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Chapter 62

Lily

The sterile smell of the hospital room felt oppressive as Lily sat on the bed, her hands trembling slightly in her lap. Her face was pale, and her wide eyes darted nervously to the tray of medical supplies Carmen had just set on the small table beside her.

"It'll just be a quick blood draw, mija," Carmen said gently, her tone calm and professional. She pulled on a pair of gloves, her movements precise. "I promise it won't take long."

Lily swallowed hard, her breath hitching as her gaze lingered on the needle. Her shoulders tensed, and she pressed her lips together.

"I don't like needles," she admitted.

"I don't think anyone does," Gabriel, standing beside her, chuckled.

"It'll be quick," Carmen smiled.

Lily nodded, but Gabriel noticed the way her hands gripped the edge of the bed, her knuckles turning white. Without saying anything, he leaned closer.

Lily glanced at him, her nervousness plain on her face. Holding her gaze, Gabriel extended his hand toward her, his expression steady and reassuring. Lily reached for his hand Without hesitation, gripping it tightly as though it were a lifeline. Her fingers trembled, but Gabriel's hand was warm and steady.

"Ready?" Carmen stepped forward.

As she approached with the needle, Lily's breathing grew quicker, and her grip on Gabriel's hand tightened. Her nerves overwhelmed her, and she instinctively shifted closer to him, burying her face against his chest. Gabriel adjusted without hesitation, wrapping his free arm around her shoulders and holding her securely.

"I can't watch," she said, her voice muffled against the fabric of his shirt.

Carmen worked quickly, finding a vein and inserting the needle with practiced ease. Lily flinched at the sharp pinch, her small whimper muffled against Gabriel's chest. His hand shifted to rub soothing circles on her back, the motion slow and deliberate as Lily's nails pressed lightly into his skin.

"All done," Carmen announced after a few moments, removing the needle and pressing a piece of gauze against the spot. "You did great, baby. I'll be right back with some water for you."

Lily exhaled shakily, finally lifting her head from Gabriel's chest as Car,en tossed the gloves in the trash and hurried out of the room.

"Shit, this hurts," Lily mumbled as she looked at the IV in her arm. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but a small wave of relief washed over her face as she realized the blood test was over.

"A second longer and you would've clawed off my skin," Gabriel said, giving her a faint smile and teasing lightly.

Lily pulled back, her eyes narrowing slightly in mock indignation, but when she tried to let go of his hand, Gabriel's grip remained firm. She looked up at him, startled. Her gaze landed on his as he reached out with his free hand and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face.

"I called your brother," Gabriel said quietly, his voice low and even. "Mason, right? Alexa said he's in Cali."

Lily nodded slowly. "Yeah...thanks."

Gabriel grabbed a nearby stool and pulled it closer to the bed, lowering himself into the seat without releasing her hand. His thumb absently brushed over her knuckles, a quiet gesture of comfort and reassurance. The room was calm now, but the tension from earlier lingered in the air.

Settling beside her, Gabriel finally broke the silence. "Have you had seizures before?" he asked gently, his voice low, careful not to press too hard.

Lily hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting to their joined hands before looking up at him. She nodded slowly.

"Yeah... I have a medical condition," she admitted softly, her voice tinged with fatigue. "Complications during my mom's labor. I've been having seizures since I was born."

Gabriel's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't say anything, allowing her to continue at her own pace.

"It was worse when I was younger," Lily explained, glancing down. "But my medications keep it under control now." She paused. "I haven't had a seizure since I was eleven... until today."

Gabriel tilted his head, studying her closely. "What happened?" he asked, his voice calm but curious.

Lily bit her lip, her shoulders slumping slightly.

"Finals happened," she said. "I got so busy studying that I missed a few doses of my meds. I didn't think..." Her voice faltered, and she took a shaky breath. "I didn't think it would happen again or this quickly."

Gabriel's jaw tightened for a moment, his expression unreadable. But instead of responding with words, he gave her hand a firm squeeze, his grip steady and grounding.

"I've got it under control most of the time," Lily added quickly, as if trying to reassure herself more than him. "This was just... a fluke. I wasn't being careful."

Gabriel nodded slowly, his gaze unwavering as he held her eyes. After a few seconds, Lily's eyes flicked down to their joined hands.

"You can let go now, you know," she murmured, her voice soft but pointed.

Gabriel's lips twitched into a playful smirk, leaning back slightly on the stool but keeping his hand firmly in hers.

"What if I don't?" he challenged.

Lily gave a small tug on her hand, her fingers trying to slip from Gabriel's grip.

"Seriously?" she asked, her tone somewhere between exasperation and amusement. "Let go."

Gabriel didn't budge. Instead, his fingers tightened just slightly around hers, his expression calm but with a flicker of playful defiance in his eyes.

"Not happening," he replied simply, leaning back in the stool as though settling in for a long stay.

Lily huffed, rolling her eyes as she gave another, firmer tug. This time, Gabriel's hold didn't even falter. If anything, his grip felt even more resolute.

