The CEO’s Dream Wife

By Lisa Gem

 

One moment, I was living the dream - a perfect wife, two adorable kids, and that white-picket-fence life everyone craves. But in the blink of an eye, poof! My perfect life vanished.

 

It was nothing more than a dream.

 

Then one fateful day, I run into someone who looks identical to my wife, but in the awake world.

 

Could my dream be more of a premonition?

 

As I dig deeper, I realize my dream and reality don't quite line up. Is there any way to win her over in this world? I want what we once shared in my dream to become my reality.

 

Can I somehow turn my dream into reality?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AnotherGemPublished
• Release date: Apr 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223056065

Book preview

Chapter 1

<<< Damien >>>

My eyelids flicker open to the soft daylight seeping through the slits in the wooden blinds. I take a deep breath while feeling a comforting weight nestled against my side. As I peer down my eyes land on the love of my life - my wife, Serena, who is still peacefully asleep. The soft curve of her body fits perfectly into the nooks and crannies of mine. I smile as I admire the peaceful expression on her face which is lit by the morning glow. My eyes float upward to the crimson numbers displayed on the ceiling from the clock projector, showing 6:56.

I pull her closer, craving the closeness that has become our morning routine. She shifts ever so slightly. A murmur escaping her lips as her wavy, light blonde hair cascades across my chest. I lay there, lost in the peacefulness of the moment. Then, I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. She remains still, lost in her dreams.

My fingers brush a stray lock of hair from her face. Her nose twitches adorably. I tuck the strand behind her ear, tracing a gentle path along her cheekbone, inviting her to join me in the waking world. A sleepy smile forms on her lips, a sight that continues to captivate me, even after nearly nine years of marriage. Her emerald-green eyes open to meet mine - always a mesmerizing sight.

Her sparkling eyes have always held the power to melt my heart. They immediately drew me to her - like a moth to a flame. We first crossed paths almost a decade ago when she accidentally spilled hot tea on me in a coffee shop just down the street from my old condo in downtown Tampa.

Good morning, gorgeous. I plant another kiss on her forehead.

As she stretches her arms gracefully, she emits a soft groan. Morning, she replies as a yawn escapes her lips. Her arm drapes across my chest, as her in head nestles comfortably in the crook of my arm. Have you been awake long?

I glance again at the clock that now reads 6:59. No, Just a few minutes. I was watching you sleep and wanted to share a quiet moment with you before... I trail off as our bedroom door bursts open at precisely 7:00 AM - as it does every morning without fail.

And just like that our peaceful moment before the kids wake is gone. Their internal alarm clocks never fail no matter the day. Despite the early hour, I love it - I have the perfect life. Still, there are times I wish the little ones knew the art of sleeping in. Perhaps their teenage years will bring a change? But for now, I hold onto these early mornings with fondness - knowing they'll pass by in the blink of an eye.

Parker makes a beeline for the bed. Morning! Time to wake up, Mommy and Daddy!

Parker is seven and all boy through and through. His enthusiasm for life, particularly anything involving heavy machinery, is infectious. As the CEO of Stone Construction, I often find myself on construction sites surrounded by powerful machines. The times my employees allow him to climb into the rigs, occasionally lending a hand are the moments he lives for. It's heartwarming to witness how he recounts those experiences for days afterward, thrilled to have been part of something so important.

Serena emits another yawn just as Parker leaps onto the bed. Now, I find myself cradling two in my arms, eagerly awaiting Emma's grand entrance at any moment. She's not the speeding bullet of energy that her brother is - she is way calmer. Perhaps that's just boys versus girls?

Morning, bud. Serena playfully tosses his shaggy, dark brown hair.

Morning, Mommy. He flashes her his signature boyish smile before snuggling into my chest.

My arm wraps around his dinosaur pajamas - the ones he insists on wearing night after night because they're his absolute favorite - so now he owns seven pairs of them. Did you sleep well?

Yes. He lets out a tiny yawn. Then his striking green eyes, that mirror his mama's, lift to me as his head pops up. What are we doing today? he asks with uncontainable excitement.

Today, we have something fun planned for the family. They're still in the dark about our plans. Let's wait for your sister before...

