Page 107 of Rampage

A throat clears from the doorway, and we turn to find Eleanor watching us. "I hope I'm not interrupting," Eleanor says with a warm smile. "But there's quite a crowd gathering outside. They're getting eager for the grand-opening ribbon cutting."

"Actually," Reid says, his eyes never leaving mine, "your timing is perfect. We have something to share."

Before Eleanor can respond, Grace bursts through the kitchen door, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

"There you two are! Everyone's looking for you," she exclaims, then pauses, taking in our emotional expressions. "Is everything all right?"

Reid reaches for my hand, squeezing it gently. "Mom, we have some news."

I step closer to him, drawing strength from his solid presence. "We're having a baby," I announce, my voice steady despite the emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

Grace freezes, her eyes widening as she processes my words. For a heartbeat, the kitchen is utterly silent. Then a sound escapes her—part gasp, part sob—as she presses her hands to her mouth.

"A baby?" she says, tears already welling in her eyes. "I'm going to be a grandmother?"

Reid nods, his arm tightening around my waist. "We just found out."

Grace lets out a joyful cry and rushes forward, enveloping both of us in a fierce embrace. "Oh, my darlings! This is the most wonderful news!" She pulls back, her hands gently cradling my face. "You're going to be an incredible mother, Lily. And, Reid—" She turns to her son, her expression so happy, you can almost feel it beaming off her. "—you were born for this."

The kitchen door swings open again as Mason pokes his head in. "Hey, what's the holdup? We've got hungry people—" He stops mid-sentence, taking in the tearful scene. "Whoa, what did I miss?"

"We're pregnant," Reid announces, his voice steady but filled with unmistakable pride.

Mason's jaw drops comically. "Holy shit! Really?" A broad grin splits his face as he bounds into the kitchen, clapping Reid on the shoulder. "That's incredible, man. Congratulations!"

He turns to me, his expression softening as he leans down to kiss my cheek. "You're going to make one hell of a mom, Lily."

Before I can thank him, Mason spins on his heel and dashes toward the door. "I've got to tell everyone!" he shouts over his shoulder.

"Mason, wait—" I call after him, but he's already gone, his excited voice carrying through the bakery as he announces the news to the gathered crowd.

A chorus of cheers erupts from the main room, followed by the thunder of approaching footsteps. I look up at Reid, laughing through my tears. "So much for telling people ourselves."

He chuckles, pulling me closer. "That's family for you."

And as our friends and family surge into the kitchen, surrounding us with love and excitement, I'm overwhelmed by the journey that brought me here. From a terrified girl fleeing an abusive home to a woman with her own business, a loving husband, and a baby on the way.

Eleanor makes her way through the crowd, tears shimmering in her eyes as she reaches for my hands. "A grandchild," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. "Oh, Lily."

The word "grandchild" hangs between us, weighted with meaning. Though not my biological mother, Eleanor has become the maternal figure I'd always longed for. Her acceptance of this role in my baby's life feels like healing an ancient wound.

"You'll be an amazing grandmother," I tell her, squeezing her elegant hands.

For once, Eleanor's composure cracks completely. She pulls me into a fierce embrace, her tears dampening my hair. "Thank you," she whispers. "For allowing me to be part of your family."

The celebration spills out into the main bakery area, where Lane raises a coffee mug in toast. "To Lily and Reid," he calls, his deep voice carrying over the chatter. "And to the newest member of our family!"

"To family!" the crowd echoes, raising their cups.

Reid's arms wrap around me from behind, his hands splayed protectively over my stomach. In his eyes, I see everything I never thought I'd have—love, security, a future bright with promise.

"It's time," he murmurs, nodding toward the front door where customers have begun to gather, peering curiously through the glass.

With my family surrounding me, I approach the ribbon stretched across the bakery entrance. Reid hands me the scissors, his fingers lingering against mine in a silent message of support.

"Sweet Beginnings isn't just the name of this bakery," I say, addressing the assembled crowd. "It's the story of my life here. The sweet beginning I found when I thought all hope was lost." I look at Reid, at Eleanor, at the MC members who have become my protectors and friends. "Thank you for giving me a place to belong."

With steady hands, I cut the ribbon. As it falls away, sunlight streams through the open door, illuminating the path before me—a path no longer shadowed by fear or doubt, but bright with possibility.

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