Ryan's POV

Later, I was awakened by a scream. I ran into our room and saw Layla crying. "He has my phone number." She tossed me her phone. This message had me fuming!

"I hear Braelyn's father is in the hospital. I can take care of Braelyn and she will be in good hands. Braelyn is a very pretty girl. You need to watch her carefully before she goes missing."

After reading the text message he sent to Layla, I went over to the bed and laid down. Then, Layla scooted over and laid down on top of me. "We have to get you a new number. And, we can postpone our honeymoon for another time. Right now, my priority is to keep you and Braelyn safe. Try to get some sleep, Layla." She nodded her head in agreement. I felt her tears  on my chest that she started shedding. "I will never let that piece of crap put a finger tip on you or Braelyn, okay?"

"Okay."

After a while, we both fell asleep.

Later Tuesday morning

I woke up and looked at the clock in the room. It was 12:30 pm. Layla was still sleep on top of me. It is safe to say we will have to postpone our honeymoon until later. Braelyn and Layla's safety is more important to me. So, we will use the rest of our time here together, as a family - Braelyn, Layla and myself. Last night was the first time that we had a disagreement. It felt awful, but I know that no marriage is perfect. We probably will have more disagreements. The most important thing is that we make up and don't go to sleep mad at each other. Sadly, that is what happened last night. When Layla wakes up, I am going to apologize to her because it was my fault in the first place.

"Ding dong!"

"Ding dong!"

I tried to move, but Layla won't let me get up. "Layla, honey can you scoot off of me so I can answer the door?"

She mumbled, "No! You are so comfy and I like this position. They can wait or come back later."

Then, I heard Layla's phone going off. It was on the other side of the bed, so I grabbed it. It was a text message from Kam.

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Kam - "Hey Layla, just wanted to let you know that we have arrived in Jamaica. You must be sleep or busy, so we will come back later."

Ryan - "Kam, this is Ryan. Layla is knocked out, laying on top of me. Sorry I couldn't answer the door."

Kam - "That's okay. Let Layla get some rest. Braelyn said to tell you both hello. Talk to you later."

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We stayed this way for several more hours. I started twirling Layla's hair around my fingers and caressing her cheeks. The next time I looked at the clock it was close to five o'clock. My stomach started rumbling, so I needed to wake Layla up so I can order room service. I tried several times calling her name.

'Layla, honey we need to both eat something." Nothing.

I tried again, but nothing. "Goodness, she is a heavy sleeper."

So, I tried another approach. I slowly moved both my hands down to her butt, which was calling out to me to touch. And, then I squeezed it.

"Hey!! What was that for?"

"One, you are a heavy sleeper. Two, we really need to get up so we can eat. Three, Braelyn, Kam and Cris are here. But, before we get up, I really need to apologize to you. I am so sorry for leaving you yesterday. You are right - that was the time to talk, not leave. It was unacceptable and I took it out on you. Please forgive me, Layla?"

"I forgive you, sugar. And, I apologize too, for not listening to you about eating something. I promise I will never do that again."

"Now, let's get up and get something to eat."

She did not budge. "Um, Layla, aren't you going to get up? I am really hungry." She sat up and started striping off her clothes. " Not before we really make up." Then, Layla leaned in to my face and kissed me all over my face. "Unhook me, sugar." The only thing left was her lacy underwear. After unhooking her bra, "Top or bottom?"

"Bottom."

Holding on tight, we switched positions and 'Jr' entered Layla's temple.

"Fast or slow?"

"However you want to work me, sugar."

Two hours later.

Layla took a nice soak in the tub, I showered, we got dressed and I ordered dinner for all of us - Kam, Layla, Braelyn, Cris and myself. Layla called Kam and they are coming over shortly.

"Ding dong!"

I went to answer the door. It was Kam, Braelyn, Cris and room service has arrived. As soon as I opened the door, Braelyn ran in, jumped in my arms and gave me a hug and kiss.

"Ryan! Ryan!"

"Hey, kiddo." I gave her a hug and kiss back.

"Where's mommy?"

"She is upstairs. She should be coming down soon. Hi Kam and Cris, thanks for coming back."

"You're welcome, Ryan. We didn't tell her anything yet. We wanted Layla to tell her."

"Thanks, Kam." After the room service was placed in the kitchen, I pulled out some cash to pay for the food and also gave him a nice tip. Suddenly we heard Layla and she was walking very, very slow. Kam and Cris knew why and started laughing.