A shy little voice pops out of nowhere, cutting me off. I'm here now. I want to know what we are doing today too! Emma slowly enters the room wearing her princess nightgown clutching Smoose, her beloved stuffed animal moose, tightly under her arm. Her wild, shoulder-length, light blonde corkscrew curls are out of control this morning. They're sticking up everywhere from her bedhead as she crawls up onto our bed. I reach for her, pulling her closer to complete our snuggly cluster.

Emma recently turned five, and beams with pride about being a big girl. A little chuckle escapes me every time we introduce her to someone new; it's the first thing out of her mouth: I'm Emma, and I'm five now. I'm a big girl. Without fail, she extends one hand with all of her fingers splayed wide. She loves her newfound ability to display all her fingers on one hand to show her age. The reactions she gets from people never cease to brighten her day, always filled with enthusiastic 'oohs' and 'ahhs.'

Good morning, princess, I greet her, planting a kiss on the top of her head as her unruly curls tickle my nose like feathers.

Morning, Daddy. Sleepiness still lingers in her voice as she rubs her eyes. Her tiny hand disappears among a tangle of blonde curls that cover her face momentarily.

I catch Serena's eyes, and give her a knowing look, one that silently asks, 'Should we tell them our plans now or make them wait?' Over the years, we've perfected the art of communicating without words. It's one of the things I love about our relationship. With a subtle nod, she grants me permission to spill the beans to our little munchkins.

We're going to spend the entire day at the beach! Their cheers resound throughout the bedroom, and their earlier sleepiness is now a distant memory.

Emma snaps upright, her eyes trained on me. She inherited my bright blue eyes; it's like staring into a mirror. "We haven't been to the beach in forever." I can't help but suppress a chuckle fully aware that our last beach outing was just a month ago, but to her, it must feel like an eternity.

My thoughts drift to our boat, awaiting a repair - part of the reason we've been absent from the beach for the past month. Today, we'll take the scenic route, driving to our sandy destination.

Can we build a sandcastle? she pleads, batting her eyes dramatically - a trick I'm certain she's picked up from her beloved princess movies. I half-expect her to add the classic hands clasped beneath her chin for an extra dose of adorableness, though she usually reserves that for moments when she anticipates a possible 'no' from me.

"I don't want to build just a sandcastle, I tease, and I see her face briefly pout - before I bring out the big guns. What I really want is to build an entire sandcastle city, complete with a grand moat surrounding it! Her eyes light up as she realizes I have something much grander in mind. How does that sound?"

Daddy, that's the best plan ever! I can't wait to get started! Her smile widens, and her enthusiastic response warms my heart. She bounces on the bed, squirming with excitement, her curls dancing in the air. Parenthood brings out a different side of me, one that lives to witness my children's joy and laughter.

Are Olivia, Mason, and Xavier coming too? Parker asks.

No they can’t make it today, they already have plans. I asked my best friend Caleb if he and the family could join yesterday, but he said they had a cousins birthday party to attend.

Emma’s lips pout, disappointed at our best friends' absence. Truth be told, I share her feelings - there's always an extra dose of laughter and energy when we’re all together.

Serena's drowsy voice suggests, What if we all snuggle together for a little while and watch something before we start getting ready for the beach? She's always been a bit slower to wake compared to the rest of us.

Their enthusiastic Yays fill the room as Serena extends her arm to retrieve the remote from the nightstand, passing it to me. I power on the TV as Emma squeaks, Oooh, can we watch Bluey? I want to see if they have any new adventures. She's already seen all the episodes, but Serena and I still find the show highly entertaining.

No objection here, I say, glancing at Parker. Are you good with that, bud?

I'm in. I like Bluey too, he replies, shifting to the side to prop himself up on a pillow between Serena and me as I fumble with the remote.

I hear the bedroom door hit the wall. Our Toy Australian Shepherd, Bingo, bounds into bed as her tail happily wags. She playfully licks Emma's face, setting off a burst of giggles. Good morning, Bingo. I missed you, Emma says in a baby voice, while petting the dog's head. Bingo and Emma share an unbreakable bond, so it's somewhat surprising that Bingo took this long to join our morning snuggle session.

