.

The moment her little weight settled against me, time seemed to stop, the noise of the room fading into a distant hum. She was so small, a fragile bundle of warmth nestled against my chest. Her tiny face, still flushed and scrunched from the journey into this world, held an innocence so pure it felt like the most delicate thing I had ever seen. Wisps of hair curled slightly, damp against her soft skin. Her eyes, barely open, searched blindly around.

Oh my god—I felt the earth tilt beneath me.

A low sob caught in my throat, the enormity of this moment crashing down on me like a tidal wave. Every ounce of pain, every moment of fear, melted into an overwhelming rush of love and selfless adoration.

It felt like my heart had expanded beyond its limits, straining to contain this new, fierce love that I didn't understand half of. Dad's words from last night made so much more sense now. My entire being ached with the need to protect her, to shield this tiny miracle from every harshness the world might offer.

Tears blurred my vision as I traced a trembling finger along her delicate cheek, marveling at the softness of her skin. She stirred slightly, her mouth forming the smallest, most perfect pout, and I felt a pang so deep it was almost painful. I pressed my lips to her forehead, my tears mingling with the fine hairs there. "You're my everything," I whispered, my voice breaking, "Everything."

Chase's arm tightened around me, his breath hitching in his throat. When I looked up, his eyes were swimming with a storm of emotions—raw awe, overwhelming love, and a hint of disbelief. Emotional tears glistened in them, they flickered to mine and he edged closer, closing that little distance between us, his forehead pressing into mine, as if needing me to anchor him before he collapsed from the intensity of what we were experiencing.

"She's...she's ours," he murmured, his voice thick with emotions too vast for words.

I nodded, unable to speak, if I did, I'd break down all over again. I sniffled, my gaze returning to our daughter, my heart clenching with a love so fierce it felt like it might shatter me, "Hey, little one," I murmured, my voice barely more than a breath, "Do you know who this man is," I added, turning my tone playful as I moved her closer for him to hold as well, "He is the one who slept at night while you and I were awake suffering."

My words made him chuckle lowly, his trembling hands reaching for her little form. God, she was so little, so small and so perfect. Gently, he adjusted her between his arms, his hold over her so possessive, his gaze filled with so much more than he could put into words as he gazed down at her. She sighed softly, a tiny sound that seemed to echo in the quiet room, as if aware that she was surrounded by so much love, her little fist curling up near her face.

Chase moved her tiny fist to his lips, leaving a very soft kiss over her knuckles, "I've been waiting my whole life for you," He whispered to her and I leaned against his arm, watching him watch her.

He brushed her cheek so tenderly, his fingers trembling still, unable to grasp it fully, "God, she's so beautiful," he whispered and I nodded my head, smiling wholeheartedly at her perfect little self. I don't care what they say about newborn babies looking like wrinkled raisins, she was the prettiest most perfect thing to ever exist.

For a moment, we just sat there, wrapped in a cocoon of raw, unfiltered emotion. The world outside the room could have fallen away, and I wouldn't have noticed—wouldn't care even.

After a short while, the nurse approached us with a gentle smile, but as soon as her hands reached out, I tightened my protective grip on our daughter, and clutched her closer to my chest, eyes wide with panic, "What's going on here? You're not taking her, are you?"

The nurse stifled a low laugh, her eyes crinkling with amusement, "I promise, I'm not kidnapping her. Just need to clean her up and get her some fresh clothes."

I shot her a glare, "Clean her up? Are you saying she's dirty? How dare you," I grumbled, "Chase, say something."

Chase looked at me like he was caught in the middle of something he didn't want to be a part of, "Lilly," he said with that tone, ever so cautiously. I know that tone, the one asking me to get it together. I refocused my glare at him. He flashed me a hesitant innocent look, "She is not judging her, she is just gonna put her in her new clothes, you know the ones that you bought for her," He said, trying to win me over.

I hesitated, my eyes flickering back to our baby's serene face. She was so peaceful, so perfect—almost too magical, too surreal to be real. I swallowed hard, reluctant to loosen my grip.

The nurse leaned closer, whispering softly, "Don't worry. I'll have her back before you know it."

With a deep breath and trembling hands, I handed over my precious bundle. It felt like parting with my soul. My heart felt so tight, and I wanted to cry out loud, "I'm timing you," I mumbled lowly, my lips forming a pout, "There is a cute pink and purple onesie in the bag, make her wear that."