"Gabriel," Lily groaned. "Let go, or else."

Gabriel arched an eyebrow, clearly amused by her attempt at defiance. "Or else? What are you going to do in your current state, angel?" he asked, his voice laced with mock seriousness.

Lily huffed, her free hand moving to swat at his arm, but the effort was weak, and Gabriel barely flinched.

"I mean it. Let go," she insisted, though her tone lacked the conviction to make it threatening.

"Mm-hmm," he said nonchalantly, his smirk growing as he settled more comfortably into his seat, still holding her hand. "You'll have to try harder than that."

"I see you're back to your annoying self," Lily frowned. "For a second, I thought you found a heart Tinman."

"No," Gabriel sighed, leaning forward with a small smile. "I'm afraid you still have it."

"Gabriel!" Lily clicked her tongue. "Let go!"

"Not until I'm sure you're okay," he countered, his tone maddeningly casual.

"I am okay!" Lily shot back, glaring at him. She gave her hand another sharp tug, but Gabriel still held on.

He tilted his head, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're really bad at convincing me," he said, his lips twitching into a smirk.

"You're hurting me."

At her words, Gabriel's smirk vanished instantly, his expression shifting to one of seriousness and concern. His grip loosened, and he released her hand at once as if it had burned him.

"Are you okay?" he asked, sitting up straighter, his eyes scanning her face with worry. "Did I hurt you?"

Lily blinked at him, her lips parting in surprise at the sudden change in his demeanor. "I'm fine," she admitted softly. "I only said it so you'd let go."

Gabriel froze, his brows knitting together as he processed her words. For a moment, he just stared at her, his mouth opening slightly as though he might say something but then shutting again. He sighed, leaning back in his chair and running a hand through his hair.

"Not funny," he muttered, though his voice was more relieved than angry.

Lily smiled, her fingers brushing over the hand he'd let go of, testing for any lingering ache.

"You weren't giving me a choice," she countered, her voice light but her gaze steady.

Gabriel huffed, his jaw tightening before he shook his head and looked at her. "You could've just said please."

Lily raised an eyebrow, "You weren't exactly in a listening mood," she pointed out.

He didn't argue, his gaze flickering to her hand as if still unsure. Slowly, he reached for it again but stopped short, his hand hovering in the air.

"Does it really hurt?" he asked quietly, his tone genuine.

Lily shook her head. "No. I'm fine."

Gabriel let his hand drop, though his eyes lingered on hers, searching for any sign of discomfort.

"You're exhausting," he finally said, the corner of his mouth twitching upward, though the worry in his eyes remained.

"Good thing you don't have to deal with me anymore," Lily quipped, her gaze suddenly locked on the figure passing by the window of her room. Gabriel looked over his shoulder as the doors opened.

"Lily," Jake sighed with relief as his eyes landed on her sitting on the bed. "Fuckin hell. What happened?"

Gabriel straightened in his chair as Jake rushed into the room, his presence shifting the atmosphere instantly. Lily's awkward gaze darted to him for a fleeting moment before she was enveloped in Jake's arms.

"I've been losing my mind. Are you okay?" His arms tightened protectively around her, and she could feel the frantic beat of his heart as he pressed his cheek to the top of her head.

"I'm fine," Lily said softly, her voice muffled against Jake's chest. She gently patted his back, hoping to reassure him. "It was just... a seizure. I'm okay now."

Jake pulled back slightly, his hands cupping her face as his eyes roamed over her, checking for any signs of distress or lingering pain. His thumb brushed her cheek gently. "Why didn't you call me as soon as you started to feel something was wrong? I would've dropped everything to be here."

"I didn't have time," Lily explained. "It happened so fast."

Jake exhaled sharply, his worry etched into every line of his face. "I shouldn't have canceled on our plans today," he admitted, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. His movements were tender, almost reverent. "I'm so sorry."

The moment stretched on, and Lily became acutely aware of Gabriel still sitting silently nearby, watching the interaction with an unreadable expression. The awkwardness settled heavily over her as Jake's attention remained solely on her, his concern palpable.

Jake turned to Gabriel briefly, his tone polite. " Gabriel, right? Thanks for helping her, man."

"Yeah, of course," Gabriel said, his dark eyes flicking toward Lily, his expression unreadable. He nodded once, his lips pressing into a thin line.

"And thanks for calling me," Jake added.

"No problem," Gabriel said simply, his tone flat.

"You called Jake?" Lily asked, slightly surprised by his action.

"Yeah," Jake answered. "When you were in the ambulance. Mason called me right after. He's on the way with Wendy. They are close."

Gabriel shifted in his seat, his gaze flickering briefly to Jake before settling on Lily. "I figured you would want him here," he said simply, his tone neutral, though his jaw tightened slightly.

Jake nodded, his expression softening. "I appreciate it. I'm just happy to be now and take care of her," he said, his meaning clear.

