Forty-three

POV

Tessa

The days in the hospital turned into weeks. Bennett was slowly recovering, each day a small step toward normalcy. Mason and I spent most of our time at the hospital, ensuring he was never alone.

One afternoon, while Bennett slept, Mason and I went to the hospital cafeteria. We sat in silence, our minds still processing everything that had happened.

"I know Loomis is in prison," Mason said, breaking the silence. "But I can't shake the feeling that we're still in danger."

I nodded, sharing his sentiment. "He may be gone, but the people he controlled are still out there. They might want revenge."

Mason looked at me, his eyes somber. "We need to be prepared for anything. We can't let our guard down."

As Mason and I talked about the future, I felt a wave of nausea hit me. It wasn't uncommon in the past few days, and I knew my pregnancy was starting to manifest more tangibly. I placed a hand on my stomach, trying to calm the discomfort.

Mason noticed my movement and his expression softened. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, it's just the pregnancy. It's starting to feel more real."

He reached out and gently placed his hand over mine. "We'll get through this together, Tessa. No matter whose baby it is, it will be loved."

Back in Bennett's room, a nurse entered with a smile on her face. "I have good news," she announced. "Bennett has shown significant improvement. He's awake and asking for you."

The relief I felt was indescribable. Mason and I exchanged a look before hurrying to Bennett's side. He was lying in bed, pale, but his eyes were more alert than before.

"Tessa, Mason," he said, his voice weak but full of determination. "I'm glad you're here and, most importantly, that you're okay. Did that bastard get arrested?"

"Yes, it all worked out in the end, and he didn't manage to escape. I hope he rots in prison," I replied, holding his hand.
Bennett gave a faint smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and exhaustion. "Great. It's about time we had some justice." The nurse returned to the room, breaking the moment. "I'm sorry, but Bennett needs to rest now. You can come back later to visit him."

We reluctantly stood up, but not before exchanging more reassuring looks. "We'll be back soon," I promised Bennett. "Rest."

In the following days, Bennett continued to improve, gaining strength and regaining his spirits. Mason and I took turns staying by his side, planning our next steps during moments of quiet.

A few nights later, as we were together again in the hospital cafeteria, Mason brought up a difficult but necessary topic. "Tessa, we need to talk about the baby. Have you thought about what you want to do?"

I looked down, feeling the weight of the decision. "I want to keep the baby, Mason. No matter what happens, I want to give this child a chance."

Mason nodded, his expression supportive. "Then we'll do everything we can to ensure that chance. But we also need to be prepared for the challenges. Loomis may be gone, but his influence still lingers. We need to be ready for anything."

A determination settled within me. "We will be.""We need a safe place, where we can start building a new life."

I agreed, thinking about the baby's safety and the need to leave behind the shadows of the past. "I've been thinking about that too. We need a place that offers peace and stability, far away from any reminders of Loomis."

Mason nodded, his gaze distant as he considered the options. "I know just the place. A small coastal town where we could start fresh. It's far removed from all of this, and we could focus on the three of us and the baby."

A morning dawned with a soft, golden light filtering through the hospital room windows. Bennett appeared noticeably stronger, sitting up in bed as Mason and I entered with hopeful smiles. The doctors had finally given him the green light for discharge, marking another milestone in his recovery.

"Ready to get out of here, Bennett?" Mason asked, his voice tinged with relief.

Bennett nodded, a faint smile gracing his lips. "More than ready. I'm tired of these hospital walls."

The nurse arrived with discharge papers and instructions, her cheerful demeanor contrasting with the seriousness of the past weeks. "Here you go, Bennett. Just follow these guidelines for a smooth recovery."

As we helped Bennett into his street clothes, a mix of emotions washed over me. Relief knowing Bennett was on the path to recovery; apprehension about what lay ahead; and a deep sense of gratitude for still being together.

Once Bennett was settled in the wheelchair, we walked through the hospital corridors. It felt surreal leaving behind all the uncertainty and fear that had gripped us here. Mason pushed the wheelchair while I walked alongside Bennett, holding his hand like a tether.

Outside, the fresh morning air greeted us, filled with the promise of a new beginning. The sunlight felt warmer, more inviting, as if nature itself was celebrating Bennett's recovery. We helped him into the car, ensuring he was as comfortable as possible for the journey ahead.

As Mason drove, the landscape gradually shifted from urban streets to open countryside. Bennett looked out the window, taking in the passing fields and distant hills with a newfound appreciation. "It feels good to be out," he remarked, his voice tinged with gratitude.

Arriving at our destination—a charming coastal town nestled between hills and the glistening ocean—I couldn't help but feel a wave of hope. The town exuded a peaceful charm, with its cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and homes adorned with colorful flowers.

Mason parked the car in front of a cottage-style house, with a porch surrounded by rocking chairs. "Welcome home," he said, his eyes meeting mine with a mix of excitement and relief.

Bennett scanned the surroundings, a slight smile playing on his lips. "It's perfect," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet determination.

We unloaded Bennett's things and helped him inside, where he settled into a comfortable armchair in the living room. The sound of seagulls echoed softly through the open windows, a soothing backdrop to our new beginning.

While Mason unpacked our essentials, I stepped out onto the porch, soaking in the salty breeze and the distant sound of waves breaking on the shore. It felt like a world away from the chaos and danger we had left behind.

Returning inside, I found Bennett gazing out the window, lost in thought. "It feels strange, doesn't it?" he reflected, turning his gaze to me.

I nodded, sinking into the chair beside him. "It does. But it also feels right. Like we're finally where we're supposed to be."

Mason joined us, sitting on the floor with a contented sigh. "A fresh start," he said, his voice tinged with optimism. "For all of us."