The nurse cradled my baby with practiced ease, her smile widened and she nodded her head, "Yeah, sure."

As the nurse walked away, I called after her, "Don't swap her with another baby, I'll know it!"

Chase was pulling me back because I was more than ready to go after her, all while flashing the nurse and doctor an apologetic look on my behalf. He wrapped his arm around me, his eyebrow raising, "Already a mamma bear?"

I pouted as I sank into his arms, crossing my arms over my chest, "I'll never let her out of my sight, I'll duct tape her to me if I have to..." My eyes widened when I heard myself, "Oh my god, I sound like Dad," I gasped in realization and then facepalmed.

Chase chuckled lowly, pulling me closer as he kissed my temple. I looked up at him, my heart ready to burst as I came to terms with everything that happened over the past few hours, "We did it," I breathed out.

He kissed my forehead, "No, you did it. You're incredible," His fingers caressed my face, tracing the path of tears that had fallen before. Leaning closer, he placed the softest kiss on my lips—so gentle, it felt like a promise, "I love you so much, little ribbon."

I smiled against his lips, the tension in my chest unraveling. Exhaustion pulled at me, but my heart had never felt so full, "You have a much tinier, smaller ribbon now," I murmured, my voice barely more than a breath. The words seemed to melt something in him; his eyes softened, breathless, their depth reaching into me, deeper than ever before. That heartfelt look crinkled at the corners, the weight of this new reality settling in.

I lifted a trembling hand to his face, my fingers brushing over the curve of his cheek. My eyes locked onto his—those breathtaking eyes that had always seen me, truly seen me. Understood me when no one else did. And in that moment, my heart fell in love with him all over again, only this time, it was fiercer, deeper. We had created something bigger than both of us, and the feelings swelling inside me were too vast, too powerful to hold.

Tears welled up, spilling over as a soft, broken laugh escaped me, "I'm so glad I kissed you on my birthday," I whispered, a hint of playful lightness in my words.

He brought his hand up, covering mine against his cheek. His touch, warm and steady, anchored me. I shook my head, my voice cracking, "I can't imagine going through this with anyone else," A bit of melancholy wove into my words, remnants of memories of that first pregnancy, the one that ended before it started, settled heavily over my heart.

But Chase didn't let those shadows linger, "Me neither," He said before he pulled me into his arms, his lips finding mine with an assurance that chased the past away. He reminded me of all the good, all the lightness and happiness that we shared these past couple of years, and how they managed to erase all that had preceded before.

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"Let me hold her!"

"Me, first!" Dad shot out at Auntie Katherine, who was already fighting him over my baby from the very first second they came in to see her.

I turned to Chase and huffed out, "Welcome to the next ten years of our lives," I grumbled and he nodded, annoyance flickering over his face as he watched them fight over our baby.

Uncle Ashton was next, "Alright, it's my turn now," He said as he literally tore her away from Dad's embrace and into his, "The fuck—" Dad shot out with wide eyes, already going after him, "Give her back, you bimbo," He shot out only to be pulled back by Mom who managed to keep him in one place for once.

"Yeah, okay, okay, it's uncle time," Max said, reaching forward and taking her from Ashton, who glared at him and would've probably punched him if it wasn't for the other people in the room. Max cradled her between his arms, ever so protectively. He leaned closer and kissed her forehead, whispering a few words to her. Valerie edged closer, peeking a look at her, her eyes softening the longer she watched her and watched Max interact with her, "She's so adorable."

Max lifted his head to her, "Make me one of these, please," He said, a pout forming over his lips.

Her eyes widened, "No," She shot out strictly, "Still too early."

Max's frown deepened, "Why not," He mumbled, softly rocking my baby in his arms, "I'd put her in my white coat's pocket and go to work, look how tiny," He said.

Valerie facepalmed and Dad pushed himself in, snatching her back. I grumbled and looked at Chase, "Please go rescue her, they tired her already," I said, unable to believe everything happening.

Chase was already on his feet, he paused next to Dad and flashed him a knowing look, extending his hands forward, "Can I have my daughter back now," He said, ever so proudly. Dad glared at him first, then his eyebrow raised and his lips twitched, "Oh, you're gonna suffer so much, I am so happy," He said, reveling in that as he cautiously gave her to Chase.

