98| A Miracle

Ethan didn't even process Lily's words properly.

As soon as he heard Sophie was awake, his legs carried him down the hall before his mind could catch up.

He barely registered the nurses scolding him for running or the concerned glances from passersby.

All he knew—

He had to see her. Now.

When he reached her room, he hesitated.

Just for a second.

His hand hovered over the door handle, his breath unsteady—

As though the miracle might disappear the moment he stepped inside.

But then, he shoved the thought away and pushed the door open.

And there she was.

Sophie.

Awake.

Her mother stood by her bedside, clutching her hand.

Mia hovered nearby.

A nurse was adjusting her IV, and a doctor was scribbling notes onto a clipboard.

But Ethan only had eyes for her.

The moment she noticed him, her pale face lit up weakly.

"Ethan..."

Her voice was soft. Fragile.

But it was enough to shatter him completely.

A sob tore through his chest as he strode forward, his vision already blurring.

He reached for her.

Held her.

Felt her warmth.

Felt her breathing.

She was here. She was alive.

"You're here," he breathed, his voice shaking. "You're awake."

Tears spilled from his eyes as he dropped to his knees by her bedside, pulling her into a gentle hug.

His face pressed into her shoulder as he sobbed, unable to stop the overwhelming relief that surged through him.

Sophie, still weak, still confused, tried to soothe him.

Her fingers barely moved, but she whispered softly.

"It's okay."

She didn't even know what had happened.

But she was still trying to comfort him.

Her mother, Mia, the doctor, and the nurse exchanged knowing looks.

Silently, they slipped out of the room, leaving them alone.

After what felt like forever, Ethan finally pulled back.

His hands framed Sophie's face as he looked into her tired but beautiful green eyes.

"You scared me," he whispered, his voice raw. "Please... don't ever scare me like that again."

Sophie frowned, confusion flickering across her face.

"What happened?" she asked. "Why do you look so sad? Ethan... have you even been sleeping? My mom, Mia, and Lily look exhausted too..."

Ethan let out a shaky breath.

His fingers brushed through her hair, his touch so achingly tender it made her chest tighten.

"They'll be fine, Sophie," he murmured. "We'll all be fine now that you're here."

Her confusion deepened, but before she could press further, he spoke again.

"I thought I'd lost you."

His voice cracked, raw and unfiltered.

"I thought I'd never get the chance to tell you how much I love you."

Sophie blinked.

Her lips parted slightly, but no words came.

Because Ethan—Ethan had never said those words before.

Not like this.

Not so openly, so vulnerably.

"I love you, Sophie."

The words trembled from his lips, heavy with everything he'd been holding back.

"More than anything in the world."

His fingers tightened around hers, like he was terrified she might slip away again.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. But I've always loved you. With all my heart. With every part of me—"

His breath hitched.

"I love you."

Tears welled in Sophie's eyes.

The intensity of his emotions, the weight of his love, left her breathless.

She swallowed hard, her own voice trembling as she whispered—

"I love you too, Ethan."

Her fingers curled weakly around his.

"I always have."

His face crumpled with relief, a small, broken laugh escaping through his tears.

Ethan leaned down, pressing a long, lingering kiss to her forehead.

"I promise I'll tell you every day, every hour, for the rest of our lives—until you're sick of hearing it."

Sophie let out a weak but playful smile.

"Then I promise to never get sick of it."

Ethan's expression softened, but then his fingers tightened around hers, his voice dropping lower.

"Promise me, Sophie."

His gaze was intense, his words raw.

"Promise me you'll never leave me again. It hurts without you. My life is empty without you. I don't ever want to live without you."

Sophie's heart twisted at the desperation in his voice.

She squeezed his hand, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I promise."

Her lips trembled, her eyes locking with his.

"I really do."

Before Ethan could say anything else, the sound of hurried footsteps and a loud voice burst into the room.

"SOPHIE!"

Lily.

Tears streamed down her face as she rushed in, practically throwing herself onto the bed.

"You scared the hell out of us!" she wailed, clutching her sister tightly.

Mia followed right behind her, her eyes red but full of relief.

Evelyn and Martha entered more quietly, but the joy on their faces was unmistakable.

"Lily, let her breathe," Mia muttered, though her own voice wobbled with emotion.

She bent down, wrapping her arms around Sophie as well.

"I told you to take a break. But no, you decide to take a three-week nap instead."

Sophie let out a small, tired laugh.

"Three weeks? I've been asleep for three weeks?"

They all nodded.

Her face softened, guilt flickering in her expression.

"No wonder you all look so exhausted..."

She swallowed hard. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize, sweetheart," Martha said, blinking back tears. "Just focus on getting better."

Mia suddenly wiped her tears and grinned.

"Well, I guess it's time for the big surprise."

Sophie tilted her head, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Mia glanced at Ethan again, waiting. When he remained frozen, still holding Sophie's hand as if afraid she'd disappear, she blurted out, "You're pregnant!"

Sophie's entire body froze.

"I'm what?"

Her voice came out breathless, like she wasn't sure she'd heard correctly.

Evelyn stepped closer, placing a hand on Sophie's shoulder, her expression gentle and warm.

"You're going to have a baby, sweetheart."

Silence stretched for a beat—

Then Sophie let out a shaky breath.

"I can't believe you all found out I was pregnant before I did," she mumbled, pouting slightly.

But then—her gaze softened.

Her voice cracked. "A baby..."

Sophie's lips parted slightly as the words settled in. A family—her own little family with Ethan. It was everything she had ever wanted, everything she never thought she'd have.

Ethan finally moved, taking her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing over her cheeks.

His gaze was soft, full of awe.

"We're having a baby," he murmured, like the words hadn't fully settled yet.

Sophie teared up, looking up at him with a smile that radiated pure joy.

"We're having a baby," she repeated, her voice trembling with emotion.

The moment could have lasted forever—

But then—

"I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!"

Lily's shout shattered the quiet, her arms flailing excitedly.

"Lily, not now!" Mia groaned, rolling her eyes.

"What do you mean, 'not now'?" Lily demanded, throwing her hands up. "This is HUGE! I'm going to be an AUNT!"

Despite everything, Sophie laughed.

A real, warm, alive laugh.

And for the first time in weeks—

The room felt whole again.

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