Look Bingo, we're going to watch you on TV! Emma exclaims between giggles. Her laughter is infectious and always has been since she was a baby. She named our dog after a character from the show we're about to watch. We adopted Bingo from the dog shelter when Emma was just three years old. From that day forward, she insisted on calling her Bingo, refusing all other names - so Bingo stuck.

Bingo settles comfortably into Emma's lap as I select an episode. Saturday mornings hold a special place in my heart - my family snuggled together, nothing is better than this. I glance over at Serena, who's cuddling Parker. Leaning closer, I whisper in her ear, I love you more.

An incessant tap on my shoulder interrupts our moment. Hey, there are no secrets in this family! Emma scolds me. Which is adorable coming out of a five-year-old's mouth while caressing Bingo's head.

I reach over and playfully tickle her as she squirms and giggles. It wasn't a secret. I just told mommy that I love her more. I raise my fingers in the air like tickle monsters, waiting for her response. Meanwhile, Bingo watches my fingers, wondering what I'm up to.

Sure you did, Emma draws out while rolling her eyes playfully. I do my best to stifle my laughter, realizing that I might have underestimated just how quickly the eye-rolling phase would kick in. Maybe she is five going on thirteen already.

I release my pretend tickle monsters and make a playful advance toward her, eliciting giggles even before my fingers make contact. However, instead of tickling her, I opt for a kiss on her head, as I beam from ear to ear. I love you, princess. With that, I pull her and Bingo even closer as I click play.

Chapter 2

<<< Damien >>>

Stepping out of the car, the high sun instantly warms my face as it shines brightly in the Tampa sky. It's a picture-perfect day for a family beach outing. I glance towards the shoreline, noting the absence of a large crowd - for now. The rhythmic symphony of waves crashing against the shore already fills the air.

I unload our beach gear from the car, carefully placing the kids' toys on the pavement. Eagerly, they snatch up their toys and dash off towards the sandy shore. Serena's voice carries over the sand as she calls out, Remember, sunscreen first before you go anywhere near the water! Her words are aimed at the kids who are charging toward the beach with boundless energy. Parker is bent down running while clutching onto the sides of his massive truck that's nearly half his size. My inner child can't help but feel jealous; I never had a toy like that growing up. Today, though, I plan to tap into that inner child to build our grand sandcastle city.

I begin to haul the packed wagon behind me along the wooden boardwalk as Serena scoots up next to me gracefully interlacing her fingers with mine. In a spontaneous move, I playfully tug her hand behind my back, causing her to slightly stumble into my side. "Seems like you're falling for me all over again. Wow, this happens way too often," I tease, always aiming to bring a smile to her face - a task that never proves difficult.

Her laughter rings out. I think I've been falling for you since the very first time I clumsily spilled hot tea all over you when we first met. You know I'm a klutz.

You are indeed a klutz. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I knew what I was getting into when I married you. I tease, playfully raising my eyebrows. I love being here with you and the kids. You're the best wife a husband could ever ask for and an incredible mother to our kiddos. I'm in awe of you every single day.

Her smile deepens, at my heartfelt words. Do you know why I'm all those things and more?

Eager to hear her thoughts, I say, I'm all ears. I continue to guide the wagon down the boardwalk, almost to the sand. I glance up to see the kids jumping up and down eagerly waving at us, signaling they've found the perfect spot to set up camp. I nod towards them, telling them we're on our way to them.

Serena affectionally tightens her grip on my hand. It's all because of you. You bring out the best in me. Every moment with you is a bliss, and I can't imagine a life that doesn't have you in it. You're the husband I've always dreamed of and the kind of father every child wishes they had. I'm so incredibly blessed that you're the father of our children.

Pausing in my tracks, the wagon's handle slips from my grasp, clattering on the wooden boardwalk. My focus shifts entirely to her, and I reach out gently cupping her face in my hands, feeling the softness of her skin on my fingertips. Our eyes met, and I find myself lost her emerald eyes.

You are the yin to my yang, I whisper, my thumb tenderly skimming her lips. You fit me perfectly in every way. I can't resist the pull between us, and I lean in, sealing our lips in a kiss overflowing with a passion that, perhaps, should be saved for later tonight. But considering we haven't had a moment alone yet today, I decide to throw caution to the wind.

