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.

grasped for the light switch but instead felt someone grab her outstretched

"What..."

the familiar breathing beside her. Casting aside all her worries and tensions,

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

Nicole sensed Kerr's unmistakable desire, but her thoughts turned to the baby. She couldn't do it—it

her concern. With his arms still fastened firmly around her, he walked her over to the bed. "Don't worry. I'll be

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

reached for him, throwing her arms around his neck, the corners

and caught her curves in an

breathed, "you

eyes blazed

tried to push him away. Despite the intimacy of their connection, she couldn't

before bringing

there was a sharp knock at

wildly in the direction of the sound, pushing

Kerr just couldn't

"Mommy..."

Jay's 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, yanking a bathrobe from the nearby wardrobe and wrapping

the door, she opened it and flicked the lights on. There was Jay, standing in the doorway

"What's wrong, Jay?"

of Jay. Seeing the boy frowning

had a nightmare, Mommy. Can I sleep

expectantly before stepping forward and throwing

his back gently, comforting the boy.

him for a