A/N: One year ago, I published this story. With each and every chapter that I write, I am still amazed at the support for it. Thank you all so much!!

Tuesday, December 10th, 2019

Kam's POV

Woo, we sure have been doing quite a bit of traveling lately. My kids are frequent flyers now. We just got back to Florida yesterday from spending time in California for Devin to spend time with Mrs. Lauren. And, we had a great time in Hawaii with Grandma Luana and Bliss.

Austin and Bliss have really hit it off. I just hope she is not rushing herself into another relationship. Don't get me wrong, Austin is a really sweet person. But, Bliss and Shane were absolutely goal-worthy - an example of a couple who truly loves each other and will do anything to protect it. I do miss having Shane around. I truly believe there was a reason. I am hoping the truth will come out.

In two days, Devin and I are going to fly to New York to watch Bliss, Marco and Layla take over the runway at Sapphire Couture's Spring Collection Fashion Show. I am so proud of my crew. They are so going to take over the fashion show.

Devin, Isabella, Kekoa, and I are watching television while Cris is in his office, making sure his winery and clubs are running smoothly. He is going to meet us in New York because his new club location opens in January. My dad is picking up Día and Rocco from school today.

"I needed a break, so I figured I would join you and the kids." Cris came and sat on the couch with us. "What are you watching?"

Devin crawled on Cris's lap and sat with him. Those two have really come close. Devin is one of the sweetest little boys I have met. Cris loves him to pieces.

"Devin chose The Lion King, one of my favorite movies of all time. Popcorn is on the table." I grabbed the bowl so we could all dig in.

About an hour into the movie, all three kids were asleep. Cris fell asleep too. So, I went to grab several blankets to cover us all up. It was cute. Devin was in Cris's lap. Kekoa and Isabella were hugging each other. I just turned the movie off, and we took a family nap.

Two hours later, we heard Día and Rocco come running into the house. Everyone else stayed asleep, so I got up to greet them.

"How was school today? Let's go fix you guys some lunch." I took their hands and we walked into the kitchen. My dad followed.

Día and Rocco sat at the table. "We learned how to write our name, mommy," My princess happily says.

"And, we learned how to read stories, mommy." My little prince says.

"That's great! Maybe you both could read a story to your brothers and sister. What would you like for lunch?"

They simultaneously said, "Peanut butter and jelly!"

"Okay, two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches coming up. Thanks for picking them up, daddy."

"Your welcome, Kami. When are we leaving for New York?"

After making the sandwiches, I gave them to the twins and grabbed some apple juice boxes for them.

"We are going to drop the twins at Isabela and Antonio's house after school, then leave for New York. I feel bad for leaving all four of the kids with them. Maybe we should take Isabella and Kekoa with us, so Devin won't be by himself?"

"They said they will be fine, Kami. After all, they did raise three children. I'll pick the twins up from school tomorrow. Thursday, I'll meet you at their house."

"Okay, daddy. Thanks again." I hugged my dad and he left. Devin, Cris, Isabella, and Kekoa now came into the kitchen. While I had the peanut butter and jelly out, I fixed Devin one too. Cris got Isabella and Kekoa their baby food.

"Cris, what would you like for lunch?"

"What I want will have to wait until all five kids are asleep." There he goes with that devilish grin on his face.

"Boy, I am talking about food from the kitchen."

"I'll take peanut butter and jelly like the kids." When we go grocery shopping, we look for diabetic-friendly foods that we think the kids will enjoy. Hopefully, none of the kids will have Diabetes, but if they do mama will take care of them. The jelly is sugar-free and the kids actually like it. We struck gold with that one.

I fixed a sandwich for Cris and one for me. We at lunch as a family.

~~~~~~~~

After lunch, Cris watched the kids - Isabella and Kekoa were playing nicely in their playpen. And, Día and Rocco were drawing pictures. Devin was on the couch with Cris. So, I took this opportunity to pack clothes for me and Devin. Cris said he will pack his clothes tomorrow.

I heard the doorbell ring, so Cris answered it.

"Hi, Cris. I was wondering if you could recommend a few places to eat. I met someone and would like to take her out on a date."

It was Cade.

"Sure. For Italian, go to Acapella's. The food there is excellent. Or, The Fable Vine. For American food, Kamea and I like to go to The Coastal Canteen. The Cool Cat View is a good one too and they play Jazz music. The Bamboo Empress is a Hibachi-style restaurant. Kamea likes that place too. Also, Kamea's dad's restaurant is an excellent choice for Hawaiian food - Mama Jayde's Hawaiian Cuisine."

"Okay. Thanks for the recommendations."

I could see the whole conversation from the top of the staircase. While talking to Cris, he was eyeing something in the house. That dude is totally creepy. I will never, ever let my kids go anywhere near him. After Cris closed the door, I came downstairs.

I joined Cris and Devin on the couch. "That guy gives me the creeps. Something just seems off with him. I know you said he lost his wife, but something seems off about him. While you were talking, he was focused on something in the house. Promise me that he will never come near the kids. He could be a pedophile or something."

"I promise. There is actually a sex offenders list online for the state. I can check to see if his name is on there."

"Thanks."

