Chapter 243

Chapter 243

Lily's POV

Three days after receiving Jake's message, I stood by Eleanor's crib, watching her sleep peacefully. Her tiny chest rose and fell, completely unaware that today would be our last day together as a family. I reached down and gently lifted her into my arms, her warmth against my chest sending a wave of emotion through me.

"Good morning, my sweet girl," I whispered, pressing my lips to her forehead.

These past few days had been filled with quiet moments with loved ones. I'd spent time with my brothers, visited Richard, and even had a surprisingly pleasant conversation with Elizabeth. But today—my final day—I wanted to be with Nathan and Eleanor, to create memories I could hold onto forever.

I'd also said goodbye to my friends, though they didn't know it. I couldn't tell them what was happening, couldn't express my fears.

I smiled sadly at Eleanor. If only it were that simple. I'd rather sacrifice myself than watch anyone else risk their lives for me. That's why I'd made this deal with Jake—to protect everyone I loved.

I carried Eleanor downstairs, her sleepy head resting on my shoulder. In the kitchen, Nathan stood at the stove, his back to me. The smell of pancakes filled the air.

Eleanor perked up, spotting her father.

Nathan turned, his face lighting up when he saw us. "Hey, you're up! I made you something!"

I couldn't help but marvel at how far we'd come. When we first met, I never would have imagined Nathan Sullivan cooking breakfast for me. Now it felt natural, as if we'd been doing this dance for years instead of months.

"Here, let me take her," he offered, reaching for Eleanor.

I shook my head, tightening my hold. "No, I just want to hold her a little longer."

Something in my voice must have caught his attention because he paused, studying my face before taking my hand in his. The simple touch reminded me of all we'd shared—the fights, the reconciliations, the moments of unexpected tenderness. I laughed softly at the memories.

"What's so funny?" he asked, his thumb tracing circles on my palm.

"Nothing," I replied, setting Eleanor in her high chair. "Do you remember when you asked me why I was apologizing?"

"Yeah." He nodded, his expression sobering. "I shouldn't have pushed you like that."

I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble because, believe it or not—I started all of this." I met his eyes directly. "All of this began with me. I ruined your family."

The truth I couldn't tell him was more complicated. I had forced Nathan to fall in love with me, knowing his brothers would use me to hurt him. In my mind, this was how I could protect the Sullivans—by removing myself from the equation.

"That's not true," he countered firmly. "You are my family." His brow furrowed. "Why are you bringing this up now?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but he interrupted me.

"This will all be over next week, and then we can focus on you, me—and Eleanor. Okay?"

"Okay," I agreed, guilt churning in my stomach. I knew things wouldn't end the way he expected. I had my own plan, and by this time tomorrow, I would be gone.

"Can I ask you something?" I said after a moment.

"Anything."

"I want you to put Eleanor first, no matter what—you have to put her first."

He looked confused. "Don't I already do that?"

I smiled and nodded, acknowledging that he did. I truly enjoyed these moments with just the three of us. "I know I don't look very excited, but I'm having fun."

"That's good to hear," he said, his smile returning. "How was it, staying with your family?"

"Blake is suddenly interested in the family business," I complained, shifting to safer topics. "And Brandon is dating someone new."

Nathan stared at me strangely.

"What?" I asked self-consciously.

"Nothing, I'm listening and enjoying the view."

I struck a pose, making him laugh. I would miss the way he looked at me, like I was the only woman in the world.

"Do you remember our first unofficial date?" I asked suddenly.

He smirked. "The night we conceived Eleanor?"

"No, not that day!" I laughed. "It was a few weeks after I started living here... we weren't getting along, and I made you spend more time with me—so you did." I smiled at the memory. "We watched movies all night, and you knew every Disney princess, every line?"

"Because of my sisters!" he defended himself.

"We were so awkward then." I paused, gathering my courage. "I was wondering if we could do that again... with Eleanor?"

"Whatever you want." He shrugged, his eyes soft. "I'll watch those boring movies with you or whatever."

That night, we did exactly that. We watched movies until Eleanor fell asleep in her crib, exhausted from all the excitement. I felt sorry for what I was about to do, but I'd written letters for both Nathan and Eleanor, explaining everything.

I returned to our bedroom with a small box containing the pregnancy test, my heart racing.

"Is she still asleep?" Nathan asked as I entered.

I nodded, clutching the box tightly. "I brought you a gift."

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You did?"

I held out the box, then playfully pulled it back when he reached for it. Nathan rose from the bed and wrapped his arms around me from behind, plucking the box from my hands.

When he opened it, his expression turned confused. "Oh, wow... you... have a fever?"

"God, you're so dense," I said, rolling my eyes.

"I'm dense? What does this mean?" he whispered, and I watched his face transform as realization dawned.

"Nathan... say something," I prompted, suddenly worried as I remembered my first pregnancy.

"Is this real?" he asked, his voice trembling as tears filled my eyes.

He pulled me into a tight embrace. "Those better be happy tears!"

"I don't know, it depends on how you feel about it," I admitted.

Nathan laughed, lifting me off the ground and spinning me around. "How long have you known?" he asked when he set me down.

"A few weeks," I confessed.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I didn't want to worry you, and Tyler was with me."

"Tyler knows?" Nathan laughed again, hugging me once more.

I felt another stab of guilt. In just a few hours, I would take this joy away from him.

"Have you seen a doctor? We should go right away—"

"Nathan!" I interrupted. "You're making me nervous. We'll go tomorrow."

Lies. I won't even be here tomorrow.

"Of course," he agreed. "First thing in the morning, deal?"

I forced myself not to let my lips tremble. "Deal."

"Do you need anything?" he asked tenderly.

Yes, I need you to move on with your life—I need you to find happiness, I need you to be safe.

"I just need you," I said aloud, memorizing his face one last time.