She responds eagerly while her hands snake around my back, gripping my shirt as if to keep the moment from slipping away. I draw her closer, deepening our kiss. I find myself hesitant to part, the taste of her lips lingering on mine. However, the children's excited voices steal my attention, so with a reluctant sigh, I pull back from the kiss. To be continued later... after the kids are in bed, I murmur, tossing her a smoldering look. I know she loves this look - it's always had an effect on her.

A wicked grin dances across her face as she teasingly traces a finger across my lips. If you keep looking at me like that, I don't think I’ll be able to wait until tonight.

My eyes drift toward the beach, where the kids are digging in the sand, blissfully unaware of our stolen moment. Perhaps the sharks can babysit the kids if we want to head home. I'd hate to make you wait, I use my low voice, a tone that never fails to affect her. I arch an eyebrow - seeing if she's willing.

Her laughter erupts, likely fueled by the look plastered on my face rather than my feeble attempt at humor involving our children. You're incorrigible, she playfully scolds, giving my shoulder a light smack.

I'll take that as a compliment. Only with you, my love. I lift her hand to my lips for a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

As I release her hand, she glances down snickering. Um... it seems like your bathing suit is getting a bit snug there.

Well, I wonder who's fault that is, I tease, playfully scolding her.

She plays innocent, placing her hand delicately on her collarbone. Surely, that could never be my fault, she purrs in a southern drawl that doesn't help my current situation. It only adds more fuel to the fire making me desire her more - if that's even humanly possible. 

I can't help but grin, closing my eyes briefly as I shake my head. You're killing me, woman.

Serena smirks at me, walking her fingers up my chest. Well, darling, that might just be the best way to go.

You're not wrong there. I take a determined step towards her, the longing evident in my eyes as I inch closer. She begins to giggle before darting away, racing toward the ocean, her footprints leaving a trail in the sand. The sight of her running through the sand, her laughter filling the air, serves as a reminder of why I fell head over heels with her in the first place- she's constantly cheerful.

I love that woman. God, thank you for making her for me.

I retrieve the wagon handle from the sandy planks and begin hauling it toward my family, ready for a fun filled day. By the time I reach them, Serena has already taken charge, spraying the kids with sunscreen like a well-oiled assembly line. Now, it's my turn. I peel off my shirt, carelessly tossing it into the wagon, feeling the warmth of the sun on my bare skin. Turning my back towards her I extend my arms.

Her fingers delicately trace the contours of my bare back, a touch so soft yet electrifying. I must admit, I do enjoy this view, she admits.

I glance back at her, discovering her playfully biting her lip as her fingers continue to explore, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. Her touch sparks an immediate response within me, and I struggle to maintain my composure. You really need to stop that, I try to sound stern but fail, my voice betraying my own desire. My self-control jumped ship the moment you raced down the beach away from me. If you keep this up, I can't be held responsible for my actions, I tease.

She seems to debate my plea before slowly withdrawing her hand. Leaning in she places a tender kiss on my shoulder before stepping back. Then, the icy blast of sunscreen mist hits me like someone rubbing snow across my back. My back arches involuntary as I tense up. I hate this sensation, but she gets a sick little thrill out of it - watching me try to take it like a man and utterly failing as my body does an uncomfortable dance. Yep, there’s her chuckle as if on cue. Sometimes, when it becomes too much, I bolt down the beach, only for her to chase after me, laughing as she continues her playful assault.

Her hand lightly swats my butt in a playful gesture, startling me. You're finished, she whispers teasingly into my ear, her lips grazing it with a playful nip. I love her playful nature; it's one of the many reasons our relationship is so perfect. We're constantly making each other laugh and indulging in playful moments. Laughter is the thread that binds us, and it's infectious - once we start laughing, the kids inevitably join in, their giggles mixing with ours.

Thanks honey.

With all of us thoroughly coated in sunscreen, I turn to the kids, who are still playing in the sand, their faces smeared with a mixture of sunscreen and sand. Ready to build our super sandy city!?

