A slow smile spread across Meredith’s face. “Wow. That’s big, Nat. Really big.”
I let out a shaky laugh. “Terrifying, too.”
She leaned closer, her expression softening. “Terrifying usually means it’s worth it.”
CHAPTER 35
L-O-V-E
NATALIE
The house was unusually quiet when I woke up the next morning. The soft light streaming through the windows gave everything a calm glow, a stark contrast to the chaos of the past few days. I went to check on Bebe who was still asleep, her tiny fist curled under her chin. Her cheeks had regained some color, and the deep furrow of discomfort that had settled on her face during the worst of it was finally gone.
I lingered for a moment, watching her breathe peacefully, then followed the scent of fresh coffee into the kitchen. Meredith was already awake, her hair pulled into a messy bun as she poured two steaming mugs.
“Morning,” she said, sliding one toward me. “How’s Bebe?”
“Still asleep,” I said, wrapping my hands around the mug. “But she looks so much better.”
Meredith nodded. How about you? How are you holding up?”
“I’m okay. Just… tired, I guess.”
Meredith leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. “Well, then you’ll be thrilled to know I changed my flight to Saturday. Figured you could use some extra hands.”
“Aww, Mer,” I said, my chest tightening with gratitude. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Of course, I did,” she said. “You’re going to need someone to keep you sane. I’ve got some photo edits to finish, but I don’t have any shoots until next Monday. I can handle it here.”
I smiled, overwhelmed by how lucky I was to have her. “Seriously, you’re the best.”
“Obviously,” she said with a wink.
A faint rustling sound came from upstairs. “I’m going to check on Bebe,” I said, setting my coffee down.
Bebe stirred as I entered her room, her eyelids fluttering open slowly. She blinked up at me, her lips curving into a groggy smile.
“Hi, Baby. How are you?” I asked, kneeling beside her.
“Hi, Mommy,” she said in a scratchy voice, rubbing her eyes.
“Are you hungry?”
“Kind of,” she mumbled, still waking up.
“Okay. How about some oatmeal? Soft foods for a bit, okay?”
She nodded sleepily.
“Do you want me to put “Bluey’ on while you wait?”
“Yes, please, Mommy,” she said, her voice perking up slightly.
“Let’s have you brush your teeth and use the bathroom, and I will help you downstairs.”
“Okay Mommy.”
Meredith was already rummaging through the kitchen cabinets. “Jasper texted me earlier. He’s dropping off some bone broth, soups, and meals for us.”
