The Bridal Chamber Unveiled
Colton bent down to pick up a bouquet that had fallen at his feet. He recalled the most beautiful memory of his first love.
He then left with Erin.
——
Meanwhile, Jack lifted Alison into his arms.
"Mommy, Daddy, we want to get in the wedding car, too!" Sophia and Ethan rushed over.
"All right." Jack smiled. "Hurry up."
Sophia dashed onto the car. Her little arms wrapped around Mommy's neck.
"Mommy, when I grow up, I also want to wear a wedding dress this beautiful!"
Jack kissed Alison on the cheek and whispered, "You look stunning today, honey. Tonight, we're going to..."
He held back.
"Daddy, what are you and Mommy planning to do tonight?" Ethan asked.
"Don't pry into grown-up matters," Jack said.
Ethan blinked innocently and asked, "Daddy, are you and Mommy going to share a room tonight?"
"Ethan, don't say such things," Alison chimed in hurriedly.
Jack smiled and pulled her close.
The car finally pulled up to their new home.
Jack cheered and immediately scooped Alison up, rushing toward their room.
He held her close and ran his fingers through her long hair.
"I love you, Alison."
"I love you, too." Alison murmured, then kissed him softly.
He pulled off her gown and rained down passionate kisses.
"Ah, Jack, please spare me," she gasped softly.
"No way. I'll make you happy." His hand held hers.
The kisses grew fiercer and her breaths grew heavier.
They intertwined gently, each moment filled with exquisite passion.
"I love you," she whispered.
Late into the night, the two lay in bed.
"Jack, why has your face returned to normal, yet your voice remains Gabriel's?" she whispered, lifting her face.
"You finally asked. I thought you had forgotten all about it." He smiled and pinched her nose.
"Hurry up and tell me!" she urged.
"That was Officer Clark's magic. Unfortunately, he's gone now, and that skill has been lost." Jack sighed.
“Then what about your voice? Why hasn't that returned?” she pressed.
“What? Don't you like my voice now?” He feigned offense.
“Of course not! I'm just curious. How did you change your voice?”
"Well, I had a minor procedure on my throat. It can't be reversed. Sweetheart, you wouldn't leave me over this, would you?" he asked.
"Well, I did consider it," she replied earnestly.
"Alison, don't even think about it..." he declared, pinning her beneath him once more as kisses rained down.
...
Half a year later, a beautiful summer night arrived.
On a street where neon lights quietly came to life, Alison cradled their one-month-old daughter. Jack was by her side with Ethan and Sophia behind.
"Mommy, why are we here?” Ethan asked curiously. “Are we going to visit someone?”
“No, we're going to our home.”
"Our home?" Ethan looked puzzled.
"Yes, it's our home," Alison said with a smile.
At the door, she bent down in front of the cactus plant. She picked up the keys tucked beneath the pot and unlocked the door.
Stepping inside, she saw that everything remained unchanged, exactly as it had been before.
Jack set down the groceries, rolled up his sleeves, and prepared to cook dinner.
Ethan wrinkled his nose and asked, "Daddy, are you cooking tonight?"
“Yes.”
"Will it be good?" He propped his chin on his hands and eyed Jack skeptically.
"Don't worry. Your mom will guide me." Jack looked at him, his eyes brimming with affection.
With Alison's help, he succeeded in setting a table laden with a sumptuous feast.
"Wow, Daddy's amazing!" Sophia exclaimed.
Jack walked over to the wall and turned off all the lights in the room.
In the darkness, he lit the prepared candles.
Their flickering glow illuminated the happy faces gathered around the table.
Jack picked up a clear wine glass, poured red wine gently, and clinked glasses with Alison.
"Alison," he said softly. "Thank you for giving me these three precious treasures."
...
On a midsummer night, the air hung heavy.
Alison hummed a lullaby to soothe Lyla, who was refused to close her eyes.
She kept gazing out the window, waiting for Jack's return.
A hint of anxiety stirred within her.
Just then, the phone on the table rang.
Alison assumed it was Jack and hurriedly answered.
"Jack, when will you back?" she asked.
"Alison, it's me." Aidan's voice echoed from the other end.
"Aidan, what's wrong?" she asked. "Where's Lucia?"
"Lucia's about to give birth, Alison. Could you...?” he held back.
She glanced out the window, hesitating.
"Okay, I'll bring Lyla over right away. Is it the same hospital where I gave birth?" she asked.
"Yes, we're already on our way. Alison, hurry. Lucia looks like she's in a lot of pain.” Aidan's voice carried urgency.
“Okay, I'm coming right now,” she said as she prepared to leave.
"Alison, what about Jack?" he asked with concern. "Have him drive you there."
She sighed softly.
"Don't worry. I'll get to the hospital safely. See you soon," she said before hunging up.
She then slung the diaper bag over her shoulder, clutched Lyla tightly to her chest, and hurried out of the room.
She ten dashed downstairs and knocked on the nanny's door.
The nanny rubbed her eyes as she opened the door, looking sleepy.
"What is it, ma'am?"