Chapter 105

Hailey stood with her hands on her hips, staring at the open boxes on her bed. They were filled with clothes, shoes, and jewelry that Cole had bought her on their mini-vacation. Hailey wondered where she would put them, since her closet was almost full.

The doorbell rang, so she left her bedroom to answer it. Opening the door, she saw Debbie and her babies.

“Mommy!!!” The twins ran to her and hugged her legs.

Debbie rolled two small boxes inside and gently closed the door.

Hailey chuckled, released herself from their hug, crouched down, and hugged her sons.

“We missed you, Mommy,” Enzo said, pulling away.

“Yes, Mommy,” Ollie confirmed.

“I missed you both, too,” Hailey kissed her sons on their foreheads.

“Where’s Daddy?” Enzo asked, tiptoeing to peek over Hailey’s shoulder.

“He went to take care of something. But he’ll be here soon, okay?”

The twins nodded.

“Did you get us gifts?” Ollie smiled.

“Yes, my love. They’re in your room.”

“Thank you, Mommy.” Ollie hugged Hailey, and Enzo followed suit before running to their bedrooms.

“Hi, Sis.” Debbie and Hailey exchanged a long hug.

“I missed you,” Hailey pouted.

Debbie giggled, pulling away. “You do?”

Hailey nodded.

“Sadly, I can’t say the same; I was busy with my godsons.”

Hailey playfully rolled her eyes.

“Let me see, let me see.” Debbie reached for Hailey’s left hand and admired her ring.

“This is so beautiful, I think I’m going to cry,” Debbie mumbled, wiping away tears.

“I can’t believe I’m blushing like a high schooler. Thank you.”

“It’s so gorgeous on you.” Debbie looked at Hailey, who giggled. “Thank you, babes. And thank you for keeping this a secret.”

“Of course; there’d be no fun in ruining the surprise.”

Hailey nodded. “I wasn’t expecting it, but it made me so happy.”

“Since Cole and I aren’t officially divorced, I thought he’d want to build on that, and we’d discuss where to go from there, since we’re having another baby.”

“Yes, he’s being very intentional about you. I was shocked when he asked for my blessings. I think I gave him a bit of a hard time.”

Hailey chuckled. “No, you didn’t.”

Debbie shrugged. “I teased him a bit. He was so nervous and sad when I told him no. I felt sorry, but friends before boos, right? I had to make sure he promised to take care of you and never hurt you.”

Hailey smiled. “Thank you for looking out for me. He proposed the night we arrived. He was so nervous he couldn’t eat.”

“I’m so happy for you both. I know it’s probably too early to ask, but I can’t stop myself. When’s the wedding?”

Hailey chuckled. “We haven’t decided on a date yet, but I’d love to have it soon, before I start showing. Just an intimate ceremony.”

Debbie nodded. “I’m so happy. And you look so different.”

Hailey playfully rolled her eyes. “Because of the ring?”

“Maybe. But you’re glowing.”

“Here you go again, teasing me.”

“No, I’m not. I know how stressed you were before your vacation. But now you look happier, glowing, and more radiant. Could it be the good sex?”

“Okay, you’re fired!” Hailey said, blushing.

“I know you’ve got Cole, but we both know we can’t do without each other.”

Hailey pouted. “You’re so proud.”

“Of our friendship? Hell yes!”

“So, when are you going to tell the twins?”

“You had no idea how much I was hiding my ring finger from them? Especially Enzo, who questions everything.”

Debbie laughed.

“We were going to tell them tomorrow after my doctor’s appointment, but we’ll tell them today. About the baby and the proposal.”

Debbie squeezed Hailey’s hand. “I’m so happy for you, my friend. You have a beautiful family, and you’re about to be blessed. I’m excited to help plan the wedding, baby shower, and all that.”

Hailey smiled. “Thank you. I’m happy, too. Sometimes I can’t believe this is my life. It feels too good to be true.”

“No, don’t think that way. You deserve all this happiness, and I want you to embrace it.” Hailey nodded. “I asked for feedback on the case, but you didn’t text.”

“It wouldn’t be polite to disturb you on your honeymoon.”

“That’s not a honeymoon.”

“But you’re glowing.”

“I hate you.” Hailey blushed, pulling away.

“Nah! You love me too much.”

“That wasn’t a honeymoon. Even though I was resting, I was open to updates.”

Chapter 103 (This section needs more context to be fully edited. The abrupt change in subject makes it hard to ensure grammatical flow within this snippet.)

“No. It would be disrespectful to interrupt your time with the love of your life, especially when it’s something we can handle here.”

“Okay, fine, so anything new?”

“Vanessa is fully recovered and is now in custody. But Connie is yet to be found.”

“Come on, don’t get sad. That’s why I didn’t text; I didn’t want you to worry.”

“Connie is obviously hiding somewhere. She’s not as smart as she thinks. All hands are on deck. I know she’ll be caught soon.”

“I really hope so.”

“I know so. Evil people don’t last long. They will definitely pay for their sins.”