Chapter 258

Stacey opened her mouth, then closed it. Jeremy, cradled by Hayden, eyes red-rimmed, fought back tears. "Let me hold Jeremy," she offered.

He instantly reached for her. Hayden hesitated, then passed him over. "He's quite heavy," he said, a wry smile playing on his lips.

"Not at all," Stacey murmured, settling Jeremy on the couch.

Hayden watched a moment before saying, "Help me comfort him. I need to take care of things upstairs."

"Okay," Stacey replied, nodding.

Lillian and Kevin circled their mother, peering at Jeremy. "Jeremy, what's wrong?" Kevin asked, concern etched on his face.

"Are you okay, Jeremy?" Lillian added, mirroring Kevin's worry.

Stacey, guessing at his mood, whispered to them, "He's not feeling great today. Let's leave him alone."

She held Jeremy, offering silent reassurance. The awkwardness of discussing Queenie hung in the air. Eventually, he calmed, clinging to her, his head buried. Her arms began to ache.

Hayden returned, finding Stacey still holding Jeremy. He frowned, then saw Jeremy was quiet. "I'll take him," he offered.

Jeremy shook his head, snuggling closer to Stacey. Hayden sighed. "Becky's arms must be numb after holding him so long."

Jeremy froze.

Stacey chuckled, gently chiding Hayden, "Don't scare him." She looked down at Jeremy. "I'm fine, sweetie. Still upset?"

Jeremy lifted his head, studying her face. Then, hesitantly, he pulled away. "Becky," he began, his voice soft, "you're going to marry Daddy and be my mommy, right?"

Stacey froze. Hayden's eyebrows shot up; he watched her intently. Before she could answer, Hayden smiled. "Of course! But I need to propose first."

Jeremy's eyes lit up. Hayden glanced at Stacey, then back at his son. "I've already ordered a ring. Once it's ready, I'll propose, and she'll be your mommy."

Stacey found his quick thinking amusing. It neatly sidestepped any awkwardness.

"What are you talking about?" Lillian asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.

Kevin echoed her confusion. "I don't understand."

Stacey laughed. Hayden and Jeremy chuckled along.

Jeremy, taking on a serious tone, explained marriage to Lillian and Kevin. He explained that once Hayden married Becky, they'd be a real family—Becky his mom, and Hayden their dad.

Lillian and Kevin remained puzzled. Why would Hayden only be their dad after the wedding? They’d called him "Daddy" forever. And why did Jeremy call Stacey "Becky"?

"Jeremy, you can call her 'Mommy' now!" Lillian declared solemnly.

Kevin nodded. "Yes! Call her 'Mommy'!"

Their innocent pronouncements amused and touched Stacey and Hayden. Their earnestness was endearing. Even though Jeremy understood, he was moved by their suggestion. His heart quickened. He looked at Stacey expectantly.

Stacey was stunned. Is he ready? Is it okay? She glanced at Hayden.

He smiled. "I think so."

Stacey felt resigned. It wasn't harmful. They’d called Hayden "Daddy" for ages. "Okay. Call me Mommy if you want," she smiled at Jeremy.

"Mommy!" he exclaimed, beaming.

Stacey's heart melted. "That's my boy!"

"Mommy!" he repeated, his eyes shining.

Stacey hugged him. "Yes, I'm here." She avoided Hayden's gaze, her ears burning.

Lillian, mimicking Jeremy, cried out, "Mommy!" It was a game to her.

Kevin joined in, yelling "Mommy!" Lillian yelled "Mommy!" again. Jeremy, eager to match her, echoed "Mommy!"

Stacey, overwhelmed, kept responding. The three children were ecstatic. Stacey, however, was nearly hoarse.