"Which reminds me," Dad said, turning to Auntie Katherine and he extended his hand forward, "Pay up, she is a girl, you lost."

Katherine grumbled profanities under her breath before she harshly pulled on her purse, took out a couple of bills, and pushed them forward into Dad's palm.

My eyes widened, "You guys made a bet on our baby?" I asked with a gasp.

Dad shrugged like it was the most natural thing in the world, "Of course."

I facepalmed, recalling how Auntie Katherine was beaming brightly, smiling in victory when Dad handed her that infamous five hundred bucks on our wedding. God, they'll kill me...

Chase settled next to me, carefully handing me back our baby. He looked at them in total dissatisfaction and disbelief, "Is there a thing you didn't bet on when it came to us?"

Dad shrugged, revealing that there was much more we weren't aware of. Auntie Katherine pointed at me, "I bet that you'd make the first move," She said, ever so giddily.

"And I made a bet that you wouldn't," Dad shot me a glare, "Thank you for that by the way, daughter," He added ever so sarcastically.

"Oh my god," I mumbled under my breath, turning to look at Chase, who looked back at me with the same distraught expression.

He nodded, reading the thought in my head, "We should've never left Paris," he mumbled.

I nodded, totally agreeing, "Exactly."

I was this close to kicking everyone out when my little one mewled softly in my arms, instantly melting away my frustration. My attention zeroed in on her, the room's chaos fading like background noise. She stretched her tiny arms, her face scrunching into the most adorable expression I'd ever seen. My mood did a complete hundred eighty, and I leaned in to kiss her soft cheek, completely captivated.

The spell broke when a soft knock echoed from the door. Sally popped her head in, her eyes finding mine before her face lit up with a wide, excited smile. She practically sprinted in, with Conner trailing behind.

She paused next to me, lowering herself, and sat by the edge of the bed, her gaze instantly falling onto my baby. Her expression softened, and a few lines etched her forehead, "Oh, hey you pretty thing," She murmured, bringing her hand closer to her little face and carressed her cheek. She looked up at me, "You really made this?" she asked in disbelief.

I smiled, nodding, "Had some help," I said, tilting my head towards Chase.

Conner threw his arm over Chase's shoulder as he stood next to him, "Look at you, Daddy Chase and all, wow," He said, slapping him proudly on the back.

Then he leaned forward, squinting at the baby like he was inspecting a rare artifact, "So, does this make her my younger sister?" He joked and Chase rolled his eyes, "You know, I am a jealous kid, I might throw her off the stairs if she takes you away from me," He added, only to be elbowed in the stomach by Chase, "Shut up."

Conner groaned loudly and Sally shook her head, chuckling. She refocused on my baby, her voice turning sweet and sing-songy, "Oh, I'm gonna spoil you sooo much," She ran the back of her finger over my baby's cheek, "I'll be fun Aunt Sally. I'll sneak you candy and let you sip wine when mommy is not looking."

My eyebrow raised and she shot me a wink.

I turned to Conner, smirking, "So, when are you two giving us a cute baby to bet on? We've got to keep the family tradition alive," My glare shifted to Dad and Aunt Katherine, who suddenly looked very interested in the ceiling.

"Oh, absolutely never," Conner said with a wince, he shuddered, the thought too horrifying, "We don't plan on having any of these small creatures."

Sally nodded, completely on board. "Yeah, no thanks. We'll love your kid to pieces and spoil her silly. But we're not signing up for diaper duty." She stood and joined Conner, his arm slipping around her waist.

Conner grinned, "While you're knee-deep in diapers and midnight feedings, we'll be traveling the world, so yeah, good luck with that," He added with a smug smirk.

I rolled my eyes at him and ushered for Chase to come sit next to me. He sat on the empty space next to me, his arm going around my shoulder, "We can change diapers and travel the world, you know," Chase commented back, showing him how simple it was.

"Yeah, we'll see about that," Conner said with a roll of his eyes.

"Alright, let's get to the real question here," Dad interrupted, sliding closer and interjecting on our moment, "You two still haven't told us—what's her name?" He pointed out and I sensed his impatience bubbling underneath.

I looked down at my little one, my heart swelling yet again. I checked again—yes, her chest was still rising and falling gently. I could probably spend the rest of my life watching her breathe. Her tiny fist curled around my finger, and her pink-and-purple onesie made her look like the softest, sweetest angel. Sleep? Overrated. Watching her? Forever.