For a moment, Gabriel hesitated, his fingers gripping the armrest of the chair as if debating whether to stay or go. His eyes met Lily's and he held her gaze for a few long seconds. Then he stood, his movements measured, and stepped toward the door.

Just as Gabriel reached for the handle, the door swung open, and Mason entered the room, his face flushed with worry. His gaze darted around until it landed on Lily, and relief washed over him.

"Lily!" he exclaimed, striding toward her. Mason briefly glanced at Jake before turning to Gabriel.

"Man, I don't even know what to say," he began, his voice full of gratitude. "Gabriel, right? Hi, nice to meet you."

Gabriel nodded, "Yeah. Hi."

"Thank you for being there for her," Mason held out his hand. "I don't know what we would've done. You saved her life–"

"It's fine," Gabriel interrupted, his tone even, though his expression softened slightly at Mason's genuine gratitude. He took Mason's hand and shook it. "She's okay now. That's what matters."

"Seriously," Mason continued, placing a hand on Gabriel's shoulder. "You have no idea how grateful I am. Thank you."

Gabriel nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. He glanced at Lily one last time, his gaze lingering for a heartbeat longer than necessary.

"Alright, big guy," Wendy patted Mason's back and steered him toward Lily. "She's this way."

"Oh my god," Mason sighed with relief once again as his eyes fell on Lily. He hurried over and wrapped her in his arm. "Thank god you're okay. Fuck, that was scary."

"I'm okay," Lily mumbled into his shirt. "You're smothering me."

Mason's embrace tightened briefly, his large frame completely engulfing Lily in a protective, brotherly hug. His relief was palpable as he rested his chin lightly on the top of her head.

"I'm so glad you're safe," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion.

Lily tried to wriggle free, a faint laugh escaping despite the heaviness of the moment. "Mason, seriously. You're squishing me."

He finally loosened his grip but kept one arm around her shoulders as he sat beside her on the bed.

"I don't care," Mason said. "I'm not letting go for a while," he declared.

"Mason..." Lily sighed, her tone affectionate despite her exasperation.

"You weren't kidding when you said he was sensitive," Wendy stepped forward. "I was afraid I would have to drive him to the hospital."

Lily looked to her brother and smiled. "I'm fine," she reassured him. "It was just a scare. I've got this under control."

Mason didn't seem entirely convinced, his brow furrowed deeply. "How did this happen?" he asked. "Have you been taking your meds?"

Lily nodded slowly. "Yea... "

"Then how did this happen?"

"I..." Lily hesitated, her eyes flickering toward Gabriel. "I don't know...it just happened so fast."

Mason exhaled heavily, his arm still draped protectively around her shoulders. "Fast or not, you need to be more careful."

"You scared the hell out of all of us," Jake said.

"Especially him," Mason jerked his head toward Gabriel, who was still leaning against the doorway. "I thought you died or something when he called me."

Lily's eyes flicked to Gabriel for a moment, catching the subtle tension in his posture despite his casual demeanor. He straightened slightly, his gaze meeting hers briefly.

"I was just in the right place at the right time," Gabriel said.

"I don't think I can thank you enough for what you did," Mason turned to look at Gabriel again.

Gabriel shrugged, his hands slipping into his pockets. "It's not a big deal. Just glad she's okay."

"It is a big deal," Mason insisted, standing and offering his hand to Gabriel again. "Seriously, man. Thank you."

Gabriel hesitated for a beat before stepping forward and shaking Mason's hand. "Like I said, I'm just glad she's okay," he repeated, his tone softer this time.

Mason released Gabriel's hand but didn't step away. "You saved her life," he said firmly, as though willing Gabriel to fully grasp the weight of his actions.

Gabriel's eyes darted to Lily again. Her heart fluttered despite herself, and she quickly looked away, focusing on the floor and on Jake's hand in her hand. She lifted her eyes and smiled at Jake, who peered at her with concern and worry. His kind eyes softened and he leaned in to give her a light kiss. Lily felt her chest warm and her cheeks heat up. She smiled quietly again as Jake pulled back and kissed her nose.

"I should get going," Gabriel said suddenly, his voice breaking through the heavy silence.

"You don't have to leave," Mason offered, his brow lifting in genuine surprise.

Gabriel shook his head, already stepping toward the door. "It's fine. You're here now. She's in good hands."

_____________________

Theo and Daphne

The drive to Nate and Emma's was nothing short of magical. Theo navigated the winding countryside roads, the car cutting through a soft veil of snow that dusted the trees and blanketed the ground. The air was crisp, the twilight sky a deep navy, speckled with stars that seemed brighter against the winter chill.

Daphne sat in the passenger seat, wrapped in a cozy coat, her hands cupping a travel mug of hot cocoa. She stared out the window, her breath catching every time they passed a particularly festive display of Christmas lights adorning the small villages and quaint cottages along the way.

