Early in the Afternoon as Soren drifted into his nap, David carried him to his room and placed him in his crib. With Soren sleeping David decided to his room to talk to Mary. As he walked into the room he found Mary at her Vanity brushing her hair up in a messy bun. David paused in the doorway, watching Mary as she absently twisted her hair, her movements slow and distracted. She looked tired, a weariness etched into her face that went beyond simple fatigue. He could see the shadows under her eyes, the distant look that seemed to cloud over her once-bright gaze. It hurt to see her this way, and he knew it wasn't something that would go away on its own.
He took a few quiet steps toward her, not wanting to startle her. "Mary," he said softly, his voice gentle.
She glanced at him through the mirror, her eyes flickering with a hint of recognition before her expression settled back into that distant stare. "Hey," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
David moved closer, resting a hand on her shoulder. "I'm worried about you," he said, keeping his tone soft and steady. "I know you've been feeling low, and I just want you to know… you're not alone in this. I'm here, and I'll help in any way I can."
Mary's hands stilled on her hairbrush, and she lowered it, her shoulders slumping. "I don't know how to explain it," she admitted, her voice thick with emotion. "I just feel… lost. Like I'm watching everything from the outside, and I can't feel anything. Even with Soren. I know I should feel happy, but I don't. I just… don't."
David's heart ached as he listened, a lump forming in his throat. He knelt down beside her, taking her hands gently in his. "It's okay to feel this way," he assured her. "Postpartum depression is real, and it's not something you can just push away. But you don't have to go through it alone. We can get help together. There are people who understand what you're going through, who know how to help."
Mary's eyes filled with tears, and she looked down, as though ashamed. "I'm supposed to be a good mom. I'm supposed to be… stronger than this."
David squeezed her hands, his gaze warm and steady. "Being a good mom doesn't mean you have to be perfect or handle everything alone. Asking for help, admitting you're struggling—that takes so much strength. And Soren needs you to be well, to feel whole. That's what makes you a good mom."
A tear slipped down Mary's cheek, and she let out a shaky breath. "I don't want Soren to think I don't love him."
David reached up, gently brushing the tear away. "Soren knows you love him. And he will see that, just like I do. But he also needs you to take care of yourself, to be healthy and happy. We'll get through this, Mary. Together."
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2 day's later:
"Come Jay, we can't keep aunt Mary waiting." Steph said as she helped him put on his shoes. "Aren't you excited to finally see baby Soren?" Jay's eyes lit up as he wriggled his foot into the shoe, a grin spreading across his face. "Yes! I can't wait! Is he really as tiny as you said, Mommy?"
Stephanie chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Yes, he's very tiny, but he's also very cute. You'll have to be gentle with him, though."
Jay nodded solemnly, as if given a great responsibility. "I'll be super careful. Promise!"
With his shoes finally on, Stephanie grabbed her bag, holding his hand as they headed out the door. As they made their way to Mary and David's house, Jay kept peppering her with questions about babies, his excitement bubbling over.
When they arrived, Stephanie rang the doorbell, and soon Mary opened the door, smiling softly. "Hi, you two," she greeted, her voice warm but still a little weary.
Jay beamed up at her. "Hi, Aunt Mary! Can I see Soren?"
Mary's smile widened as she gestured them inside. "Of course. He's napping right now, but I think he'll be up soon. Why don't you come in and get comfortable?"
They settled into the living room, Jay looking around eagerly as if expecting to see Soren any second. Stephanie caught Mary's eye, giving her a gentle smile. "How are you feeling, Mary?"
Mary hesitated but eventually nodded. "A bit better. David's been… really supportive, and I'm starting to feel like myself again, slowly. Thank you for coming over. It means a lot."
Stephanie squeezed her hand. "We're here for you, always."
Just then, they heard a soft cooing sound from down the hall. Jay's face lit up with excitement, and Mary chuckled. "Sounds like someone's awake. Come on, let's go say hello."