I glanced up at Chase, smiling, and nodded my head.

Chase's gaze flickered from our baby to our family, mainly to his father and mother, "A while back," he started, voice soft but steady, "Dad and I were talking and he told me that he and mom had a name in mind, a name they thought of using back in the day if they ever had a daughter."

His words hung in the air, drawing a thoughtful furrow between his father's brows. Memories danced in his eyes, and he nodded slowly, piecing it together.

Chase smiled—a small, heartfelt curve of his lips, "We want you to name her," He said.

Uncle Ashton moved closer, his frown tightening as he looked between us, "You're sure?"

I nodded my head, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, "Yeah, a hundred percent," I said.

"Wait, what," Dad broke the short silence, his eyes growing wide in utter disbelief, "Hey, no, absolutely not. I don't agree with this, why do they get to name her—" He started to whine, ready to mess this up.

Thankfully, Mom swooped in before he could spiral further. "Alex," she hissed, her eyes narrowing at him, "For the love of god, can you not talk for once and ruin the moment!" She hissed with wide scolding eyes.

He gaped at her, betrayed. "So, you're siding with them on this...nonsense?"

She nodded, "Yeah, she's their baby and it's their decision."

Dad looked like he had just gotten stabbed in the back, he glared at Mom before he looked at me, glaring still.

Uncle Ashton turned to his wife, his voice soft, steeped in nostalgia, "When Chase was young, we used to think—just a little—that maybe, by some miracle, we'd have a daughter one day," He spoke. Katherine's eyes got misted with emotional happy tears as she looked back at him, her hand reaching to cover his. "We thought that we'd name her Ayla," he continued, "It means the halo around the moon. It felt magical, almost miraculous in a way. We never really spoke of it again..."

I smiled through my own tears, "Well," I whispered, my voice barely holding steady, "miracles do happen." I glanced down at our little Ayla, my heart bursting with the weight of the moment. Then I looked back at Uncle Ashton, my voice gentle, "You got your miracle after all."

His eyes softened and he gave me a small nod before he leaned closer, his hand cupping my cheek as he pressed the softest of kisses over my forehead. He tucked my hair behind my ear, "I might have never gotten a daughter, but you know that I always saw you as one," He added, his voice low, only meant for me to hear.

My smile widened and I nodded, realizing yet again just how lucky I am. I knew my baby was gonna be so lucky too, she'd be surrounded by so many people who loved her so fiercely. I would teach her one thing though, to never take it for granted.

I swallowed past the lump in my throat, sniffling and kicking my tears away as I looked back at her, "So, I want you all to meet," I started to say, my eyes flickering up and looking at Dad who was scowling still, "Ayla—"

"—It's an ugly name anyway," Dad grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest like a kid.

My lips twitched and my eyebrow raised, "Dad, will you let me finish?"

He huffed dramatically but fell silent.

Taking a deep breath, I continued. "I want you all to meet Ayla...Alex Ryder," I announced the name Chase and I had agreed on a while back.

A moment of silence stretched, then Dad's eyebrows knitted together, his arms uncrossing as realization dawned, "Wait...that's my name."

I nodded with a smile, "Yeah, and it's her middle name."

His eyes widened, "Wait, so I am included in this too," He said, ever so giddy as he walked closer, nudging Uncle Ashton away, almost childlike in its excitement.

I chuckled softly, "Of course you are," I said, my smile so soft as I looked up at him, "Did you really think I'd leave you out?" I added.

His eyes softened, and he took the spot right next to me, closer than ever. The room felt smaller, and cozier. My voice dropped to a whisper, tears shimmering in my eyes that just wouldn't dry today, "I love you so much, Dad," I whispered, "You've given me so much and if I can be half the parent you and mom were to me, I know that I'll succeed." I added.

The same emotions pressed into his eyes, they tightened the lines between his brows. I shook my head, "I don't know what I'll ever do if I lose you," I murmured, my voice breaking at the end.

"Hey now, don't say that," Dad said, his arm going around me, pulling me into his comfy safe embrace. My head fell into his chest and I never wanted this little moment to ever end. It was one for the times. Him hugging me, with my little baby cradled in my arms. It was so perfect.