Yeah! they both cheer at the top of their lungs, their voices carrying over the beach. They look adorable in their matching white sun hats - already somehow coated in sand. My best guess is they were busy in their usual sand-throwing antics. I'm surprised there was no tattling involved - as a parent, I'll call that a win!

I make my way to the wagon and dig out the shovel, no pun intended. A subdued chuckle escapes my lips at my own lame joke in my head. Yep, the jokes are as funny in my head as they are out loud.

What's got you snickering? Serena asks while busily setting up the chairs.

Just a punny joke in my head. I wiggle my eyebrows to pique her curiosity.

She laughs - a sound that will never get old - and shakes her head. Another dad joke, huh? You know I'll just roll my eyes and laugh anyways.

I give Serena a playful swat on the backside, catching her off guard and causing her to squeal in surprise. She whirls around facing me adorably scrunching up her face trying to look annoyed - but I know deep down she loves it. "Well... I wouldn't expect anything less from the love of my wife, I tease her, loving the sound of her laughter as it fills the air again. I knew you'd appreciate that I used wife instead of life." She boosts my self esteem with every laugh which is good and bad. It boosts my ego which is great for me, but horrible for her because the jokes keep getting worse - but she still laughs anyways. Her smile, beaming at me right now, makes me feel like the luckiest man in the world. She's all mine, and that smile is a privilege reserved solely for me.

I'll set up our spot. Go have some fun with the kids. I know you're itching to dig in the sand with them. She places her chair in the sand.

You know me too well. I drop a quick kiss on her cheek, resisting the urge for a lingering kiss - that'll definitely land me in the same situation I encountered earlier.

Shifting my focus to the kids, I raise the shovel above my head with both hands, playfully mimicking a caveman. Who's ready to build a sandy city!?

We are! Emma and Parker shout as I approach.

Kneeling down between them, I feel the gentle waves lapping against my feet as the salty breeze tousles my hair - covering my face. Alright, team, what's the master plan for our epic sandy city? I brush the hair from my face.

Emma shovels more wet sand into her bright pink castle bucket. Let's build lots of castles!

That's a fantastic idea. Keep on filling those buckets. Turning to Parker, I suggest, Why don't you use your truck to smooth out the sand for our city's foundation?

On it, sir! Parker salutes me, which brings a wide grin to my face as he steers his toy truck toward our building site. This kid reminds me of a younger version of myself - or so my mother often tells me.

As I begin digging the moat, the kids work on their assigned tasks while we chat and share moments of laughter. Ten minutes later, we've successfully excavated a moat, leveled the land, and filled several castle buckets with tightly packed sand. The extra sand from the moat serves as protective walls around our creation, adding an extra layer of fun as we prepare to defend our sandy masterpiece from the rising tide.

Serena joins us, her hands dusting off sand. What can I do to help?

Emma, eager to share her creativity, calls her over. Mommy, I'm decorating the walls. Watch this. She carefully lets a sandy-water mixture drip over the walls, creating a textured, artistic design. See? It makes them so much prettier.

You make it seem so easy. You're a natural at this, she praises Emma. Can I be your assistant?

Yeah! she squeals with delight. She's always thrilled when someone joins her. Let's start with this wall first. Serena settles in comfortably beside Emma, scooping up a handful of ocean-soaked sand.

I turn to Parker, who is carefully putting the finishing touches on the village walls he's constructed. Hey, buddy, how about joining me for some sandcastle construction?

His eyes light up, and he nods - clearly ready. Sure, Dad! He scoots up beside me. The land is cleared and ready for structures. At just seven, he's already showing a keen sense of organization and detail, traits that hint at a potential future in project management, or perhaps even as a future CEO, should he choose that path.

Perfect, I say, handing him a bucket filled by Emma. You get to be the project manager and decide where our castles should stand. He takes the bucket surveying the area thoughtfully before placing each castle.

Half an hour later, we collectively step back to admire our sandy masterpiece. The city sprawls before us, featuring various crafted castles, complete with decorated walls that exude a medieval aura rather than the usual princessy charm, thanks to the natural sand color palette. The once-empty moat has been filled by the rising tide, adding an extra layer of excitement to our creation. As a finishing touch, Emma added seashells to the walls and the castle turrets. She scoured the beach hand-picking them with Serena in tow.

