Mitchelâs gaze fell to her stomach, unfocused.
âHow are you then? Are the babies alright?â
It had been quite a while since they had a peaceful talk like this, where they both shared the conversation.
Raegan fought back her sadness.
âWeâre fine.
The babies are quite calm and donât kick much.
â
âKick you?â Mitchel showed interest.
âReally?â When Raegan was pregnant, he hadnât been around, so he was unaware of the babies â movements.
âYes, they can be quite naughty at times,â Raegan commented.
Just then, her belly nudged outward slightly.
Mitchel watched, fascinated.
âAre the babies kicking you?â
âYes.
â Raegan noticed Mitchelâs eyes sparkle and gently asked, âWould you like to feel them?â
Mitchelâs deep black eyes lit up noticeably.
âMay I?â
âOf course, youâre the father,â Raegan replied.
Upon hearing this, Mitchel felt an unexpected sadness rather than joy, sensing that Raegan was drifting further away from him.
Her casual mention of the children hinted that she had already decided.
âs BunnyBookery His deep, ink-black eyes shifted to a softer gray, and his hands moved instinctively to tenderly touch Raeganâs stomach.
The babies responded by firmly kicking his hand.
Mitchel was taken aback.
This was his first encounter with the miracle of lives.
It was truly incredible! Their lineage would live on in this little belly, connecting him and Raegan.
âRaegan, let me stay.
I want to be here to see our children born,â he implored softly.
âI wonât disturb you.
Please donât send me away.
â
Raegan closed her eyes, her heart heavy with pain.
She couldnât knowingly let Mitchel risk amputation, knowing he still had so much life ahead of him.
She gazed at him, saying, âMitchel, youâre the father, no doubt about that, butâ¦â
Mitchel braced for the painful words that would follow that âbut.
â
Raegan continued, âIâm married now.
I have my own life.
If you stay, it will lead to misunderstandings with my husband.
I donât want my love to get the wrong idea.
â
Raegan pulled the coat around her, seeking comfort in its warmth.
Her way of addressing Stefan had shifted from first name to âmy love.
â
It echoed how she once affectionately called Mitchel.
She conveyed that everything had shifted, and there was no returning to how things used to be.
Raegan added, âThe memories we created together seem to span a lifetime, but since itâs not suitable, parting is the right choice.
Now, I seek a simple life with Stefan.
Can you grasp that?â
Mitchelâs Lips tightened, and the sparkle in his eyes gradually faded.
Raegan understood that he grasped the meaning of her words.
He would come to terms with it eventually.
âI hope you can see my point.
â She stood, her gaze falling on the sunlight filtering through the window, and then looked down.
âWhen the celebration of our babiesâ 100th day comes, I will invite you.
Mitchel, return to the Ardlens for your treatment.
The climate there will be better for you.
â