Once in the car, Bastien accelerated, followed by Joel’s SUV. Kate smiled as she looked at the scenery. They arrived at a park near an ice cream shop; the children ran toward the swings while Kate walked hand in hand with Bastien, watching them play. They sat under a tree, the kids climbing the slide and playing hide-and-seek. Bastien leaned back against the trunk, and Kate settled in front of him, resting against his chest. Bastien’s arms lay across her abdomen, his head on her shoulder.

—The kids are happy.

—Yes, and they’ll be even happier once they get ice cream.

—That little Addy is a mischievous one, always making Lucien protect and support her.

—Bastien, Lucien reminds me so much of you. He’s very protective of Addy. If one day we’re not here, he’ll take care of her with his life.

—I still don’t like the idea, but Lucien has already shown me he’s capable of standing up even to his own father for Addy.

—He looks more like you than Lucca.

—Hahaha, that’s only because you haven’t