Parker's enthusiasm bubbles over as he proudly announces, This is definitely the coolest sandcastle city we've ever built! He hops up and down, as the water splashes at his feet.

As I playfully ruffle his hat, it tilts forward covering his eyes. I couldn't agree more, bud. I gently push the hat back to reveal his bright eyes. How about we cool off with a swim, and then we can defend our castle from the incoming tide?

Emma, not needing another invitation, races towards our wagon to grab her life jacket. Serena watches her with a loving, amused smile. Looks like someone's eager to swim.

Holding Serena's hand, I find myself captivated by my wife. I love our family adventure days. It's in these moments that I feel truly blessed with an amazing family.

Me too. She playfully tugs at my hand, causing me to lose my balance slightly. She mimics my earlier tone, mocking me, Oh, looks like you're falling for me now.

Regaining my footing, I draw her in close whispering affectionately, I'll always fall for you. Nothing could ever keep me away from you. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I draw her in for a passionate kiss that leaves no doubt about my deep feelings for her.

Our tender moment is quickly interrupted when I feel a gentle tug on my bathing suit. Glancing down, I see Emma’s face beaming up at me, her tiny arms outstretched with her life jacket in hand. I quickly help her secure the buckles, and with a quick wave, she darts off into the ocean, towards her brother, before I can utter a word to her. That girl has no fear of the water.

Parker's voice carries over the sound of the waves as he splashes in them, Mommy, are you coming in too?

Serena hesitates, her gaze flickering between me and the waves lapping against the shore. I'm not sure about going in just yet, she admits, her face scrunching up as she debates her options. I can sense her hesitation wanting some alone time, perhaps to dive into her silly romance novel. Alone time is rare for her, given Emma is home all day with her while Parker is at school. But I want her by my side. She can relax after I have a little fun with her.

Without giving her a chance to decide, I move swiftly, scooping her up into my arms, eliciting a burst of surprised laughter from her. I've rescued the queen from her castle, and now I'm taking her to my lair! I declare, striding confidently toward the ocean. I can feel the curious eyes of beachgoers, but in this moment, I couldn't care less.

Parker's excited voice echoes back, Bring her in, Daddy! Emma's giggles chime in, finding amusement in Serena being hauled into the water.

Serena playfully nibbles at my ear, flirting. You're going to pay for this later. If you dunk me in, then it's all over for you.

In that moment all I can think of is how quickly can I toss her into the ocean, eagerly anticipating the 'revenge' she promises later. Her teasing smile and the playful kiss on my ear make my heart race. I'm sure I'll enjoy whatever 'revenge' you decide to unleash, I reply with a husky chuckle. I haven't complained once in our marriage when you've taken it out on me, and I'm certainly not about to start now. The grin on my face grows, and as I hold her close. I'm reminded once again of how she exceeds even my wildest dreams.

I can't get enough of her.

*****

After a full day of soaking up the Florida sun and savoring a delicious beachfront pizza picnic, we gather our sandy towels and beach toys, piling into the car for the journey back home. I'm exhausted from the day's activities and could definitely use a post-sun nap, but someone has to drive us home.

The kids, on the other hand, pass out in record time, their little faces nuzzled against their favorite stuffed animals. It's always a good sign when they fall asleep so quickly; it means they've had a memorable day.

Once we arrive home, I gently lift Parker from his booster seat, careful not to wake him. Serena cradles Emma inside. Parker remains undisturbed as I lay him in his bed, tucking him in and placing a soft kiss on his forehead before quietly exiting his room.

With the children now tucked in their beds, dreaming away, I make my way to our bedroom. Serena's been playfully teasing me all day, and my tension has reached its peak. Every man has his breaking point - and I'm no exception. Stealthily, I position myself behind the bedroom door, ready for a playful ambush.

The moment Serena enters the room, I quickly toss the door shut and lock it behind her. She pauses briefly, turning just as my arms sweep around her. My lips find the nape of her neck, and she instinctively leans into me tilting her head back, surrendering to the sensation of my kisses as they begin trailing upward. In a voice laced with playful frustration, I whisper, You've been driving me absolutely mad all day with your teasing.