Layla says, "Do I hear my little munchkin down here?" She was walking like an old lady. Well, it's not my fault she said for me to go at a pace that I wanted.

Layla's POV

Why did I tell him whatever way he wanted it? Goodness he worked it and put a hurting on me. I saw them laughing at me while I slowly walked down the stairs. When I finally reached the bottom, Braelyn got down from Ryan's arms and ran over to me. She wanted me to pick her up. I did, but very slow.

"Mommy! Mommy!"

"Hey munchkin!! Are you being a good girl for you auntie and uncle?"

"Yes, mommy. I lost a tooth, too. See?" She smiled and I saw that she lost one of her front bottom teeth.

"Layla, before I forget, this is for Braelyn." Cris handed me a bank receipt for a deposit. My mouth dropped when I saw the amount - $20k.

Cris then says, "That is from the guy that threw the glass. He said Miranda gave it to him to hurt either you or Kamea. So, I took it for Braelyn, we set up an account for Braelyn and it will grow interest. We also added an additional $20k, so you won't see it until later. Marco, Mr. Toscano and Mr. Calabro said they have something for Braelyn as well when you come back from your honeymoon. Marco is going to bring it when they come for a visit this weekend."

I walked over to Cris and Kam and gave them both a hug. Kam let me give Cris a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you both so much for this. Braelyn baby, say thank you to auntie and uncle for their lovely gift."

She walked over to them and Cris picked her up. "Thank you auntie and Uncle Cris." She gave him a hug and kiss too.

"Braelyn, I have something to tell you about your daddy. And Cris, I have a message to show you that I got earlier this morning." He already knew who it was from because I saw the look on his face. "But, let's eat first."

One hour later.

We all took a seat in the living room. Ryan, Braelyn and I sat together on the couch. And, Cris and Kam sat on the love seat. First up was what I had to tell Braelyn. "Braelyn sweetie, daddy did not leave you. Yes, he left the party. But, something happened to him."

"What happened, mommy?"

I paused before I answered, "Some mean, nasty people hurt your daddy and now he is in a hospital here in Jamaica. You know how I take you to the doctor so you can feel better?"

"Yes, mommy."

"Well, the doctors and nurses are doing all they can to make daddy feel better. Sweetie, at first we thought he did leave you, but he didn't. He is not going to leave you, okay?"

"Yes mommy. Can I see him? I got a teddy bear for him. See?"

"Of course you can, baby girl. Ryan and I will take you tomorrow. And Cris, here is my phone. I unlocked the screen and opened the message. And Braelyn, he is going to love the teddy bear you got for him."

Cris' POV

I already knew who it was from.

"I hear Braelyn's father is in the hospital. I can take care of Braelyn and she will be in good hands. Braelyn is a very pretty girl. You need to watch her carefully before she goes missing."

I tensed up and immediately felt angry at what he said in that message. "How he got your number Layla, I am not sure of." Kamea saw it as well. "This is even a new low for Chase - kidnapping a five year old child?"

"He may even try to kidnap our kids too." Kamea says will a sad face.

"Listen Layla and Kamea, we - Ryan, Marco, Jake, Sean, Austin and I - will not let him get his slimy hands on you or the kids, understand?" They both shook their heads and said, 'Yes.'"

"Layla, do you mind if I tell Braelyn something?"

"I don't mind at all. Braelyn, Uncle Cris has something to tell you." Braelyn came over and hopped on my lap. "Yes, Uncle Cris?"

"Sweetheart, I know mommy already told you this. But, now that there is a mean, crazy man after mommy, I wanted to tell you too. Don't ever, ever talk to strangers. If someone ever tries to talk to you that is not your family, make sure to tell mommy, daddy, Ryan or Sean, okay?"

"Okay, Uncle Cris."

I gave her a kiss on her forehead. "Good girl."

"Layla, would you still like Braelyn to stay with us? We can bring her things over."

"Can I stay with auntie and uncle, mommy? Please? We are going to put makeup on uncle Cris."

I saw Layla and Ryan snickering. "Cris, you agreed to that? If you did, you are a good sport."

"Whatever makes Braelyn smile, I will do it."

"Uncle Cris didn't have a  choice. Hey Braelyn, why don't you and mommy put makeup on Ryan?"

Ryan stopped laughing, but Layla didn't. "Thanks for the idea, Kam. Too bad I didn't bring any to Jamaica. Otherwise, we would be putting makeup on Ryan tonight."

