Chapter 1308:
“Grandpa and the others will arrive in a few days. Marcus, Deandre, and I will follow shortly after. Marcus has a few things to sort out—his assistant just quit, so he’s a bit tied up,” Felix explained.
Rylie blinked. “Novalee quit? What happened?”
“She’s going home for some matchmaking arrangements.”
Rylie pressed her lips together briefly. “And Marcus? Did he at least say something?”
“It’s a major life decision. Why would he interfere?” Felix replied evenly.
Rylie exhaled with a wry sigh. “Our family really has no idea when it comes to matters of the heart, does it?”
Felix was quiet, clearly at a loss.
Iո𝘴𝘵𝖺n𝘁 𝗮𝘤𝖼𝗲𝘀𝗌 оn 𝘨𝗮𝗹𝘯𝗈𝘃e𝗅s.сom
Rylie ended the call, a trace of exasperation lingering, just as Brad returned with her juice and settled beside her.
“Felix?” he asked quietly, glancing over.
“Yes—just reminding us to keep our distance from Eshea for now,” she said lightly.
Brad’s brow furrowed. “These people…”
“Alright, alright,” Rylie said, lifting her glass and taking a sip. “We’re staying out of it. Let them sort it out themselves.”
She set the glass down and winced slightly at a sudden sharp sensation.
Brad tensed beside her immediately. “Are you okay?”
Rylie’s eyes drifted to her belly, her expression a quiet blend of wonder and anticipation. “Yes—the baby just kicked,” she murmured, rubbing slow circles over her stomach. “The movements have been stronger lately. It must be getting excited to meet us.”
Brad exhaled with relief and placed his hand gently over her belly. He felt the soft, fluttering kicks beneath his palm—small but unmistakable, and enough to fill him with a warmth he had no words for.
“Not yet,” he murmured softly. “Be patient, little one. Just a little longer.”
Rylie watched his focused profile, a tender feeling blooming quietly in her chest. “Do you actually like children?” she asked, a teasing note in her voice.
Brad’s eyes met hers, quiet and sincere. “I like the ones we have,” he said simply.
She laughed softly and leaned over to press a gentle kiss to his lips.
Life settled into a calm, unhurried rhythm.
At their mountaintop villa, far from the noise of the city, they rose with the sun, cooked together, walked hand in hand, and debated baby names. Brad suggested one after another; Rylie vetoed each without hesitation, sending him back to start again—which he did, patiently and persistently, every single time.
Then, one morning a few days later, a sudden sharp pain jolted Rylie awake.
She reached instinctively for Brad—and found the space beside her empty. Her eyes shot to the clock. Seven in the morning.
The night before, an unusual craving for bagels from her favorite shop had taken hold of her, stirring a restless, stubborn mood that wouldn’t settle. The shop had already been closed. Brad had stayed at her side, soothing her and promising to fetch the bagels first thing in the morning. Only then had she finally calmed down.
He was out collecting them right now. She was certain of it.
Another sharp pain cut through her, and she inhaled quickly, registering the telltale warmth spreading between her legs.
A week ahead of schedule.
Her water had broken.
.
.
.