51

51
Chapter 51 

Kathryn stirred in her sleep, as she made to turn, Lyon's strong arm held her still, his hands wrapped around her waist, she smiled inwardly caressing it gently, not wanting to wake him up. 

But he was already. 

Lyon's brows flocked open, seeing how Kathryn was staring and caressing his arm made him smile. He drew her closer, igniting more intimacy, he kissed her neck. 

“Good morning, sunshine.” Lyon gestured, resting on his shoulders. 

“Good morning, husband,” Kathryn replied, a smile creeping to her cheeks. 

Husband? It sounded more personal to Lyon and he couldn't help but smile. 

He let his grip down as he stepped down from the bed, motioning towards the bathroom, just then he stopped, turning back, he faced Kathryn who was now resting on her back, he drew closer. 

“How's my baby doing?” Lyon's eyes were fixed on Kathryn's bump as he leaned and pressed soft kisses on them. 

Kathryn smiled, caressing it gently, “baby is happy this morning.” 

“How so?” Lyon asked, raising a brow, even though he knew he shouldn't ask. 

“Because her mama is happy..” Kathryn said, her eyes locked on Lyon's. 

Teasingly, Lyon smirked, now sitting closer to Kathryn, “His mama…” he corrected, raising a finger as though not welcoming any objection. 

Kathryn nodded, not wanting to argue. 

“Good.” Lyon said finally, motioning back to the bathroom. 

Kathryn couldn't help but giggle at Lyon's gesture, it was priceless. 

Soon, Lyon was out of the bathroom, now putting on his clothes. 

Lyon stood by the mirror, struggling with his shirt buttons, shooting quick glances at Kathryn every few seconds. He wasn’t saying a word, but the way he kept looking at her made it obvious, he wanted her help. 

Kathryn, still sitting on the bed, noticed and let out a sigh with a smile. “Are you just going to stand there staring at me all morning?” 

Lyon smirked. “I’m not staring. I’m...waiting.” 

She shook her head, laughing softly as she got up. “You’re impossible.” 

Walking over, Kathryn started buttoning his shirt, her hands moving gently as Lyon stood still, watching her like he had all the time in the world. 

“Do you do this on purpose?” she asked, not looking up. 

“Maybe,” Lyon replied, a teasing grin on his face. “You’re good at it, so why not let you help?” 

Kathryn gave him a playful glare, but she finished buttoning the last one and stepped back. “There. All set.” 

Lyon grabbed his jacket, throwing it over his shoulder. “What would I do without you?” he murmured. 

Kathryn smirked back. “Be late, probably.” 

Before leaving, Lyon turned to her again. “You’ll miss me when I’m gone,” he teased. 

She rolled her eyes. “You’re so dramatic.” 

As he opened the door, Kathryn darted into the kitchen and quickly packed up some breakfast for him. “Wait!” she called, stopping him just as he was about to leave. She handed him the small bag. 

“Here,” she said, giving him a look. “Don’t skip eating, Lyon. I mean it.” 

Lyon chuckled, taking the bag and leaning in to kiss her forehead. “You spoil me too much.” 

“Just go before you’re late,” Kathryn said with a laugh, pushing him gently toward the door. 

Lyon waved, walking out to where Martins had pulled up the car. He turned back one last time to smile at her before getting in. Kathryn stood at the door, watching them drive off, the house suddenly feeling quiet. 

Not long after, Fiona appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Good morning, Kathryn,” she said brightly, her smile wide. “Did you sleep well?” 

Kathryn turned toward her, smiling. “Morning, Fiona. I slept fine, thank you. How about you?” 

“Oh, me? I was up before the birds, as usual,” Fiona said with a small laugh. “I’m already working on breakfast, so I hope you’re ready to eat. You need it.” 

Kathryn smiled softly, touched by Fiona’s care. “I’m not going to argue with you.” 

“Good. Sit down and relax,” Fiona said, pointing toward the dining table. “I’ve got everything under control.” 

Kathryn walked over, feeling a small sense of peace settle over her. These moments, the little gestures, the warmth, reminded her of what home was supposed to feel like. It was nice. It was simple. It was exactly what she’d missed. 

The doorbell rang, cutting through the quiet morning. Kathryn looked toward the door, hesitating for a second before Fiona, quick as ever, wiped her hands on her apron and hurried to answer it. 

As soon as the door opened, a familiar voice rang out. “Kathryn!” 

Kathryn shot up from the couch as Trisha burst into the room with her usual energy. “Trisha!” Kathryn called, a smile breaking across her face. 

Trisha didn’t waste a second, running straight to her sister and pulling her into a hug that was way too tight. “I came as soon as I got your message,” Trisha said softly, still holding her close. 

“I didn’t expect you this early,” Kathryn replied, her voice a mix of surprise and relief. 

Trisha pulled back and looked Kathryn over like she was inspecting every inch of her. “Of course I came. You’re here, back in his house, and you think I’d sit still? Not happening.” She said it with that usual Trisha tone, concern hitched on her face. 

Fiona stood nearby, smiling at the two sisters. “Trisha, glad you could make it,” she said warmly. 

Trisha turned to Fiona with a bright grin. “Oh, Fiona! You’re still here holding this place together? Bless you,” she teased. Then her eyes lit up as if she’d just had the best idea. “What would really make this morning perfect is one of your famous dishes. You still remember your magic touch, right?” 

Fiona laughed, shaking her head. “You and your food cravings. Don’t worry, I’ll whip something up.” She was already untying her apron, heading back toward the kitchen like it was a personal challenge. 

