Rebirth: Love me Again

[EVE]

When we reached the edge of the bed, he looked into my eyes one last time, searching for doubt.

All he found was my hand reaching up to cup his cheek, my thumb tracing the line of his jaw. My silent answer.

And when he kissed me again, deeper this time, everything that had been holding me back finally let go.

It wasn't just passion—it was release. A quiet surrender to a love that never really left.

We moved together with a quiet urgency, careful not to wake the baby sleeping nearby. There was something almost reverent about it—like we were rediscovering each other, not just with touch but with every look, every whispered breath.

No rush. No guilt.

Only two people finally allowing themselves to be whole again.

Afterward, we lay tangled in the sheets, his arm curled around me, my head resting against his chest.

His heart beat steady beneath my ear, like a song I hadn't heard in years but still remembered by heart.

"I missed this," I murmured.

"I missed you," he said softly, pressing a kiss to my temple.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I wasn't carrying everything alone.

====

The wind chimes hanging outside the small villa danced in the early morning breeze, letting out soft, melodic sounds as a black car pulled up at the gate.

I heard the engine hum before I even opened the front door. I had just finished preparing Bean's bottle and was still in my pajamas, hair in a loose bun when I peeked out the window—and froze.

Cole stood on the porch with a lopsided grin, but beside him were two figures that sent a sudden rush of nerves shooting through my body.

Leanna Fay. Cain Fay.

They were here.

Before I could even unlock the door fully, Leanna swept in like a spring breeze, smelling faintly of roses and something crisp—expensive. Her wheelchair skidded against the wooden floor and her eyes sparkled the moment she spotted the baby in my arms.

"Oh, is that little Bean?" she gasped, practically pushing Cole aside as she reached for him.

Cole chuckled under his breath, stepping to the side to let his parents in.

"Mom—give her a second to breathe."

But Leanna had already taken Bean gently from my arms and cooed at him like she'd been waiting years for this moment. "Oh, you precious little thing. You look just like your daddy—but with your mama's pretty face."

I was too stunned to speak, torn between wanting to run to the bedroom to change and just . . . melting from embarrassment.

Cain, meanwhile, stepped in quietly and looked around the mansion with his usual unreadable expression. I didn't know what to expect from him, but when he finally looked down at Bean in Leanna's arms, his stern face cracked—just slightly.

"So," Leanna began in a singsong voice, turning her attention toward me and Cole and my family who went down to greet them with the kind of smile that spelled danger. "When's the wedding?"

I choked on my breath.

"W-wedding?" I managed to squeak.

Immediately, my brothers—who had followed the Fays into the house like three reluctant bodyguards—groaned in protest.

"That's too soon," my father protested.

"Too soon," Damien seconded, "They literally just got back together."

"That's right. Bean already have three great uncles, there's no need for a father really," Dean said.

"They could raise their child without marriage," said Dante.

"Stop it you," my mother hushed them.

But Leanna ignored them all and tilted her head toward me with a look that was somehow both innocent and entirely knowing. "What? It's obviously where they're headed. No one here can deny that."

I expected Cole to hesitate, maybe change the subject. But instead, he stepped forward without a moment's pause, his eyes locking with mine like there was no one else in the room.

"We can arrange for the wedding as soon as possible," he said smoothly. "Just civil for now. Then we'll plan a grand celebration later—if that's okay with you."

My heart stuttered in my chest. My cheeks flared so hot I was sure even baby Bean could feel the heat radiating off me.

Leanna let out a small squeal and practically danced in place, holding Bean like he was the flower girl instead of a baby. "That's the spirit!"

I tried to say something—anything—but then Cain crossed his arms and pinned his son with a glare sharp enough to slice through marble.

"Then do what needs to be done and come back, Cole," he said, voice low but firm. "Your absence has left a mountain of work in the company."

Cole gave a small sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "I'll return right after we settle things here. I promise."

Cain narrowed his eyes but didn't say more. Instead, his gaze flickered to Bean, and for a brief moment, the corners of his mouth tugged upward. "He looks capable," he said simply.

Leanna, still cradling Bean like a newborn prince, wasn't even listening. "I always wanted a big family," she said dreamily. "Lots of laughter, little feet running around. I hope you two do your best," she added, looking straight at me with a playful wink.

My face burned hotter. I nodded awkwardly, my words stuck in my throat as if tangled in cotton.

Naturally, the moment Leanna cheerfully brought up the wedding, the men in my family protested like it was a national emergency.

Damien, ever the protective older brother, threw his hands in the air. "Hold on—I'm the older one here. You're the baby sister of the family. You're not allowed to get married until I do. That's the rule." He crossed his arms like it was law passed down through generations, ignoring the amused looks around the room.

Dean leaned back against the couch with a dramatic sigh, arms crossed. "Eve, you don't have to rush into anything just because he's the father of little Bean," he said, giving Cole a pointed look. "You know, staying single isn't such a bad thing. No heartbreaks, no arguments, no stolen fries—you could live in peace forever." He grinned, clearly half-joking, but his eyes still carried that overprotective glint only an older brother could pull off.