Chapter 236

Chapter 236
Blake

I pulled into the estate, the day's meetings finally behind me. As I rounded the driveway, a tiny figure bouncing excitedly at the window caught my eye—Lily. My heart instantly lightened, the corporate stress melting away at the simple sight of my daughter waiting for me. Nothing could compare to coming home to this.

I barely had time to put the car in park before the massive door swung open. She came sprinting down the steps like a miniature tornado, her dark curls flying behind her.

"Daddy's car is here!" Lily's voice carried across the courtyard as she bounded toward me, practically vibrating with excitement.

I stepped out of the car, and she launched herself into my arms like a tiny missile. The impact of her body against mine sent a rush of pure joy through my chest—this uncomplicated love that made everything else fade away. I caught her mid-air, lifting her high above my head as she squealed with delight.

"Well hello to you too, princess!" I laughed, spinning her around. "How's my favorite girl's day been?"

Lily giggled, squirming in my grasp before peering over my shoulder at the car. Her little face scrunched in confusion as she twisted her head back and forth.

"Where's little JJ? Is he playing hide and seek?" She looked so serious, I couldn't help but smile.

I pointed toward the backseat with my chin. "That little troublemaker is fast asleep. Listen—he's snoring like a baby bear."

Her expression of intense concentration as she tried to hear the "bear snores" made my heart melt. These tiny moments—these were what I lived for now.

Lily pressed her finger to her lips in an exaggerated "shh" gesture. "We have to be quiet, Daddy. Mom's heart is on vacation."

I frowned slightly, setting her down. "What do you mean, baby?"

"Lauren Auntie says Mommy's heart needs a vacation," Lily explained matter-of-factly, already tugging me toward the entrance. "But she's super hungry for dinner!"

My concern for Sophia flared, but Lily's innocent delivery made me smile despite my worry.

As we stepped inside, I spotted Emma carefully crossing the floor, balancing a silver tea tray with intense concentration. Her face was pulled into such a serious expression she looked like a miniature drill sergeant.

"Well, look at our little lady of the manor!" I winked at her, impressed by her careful movements. "Three days away and you're already qualified for Buckingham Palace service."

Emma's serious expression cracked as she fought back a smile, but she managed to maintain her formal posture, shoulders pulled back and chin lifted. The sight of her trying so hard to be grown-up while clearly delighted with my praise tugged at my heart.

"Mr. Morris says I'm the best little helper he's ever seen," she announced proudly.

"I bet you are," I replied, helping her set the tray on a nearby table. "Your balance is excellent. We should sign you up for the Olympic tea-carrying team."

That broke her composure completely. Emma giggled, the sound warm and bright.

"Where's your mom?" I asked, glancing around.

The girls exchanged a conspiratorial look that immediately raised my suspicions. Emma put her finger to her lips and Lily mirrored the gesture, both looking like tiny spies on a secret mission.

"What are you two plotting?" I raised an eyebrow. "You look like you're planning to steal the crown jewels."

"We're not telling!" Lily burst into giggles. "It's a surprise!"

"A big surprise," Emma added with a knowing nod. "For dinner."

Their synchronized secrecy and barely contained excitement made me want to gather them both in a huge hug. These sisters—not connected by blood but by something deeper—had created their own little world together.

I squatted down to their level, lowering my voice dramatically. "Is it a good surprise or the kind that will make Daddy sleep on the couch?"

"A yummy surprise!" Lily clapped her hands. "With gravy!"

"Well, before we get to your gravy surprise, I should probably rescue your brother." I straightened up, taking the heavy tray from Emma. "I'll just put this in the kitchen first."

I carefully extracted my sleeping son from his car seat, trying not to wake him. No such luck. Jasper's eyes fluttered open, and he immediately started babbling happily at his own feet, showing off his newest discovery.

"Oh boy," I muttered, catching a distinct and unmistakable smell. I wrinkled my nose dramatically. "Little man, you've been saving up a special delivery for Daddy, haven't you?"

Jasper grinned, displaying his two tiny bottom teeth. His smile, so innocent and trusting, made all the day's frustrations disappear in an instant.

I sighed, reaching for the diaper bag. "Let's get you cleaned up before we see Mommy, or we'll both be banished from the castle."

After efficiently changing him—a skill I'd finally mastered after months of practice—I carried a now sweet-smelling Jasper toward our suite. I found myself gently bouncing him as we walked, humming softly, these little habits of fatherhood now as natural as breathing.

I pushed open the door to our suite. Sophia was propped up against pillows on the bed, with Lily curled beside her like a contented kitten.

"Look who's finally decided to join us," I announced, crossing the room. "Sorry we're late—His Royal Highness had a major diaper situation that required immediate diplomatic intervention."

Sophia looked up from her laptop, her amber eyes lighting up at the sight of us. Despite the exhaustion evident on her face, she was still breathtakingly beautiful. The way her entire expression brightened when she saw us made my chest tighten with emotion.

"My boys are home," she said softly, setting aside her computer and reaching for Jasper.

Those four simple words filled me with warmth. Home wasn't this place—it was her, it was us, it was this family we'd built together.

Before I could hand him over, Lily bounced up excitedly. "Mommy and Chef Michel made a secret plan! Tonight we're having roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and—"

"Lily!" Emma gasped, clapping her hand over her mouth. "It's supposed to be a surprise!"

Sophia laughed, shaking her head. "In this echoing old house, I never expected to keep any secrets." She caught my eye with a playful wink.

Her laugh was the most beautiful sound—light and genuine, without the strain I'd heard too often in recent months.

I sat on the edge of the bed, passing Jasper to her waiting arms, my fingers brushing against hers in a moment of connection that sent warmth through my chest.

"How are you feeling?" I asked quietly, studying her face.

"Better," she replied, her eyes meeting mine with a warmth that made my heart skip. "Much better now that you're all here."

Something settled inside me—a peace I hadn't felt in so long. Here, surrounded by the chaos of toys, baby things, and children's laughter, I found everything that truly mattered.

Something settled inside me—a piece falling back into place. In the midst of business complications and family legacies, these four people were my real treasure. And I'd do anything to keep this warmth, this love, this family safe.

The end.