They followed Mary to the nursery, where baby Soren lay in his crib, wide-eyed and alert. Jay peered over the crib's edge, his face full of awe. "Wow, he's so small," he whispered.
Mary carefully picked Soren up, holding him close. "Jay, would you like to hold him? I'll help."
Jay's eyes grew even wider. "Yes, please!"
Mary knelt beside him on the couch, gently placing Soren in Jay's arms, guiding him on how to hold the baby just right. Jay held Soren carefully, his face lighting up as Soren's tiny hand reached out and wrapped around one of his fingers.
"Well enough about me, how have you been lately." She asked.
"I've been great." Steph replied.
"Mommy is going to have two babies, are they going to be small as baby Soren?" Jay suddenly blurted out.
Mary looked at Steph surprised with a smile on her face, "what is he talking about Steph." She asked. Stephanie chuckled shaking her head, "you know kids just say things out of their mouths." She said.
Mary raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh really? Because Jay seems pretty convinced about this."
Stephanie sighed, a small smile forming on her lips as she glanced at her son, who was watching her with an innocent but proud expression. "Well… actually, he's not wrong. I am pregnant. With twins, in fact."
Mary's eyes widened, and a bright smile spread across her face. "Steph, that's wonderful! Twins! Oh my gosh, congratulations!" She reached over and gave Stephanie a warm hug, pulling back with a look of pure joy. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I wanted to wait until I was further along. You know, just to be sure," Stephanie said, laughing softly. "Plus, it's a lot to wrap my head around. Jay's been over the moon since he found out, though."
Jay puffed up his chest with pride, looking from Mary to his mom. "I'm gonna be the best big brother! I'm even going to teach them about dinosaurs."
Mary chuckled, giving him a soft pat on the back. "I have no doubt you'll be an amazing big brother, Jay. They're so lucky to have you."
Jay's face lit up, his eyes wide with excitement. "I'll teach them all the cool stuff! And I'll help Mommy, too."
Stephanie gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Thank you, buddy. I know you'll be the best helper."
Mary's gaze softened as she looked at Stephanie. "It's amazing how life works, isn't it? You're bringing two more little ones into this world, and I'm just trying to keep it together with one." She smiled, "trust me it wasn't on my plan to have twins, let alone have one." Steph chuckled.
"I wanted Jay to be my first and last child, my first pregnancy wasn't the best experience you know." She added, Mary nodded understanding "you guys are no longer immature kids, I'm sure Felix won't do anything to you put you through that situation again. And if he does call me I'm going to deal with him myself."
Stephanie laughed softly, though her eyes glistened with unspoken emotion. "I don't think he will ever try something stupid like that again."
"Better not." Mary chuckled.
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"Clean this up." David instructed his man and he took of his gloves and walked out of the dark warehouse, "phone." He reached out his hand and Lee his assistant handed it to him.
David dialed James number, after the third ring he answered the call, "I advise you to stop sending people to harm my wife and son, if you don't want to end up like your man."
"Remember this your not my brother anymore, so I won't hesitate to cutt your head off."
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before James's voice came through, low and mocking. "Oh, David, you always were dramatic. Threatening your own blood—how noble of you. But don't forget, you're the one who turned your back on this family."
David's grip on the phone tightened, his jaw clenching. "You don't get to talk about family. Not after what you've done. This is your last warning, James. Stay away from them. Next time, I won't call—I'll come find you myself."
James chuckled, the sound cold and taunting. "You've changed, David. I almost don't recognize the little brother who used to follow me around like a shadow. But let me remind you of something—our world doesn't forgive weakness. And right now, your precious family is your biggest weakness."
David's eyes darkened, his voice dropping to a deadly tone. "They're my strength. And you'll learn that the hard way if you push me."
Without waiting for a response, David ended the call and handed the phone back to Lee. "Make sure James gets the message. Double security for Mary and Soren. I want updates every hour."
Lee nodded, his expression grim. "Understood, sir. And the cleanup team?"
"Make it quick," David said, slipping on his coat. "And send a clear message to anyone else who thinks about crossing me."
TBC