~~~~~~~~~

Thursday, December 12th, 2019

Kam's POV

"Be good for Nonna and Nonno, okay? We will bring something back for you."

"Mommy, can you give this to Aunt Bliss?" Rocco handed me a picture. "I'll make sure to give this to her. She is going to love it."

I hugged and kissed my kids. Then, Cris did the same thing. "See you both when we come back." Cris and I then got in the truck with my father and Devin. And made our way to catch the plane to New York.

****************

We made it to New York safely. Cris rented a truck for us to drive around. "Ooh, they gave us a brand-new Lincoln Navigator. Sweet. Where are the keys?"

Both Cris and my dad did a double-take and glared.

"No way are you driving, Kamea. Are you trying to scare Devin or give me or Kalani a heart attack? Do you remember the last time you drove in New York? Absolutely not!" Cris grabbed my hands and walked me over to the passenger side. "Daddy?"

"Look Kami, I agree with Cris. So be a good wife and sit in the passenger seat." I got in but I was not happy. Cris put in the address of our hotel and we pulled away from the airport.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It took us an hour to get to our hotel. By the time we did, it was 8:30 pm and Devin had fallen asleep in the back. A bellhop was waiting to take our things inside. And, Cris gave the Navigator keys to a valet. Then, we walked inside to the lobby receptionist desk.

"Cris Fiore," He says to the receptionist. Within five minutes the receptionist gave Cris two sets of keys, I'm guessing a room for dad and one for us. Then, we walked over to the elevator. Cris pressed the 20th floor.

The elevator doors opened, and we rode up to the 20th floor. Once we made it to our floor, my dad followed us to our room first because he was carrying Devin. Cris opened the door. The room has two bedrooms in it. My dad took Devin to one of the rooms while Cris gave the bellhop a tip for bringing our luggage up.

I went right to our room and crashed on the bed. I felt the bed dip. Cris tried to cuddle, but I wasn't having it.

"Are you seriously still mad about me not letting you drive?"

I didn't say one word after he said that.

"Good night, Kamea."

***********************

Friday, we had a great time. We got up early, ordered room service for breakfast, got showered, Cris gave Devin a bath, and we got ourselves dressed to spend some fun time with Devin.

We took him to the Children's Museum of Manhattan. He had so much fun.

Then, we went to McDonald's for lunch. After that, we went to the M & M store. I think I got more than Cris, my dad, and Devin. The peanut ones are my favorite. I'm not going to sit and eat the whole bag at one time though - too much sugar.

Devin started feeling sleepy, so we made our way back to the hotel. My dad was going to watch Devin while Cris and I go to dinner with Marco, Noeli, Ryan, Layla, Bliss, and Austin.

Cris and I took our showers and got dressed for dinner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We had a blast. Bliss is now the star of Sapphire Couture. I'm so happy for her. And, Bliss and Austin became official.

Then after dinner, we went to the rooftop club for Sapphire Couture's private party introducing Bliss and Grayson as the lead models for their company.

Cris and I didn't stay out too late. We went back to our hotel. Layla's parents watched Devin, so we thanked them for watching him and they left the room.