“Fiona is the best,” Trisha said with a smirk, flopping onto the couch like she owned it. “Now, you,” she pointed at Kathryn, patting the seat beside her. “Sit down and start talking. What’s going on? I need every detail.” 

Kathryn rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile on her lips as she sat next to her sister. “You never change, do you?” 

“And you never stop giving me things to worry about,” Trisha shot back, folding her arms. “So, talk.” 

Kathryn sighed, leaning back against the couch. It felt nice having Trisha there, her energy, her attitude, it was grounding, like old times. Fiona’s pots and pans clanged softly in the kitchen, filling the house with a familiar aroma. 

Kathryn felt a bit of peace settle over her. Maybe it was having Trisha here. Maybe it was the smell of something cooking. 

Trisha and Kathryn walked out to the garden, the sunlight warm against their skin as a soft breeze carried the smell of fresh flowers. Trisha kicked off her shoes and let her feet sink into the grass. 

“Ah, this is nice,” she said, looking around. “Lyon’s really outdone himself here. You’re basically living in a resort.” 

Kathryn smiled faintly, leading her over to a small bench under the shade of a tall tree. Trisha sat first, patting the spot next to her. “Come on, sis. Talk to me. I didn’t rush over here for nothing.” 

Before Kathryn could say a word, Fiona appeared, carrying a tray with a glass pitcher of juice and a plate of sliced fruits. “Thought you might like a little something,” she said with a smile, placing it on the small table nearby. 

“Oh, Fiona,” Trisha said dramatically, grabbing a piece of watermelon. “You always know how to win me over.” She winked. “Now I know why Kathryn didn’t want to leave.” 

Fiona smirked as she wiped her hands on her apron. “Anything to keep you both happy.” She turned to head back inside but called over her shoulder, “Let me know if you need more!” 

Trisha grinned as Fiona disappeared through the doorway. “That woman is a gem.” Then she turned her full attention back to Kathryn, her smile softening. “Alright, spill it. What’s going on?” 

Kathryn sighed, picking at a piece of apple from the tray. “It wasn’t just some little fight, Trish. Things got really bad between Lyon and me.” 

Trisha leaned in, her expression serious. “How bad?” 

Kathryn hesitated, staring down at her hands. “Bad enough that I left. I told myself it was the right thing to do, for him, for the baby, for everyone. I thought I was protecting him.” 

Trisha’s brows furrowed. “Protecting him? From what?” 

Kathryn swallowed, her voice low. “Wendy. She wouldn’t leave us alone. She…” Kathryn’s voice trailed off as her fingers tightened around the apple slice. “She threatened me, Trish. She gave me no choice.” 

Kathryn had once told Trisha about Wendy, so she wasn't surprised. 

Trisha sat up straighter, her face hardening. “Wendy? That woman again? I swear, she’s like a cockroach that refuses to die.” 

Kathryn managed a small, bitter laugh. “You’re not wrong.” 

Trisha’s face softened again as she reached out and took Kathryn’s hand. “But you’re back now. That means something. Whatever Wendy did or said, you made it through, and you’re here. Lyon’s here too, isn’t he?” 

Kathryn looked up at her sister, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if it’s not over? What if leaving was the better choice after all?” 

Trisha squeezed Kathryn’s hand tighter. “Listen to me. You’ve always been the strongest person I know. You survived Wendy’s mess, and you’re still standing. And Lyon? If he really loves you like I think he does, you two will get through whatever comes next. Together.” 

Kathryn blinked, tears threatening to well up in her eyes, but she held them back. She took a deep breath, letting Trisha’s words sink in. 

“You sound so sure,” Kathryn murmured. 

“Because I am,” Trisha said firmly. Then, with a smirk, she grabbed another piece of fruit and popped it into her mouth. “And don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. If Wendy wants to mess with you again, she’s going to have to deal with me first.” 

Kathryn laughed softly, shaking her head. “You’ve always been a fighter.” 

“And you’ve always been my sister,” Trisha shot back, grinning. “Now, come on, let’s eat this before Fiona catches us wasting food. I’m not ready for one of her lectures.” 

Kathryn smiled, finally relaxing a little as they sat there, sharing fruit and quiet laughter. 

Fiona stepped out into the garden, brushing a stray strand of hair off her face. “Food’s ready. Should I bring it here, or are you two coming inside?” 

Kathryn looked up, her hands resting lightly on her lap. “I’m not really hungry right now, Fiona. Maybe later.” 

Fiona frowned, her hands on her hips like she didn’t believe a word of it. “You sure? You barely ate this morning.” 

“I’m fine,” Kathryn said softly, putting up a smile. 

Trisha cut in before Fiona could press further. “If she’s not eating yet, then I’ll wait too. We’ll come when we’re ready.” 

Fiona sighed, giving them both a look that only she could pull off. 

Once Fiona was gone, Trisha turned to Kathryn and stood up, stretching her arms dramatically. “Come on, we’re going for a walk.” 

Kathryn’s brows pulled together. “A walk? What for?” 

Trisha shot her a pointed look. “Because it’s good for you, that’s why. Fresh air, movement… plus, you’ve been sitting here all morning looking like a statue. Let’s go.” 

Kathryn sighed, shaking her head. “Trisha, I’m fine….” 

“Nope, I’m not buying that.” Trisha grabbed Kathryn’s hand and pulled her to her feet. “It’s not a request, any ways.” 

“Bossy much?” Kathryn muttered under her breath, but there was a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. 

Trisha grinned. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s move.” 

Linking their arms, Trisha guided Kathryn out of the garden and toward the quiet street.