When they reached Edenfield, the scene was out of a holiday postcard. The house stood tall and regal, its ivy-covered stone walls illuminated by strings of warm white lights that twinkled like starlight. Wreaths with crimson bows adorned the windows, and a grand fir tree sparkled near the front entrance, its decorations shimmering like jewels. The faint sound of Christmas carols floated on the frosty breeze, accompanied by the soft crunch of snow underfoot as Theo parked the car.

Daphne stepped out first, her breath puffing in the cold as she looked up at the house, her eyes wide with awe.

"It's even more beautiful now," she murmured, clutching her scarf tighter around her neck.

Theo came around to her side, offering his arm with a teasing grin. "Wait till you see inside," he said, his tone warm and reassuring as she hooked her arm through his. "Emma is very serious about the holiday season."

The front door swung open just as they stepped onto the porch, a burst of light and warmth spilling out to greet them. Reed came barreling out, his face lit with joy.

"Teddy!" he shouted, his tiny feet moving so quickly they seemed to barely touch the ground. Theo crouched just in time to catch the boy, lifting him effortlessly into his arms.

"Hey, buddy!" Theo said, his face softening in a way that made Daphne's heart swell. Reed giggled, wrapping his small arms around Theo's neck.

"I missed you!" he declared, his voice muffled as he buried his face into Theo's scarf.

"I missed you too, little man," Theo replied, ruffling Reed's hair before glancing back at Daphne, who was smiling warmly at the scene.

Emma appeared in the doorway, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the house and her arms outstretched to welcome them.

"Come in, come in! You must be freezing!" she exclaimed.

The inviting scent of mulled wine, pine, and freshly baked cookies wafted out as they stepped inside, shedding their coats and scarves. The house was a cozy haven, with a roaring fire crackling in the stone hearth, garlands of holly draped across the mantle, and twinkling fairy lights casting a golden glow over the cheerful scene.

Daphne felt a sense of belonging wash over her as Theo set Reed down, who immediately tugged at his hand to show him something in the next room.

"We've been waiting for you two," Nate called from the kitchen, holding up a mug of cider in greeting. "How was the drive?"

"Can't complain," Daphne said, stepping into the kitchen. "Theo insisted on driving."

"Of course, he did," Nate chuckled. "That control freak."

"I heard that," Theo called from the living room.

"Good," Nate said, sliding off the stool and heading to the living room to greet his best friend.

Daphne laughed and shook her head as Nate disappeared out of the kitchen. She pulled back a stool and took a seat at the large kitchen counter.

"Where is Sara?" She asked.

"I just put her down for a nap," Emma said, stirring the brown mixture in her bowl.

"What's that?" Daphne asked.

"Theo called me this morning and said he wanted chocolate chip cookies," Emma shook her head with a small smile. "Said he's been craving them for weeks."

"Oh," Daphne said softly, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on the counter.

She tried not to let it show, the small pang of disappointment that Theo hadn't thought to ask her. It wasn't rational—Emma's cookies were famous, after all—but still, it stung a little. They lived together now and have been spending so much time together lately. She liked to think she was becoming someone he could rely on for even the smallest things, like indulging his sweet tooth.

Emma seemed oblivious to Daphne's fleeting discomfort and continued stirring the batter, her voice light. "He even tried to describe how gooey he wanted them."

Daphne chuckled weakly, her gaze falling to her hands. "Yeah, that sounds like him." She forced herself to look up and focus on the warmth of the kitchen, the faint sound of Reed's excited chatter from the living room, and the comforting scent of the cookies already baking.

"Do you want to help with the next batch?" Emma asked, her tone inviting.

Daphne hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure. I'd love to." She slid off the stool and moved to Emma's side.

"Grab the apron," Emma motioned toward the cloth. "I don't want that beautiful outfit to get covered in flour."

Daphne smiled, slipping the apron over her head and tying it neatly at the back. "Good point," she said.

Emma handed her a whisk. "Start with creaming the butter and sugar together. Nate and Reed like sugar cookies."

"Yes, chef," Daphne kicked off her heels, her toes curling against the cool tiles as she grabbed the bowl and got to work. Her hair kept slipping forward, so with a soft huff, she twisted it up into a messy bun, pinning it with one of the clips Emma had left on the counter. It felt oddly freeing, shedding the usual polished exterior she always tried to maintain.

At first, she was a little unsure, her movements tentative as she followed Emma's instructions. But as the process continued—mixing ingredients, rolling dough, and sneaking a taste of the batter—Daphne began to relax. She started laughing at Emma's jokes and found herself genuinely enjoying the simple, messy fun of baking.

When Theo walked into the kitchen, the sight before him made him pause. Daphne, barefoot, her cheeks dusted with a faint smudge of flour, stood at the counter, rolling cookie dough into neat little balls. She was grinning at something Emma had said, her hands moving with surprising ease.

"Wow," Theo drawled, leaning casually against the doorframe. His deep voice broke through Daphne's concentration. "Who knew you had such domestic skills, princess?"

