Chapter 984

Hailey lost all sense of time. She felt like a small boat caught in a storm, tossed by powerful waves until one final surge dragged her under completely.
Jonah carried her to the shower and bathed her. When he finished, he helped her back into bed. Exhausted, Hailey curled beneath the covers and slowly drifted off
to sleep.
Jonah playfully pinched her cheek. “You’re not allowed to fall asleep just yet, Ms. Hailey.”
Hailey murmured sleepily, with her eyes still closed, “Don’t bother me… I’m exhausted
Jonah ran his fingers through her damp hair. “Your hair’s still wet. Let me take care of that.”
With that, he grabbed the blow dryer and started drying her hair.
His touch was gentle, careful not to disturb her. Hailey barely felt his fingers threading through her hair as the warm air slowly dried each strand.
Jonah set the dryer down when he finished and slipped into the bathroom to shower.
Upon returning, he pulled back the covers and eased into bed. Though it was his room, he hadn’t slept here since bringing Hailey home. Tonight would be the first time he’d fall asleep holding her close.
Hailey was already sound asleep when Jonah gently wrapped his arms around her.
She snuggled close like a kitten, seeking comfort in his embrace. “Jonah
She was calling his name.
A smile tugged at Jonah’s lips. “I’m right here.”
All of a sudden, she spoke again. “Declan.”
Jonah’s heart skipped a beat. So many cherished memories from their youth were lost forever. Back when he was still Declan, Hailey had been the only light in his life.
Since then, he’d never let go of her, no matter how much it hurt.
She still held onto the memory of who he once was; to her, he would always be Declan.
Jonah bent down and kissed Hailey’s forehead. “I’m here.”
No matter if he was Jonah or Declan, he was right beside her.
Reassured by his voice, Hailey finally drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Jonah held her close, his hand
sliding down to her rounded bellet
his
On this quiet night, she and their baby were safely cradleckin arms.
After everything they’d been through, this was the ending he’d always dreamed of.
In a low, tender voice, Jonah whispered, “Hey baby, it’s Daddy. I’m right here with you.”
The baby responded, giving a kick from inside Hailey’s belly. The tiny movement landed in the center of Jonah’s palm.
It wasn’t the first time he’d felt the baby move, but it still filled him with wonder.
He gently caressed Hailey’s belly with a smile and whispered, “Hey there, sweetheart. It’s Daddy. You recognize my voice, don’t you? It’s late now, so no more wriggling okay? Mommy’s fast asleep We don’t want to wake her.”
The baby seemed to understand Jonah’s words and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Jonah pulled Hailey closer, wishing he could hold onto this moment forever.
“Good night, Ms. Hailey,” he whispered.
While cradling her in his arms, Jonah closed his eyes.
Hailey woke on her own the next morning, the first light of dawn pouring through
the curtains.
She reached out groggily, expecting
Jonah
be by her side. But to her
surprise, the space was empty. He already gone
to
Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and called out, “Jonah?”
There was no reply.
“Jonah, where are you?” she called again, but only silence met her words.
Where could he have gone?