Chapter 83: Noah

I cradled Madison’s stomach gently, feeling the firm roundness of it beneath my hands. She was a vision of motherhood at seven months pregnant, her belly a testament to the life we’d created together. 

I couldn’t help but smile as I thought about how far we’d come—no more pregnancy scares, no more stalker issues. It’d been quiet since Kiera’s body was found, and Madison hadn’t received any more texts, or letters with questionable contents. 

Madison’s laughter broke through my thoughts, light and carefree. “Noah, we really should get going, or we’ll be late,” she said, her eyes sparkling with mirth. We’d already sent Chris off to school, his lips pouting as he whined about not being able to come with us.

I chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. 

“We won’t be late,” I assured her, my voice a low rumble. Leaning down, I whispered to her belly, “Your mommy is such a worrywart, isn’t she? And a bit pushy, too.”

Madison playfully swatted my shoulder.