Daphne froze for a split second, then glanced over her shoulder at him. His teasing grin and warm gaze made her stomach flutter.

"I'll have you know, I'm a natural," she replied, her voice tinged with mock indignation, though her pink cheeks betrayed her.

"A natural, huh?" Theo stepped closer, crossing the room to inspect her work. He stuck his finger into the bowl and plucked a small bit of cookie dough off the tray and popped it into his mouth before she could stop him.

"Hey!" Daphne protested, her hands on her hips. "That's raw dough!"

Theo smirked, chewing thoughtfully. "Tastes fine to me. You might just give Emma a run for her money."

Emma snorted, giving Theo a playful swat with her spoon. "Don't encourage her. She's only just learning."

Daphne shot Theo a playful glare, though she couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. "I think I'm doing just fine," she said, holding up a perfectly shaped dough ball for emphasis.

Theo's grin widened, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're adorable when you're trying to prove a point, you know that?"

Her cheeks deepened to a bright crimson, and she turned back to the tray, muttering under her breath, "Go away, I'm working."

Theo chuckled, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her, but didn't move. Instead, he leaned against the counter, content to watch her work, the warmth of his gaze lingering long after he'd fallen silent.

After a few minutes, Emma glanced at the oven timer and wiped her hands on a dish towel.

"I'll be back in a bit. I need to check on Sara," she said, her voice softening as she mentioned her sleeping daughter.

"Take your time," Daphne replied with a smile, sliding another tray of cookies into the oven.

Emma disappeared up the stairs, leaving Theo and Daphne alone in the warm kitchen. The silence lingered for a moment, the only sounds the hum of the oven and the faint crackle of the fire in the next room.

Daphne turned to Theo, arching an eyebrow as she leaned against the counter, her arms crossed.

"So," she began, a playful lilt in her voice, "you called Emma this morning to bake you cookies?"

Theo's expression didn't falter, but the faintest smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "What about it?" he asked, his tone casual, though his eyes gleamed with curiosity at where this was going.

"Nothing," Daphne replied with a small shrug, her voice light with feigned indifference. She picked up a spoon and pointed it at him. "I just think it's sweet how much you love her cookies. I mean, you didn't even think to ask me to bake them for you."

Theo chuckled, crossing his arms as he leaned against the counter opposite her. "Are you taking this... personally?"

"Not personally," she said, narrowing her eyes at him with a teasing smile. "It just makes me wonder if you've been harboring a secret crush on Emma all this time. The cookies are the obvious clue."

Theo threw his head back with a laugh, the deep sound echoing in the cozy kitchen. "A secret crush on Emma? That's what you're going with?"

"Well, it makes sense," Daphne continued, her tone mock-serious. "You call her up, craving her cookies, and now you're sitting here watching me like you're comparing my skills to hers." She gestured to the tray of cookie dough balls with exaggerated indignation. "Am I supposed to compete with perfection?"

Theo shook his head, still laughing, and pushed off the counter to close the distance between them.

"Princess," he said, his voice softer now, his teasing tone giving way to something more sincere, "if I had a crush on Emma, I wouldn't be standing here thinking about how ridiculously sexy you look covered in flour and how badly I want to fuck you on this kitchen counter right now."

Daphne's teasing grin faltered, and she felt her cheeks warm under his gaze. "You're deflecting," she muttered, though her voice had lost its sharp edge.

"I'm not," Theo said, a smirk returning as he reached out to swipe a bit of flour off her cheek with his thumb.

Daphne rolled her eyes, pushing his hand away, though the blush on her cheeks betrayed how much his words had flustered her.

"Go help Emma clean," she said, shaking her head.

"Really?" Theo laughed.

Daphne leaned against the counter, a naughty grin spreading across her face. "Your crush on her explains so much," she said, her tone dripping with mock seriousness, "You're constantly talking about her, you're always making excuses to come to Edenfield, you don't shut up about her cooking, the way you just light up whenever she's around..."

Theo raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Is that so?"

"Oh, absolutely," Daphne continued, tapping her chin as if she were deep in thought. "You probably made up this whole excuse about craving cookies just to hear her voice this morning."

"Is that what you think?" Theo asked, his smirk widening.

"Yes," she said, her grin growing. "And now you're stuck here with me, regretting your choices because I'm clearly not living up to Emma's cookie-baking standards."

Theo tilted his head, his gaze locking on hers. "You done?"

"Not even close," Daphne shot back, the playful challenge in her tone unmistakable. "You're probably just waiting for her to walk back in so you can—"

Before she could finish, Theo closed the distance between them in a single, swift motion, his hands gripping her waist as he pulled her against him. His lips crashed against hers, silencing her mid-sentence. The teasing remarks died on her tongue as heat surged through her.

Daphne froze for half a second, her brain scrambling to catch up, before she melted into the kiss, her hands instinctively clutching at his shirt. Theo's grip tightened, his fingers digging into her waist as if anchoring himself to her, the kiss deepening with an intensity that left her breathless.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, his breathing ragged. "You talk too much," he muttered, his voice low and rough.

