Page 61 of Pastel Kisses

“Kitten…” Jaxton chokes out, his voice raw and tight as he leans in, pressing his forehead gently against mine. The moment our skin touches, something in me unwinds. My eyes flutter closed, and I breathe him in. His scent, his warmth, the familiar rhythm of his breath—it’s all here, wrapped around me like a cocoon.

“We thought we lost you,” he whispers. “We missed you so damn much. I love you. God, I’m so sorry. I should’ve—”

I hush him before he spirals, pressing two fingers gently to his lips, stopping the guilt before it can take root and grow.

“Shh,” I whisper, my voice soft but firm. “None of this is your fault. None of it isanyof your faults. I don’t want any of you carrying guilt for something that wasn’t in your control. I’m here. I’m safe.We’resafe.”

As I speak, I reach for Jaxton and Lennox, who are standing closest. Gently, I guide their large, calloused hands to the swell of my belly. The connection between us crackles to life—emotional, physical, soul-deep. Lennox gasps softly, his fingers trembling against my skin. Jaxton holds his breath, eyes wide with awe.

“And…” I add, smiling through the rawness in my throat, “we’re both healthy.”

That’s when Liam steps closer, his movements hesitant but full of longing. Kamden follows without a word, his face unreadable but eyes burning with emotion. They each press a hand to my belly, joining their brothers in the sacred moment.

Four massive, protective hands now cover the entirety of my stomach, forming a warm barrier between me and the rest of the world. And like my little bean knowsexactlywho’s touching them, they give a solid little kick—then another—like they’re dancing under their fathers’ fingertips.

All four of them freeze. And then, wonder flickers across their expressions.

“Was that…” Liam’s voice cracks as he stares at my stomach like it holds all the secrets of the universe.

“Yeah,” I whisper with a small laugh, tears pooling in my eyes. “That was your baby saying hi.”

Jaxton presses his lips together and shakes his head like he can’t believe this is real. Lennox wipes at his eyes without shame. Kamden’s jaw tics, but his hand remains steady. Liam leans in and kisses the side of my head, a silent promise wrapped in the briefest of touches.

The tension in the room—the fear, the grief, the helplessness—all breaks in that moment. Replaced by something else. Something sacred. A piece of light in the middle of the darkness we’ve all been living in for far too long.

I look at each of them, taking in the cracks in their armor, the pain etched into their features, the fierce love they wear so openly. These are my men. My soulmates. My forever.

And this little bean? This baby is the best part of all of us.

“We’re going to get through this,” I whisper, voice trembling but certain. “Together. No matter what comes next.”

Their nods are silent vows. Unbreakable.

And for the first time in months, I feel whole again.

“Sarah was a monster,” I say slowly, my voice still hoarse from everything I’ve endured, “but no one assaulted me.”

I pause for a breath, my hand resting instinctively on the curve of my belly. “This baby isours,” I continue, looking at the four men surrounding me—mymen—with so much love it aches. “I don’t know exactly who the father is… not yet. But with the timing, it’s probably Jaxton or Liam.”

My voice catches slightly as I shift my gaze toward my dad, whose face is a mix of overwhelming emotion. My cheeks flush with embarrassment, and I offer him a sheepish glance—a silent apology for having to talk about my sex life in the middle of a reunion, especially with a black eye, cracked lips, and my hospital gown hanging awkwardly off one shoulder.

“Sorry, Dad,” I mumble with a wince. “Didn’t mean to dive too deep into the logistics.”

But instead of discomfort, his deep, raspy laugh fills the room like a balm to my soul.

“Darling,” he says, shaking his head with a watery grin, “I don’t give a shit what you talk about. You could sit here and read a damn anatomy book out loud for all I care. I’m just…” His voice breaks, and he wipes at the corner of his eyes with the sleeve of his flannel. “I’m justbeside myselfthat you’re here and safe. And now…” He laughs again, more like a shocked exhale. “Now I’ve got me a grandbaby on the way.”

The room warms with the quiet hum of love and disbelief.

He glances around at the guys—Liam, Kamden, Lennox, and Jaxton—each one still hovering near my bed like they can’t bear to step more than a few feet away.

“The boys and I have gotten pretty damn close while you were missing,” Dad continues, his voice rough with pride. “And I couldn’t be prouder of the life you’re building. These men… they didn’t just stick around—theyshowed up. Every single day. For you. For me. Hell, for your plants.”

A watery laugh bubbles up from my chest, followed by soft chuckles from the guys, and I reach out to grab my dad’s hand again. This time, it’s me who clutches him like a lifeline.

“We’re gonna be okay,” I whisper, half to him, half to myself, like if I say it enough, it’ll sink into my bones and settle there for good. “We’re home now. And this little bean…” I rest my palm against my stomach again. “This baby is already so loved.”

Jaxton leans in and presses a kiss to my temple. Kamden strokes his thumb across the back of my hand. Liam and Lennox share a knowing look, that silent conversation brothers have when words fall short.

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