Chapter 254: Her Baby (Part 2)
“Aidan, don’t blame yourself. It could’ve cost her life — and the baby she was carrying…” Jack’s voice cracked mid-sentence.
“She’ll pull through,” Aidan said quietly, resting a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Jack, there’ll be other children. What matters is that Alison survives.”
After that honest exchange, the long-standing rift between them finally eased. Aidan no longer hated Jack — he understood now that Alison had never been his to keep. Still, tears blurred his vision as he wheeled himself out of the room.
Left alone with Alison, Jack kept hearing Aidan’s words in his head. He finally rose, resolved to give the doctor his answer.
His decision was firm — but his heart shook all the same.
Later that night, exhaustion claimed him. He drifted into a shallow sleep beside her bed, his hand still wrapped around hers.
Then he stirred — jolted awake by Alison’s faint whisper. “Emily… Emily…”
“Alison?” He touched her arm gently. “Did you have a bad dream?”
Her lashes fluttered. Though the curtains dimmed the morning light, even that soft glow made her wince.
Jack’s heart leapt. “You’re awake.”
“The baby…” she murmured, her hand drifting instinctively to her belly. Feeling the gentle swell, she exhaled in relief.
She turned to him, eyes bright. “Jack… we’re expecting again.”
Jack’s breath caught. “Oh,” he murmured, forcing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Jack, are you… not happy?” she asked softly.
He caught her hand and pressed it to his cheek.
“Of course I’m happy,” he whispered. “This is our child. Take care of yourself, all right? Maybe she’ll be another little Sophia.”
She laughed weakly. “Jack, I can’t choose that.”
“Doesn’t matter,” he said softly. “As long as it’s ours, my kitten.” He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You still smell like spring.”
Color crept into her cheeks. “How did you even know I was here?”
“I couldn’t wait,” he said simply. “So I came looking for you.”
“Jack…” She hesitated. “I saw someone on my way to the apartment.”
“Who?” he asked warily.
“Emily,” she said at last. “I saw her — last night, on the street.” Her eyes searched his face for a reaction.
Jack’s face tightened. “You must’ve mistaken someone else for her.”
“No, I’m sure of it,” Alison insisted. “She wore a spaghetti-strap dress… she looked exactly like me. But—”
“But what?” Jack asked quietly.
“By the time I got out to chase her, she was gone. I ran so fast I tripped and fell… but the baby’s fine.” Her voice softened. “Aidan found me. I tried calling you, but you didn’t answer.”
Jack squeezed her hand, guilt pressing down on his chest. “When you’re stronger, I’ll bring you home. Sophia and Ethan are waiting. Forget about Emily.”
“I can’t yet,” she said softly. “Aidan still needs someone to look after him.”
“His memory came back — right after he saved you,” Jack explained. “He came by last night. Said he’d let go… and that he accepts us.”
“Maybe I should’ve stayed away sooner,” she murmured under her breath.
“Silly girl,” Jack said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Don’t think like that. Just rest — I’ll have breakfast sent over.”
She lay back, smiling faintly, comforted by his voice.
The day slipped by quietly, peaceful for the first time in weeks.
But by evening, after a full day of IV fluids, discomfort crept in. “Jack… I need to use the restroom.”
“I’ll go with you,” he said, rising immediately.
The doctor’s warning echoed in his mind — she might experience pain tonight; it could lead to miscarriage. The thought made his stomach twist.