Her lips curve into a mischievous grin, a clear sign she enjoyed torturing me in public, knowing I was powerless to respond. She loves the power trip.

With a seductive tone, she playfully declares, Now, it's time for my revenge for that ocean toss.

As I move to playfully nip Serena's neck, the sudden jiggling of the door handle brings us to an abrupt halt. I let out a sigh, my head dropping to Serena's shoulder, disappointed were being interrupted. Well... I guess we're never having more kids, I half-joke, trying to lighten the mood.

The persistent rattling of the doorknob echoes in the room. Mommy, Daddy, why's the door locked? You never let me lock mine! Emma's little voice scolds us from the other side. Normally, it would be super adorable, but not in this moment.

Serena gives my hand a quick squeeze, and I let her go with some reluctance, immediately missing her warmth. I'll tuck her back in, she whispers as she turns and leaves the room.

It doesn't take long before Serena returns, securing the door behind her once more. Emma’s back in bed. Just needed some water, she informs me, her words reigniting my fire as I stalk towards her on a mission.

However, as I approach her, I notice an unreadable expression that I can't quite decipher. It's rare for me to be unable to read her, so my concern mounts quickly. What's wrong? I ask, as my heart rate increases.

Her lips curve into a reassuring smile, dispelling my inner anxiety instantly. The rapid thudding in my chest begins to slow, relieved it's nothing serious. "Nothing's wrong," she assures me. It's just... about your earlier comment - it's no longer true." She bites her lip, waiting for me to catch on.

What comment? My brows furrow as I try to recall my earlier words. The gears in my mind begin turning. It doesn't take long for me to piece it together, and my eyes widen. Are you pregnant? The question tumbles out of my mouth in total shock.

Her nod and radiant smile confirm it, making me feel like I've hit the jackpot. Overwhelmed by joy, I race over to her, swiftly scooping her up in my arms and spinning her around as she giggles, her arms wrapped securely around my neck. My heart bursts with happiness at the thought of welcoming another little one into our family. I cherish every moment of being a father.

Serena has wholeheartedly embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom since Parker was born. It's always been her dream to raise children, and I'm thrilled to be able to provide for our family, allowing her to be there for our children every step of the way.

After a few joyful spins, I set her gently back down, still riding the high of our exhilarating news. I brush her hair behind her shoulder, revealing her radiant, smiling face. Life with you keeps getting better. I can't believe we're going to be parents again.

She tenderly places her hand on her belly. Well, you better believe it because in about seven and a half months, she'll be here.

I freeze, with a mixture of shock and excitement. We're having a girl? I ask, startled that she already knows the gender. With Parker and Emma, the doctor revealed the gender to us during her appointment.

She chuckles softly. I'm just guessing. I don't actually know the gender.

Grinning, I place my hand over hers on her belly. Well, I trust your instincts. You've been spot-on the last two times, while I was completely wrong.

Her eyes glisten with joy. Thank you for giving me the perfect life. I love you, she says, growing a tad sappy.

The depth of my own feelings overtakes me - even though I don't have the extra hormones running through me. I love you more, I whisper, drawing her close for a passionate kiss.

I never imagined my life could be this amazing.

Chapter 3

<<< Damien >>>

I flinch as a sudden, intrusive burst of bright light invades my peaceful sleep. My eyelids feel heavy, resisting the urge to open. I can't help but wonder why the sun insists on waking me so early. Did someone open the blinds? I stretch my hand across the bed my fingers searching for Serena. Eventually, I find her warm hand, and she responds squeezing mine gently.

In the background, I hear muffled voices. Their words are still distant and unclear, as I linger on the edge of consciousness. Are the kids awake already? It’s unusual for me to sleep in, but maybe yesterday’s beach outing tuckered me out more than I realized. I wonder if they’re ready to pounce on me the moment my eyes crack open. Slowly, I pry my eyes open, bracing myself for their playful attack.

