It had been two months since Kate gave birth. Everything was perfect: Adeline was growing strong and healthy, and Bastien was still tracking down the Black Widow, but it was as if she had vanished. He had been away from home for three days, having gone on a business trip to a nearby city following her trail, and he couldn’t take Kate with him. He was supposed to return in two days, but he moved his flight forward.

Kate was in the kitchen with Ara, who was only two weeks away from having her baby. Ara was holding Addy in her arms while Kate prepared cookies to satisfy her craving. Kate had just put the tray in the oven when she heard the sound of Bastien’s sports car.

—Bastien! —she ran to the living room, and there he was, walking in.

—My love!! —Kate threw herself into his arms. Bastien caught her, and she wrapped her legs around his hips, showering him with kisses.

—I missed you so much —Kate said as Bastien laughed and kissed her back.

—I missed you too, love. I missed you so much.