âIs that so?â Katherine tapped his head playfully. âThen who was it that forgot me in the rush to the hospital?â
Shawn pretended to be upset. âWasnât there an agreement to never mention that again?â
âOkay, okay, it wonât come up again. Iâll keep your dignity intact in front of others.â
That same evening, in their home, as Katherine comfortably positioned her feet on his lap, Shawn tenderly washed her feet with a towel over his shoulder.
He took his time massaging her feet, swollen from her previous pregnancy, which had necessitated a switch to larger high heels. âKathy, thank you.â
âItâs not a big deal.â
While sleeping, Joelle called out, âThe babyâs coming!â
Awakened, Adrian sprang from the bed, forgoing his slippers, and grabbed the hospital bag on his way out.
Leah rushed to intercept him. âMr. Miller! Sheâs just talking in her sleep!â
Realization dawned on Adrian as he leaned wearily against the stair railing.
âMr. Miller, try to relax. Weâre all here to keep watch. You wonât get any rest this way.â
Adrian wanted to ease his nerves but found it challenging.
The ordeal of childbirth was daunting. Recently, he had discussed it with Rafael, reminded of how Joelleâs first delivery nearly ended tragically.
This time, Adrian was on high alert, determined to reduce any potential risks. He might not be able to take her place in childbirth, but he was ready to do everything to ensure her safety.
Disturbed by the noise, Aurora left her room, rubbing her eyes. âDad, whatâs happening? Is Mom about to have the baby?â
Adrian perked up. âOops, did my excitement wake you up just now?â
Aurora yawned, assuring him it was okay. She needed to wake up early for first grade the next morning anyway.
Lifting her into his arms, Adrian said, âLetâs go. Iâll tuck you in.â
âOkay.â
Once they were in her bed, Adrian read her a story until she nodded off. He kissed her forehead and slipped quietly out of the room.
Yet, as the door gently closed, Auroraâs eyes snapped open, fully alert.
She left her bed and took a seat at her small desk, her eyes on the backpack and uniform laid out for the next day.
A secret burdened her, one she hadnât shared with anyone. At school, she had spotted Dunn. He was usually surrounded by friends, and though he noticed her, he never said hello.
Why was that?
This mystery perplexed Aurora.
At recess the next day, she pondered the morningâs lessons. The naughtiest boy in class tried to distract her by making faces, but Aurora ignored him.
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