All Chapters of Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants: Chapter 71 - Chapter 79

The sun had barely risen when Charlotte felt the first real pang. It wasn't like the false alarms she'd had over the last few days. This was different—heavier, deeper, a pressure that curled from her back to the pit of her stomach with the force of something ancient and inevitable. She’d always imagined that when this moment came, she’d be frantic or afraid. But she wasn’t. She was just... ready.Utter drove them to the hospital, one hand on the wheel, the other gripping Charlotte’s with all the quiet reassurance of a man who had grown into his role more than he ever expected. Riele sat beside Charlotte, holding her other hand, whispering encouragement and trying not to cry.“You’ve got this,” Riele kept saying, her voice soft, steady. “You’re stronger than you think.”Hours passed. The waiting room filled and emptied, nurses moved like angels in scrubs, and finally, when Charlotte thought she couldn’t take one more breath, one more push.A cry filled the room.And just like that, she

The breeze was gentle that afternoon, rustling the bare branches as though whispering secrets only the trees could understand. Riele stepped carefully between the headstones, her fingers interlocked with Harry's as they made their way toward the familiar spot. It had been three months—three quiet, aching months since they last stood here together. Time had softened the sharpness of their grief, but the ache still lived somewhere inside them, persistent and tender.Their mother’s grave was just as they remembered. A simple marble headstone with her name etched in gold: Esmeralda Grants, Beloved Mother, Eternal Light. Harry bent to brush away the leaves that had gathered at its base while Riele knelt, her hand smoothing over the cold stone."Hey, Mom," Riele whispered. Her voice was steady, but her chest quivered with the familiar ache. "We came to visit you. It's been a while, I know."Harry crouched beside her, setting down the small bouquet of wildflowers he’d picked up on the way. H

Riele stood by the kitchen sink, staring blankly out the window at the swaying trees in the garden. She had replayed the scene with Jane more times than she cared to admit—her eyes, her voice, that almost mocking smile when she asked Riele to call off the wedding. There had been no clear reason, no explanation, just a demand wrapped in veiled hostility. It left a sour taste in Riele's mouth and a heaviness in her chest that wouldn’t go away.She wiped her hands and picked up her phone. Her thumb hovered over Charlotte’s name for a moment. She had already told Kim about Jane’s visit, but he had only looked confused and a bit concerned. Riele hadn’t told him everything—not the exact words Jane had used, not how her presence had chilled the room. She needed someone who could help her think clearly, someone who wouldn’t immediately rush into protective action.She needed Charlotte.Without overthinking it, Riele grabbed her keys, slipped into a light cardigan, and headed out the door.The

The church was filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the hum of quiet anticipation. Soft music floated through the air as guests took their seats, dressed in their best, smiles lighting their faces. The atmosphere was warm, joyful, and full of love. Every detail from the simple white roses lining the aisle to the soft glow of the chandelier seemed to echo the happiness that had brought everyone together.Riele stood just beyond the large wooden doors of the church, her arm looped through Harry’s. She wore a gown that shimmered under the morning light, delicate lace hugging her frame. Her veil was light and soft, like a breath of air. She held a small bouquet of peonies, her hands trembling slightly, more from excitement than nerves.“You look like Mom,” Harry said quietly, glancing down at her with a proud smile.Riele blinked back sudden tears. “Thank you.”The music shifted. The doors opened. Everyone stood.Riele walked slowly down the aisle, eyes fixed on Kim. He stood at the

Jay sat by the window of his hotel suite, watching the lights blink across the skyline. He had been waiting all day to hear from Kim. He knew the wedding was supposed to happen, and by now, it should’ve been over. He had expected pictures, at least a short call. But nothing came.He picked up his phone and tried again.After a few rings, Kim finally answered. His voice was low, almost tired.“Hey,” Kim said.“Man,” Jay replied, standing up and pacing. “I’ve been calling. What’s going on? How did it go?”There was silence.Jay paused. “Kim?”Kim let out a long breath. “It didn’t happen.”“What?” Jay stopped pacing. “What do you mean?”Kim’s voice cracked a little. “She didn’t marry me. The wedding got interrupted.”Jay sat down again, slowly. “By who?”“Jane.”Jay blinked. “Jane? Why? What did she do?”“She stood up in front of everyone. Said she’s pregnant... and that the baby is mine.”Jay’s jaw dropped. “She said that at the altar?”Kim’s voice was hollow. “Just as the priest was ab