"On a serious note, Cris and Kam, are you sure it is not a problem?"

Girl, it is not a problem at all. Braelyn and I can even have girl time together, without Uncle Cris. And, Marco is going to bring the twins on the weekend. Noeli is back in California for university, but she will also come for the weekend."

Okay, I will let that one slide for now. "Kamea and I are planning a long vacation for the two of us for next March - after the twins are born."

Layla thought about it, then she says, "Braelyn honey, as long as you are a good girl, you can stay with auntie and uncle. Cris and Kam, you have my permission to spank that tushy if she acts up. I really do love you guys so much. And, when you go on vacation, Ryan and I can watch the twins - Dia, Rocco, Kekoa and Bella."

Ryan says, "I would love to watch your kids. Plus, it will be training for me when Layla and I have kids."

"You already do a great job with Braelyn, Ryan. I have no doubt that you will be a great dad."

"Cris and Kam, I didn't know how long you were planning on staying, so I booked the room through Sunday."

"We are going to leave Friday morning and meet up with Marco and the kids."

"Okay. For tonight, do you guys mind if Braelyn stays with us? After seeing that message, I just want her by my side. We are going to take her to see Austin tomorrow. We will bring her back to you guys on Thursday morning. You both have done so much for me these past few months. And Kam, I don't want to send you into early labor."

"I have an idea. How would you ladies like a spa day? There is a really nice exclusive spa not too far from here. Every time I would come visit Jamaica, I would always go there to get a massage. It will be my treat."

Then, Ryan adds, "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Count me in too. I'll help Cris."

Kamea and Layla were giddy like school girls.

Ryan and I looked at each other and said simultaneously, "Women."

Kamea's POV

"And what was that remark for? Like you guys don't get giddy. I remember a certain person sitting next to me who had the biggest grin on his face when first meeting Mr. Toscano in Italy. And you, Ryan, when you saw Layla in those bikinis at the photoshoot, you had the cheesiest grin a man could muster."

Yeah, that shut them up. It must be mood swing time and I didn't not care. And, now the little kickers are acting up. I started rubbing my belly. "Ouch."

"Kam, are you okay over there?"

"I'm fine, Layla. The little kickers, Bella and Kekoa, are active in here." Layla came over and started rubbing my belly. "Hey there, Bella and Kekoa, be good for mommy. Auntie Lay can't wait to hold you both in December." Suddenly, they stopped kicking.

"Layla, it seems like you and Cris are the only two they listen to."

"I'll tell you what I tried when I was pregnant with Braelyn because she did the same thing to me. And you may get a chuckle out of it because I sure did. I was watching a SpongeBob marathon. Braelyn started kicking me. So, I rubbed my belly and just started singing the SpongeBob theme song. She just suddenly stopped kicking. So, I kept singing it whenever she started kicking. And guess what? We watch SpongeBob together now. Some episodes are questionable for children to watch, so I don't let her watch those. Try maybe to sing your favorite song or any song that you like. Or, have Cris, Dia or Rocco read a story to them. I can't wait to be pregnant again."

"We could tell by the way you were walking down the stairs." Everybody snickered at that.

Layla's POV

"You was walking funny, mommy."

"Yeah, mommy's back was hurting, baby girl."

I didn't tell her what was really hurting. Before that conversation got out of hand, Cris says, "Layla, I'll go get Braelyn's clothes for tomorrow and Thursday. I'll be right back."

15 minutes later, Cris came back. "We forgot to pack something for Braelyn to sleep in."

"That's okay, Cris." So then, I turned to my handsome hubby and gave him the puppy dog eyes. He already knew what I was going to ask. "Hey sugar, can Braelyn and mommy be twins and sleep in your shirts? You know how I love it." I slyly started moving my hand under his shirt so I could cop a feel of his abs. He almost let out a moan, but kept it in. Now, Braelyn and I said, "Please?" We both had big grins on our faces, waiting for his answer.

He says, "Of course you both can."

Kam saw what I did to Ryan. She has eagle eyes - sharp and keen. She elbowed Cris and he glared at her. "Ouch woman! What was that for?!"

She tells him, "It's time for us to go. We will see you all on Thursday." Then, they got up and left. He will probably get her for that. Ryan got up also so he could lock the door.

Then, he turned around with a devious grin and told the both of us, "Layla and Braelyn, you have 5 seconds to run before I chase you up the stairs."