I am so excited about the fashion show because Noeli has a big surprise for Marco.

~~~~~~~~~

Saturday, December 14th, 2019

Kam's POV

We got dressed early so we could join Marco in his room before the show.

"We just finished watching Bliss' interview that will be aired Monday on The Natalie Duncan Show. She did an excellent job."

"She really did. Bliss didn't seem nervous at all."

Noeli and I looked at each other and giggled. She dug her present out of the bag and was ready to give it to Marco.

Noeli's POV

I was nervous, and I don't know why. "Here's a little present that I hope you will enjoy as much as I do."

I gave Marco the box. He kissed me and said, "Thank you, baby."

He carefully opened the box and peeled back the tissue paper. He opened the card, looked at me, and passed out. Cris picked it up and saw what it was.

"Marco had the same reaction as I did with Día and Rocco. Congratulations. Let's get Marco off the floor." My dad and Cris helped him up.

"Surprise!!"

"You sure did surprise me. What are we having?"

My dad could not stop laughing.

"Marco Antonio Fiore Jr. The baby is a boy."

"Congratulations, Princess. Both my girls are now mothers. I am proud of you both."

"Thank you, daddy."

"Boy was it hard keeping that secret. Congratulations, Marco and Noeli. Yay, I am an auntie!!" Kam gave both of us a hug.

"Congratulations, Noeli and Marco."

"Thank you, Cris. Well, we better get going to our seats. See you after the show, daddy."

I kissed Marco, then we left his room to go find where we are sitting. We saw Austin leaving out of Bliss' room and Ryan was leaving Layla's. So, we all walked to our seats together.

~~~~~~~~~

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to Sapphire Couture's Spring Fashion Show for 2019!"

Kam's POV

After the MC made the announcement, the models started strutting their stuff down the runway. We saw Marco and Grayson, but no Layla and Bliss yet.

About an hour into the show, what we were waiting for was announced. My girl was about to make her debut.

"Ladies and gentlemen, making her fashion show debut, Ms. Bliss Sanders."

The lights, as well as the cameras, were flashing. Layla and Bliss took about 5 steps and suddenly the arena went from electrified to horrified. Bliss collapsed on the stage.

"Somebody help her!!!!! Call for an ambulance!!!" Layla screamed.

Instantly, tears fell from my face. I held on to Devin real tight.

Cris, Marco, Ryan, Austin, Mason, and Julian all ran on the stage. Devin looked up at me and he started crying too.

The on-site doctor ran on the runway.

"She is going into shock! Where is that ambulance?! We need to get her to a hospital fast!! Does anyone have an EpiPen or something?!!! She is having a severe reaction to something she ate!!"

Oh my gosh! Somebody in this building knowingly gave Bliss seafood! I kissed my baby boy and tried to calm him down. I couldn't stop my tears from falling. Bliss is one of the sweetest people I have met. How could someone do this to her?!!

Several paramedics came up on the runway, gently picked Bliss up, and placed her on the stretcher. I then heard Austin say, "I'm riding with her. Julian, one of you guys should come too."

"I'll go!" Andrea yelled, then they followed the paramedics out to the ambulance. "We are taking her to Bayhealth General Hospital! Let's go!" Bliss was then rushed out of the arena.

Cris and the guys came back over to where we were sitting. He picked Devin up to carry him, then said, "We are going over to the hospital now. Marco went to change his clothes real fast and we are leaving."

"Julian, Mason, Jessica, and I will be over as soon as we are done here. We need to give a report to the police."

Cris had Devin in one arm and then we held hands. Five minutes later, Marco ran over and held on to Noeli. Then, we left the arena.

***********

Cris let me, Devin, Marco, and Noeli out in front of the hospital so he could find a parking space. Five minutes later, Cris joined us and we rushed into the waiting room.

We waited with Andrea and Austin and didn't hear anything for three hours. Layla, Austin, and Andrea were not moving from the waiting room, so I offered,

"Layla, Cris, and I can take Logan with us back to the hotel. We have to call Isabela and Antonio to bring the kids up to New York. We can take shifts between watching them and being at the hospital."

"Thanks, Kam. Let me know what hotel you guys are staying at and I'll come to stay with the kids tomorrow. I'll let Braelyn stay with Austin." I walked over to Layla to get Logan and his diaper bag.

"We are staying at the Ritz-Carlton right near Central Park. We are on the 20th floor and our room number is 2019." Then, Cris carried Devin and we left the hospital.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once we made it to our room, Cris put Devin in his bed because he had fallen asleep on the way back. I have been crying non-stop since we left the arena. I want to put my hands around the neck of the person who hurt Bliss and squeeze the life out of them! I am sick and tired of people hurting her.

Cris came over and sat with me on the couch. "Listen to me sweetheart, we are going to find out who did this, and they are going to pay. I promise you. I called Malinda and my parents. She is going to give them a flight time and they are going to bring the kids up. Here, I'll hold Logan and I want you to go lay down."