Daphne blinked up at him, her cheeks flushed and her lips tingling. "Well, maybe if you'd done that sooner..." she began, her voice shaky but still tinged with defiance.

Theo chuckled, his hands still on her waist, holding her firmly in place. "Is this how you get me to ask you to bake cookies for me?"

She laughed softly, her head tilting back as she tried to regain her composure. "Maybe. Is it working?"

He smirked, leaning down to brush his lips against hers once more, this time slower, softer. "You'll have to try harder than that, baby girl."

"What if I," Daphne rose to her toes and wrapped her arms around Theo's neck, her eyes locks on his as his hands held her waist. "I get down on my knees...."

Theo's smirk froze for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he studied her expression. "Careful, princess," he murmured, his voice dipping lower, a warning laced with amusement.

Daphne tilted her head, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "What?" she asked innocently, though the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her. "I was just going to say... what if I get down on my knees and beg you to let me bake for you?"

Theo exhaled a sharp breath, his grip on her waist tightening as he shook his head with a low chuckle. "What are you doing?"

"What?" she echoed, feigning innocence as she leaned closer, their noses almost touching. "I'm just trying to make up for not being your go-to baker. Do you want me to get down on my knees like a good girl and beg, Teddy?"

Theo's smirk returned, this time softer, though his gaze didn't waver. "You don't need to beg, my love. You've already got my attention. Always have."

Her breath hitched at the sincerity in his tone, but she quickly recovered, raising an eyebrow. "So... does that mean I get to be the only one who bakes for you now?"

Theo's laughter rumbled low in his chest. "Not a chance," he said, his lips brushing her ear as he added, "but if you want to get on your knees for anything else, you just let me know."

Daphne's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she lightly smacked his chest, laughing.

"No," she said shaking her head. "I won't do that until you declare that only I can bake for you."

Theo's grin widened, the teasing glint in his eyes sharpening as he looked down at her. "Oh, yeah?" he asked, his voice low and deliberate, the challenge clear.

"Yes," Daphne said firmly, her cheeks still warm. She crossed her arms over her chest, tilting her chin up in defiance. "If you want me on my knees, you're going to have to admit it—no one else bakes for you but me."

Theo's laughter came easily, rich and unrestrained, filling the warm kitchen. "Possessive, aren't we?"

"Damn right," Daphne shot back, stepping closer to him. Her voice softened slightly, but her eyes held his with unwavering intensity. "You're mine, Theodore. No one else gets to bake your cookies, bring you coffee, get down on their knees or do... anything for you. That's my job."

The words hit him like a punch in the chest—not because they hurt, but because they stirred something primal and fierce in him. His amusement faded into something deeper as his hands found her waist again, pulling her flush against him.

"I think I like this side of you," he murmured, his eyes tracing her face as if seeing her for the first time. "Bold. Scary. Completely and unapologetically mine."

"Don't forget it," she replied, her voice trembling just slightly as her gaze flickered to hsi mouth.

"Oh, I won't," Theo promised, his thumb brushing against her cheek. His smirk softened into a smile, genuine and warm, before he leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that left no room for doubt—it wasn't just her who was possessive.

When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, and his voice dropped to a whisper. "For the record, princess, I wouldn't let anyone else bake for me anyway. Not when I've got you."

Daphne couldn't fight the smile tugging at her lips as she playfully poked his chest. "Good. Because I don't share."

"Noted," Theo said with a low chuckle, wrapping his arms fully around her. "I'm all yours."

"Perfect," Daphne laughed. "Now, will you help me steal Emma's cookie recipe? I don't think I can ever top her skills unless foul play is at works."

Theo chuckled, his arms tightening around her as he gazed down at her with a mix of amusement and admiration. "You naughty little thief. Santa's going to give you nothing but coal."

Daphne grinned, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "I prefer the term 'resourceful.'"

"You mean devious," Theo corrected, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "But I like that about you."

"Well," she said, tilting her head as if deep in thought, "if you don't help me, I might have to charm it out of Nate instead. He seems like he'd be easy to bribe with some compliments and maybe a little flutter of my lashes."

Theo's smirk instantly disappeared, replaced by a mock glare. "Don't even think about it."

"Oh?" Daphne teased, arching a brow. "Possessive much?"

"Damn right," he said, his tone firm but his lips twitching with the hint of a smile. "If anyone's helping you with foul play, it's me. No one else."

Daphne laughed, the sound light and genuine as she leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Good. Because I was hoping you'd be my accomplice."

Theo's grin returned, wide and boyish. "If Emma catches you snooping around her recipe box, I'll distract her while you make a run for it."

"Perfect," she said with a wink, pulling back to grab a spatula. "We make a great team."

"Always," Theo replied, watching her with a warmth in his gaze that made her heart skip a beat. "Just don't blame me when Emma figures out you're behind the cookie espionage."

