Hours had passed since the baby had gone home with the boys. Bastien was deeply asleep in Kate’s lap.

“Kate…” Bastien whispered in his sleep when he felt a hand on his hair. The touch sent sparks across his skin, making his heart pound hard and waking him up instantly. Bastien sat up, his eyes filled with tears. He couldn’t believe it—his heart was beating so loud he thought it would burst from his chest. His voice trembled as he whispered,

“Kate…” She looked at him with her green eyes and a weak smile. Bastien trembled.

“Kate, Kate, Kate!” he repeated and kissed her lips through his tears.

“Hi, big boy,” Kate’s voice was raspy.

“You're here, you came back to me. Kate… Kate, my God, thank you.” Bastien looked at her and caressed her face, kissing her forehead, her lips, her hands. Tears of joy wouldn’t stop falling down his cheek.

“How do you feel? Are you hungry? Does anything hurt?”

“My belly…” Kate passed her hand over it and realized her abdomen was flat. Terror filled her eyes.

“