He wiped my tears away, "Even though you have your own little bug now," he said, looking at Ayla as she peacefully slept through this all. Told you, she's gonna be her father's daughter, ever so calm and serene. "You'll always be my little bug," Dad added, kissing my head.

I smiled, my heart full to bursting, as he gently caressed Ayla's rosy cheek. Today was chaotic, messy, and beautiful—and I never wanted it to end.

When Dad got up, Uncle Ashton gave him a knowing look, "Alex Ryder," He commented, his eyebrow raised, "Never thought you'd take my name one day," He added in mockery. Dad shot him a glare, "Shut up, if there were no Katherine, you would've married me, we all know that."

Uncle Ashton rolled his eyes, refusing to take the bait, and Aunt Katherine chuckled in the background.

Dad cleared his throat dramatically, turning to Katherine. "Anyway, I call dibs on her first Christmas."

And just like that, we were back to the chaos.

Katherine gasped, "That's not fair," She shot out, then her eyes widened, "I call dibs for her first birthday!"

Dad groaned, realizing he'd been outmaneuvered, "Oh, damn it."

"Dibs for Halloween," Mom joined into this craziness too.

Dad's eyes narrowed, "Fine. I'll teach her how to drive."

"I'll teach her how to write," Uncle Ashton interjected.

"And I'll teach her how to throw a ball," Max chimed in.

Katherine's smile widened and she wiggled her eyebrows at them, "I'll teach her how to kiss a boy."

"You take that back!"

"Mom, what the hell?" Chase shot out from next to me, ready to fight everyone over this.

I just sat there, watching the madness unfold, a small, content smile on my lips.

This family was loud, messy, and a little ridiculous—but it was ours. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I leaned down to whisper to my baby, "Welcome to the madness, little Ayla."

THE END

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AFTER-CREDIT SCENE

Many many years later...

Alex's POV

I tapped the pen over the board in an authoritative manner, grabbing the attention of everyone in the room as I started, "Alright," I began, clearing my throat, "you're probably wondering why I gathered you all here today." I uncapped the marker with a dramatic flair, scribbling FAMILY TREE in bold, slightly crooked letters at the top.

I turned to face them, eyes serious, "Over the years, we've had...let's call them unfortunate events." I winced at the understatement. "And all of this chaos—revenge plots, mistaken identities, and awkward...incidents—comes down to this tangled mess of a family tree," I waved at the board like it held the secrets of the universe. "I'm here to set things straight and protect this next generation from repeating our mistakes."

Small, confused faces blinked back at me. One kid even raised an eyebrow. Tough crowd.

"Anyways, it all started when a very bad unpleasant man entered my life, and his name is Nikolas—"

"Dad, what are you doing?" Lilly's voice pulled my attention from the whiteboard and I turned to look at her, pausing by the entrance of the room, her confused eyes flickering from me to the little crowd, her eyes widened even more, "And where on earth did you find all these kids?"

"Hey, this family is growing and it's my duty to protect this future generation from what happened to us," I explained, "So, to avoid future revenge plans and any type of incest, I need to explain it to them," I added and Lilly facepalmed, "I mean even I fell victim to that, for god's sake I ended up kissing my cousin slash step-sister, all because I didn't know," I resisted the urge to gag at the mere thought.

"Oh my god," Lilly said, looking around and searching for someone to save these kids from me.

I turned back to them, and my eyebrows pulled closer when I saw Ayla sitting way in the back, "Ayla, princess, come here, sit in the front row," I waved her over, "We rule this little kingdom, come on."

Ayla smiled softly, then stood, pulling a small boy with her. My eyes narrowed. "Wait, who's this?" I moved closer, pointing my pen at him.

She glanced at me, clutching the boy's hand, "He's my friend, Grandpa."

I squinted at the kid. Innocent grey eyes blinked up at me, "Who are you? I don't remember which one you are," I asked.

His eyebrows furrowed, "My name is Leon."

"Yeah, yeah, but who are your parents?" I asked. He only stared back at me in silence. I shot him a glare, "What's your father's name?"

He stared at me for a long second, trying to understand why I was interrogating him, "Christian—"

My eyes widened and my head shot to Lilly, "Lilly, for the love of god!"

"What did I do!" She screeched.

"Control your daughter, please," I grumbled, shooting glares at the kid. He blinked, clearly terrified.

Just then, Chase walked into the room, "Hey, what—" He paused when his eyes fell on everyone else in the room, his eyebrows pulled closer, "Where did all these kids come from?"