Daphne laughed again, already feeling a surge of excitement at their playful scheme. "Don't worry, I'll pin it all on you."

Theo's laughter joined hers, and for a moment, it was just the two of them, wrapped up in their own little world amidst the warmth and scent of freshly baked cookies.

___________________

Wendy and Mason

The fluorescent lights of the hospital room were too bright. Lily, propped up in bed with an unopened container of food from her favorite restaurant resting on her lap, sighed and leaned her head against Jake's shoulder. Wendy and Mason stood near the doorway, both hesitant to leave.

Wendy stepped forward first, her usual sharpness softened by concern. "Call me if you need anything, okay? I mean it," she said, her voice firm but laced with care. She gave Lily's hand a quick squeeze.

Lily nodded and smiled. "Thanks. Don't worry about me. Get some rest."

Mason stepped forward and placed a kiss on top of Lily's head.

"I didn't tell Mom and Dad," he began, his voice low but steady. "I wasn't sure how you wanted to handle it."

Lily looked at him, her expression unreadable for a moment, then softened. "It's okay. I'll figure it out when I'm ready. Thanks for not saying anything yet."

Mason nodded, a hint of relief crossing his face. "I'll be back in a few."

He hesitated, as if wanting to say more, but knowing Wendy needed to get back to the dorm pushed him toward the door.

"Jake," Mason looked at the boy next to his sister. "You're staying, right?"

"Of course," Jake nodded.

"Thanks, man," Mason patted his shoulder and then turned toward the door.

Outside, the crisp night air filled the space between Mason and Wendy as they walked toward his car. The quiet hum of the hospital behind them seemed louder in the stillness of the parking lot. Mason unlocked the doors with a click, and they both slid into the vehicle, the faint smell of pine air freshener lingering inside.

Wendy buckled her seatbelt, glancing at Mason as he started the engine. The rhythmic clicking of the turn signal as he backed out of the parking spot filled the silence. She waited a beat, then asked softly, "Are you okay?"

Mason's hands tightened on the steering wheel for a moment before he loosened his grip. "Yeah," he replied, his voice quieter than usual. "I'm fine."

"It's hard seeing her like this, isn't it?" Wendy asked.

"Yeah," Mason nodded. "She used to be so sick all the time when she was younger. Seeing her today like this....it brought up a lot of bad memories."

"I can only imagine," Wendy said softly.

The car came to a rolling stop at a red light and she slowly reached for his hand.

"You're here and she's okay now," she continued.

Mason nodded once more and looked down at their hands, "Do you think I should have called my parents?"

"I'm not sure," Wendy admitted. "I think they would have been worried being so far away from her right now."

"No," Mason shook his head. "They would be here by now."

"Really?"

"Are you kidding me?" Mason chuckled softly. The light turned green and the car began to move once again. "My parents, Theo, and Levi. They'll all drop everything and fly their asses to California right now if I call them."

Wendy listened to Mason, her eyes tracing the profile of his face. As they drove closer to the dorm, her thoughts drifted, her gaze unfocused as she thought about her own family.

It must be nice, she thought, to have that kind of support—to have parents who would drop everything, who would be there without hesitation, who would show up when things got tough.

She couldn't help but compare it to her own reality. Her parents, so wrapped up in their own problems, their dysfunction, the kind of family where no one knew how to be there for each other. Her eyes grew heavy with a familiar sadness, the ache of longing she often tried to bury. She imagined her parents getting the call, but the thought quickly fizzled out, replaced by the bitter understanding that they wouldn't show up. They never did, not in the way Mason's family would.

But after a long time, there was some hope.

Wendy took a slow breath, pushing the feeling aside, trying to focus on knowing that her father was trying to make an effort. Tom was taking care of all the arrangements for her study abroad trip and that was a big step in their relationship. Wendy felt a flutter of happiness knowing her dad was showing up for her.

She squeezed Mason's hand, her fingers just brushing the side of his, offering a small comfort. She knew he didn't need to hear about her family, so she kept the thought to herself, focusing on the warmth of his hand instead, as the car rolled smoothly through the quiet streets.

"Man," Mason muttered, shaking his head as his grip on the steering wheel tightened. His eyes were locked on the road, but his thoughts seemed far away, lost in the past. "Theo is going to flip when he finds out. He's going to chew me alive."

Wendy raised an eyebrow, curious. "Why's that?"

Mason's voice softened, almost with a touch of amusement, but there was an undeniable tenderness behind it. "Theo has this extra soft spot for Lily. When we were all in school, one day, Lily had a seizure... no teachers around, just Theo and Levi. I was home sick, but I could hear the panic in their voices when they called our mom."

Wendy's frown deepened as the image of two young boys helplessly kneeling beside their sister flashed through her mind. "That must've been terrifying for them."

Mason nodded slowly, his expression turning more serious. "Theo... he wasn't scared, not like Levi. He was furious. He wanted to sue the school. He even called our family lawyer himself."

