Chapter 160: I could feel it
The room quieted as Ethan entered. All four Shepherd brothers straightened. Rafael stood near the mantle, Audrey balanced against his shoulder. Mara rose slowly from the couch, her gaze fixed on the little boy curled against Ethan’s chest.
Ethan walked forward and gently passed Andrew to Mara without a word.
She took him in her arms like muscle memory. Like breathing. "Hi, baby," she whispered, brushing her lips against Andrew’s forehead. Her fingers traced the curve of his cheek. He stirred slightly but remained sleeping.
Ethan stepped back, his breath catching for just a moment. He stood still, watching her. Watching them. Mara’s posture was guarded, but her eyes couldn’t hide everything. And the boy... the little boy beside her... It was in the way he looked at her. The way he held onto her hand, like it was the only thing in the world that made sense. Ethan felt it in his bones, It wouldn’t be long now.
Soon, he would reunite Mara with their son. Their son. The truth was already beginning to breathe between the cracks. He could see it. And he knew she could feel it too. Even if she wouldn’t say it. Even if pride still stood like a wall between them. It was only a matter of time.
He would deliver on the promise he made. The one that kept him up night after night. He would find their child. Bring him home. And give Mara the justice she deserved. Lucy... She would pay. Not just for the lies. Not just for the years. But for every single second she stole from a mother and her child.
Ethan swallowed hard, the weight of it all tightening in his chest. Then he spoke softly.
"You two look incredible." His voice was low, almost reverent. As if speaking too loudly would shatter the fragile moment hanging in the air.
Mara didn’t answer. Her eyes were full. She blinked quickly. Rafael didn’t move from his place, but Ethan’s glance didn’t miss how naturally he cradled Audrey, how familiar he was in the home that once only belonged to Ethan and Mara.
"Thanks for letting me come," Ethan added, directing it more to her than the room.
"He should know his sister," Mara finally said, still not looking up.