Instead, I'm greeted with harsh, blinding lights above that force me to squint. I raise my hand to shield my eyes, just as the lights shut off abruptly. As my eyes slowly adjust to the change, I realize I'm no longer in my bedroom. I find myself lying on a hospital bed in a sterile room. My mom sits in the chair beside me, her eyes brimming with tears as she clings tightly to my hand. The rest of the room is filled with people in white coats - strangers I don't recognize.

A shorter bald man steps forward, holding a tablet in his hand. We're pleased to see you awake, Mr. Stone. I'm Dr. Lee, and I've been overseeing your treatment since you arrived last week after the accident. You're recovering quite well.

My heart sinks like a stone into the pit of my stomach. The incessant beeping of the machines only fuels my anxiety. How bad was the accident? I manage to croak out, despite my throat being dry and scratchy. I don't care about my discomfort; my family's well-being is more important. Are Serena and the kids okay? I scan the room for any sign of them, beginning to panic when I don't spot them.

Uncertainty ripples through the medical staff, their exchanged glances hinting at possible bad news. I push myself up in the hospital bed and my brain instantly starts pounding like a jackhammer against my skull urging me to lay back down. But my wife and children need me - I can't rest until I'm certain they're safe.

Damien, you need to stay in bed, my mom pleads, her vibrant bright blue eyes filled with worry, as she gently squeezes my hand. Please, lie back down before you injure yourself further.

At this moment, my own well-being is the farthest thing from my mind. Where's my wife and kids? Are they here in this hospital? Were we in a car accident? I shoot desperate questions at the doctors, only to be met with their blank stares.

Frustrated, I swing my legs over the edge of the hospital bed. Dr. Lee gasps rushing around the bed to my side. He begins frantically waiving his hands to prevent me from standing. Mr. Stone, you must remain in bed! he insists.

I lock eyes with the short, plump man, my patience frayed to its limits. If you want me to remain put, someone better start talking right now, I snap challenging him. Where is my family?

My mother, sitting beside me, nervously tucks a strand of her dark, curly hair behind her ear. Damien, she hesitates, as her eyes dart over to the medical staff, seemingly unsure of what to say. In that agonizing pause, I sense the truth in her silence - that my family, my entire world, is gone. She's always had a terrible poker face.

The realization is a crushing weight, a searing blade that mercilessly twists into my heart. Every breath feels like a struggle, as if the very air in the room has been sucked away, leaving me gasping for a breath.

My mom finally manages to continue, Damien, you don't have a family. She briefly glances at Dr. Lee, who responds with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders as if he doesn't understand the situation.

Her words hang in the air for a brief, excruciating moment before they fully register. I find myself staring at her, a lump forming in my throat. Tears begin spilling down my cheeks, unrestrained. They're gone? I manage to choke out between shallow breaths, my entire chest quaking.

My hands clench the blanket, my body rocking back and forth trying to stop the overwhelming panic. Tell me I didn't cause this. If I was driving... The words trail off into a sob, my entire being consumed with dread.

My mother's voice cuts through my distress. Damien, listen to me. Nobody is dead, she says firmly, her hand seeking mine, attempting to gain my attention.

The stabbing pain in my heart recedes and a flicker of hope ignites within me. They're alive! Thank you God!

She squeezes my hand tightly. You don't have a family, she says again, her words cutting me like a thousand knives.

What would cause her to say that? She had dinner with us earlier this week. What are you talking about? How can you say I don't have a family? You know Serena - we've been together for almost a decade. You love Parker and Emma and they adore you. Serena just told me she's pregnant again.

As my mom stands, her chair screeches against the sterile hospital floor. The jarring sound pierces the silent room like nails on a chalkboard. She stares at me, her eyes filled with a profound sadness. Dr. Lee steps back, giving her space as she cradles my face. Damien, she utters with a pained expression, you've never been married or had any children. You're still single. You've always been a workaholic, never making time for a relationship, no matter how hard I tried to encourage you.

My world crumbles around me, the tears now unstoppable, drenching my hospital gown. No, I protest, a raw sob escaping me. They're real. I've held my wife in my arms. I watched my kids grow up. They're perfect.

Her arms wrap around me attempting to console me. Damien, I'm sorry, she murmurs, her hand gently rubs soothing circles on my back. I think it was all a dream while you were in the coma.