I gave Logan to Cris, then dragged myself to our room. No way could I sleep knowing my friend and soon-to-be sister is fighting for her life in the hospital.

I cried so much my eyes started hurting. I didn't bother changing into my nightclothes. I got up to get myself some Tylenol from my bag and a glass of water. After taking the two pills, I eventually took off my outfit and put on my nightclothes. Then, I got under the covers and thought about Bliss.

*******************

Narrator's POV

The next day, it was discovered that someone purposely gave Bliss lobster, shrimp, and crab meats. They wanted her dead and gone. The first one they questioned was Mikayla, but she denied it, claiming she had an alibi.

Bliss slipped into a coma and was placed in ICU, and her condition was extremely critical. The family eventually moved to a private waiting area.

Isabela and Antonio arrived safely in New York around 5:00 pm. Cris picked them up from the airport and drove back to the hospital.

He explained to the kids and his parents that Bliss was very sick. The kids wanted to draw pictures for Bliss, so Andrea and Jessica went to the store to buy crayons and paper for them.

Cris and Kam stayed with Devin, Isabella, and Kekoa, while Isabela and Antonio took Día and Rocco back to Florida because their winter break was over.

Cris delayed the opening of his New York club that was to be opened in January. He could not celebrate knowing one of his best friends was still fighting for her life in the hospital. They stayed for a couple more weeks, then headed back to Florida.

January came and went, but Bliss did not wake up from her coma.

February came and went, but again Bliss did not come out of her coma. Bliss' condition, however, was upgraded to critical, but stable. She was moved to a private suite.

Layla called to update Cris and Kam every day. They were appreciative of Layla doing that. The beginning of March started off the same.

Suddenly.............

***********

Saturday, March 14th, 2020

Cris' POV

At the same time, both my phone and Kamea's phone went off. We both grabbed our phones.

"It's from Julian."

Julian to Cris: "Bliss woke up about 10 minutes ago. Austin came into the room to tell us."

I texted him back.

Cris to Julian: "Thanks for the text. We will come to New York tomorrow."

Kamea started crying so I hugged my baby because she needed it. Bliss and Kamea are soon to be sisters. She already lost her mom. She couldn't lose Bliss too. Thankfully, Bliss is awake.

"We'll take Devin, Isabella, and Kekoa with us. Go pack and I'll call for a flight for us."

I'm sure Kalani, Marco, and Noeli want to fly with us. Just as I said that they all sent texts asking when we are leaving. I told them I was calling right now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Narrator's POV

The family flew to New York the next day. Cris let Kamea drive this time, and she was much calmer.

Once they made it to the hospital and saw Bliss awake, more tears of joy were shed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kam's POV

"Bliss we are so happy to have you back. I couldn't bear it if I lost you too. You're my family and my sister. And, look who I have with me? Say hi to your auntie, Rocco."

"Hi, Auntie. I drew a picture for you." He walked over to Bliss' bed and handed her the picture. She slowly lifted it up. Then, she said,

"Thank.......you......for.....the.....picture. I....love.......it. And, thank......you.....all.....for......coming."

Her breathing is still labored, but that will get better.

"You're welcome, honey. Well, we are going to let you get some rest and see you tomorrow."

"Bye, Aunt Bliss." My little prince is charming. He kissed his auntie on her hand. We waved to Bliss and left the room.

Rocco and I went back to the waiting room. It's quiet in here and I see why. Cris and my dad were holding the twin terrors - Isabella and Kekoa. They finally fell asleep. I still can't believe my babies are walking and one-year-old. Time is really flying fast.

"We are going to head back to the hotel. See you all tomorrow," Cris says as he begins to stand up with Isabella in his arms.

"Kam, if you and Cris are okay with it, Ryan and I can take Día with us. And, she can wear some of Braelyn's clothes."

"I think she would like that. Thanks, you guys. We will see you tomorrow."

"Bye, mommy, daddy, and Nonno." Día came running over and gave us all a hug and kiss. She even gave Devin and Rocco a hug. I truly love my kids.

"See you tomorrow, Princess Día." She giggled as I gave her a kiss and hug. Then, we left the waiting room.

As we exited the hospital to go back to our hotel, we saw,

"Cade?! What is he doing here?!"

~~~~~~

Thank you for reading chapter 60.

Kamea's dress is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com /Helder Pereira

The baby announcement card is courtesy of www.greetingsisland.com

And, thank you for the comments and votes. 😚😚😚