"Apparently Dad kidnapped them from school," Lilly shot out in bewilderment while glaring at me.

"No, I didn't," I dismissed her, "Chase, come see this," I pointed at Ayla and that kid, "Your daughter is hanging out with Christian's son."

His eyes widened, "What?" He turned to Lilly, glaring, "Seriously?"

She flung her arms in the air, clearly reaching her breaking point, "What the hell did I do?"

"Well, you made her like you," I started to say but she interrupted, "Oh no, no, she is all Chase, inside out," She said. Her gaze swept across the room, landing on little Noah with a mischievous grin, "Now that one? All me." She pointed proudly, ushering him to get closer.

He jumped off the chair, his little feet padding as he rushed to her. She bent down, scooping him up and hugging him tightly. She kissed his head multiple times, "Is grandpa torturing you," She mumbled to him and he rested his head against her chest, nodding his head. The little traitor.

Lilly turned back to me, "Dad, seriously, let these kids go," She said, walking closer and looking at them, "Half of them don't even belong to us," She added, "Like who in god's name are those," She added, pointing at a couple of kids on the right.

"They're probably someone's kids," I said, moving closer to them. I looked at one kid, "What's your name?"

The kid exchanged a nervous glance with his friend, "Isaac."

I gasped, staggering back like I'd seen a ghost. "Oh dear god, I just had a very bad flashback." I clutched my chest, "Who's your father?"

"Rick," he replied.

I frowned. "I don't know a Rick." I leaned closer. "Who's your mother?"

"Samantha."

My confusion grew deeper, "Who the hell are those people?"

"Dad, did you just pick everyone from school?" Lilly shot out in frustration.

I shrugged innocently, "I don't know, they were all standing together and when I gave them candy, they just...got into my car," I explained.

Lilly facepalmed, "Oh my god, we will be on the news..." She mumbled under her breath.

She started gathering the extra kids like a mother hen wrangling wayward chicks. "Come on, sweeties, let's find your real parents." She shot me a deadly glare, "Let's see how I explain this one to their parents," She hissed at me.

I shrugged, "Hey, maybe their parents should teach them not to get into strangers' cars."

Lilly muttered under her breath, leading the kids out. "We're so getting sued..."

I pointed at Christian's kid, "Take this one too before I say something that could be misconstrued as child abuse."

Lilly huffed, gently ushering him forward. Ayla's eyes widened in panic. "No, don't go!" She jumped up and ran after them, her little feet barely making a sound, "Ayla, come back here!" Chase immediately followed, his Dad mode kicking in.

Now, only two kids remained. I zeroed in on them, my eyebrows furrowed as I stalked over, "Hey, Gingerbread," I said.

She looked up with wide green eyes, tucking her fiery hair behind her ear, "Yes, Granpa?"

"Why are you sitting next to Nathan's kid?" I asked, glaring at the boy like he'd stolen my last cookie.

She smiled sweetly, "We're friends."

I facepalmed, groaning dramatically, "See? This is why I'm doing this," I grabbed the boy's sleeve, pulling him away like he was radioactive, "You're related in some confusing, messed up family-tree way. Stay away. No friends."

I nudged him out the door, and he scowled back at me, "Go find Nikolas. He loves you. I don't."

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as the last of the kids trooped out.

God, I should just retire. There is no escape. This family tree will only keep on getting messier.

THE END

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Important Author's note:

So, almost 7 years later, and 6 books later, this series finally reached an end. Woah xD

Y'all know how much I hate this book, so no need to get sentimental xD
Anyways, I really wanted to include all the other characters but it was getting long and I wanted to keep only the main ones.

For any questions about the other characters and what they're doing and where they ended up, drop your question here and I will answer it :)

For any question in general, just drop it here.

Mainly, after Max's book is done (which is very soon), I will be logging off and leaving wattpad.

Will I write any bonus chapters later on? i am not sure, maybe if I miss the characters, then I would, but I can't make any promises.
Will I delete this book?
Maybe yes, because I am not satisfied with it at all. I should've ended the series with the fourth book. I am sure half of you agree with me.

On another note, I want to thank you all for sticking around, your sweet words gave me the motivation to keep writing 🫶🏻
But, it's time to put the author's hat down. Seven years are more than enough xD

Love you all. Have a nice life ♥️