Four years laterLauren stood at the kitchen island, her voice firm but warm, wiping juice from the counter. “Emmy, we don’t spill juice on purpose, okay? You’ve gotta hold the cup tight.” She looked at her four-year-old, orange juice dripping from her hands, the sunlit kitchen bright.Emmy’s eyes widened, her voice small. “Sorry, Mommy. I was making a river for my boat.” She held up a toy sailboat, her curls bouncing, her pout tugging at Lauren’s heart.Lauren knelt, her voice gentle. “I get it, sweetie, but rivers go in the sink, not the counter.” She grabbed a rag, handing it to Emmy. “Help me clean, then we’ll sail that boat in the tub tonight, deal?”Emmy grinned, her voice bright. “Deal! Can Daddy play too?” She wiped the counter, her enthusiasm messy but earnest, the kitchen a cozy chaos.Lauren laughed, her voice playful. “We’ll drag Daddy in, don’t worry.” She glanced at Alex, flipping pancakes at the stove, his smile warm, no crutches in sight after four years of recovery. “
Lauren froze in the mansion’s living room, her phone pressed to her ear, after she had managed to pick it up— Emma asleep in her bassinet nearby.The officer’s voice crackled, stern and urgent. “Miss Langston, this is Officer Reynolds from Metropolitan Prison. Dan escaped from custody late last night. We’re doing everything to find him, but he’s dangerous. Stay safe, keep your doors locked.”Her breath caught, her voice trembling. “Escaped? How?” She glanced at Alex, his crutches clicking as he crossed to her, his face tense. “Is he coming for us?”Reynolds paused, his voice grim. “We can’t be sure, but Dan’s got a grudge. We’ve got patrols out, but increase your security, stay vigilant.” The line clicked off, the silence heavy, Emma’s soft breaths a stark contrast.Alex grabbed her hand, his voice firm. “Lauren, you okay?” His eyes searched hers, his love steady, the officer’s warning echoing. “Dan’s not getting near you or Emma, I promise.”Lauren nodded, her voice shaky. “Revenge,
Lauren leaned on Alex’s arm, her steps slow but steady, Emma cradled in his other arm as they approached the mansion’s door. The late afternoon sun warmed her face, her heart full after the hospital’s whirlwind. “She’s so tiny, Alex,” she said, her voice soft, gazing at Emma. “Can you believe we’re parents?”Alex grinned, his crutches clicking, his voice warm. “I’m still pinching myself, Lauren. You and Emma—you’re my world.” He shifted Emma gently, his love clear, the mansion’s familiar outline a welcome sight.She smiled, her hand brushing his. “You’re pretty great at this dad thing already. Think Emma’s ready for her new home?” Her tone was playful, her heart light, Melissa’s apology echoing in her mind.Alex chuckled, his voice teasing. “She’s ready, but I’m betting she’ll keep us up all night.” He paused at the door, his eyes twinkling. “You ready for this, Lauren?”She nodded, her voice firm. “With you? Always.” She leaned closer, their laughter mingling, the door creaking as Al
Lauren adjusted her hospital gown, the bright room humming with discharge preparations, Emma nestled in her arms. Alex stood nearby, his crutches steady, his smile warm. “Ready to go home, Lauren?” he asked, his voice soft, his eyes hinting at something big.She grinned, kissing Emma’s head. “More than ready, Alex. Emma’s gonna love the mansion.” Her heart swelled, her love for him deep, the contract for Orchid Enterprises—now Clara’s—tucked away, her fight done.Priya burst in, her laugh bright, a baby blanket in hand. “Look at this cutie, ready to roll!” she said, draping the blanket over Emma. “Lauren, you’re glowing, mama. Alex, are you nervous yet?”Alex chuckled, his voice playful. “Nervous? Nah, I’m just keeping up with these two.” He winked at Lauren, his hand brushing hers, the room light with joy.The door swung open, and Melissa stepped in, Jake behind her, their faces tense. Lauren’s smile vanished, her voice sharp. “Melissa? What are you doing here?” She held Emma tighter
Lauren’s grip on Alex’s hand tightened, her breath ragged as a contraction peaked, the hospital room’s soft light steadying her. “It’s happening, Alex,” she gasped, her voice strained but strong. “She’s coming.”Alex stayed close, his crutches forgotten against the wall, his voice calm. “You’re almost there, Lauren. I love you so much.” His eyes were wet, his hand firm, the monitor’s beeps quickening.Priya stood nearby, her voice bright despite her teary eyes. “You’re a rock star, Lauren! Push, girl, Emma’s ready to meet us!” She clutched the daisies from yesterday, her support fierce, the room charged with hope.The doctor’s voice cut through, steady and kind. “One big push, Lauren, you’ve got this!” Lauren nodded, her body tensing, her cry echoing as she gave everything, the pain giving way to a tiny, piercing wail.Lauren collapsed back, tears streaming, as the nurse placed her newborn in her arms. “Emma,” she whispered, her voice breaking, the baby’s face perfect, her heart burst
Lauren gripped the hospital bedrail, wincing as a contraction rolled through her, the soft hospital light casting a warm glow. Alex sat close, his crutches propped against the wall, his hand steady on hers. “You’re doing so great, Lauren,” he said, his voice thick with love. “I’m right here, every step.”She managed to give him a weak smile, as her breath came out shaky. “Thanks, Alex. It’s… intense, but knowing you’re here helps.” Her eyes met his, her heart full, the monitor’s steady beep a quiet comfort.The door suddenly swung open, and Priya slipped in, her grin bright, a small bouquet of daisies in hand. “Look at you, rocking this labor thing!” she teased, setting the flowers on the table. “I brought some cheer, but you’re already glowing.”Lauren chuckled, easing back as the contraction faded. She closed her eyes as she recalled the past even that had gone on in her life. It seemed like she would never get to have peace, but with the baby coming, a strong flood of relief flood