"Bye, mommy!!" Braelyn took off and ran up the stairs.

"I can't run, man!!" I said as I started slowly getting up.

"Layla, you are wasting time complaining." He started counting down.

"Five."

"Four."

"Three."

"Two."

"One."

I tried my best to run, but to no avail. He scooped me up and carried me upstairs. "It's not my fault you screamed, 'What are you waiting for? Go faster, sugar!!!'" When we made it upstairs to our room, he dropped me on the bed and started tickling me. "That's for almost make me moan in front of Kam and Cris.' Braelyn popped up from the side of the bed, laughing like crazy. "Hey Braelyn, let's tickle mommy." She ran over and joined him in tickling me. I was so out of breath from so much tickling, "Okay! Okay!! That's enough!!"

After they finished tickling me, Ryan went to grab a shirt for Braelyn and one for me. He will probably have to buy some more while we are here.

Ryan's POV

"Hey princess, come over here." Braelyn came over and I gave her a polo shirt to sleep in. After putting it on her, she said, "It is too big for me, Ryan."

"Pretend it is a long night gown, princess."

"Okay." Layla went to the bathroom to change into the one I gave her. "How about we watch a movie? Braelyn, you can pick it." Braelyn and Layla sat on the bed. So, before we watched the movie, I grabbed my phone. "Smile for me ladies." They both flashed their beautiful smiles and I snapped the picture. I am going to use it as my screensaver. Braelyn chose 'Despicable Me.'

"Of course." After starting the movie, I joined Layla and Braelyn on the bed. The movie will be charged to the room.

About an hour later, I glanced over and saw that they both had fallen asleep. So, I turned off the tv, turned off the light, pulled the covers over them and scooted Layla close to me, and Braelyn close to Layla. Then, I fell asleep.

Wednesday morning

I woke up to both Layla and Braelyn missing. They weren't in the bathroom. As I walked out of the room, I heard music playing. They were dancing to a song from the 80's that my mom used to listen to - 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.'

It was too cute. So, I ran back to our room and grabbed my phone to take a picture. Just looking at them and their girly moment makes me love Layla more and Braelyn more as my own flesh and blood, not just my step daughter. "I would join you, but the bed may break."

"Hi, Ryan!"

"Good morning, sugar."

Layla and Braelyn got down from the bed and we all started getting ready to go see Austin.

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Layla's POV

I was scared of how Braelyn would react to seeing Austin in the hospital. We are about to see. We knocked on the door. I peeked in and didn't see Rachel and Dylan. So, Ryan had Braelyn in his arms, then we walked in his room.

When Braelyn looked over and saw Austin in the bed, her facial expression turned to sadness.

"Mommy, is daddy going to be okay?"

"Baby girl, we are hoping he makes it. How about you talk to him? Maybe hearing your voice, he will wake up."

So, Ryan pulled over both chairs that were in the room. Braelyn sat in one and I sat in the other. Ryan stood behind me.

Braelyn's POV

"Daddy, please wake up."

"I miss you."

'Please come home with me."

Layla's POV

"Mommy! Daddy opened his eyes!"  

Sure enough Austin opened his eyes. "Thank goodness." Ryan went to get the doctor. Braelyn grabbed his hand and kissed it. 5 minutes later, Ryan came back with the doctor.

"Braelyn honey, we have to move so the doctor can check daddy."

"Okay, mommy."

Ryan moved both chairs so the doctor could check Austin's vitals. The doctor started asking him questions to see if he recognized us. And, thank goodness he did. After the doctor left Austin, Braelyn and I saw tears coming from his eyes.

Austin's POV

I owe Braelyn, Layla and Ryan an apology. So, I started with Braelyn first. Slowly, I asked Braelyn to come over and she did. Layla said, "Austin, Braelyn looked for you at the party, but you had left. She thought you left her."

"Braelyn sweetheart, I am so sorry for having you think I left you. It was stupid of me. I just got you in my life this year and there is no way I would leave you. I love you so much, munchkin. You mean the world to me. I was on my way back to get you, but something terrible happened. I promise you that I will never, ever leave you."

"You promise, daddy?"

"I promise, baby girl."

"Austin, your parents are here too. I'm not sure when they will come by."

"Thanks Layla."

"Layla and Ryan, I owe you both an apology too. I just hope one day you can forgive me."

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Thank you all for reading chapter 19. 

And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