Wendy blinked, surprised. "How old was he?"

"About ten or eleven," Mason said with a soft chuckle.

Wendy laughed quietly, shaking her head in disbelief. "So he's always been like that, huh?"

"Oh yeah," Mason said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Theo's always been fiercely protective, especially when it comes to Lily."

The warmth in his voice was unmistakable, and Wendy could sense how much this moment shaped the bond between the siblings, how deeply Theo's protective nature ran.

"You guys are lucky to have each other," she said.

Mason smiled and turned to look at her before returning his eyes to the road, "What about you? Do you have any siblings?"

Wendy's fingers brushed against the cool surface of the car door, her gaze briefly drifting out the window. The thought of her father and the baby he was having with his mistress lingered in her mind, but she quickly pushed it away.

It was a thought she didn't know how to process—too raw, too complicated. The idea of another child, another family, so easily formed without her, felt like an impossible knot in her chest. She didn't know what she was supposed to feel—resentment? Anger? Disappointment? Maybe all of it, but nothing made sense.

Her mind raced, searching for a way to deflect, to avoid the question altogether. It wasn't that she didn't want to talk about it, but rather that she wasn't sure how to explain something that felt so unfinished inside her. She couldn't even bring herself to think about how her mother was handling it, or how it would change everything. So, instead of dwelling, she refocused on Mason, whose warmth from earlier still lingered in the car.

"Trying to dig for more information again?" She arched her brow. "You already know too much about me. I might have to kill you if you learn more."

Mason laughed, the sound filled the car. Wendy let go of his hand and adjusted herself in her seat, fidgeting with her hair and the seatbelt. She cleared her throat and immediately took the opportunity to steer the conversation somewhere safer, somewhere she could breathe. "By the way," she began, her voice lighter, "how's your project for Verve going? Finding any real love stories yet?"

The shift was subtle but deliberate. Mason didn't seem to notice as Wendy peered at him from the passenger seat.

"Actually, yes," Mason said, his eyes gleaming with the kind of excitement that came from progress. "We put out an ad, and a couple of people responded. I was actually going to ask if you'd join me next week to interview them."

"Me?" Wendy asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Why?"

"Because I'm too scared you'll run me over with your car if I ask anyone else," Mason grinned, his tone teasing. "You jealous little firecracker."

Wendy rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "I'm not interested in sitting through anyone's sappy love story," she laughed, shaking her head. "I've already been assigned to Clark's swimsuit photoshoot. I'll be assisting him with the models."

"We can work around that," Mason said smoothly, his grin widening. "I've got better pull at Verve than Clark does."

Wendy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How's that?"

"My family's a shareholder in the parent company that owns Verve," Mason replied with a knowing smirk. "Plus, I'm pretty good at being convincing when it works in my favor."

Wendy stared at him, "Well, when you put it like that..."

Mason chuckled, turning his attention back to the road as they continued driving. "So?" he asked, his voice playful but persistent. "You coming with me or what?"

"I can't," Wendy said, shaking her head as she leaned back in her seat. "I already started prepping for Clark."

"Screw Clark," Mason clicked his tongue, clearly unfazed. "You're my girl."

Wendy felt the familiar flutter of her irritation stir, but it was laced with a strange fondness. Mason wasn't one to give up easily, and his determination had its way of getting under her skin in the most frustrating—and sometimes endearing—ways.

As they rolled into the parking lot of her dorm, Wendy suddenly spotted her mother at the entrance of her building.

She froze for a moment, her stomach flipping. She hadn't expected to see her mom, and the last thing she wanted was for Mason to meet her right now. She didn't need to explain the complexities of her family dynamic—especially not with her mother, whose disapproving looks and clipped tone were hard to escape.

Mason, oblivious to her sudden tension, kept his focus on her. He reached over and grabbed her hand, stopping her from escaping.

"Come on, sunshine," He smiled. "Please? I could really use you for this one. No one talks dirty to me like you do."

Wendy glanced quickly at her mom, who had started walking toward them. She sighed, her pulse quickening as she realized she had to make a decision fast. If Mason met her mother, it would open a door she wasn't sure she wanted to open right now.

"Okay, okay," she said, her voice softening just enough to appease him. "Fine. I'll go with you to the interview. Now leave me alone. Go away."

Mason grinned, his hand still firmly holding hers. "Deal." He leaned back in his seat, satisfied, and still unaware of the tension building between Wendy and her mother just outside the car.

Wendy took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the conversation that was about to unfold.

"Let go of my hand, Mason," she said, pushing him away. "What did I say about touching me?"

"I'm hoping you will follow through and bite me," Mason laughed. "Why do you think I can't keep my hands off of you?"

"God, I hate you," Wendy muttered as she grabbed her bag and jumped out of the car. She ran off toward the building without a second glance toward Mason. 

Wendy and Mason are fun, Theo and Daphne are everything, and Lily.....has her hands full