Asher

The morning sunlight spills through the windows of our penthouse, casting a warm glow over everything it touches. Looking around, a sense of contentment and gratitude washes over me.

Now that we're back from the hospital and our little getaway, it's time to settle back into our daily routine.

Routine.

How odd it is to experience happiness just because I'm returning to my routine.

I used to thrive on the unpredictability of my work assignments and the thrill of not knowing what would come next. I never thought I would find such contentment in the familiarity of a routine, but here I am, grateful for every moment.

And I know it's all because of my wife.

Things have changed so much and I've realized that true fulfillment lies in the stability and comfort of our everyday life. It's in the routines we share, the simple moments we cherish, and the unwavering support we give each other.

Emma has taught me the beauty of finding happiness in the ordinary. Whether it's cooking dinner together, cuddling on the couch while watching our favorite show, or simply holding hands as we walk down the street.

Today marks her return to work after the harrowing ordeal with Zack. I'm proud of her strength and determination, but a part of me wants to shield her from the world, to keep her safe within the confines of our home.

Leaning against the doorway of her closet, I watch her move around gracefully.

The way she effortlessly chooses her outfit for the day, her fingers grazing over the fabric, her hair cascading down her shoulders in gentle waves... she's a vision of elegance and beauty.

I can't help but be captivated by her essence. It's not just her physical beauty that draws me in, although that alone is enough to leave me breathless. It's the way she carries herself, with confidence and grace, even after everything she's been through. It's the kindness and compassion in her eyes and the warmth of her smile that lights up the room. It's what makes her Emma.

As she turns to me, catching my gaze, there's a sparkle in her eyes that ignites a fire within me.

Damn... How did I get so lucky to have this incredible woman by my side?

She smiles, a soft, knowing smile that speaks volumes. "What are you thinking about?"

I step closer to her, unable to resist the magnetic pull she has on me. "Just how lucky I am to have you."

Her smile widens. "I'm the lucky one," she whispers, her eyes full of love.

The way she looks at me, with such adoration and affection, sends a rush of warmth through me.

But as much as I'm captivated by her beauty and essence, there's also an undeniable attraction that simmers between us. A desire that's been building since we met, growing stronger with each passing day.

As she continues to get ready, I can't help but feel a surge of longing. The way her clothes cling to her curves, the way her movements are both graceful and alluring... it's intoxicating.

As she applies some makeup in front of the mirror, her eyes meet mine in the reflection, and I'm captivated by the depth of emotions they hold.

"You look stunning," I murmur, unable to contain the admiration in my voice.

She blushes, a mixture of gratitude and anticipation dancing in her eyes. "It feels good to be back to normalcy."

Normalcy. A word that holds so much weight after everything we've been through.

God, I want to wrap her in my arms and shield her from any more hardships, but I know she's strong, resilient, and determined to reclaim her life.

As she unlaces her robe to get dressed, I can't help but admire her silhouette. Her belly, though still small in the first trimester of her pregnancy, holds the promise of new life, a testament to our love and commitment.

We're having a baby.

Jesus.

Unable to resist, I walk up behind her, pressing a tender kiss to the top of her head. My hands naturally sprawl over her belly, a gesture of protectiveness and awe. I caress her gently, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my touch. She closes her eyes, leaning into my embrace, and for a moment, everything else fades away.

In the mirror, I see her reflection and mine intertwined, a visual representation of our unity and strength as a couple and the family we're building together.

I silently vow to protect her and our baby and to be the pillar of support she needs in this new chapter of our lives.

"You look beautiful," I whisper, my voice filled with sincerity and love.

"Stop or we're getting late." She chuckles, making me wonder if I can actually convince her to stay home a little longer.

"You're amazing, Emma," I whisper, my voice a gentle caress against her ear.

She closes her eyes, leaning into my touch, and I feel a surge of emotion wash over me. I want to shield her from any harm, to be her rock and her safe haven. The thought of us having a baby fills me with a sense of awe and responsibility, and the idea of something happening to any of them fills me with dread.

Turning her into my embrace, I look into her eyes, seeing my future reflected in them. "I'll drop you off at the shelter and then head to Max's for a meeting," I say, brushing the back of my hand against her cheek;

She nods, her hand resting on my chest. "Well, you should let me get dressed, then."

"How? You're irresistible," I murmur against her ear, my breath warm against her skin.

"And you're dangerously tempting," she replies, a playful glint in her eyes. "But I have a meeting in less than an hour."

I lean in, a smirk playing on my lips. "I'm sure you've got a moment for this..." I whisper, feeling the tension rise between us.

She bites her lower lip, a mischievous sparkle sading in her eyes.

I kiss her, groaning when she lets out a slow sexy moan deep in her throat.

Her lips are soft against mine, and I revel in her taste. It's like a sweet addiction, intoxicating and irresistible. It's a sensory overload, the taste of her, the feel of her against me.

"I love you..." I pull her closer, deepening the kiss as our bodies press against each other.

When we finally break apart, there's a shared breathlessness between us. It's a promise of more to come; a delicious anticipation that lingers in the air.

Fuck! I love this woman! And I can't help but feel grateful for this moment. For her, for us, for our baby, for the love that binds us together.

Yeah, I know that challenges lie ahead. That the shadows of our past still linger, and there are battles we have yet to face.

But I also am determined to do whatever it takes to protect my family.

*****

Max chuckles as I hobble into his home office. "Who would've thought you'd be a dad and a warrior with a broken arm in a span of a month?"

I join in his laughter, the irony not lost on me. "Life has a strange sense of humor, doesn't it?"

Max's expression shifts, his gaze turning serious. "How are you and Emma holding up? After everything..."

The mention of Emma, of the tumultuous events that led us here, casts a shadow over our lighthearted banter. "We're taking it one day at a time," I say, my voice tinged with weariness and determination.

Max nods, his eyes reflecting understanding. "About James's visit when you were at the hospital. I've heard he's spreading rumors, Ash. Calling you a murderer... Trying to bring the police into this."

The weight of his words settles like a leaden cloak around my shoulders. "I did what I had to do to protect Emma," I say, the memories of that fateful night still vivid in my mind. I had one shot at saving her life and I would do everything again if needed.

"But the law doesn't always see it that way," Max says, his tone grave. "We need to be prepared for the consequences."

I settle into a plush armchair, my mind racing with possibilities and dangers. "Max. look...

"Claire reached out to me."

I sit up, surprised. "What does she want?"

Max's expression darkens. "She claims to have crucial information, evidence that can bring down James and Henry. But she won't reveal anything until she's guaranteed lifetime security for her and her grandmother."

Much to my dismay, Max has been paying a lot of money for Claire and her grandmother to stay hidden while we figure things out.

I clench my jaw, torn between skepticism and the desperate need for any leverage against our enemies. "Do you really think we can trust her?"

Max's gaze is steady. "We have to consider every option. If Claire has what she says she does, it could be the breakthrough we need."

I run a hand through my hair, weighing the risks. "But can we afford to trust someone who's been part of their game?"

Max's silence speaks volumes, the unspoken doubts and fears hanging heavy in the air. "We need to tread carefully," he finally says, his voice low and serious.

Just then, a knock at the door interrupts our conversation. Max exchanges a look with me before nodding towards the entrance. "It's her."

_____

A/N: how can we make Clare go away for good?

Thanks so much for reading, guys! Please remember to vote!

XOXO

Celeste