The Reunion After Seven Years

Just then, Jay lowered his head in frustration as he walked downstairs.

He glanced furtively at Kerr and then sank wordlessly into the seat next to Nicole. How could it be that Kerr took just a single minute to solve a problem that took him twenty?

Jay couldn't help feeling indignant about it.

The lack of conversation between Jay and Kerr stirred up weird feelings of confusion in Nicole. She dished some food onto the boy's plate.

Jay ate up in silence.

When dinner was done and the dishes cleared away, Nicole prepared a bath for Jay. Meanwhile, Kerr retreated to his study to take an international phone call.

Nicole passed a soapy sponge over the boy's back. "What's up, Jay?" she asked. "Don't you like Uncle Gu? Why did you look so sad when you came back here?"

Nicole made sure her tone was tender and careful. She knew that Jay had missed out on his father's love and care as a child. Now that Kerr was back by their side, it would surely take some time to adjust.

"I'm not sad! I'm very happy. As long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter where I am."

Jay looked up and beamed a huge smile at Nicole.

Relief flooded through her as she took in his reassuring words.

Tucking Jay into bed, she leaned over and gave him a soft kiss on his forehead. "Good night, baby," she whispered.

When Jay's eyelids grew heavy, lashes lowering towards his soft cheeks, Nicole went back to her room.

But Jay was only pretending to sleep. As soon as Nicole turned her back, his eyes flew open. He glanced at the door with a smug smile.

bedroom, Nicole pushed open the door and walked into the pitch blackness. She grasped for the light switch but instead

"What..."

familiar breathing beside her. Casting aside all her worries and tensions, she basked in the unique sensations Kerr always awoke in

hands. He'd been waiting for this moment since he first woke up. It was only when she was safe in his arms that he felt truly at

turned to the baby. She couldn't do it—it

her, he walked her over

had already thought about, and he'd asked Harley for advice. He'd found out what exactly he could do and how to be careful not to hurt her or the baby in

voice soothed Nicole. She reached for him, throwing her arms around his neck, the corners of her

and caught her curves in an

breathed, "you are

blazed with

blush deeply. She tried to push him

hand in his palm before bringing it

there was a sharp knock

the

just couldn't wait any

"Mommy..."

small voice on the other side of the door. Nicole didn't hesitate. She pushed Kerr again, more firmly this time. "It's Jay." She jumped from the bed,

and flicked the lights on. There was Jay, standing in the doorway and clutching his pillow in

"What's wrong, Jay?"

down in front of Jay. Seeing the boy frowning nervously, she

had a nightmare, Mommy. Can I sleep in here with you

expectantly before stepping

back gently, comforting the boy. "Don't be

away from him for a