Emily narrates:
As I read the letter that was brought to me, I was shocked. After understanding that she intends to give away that baby, I feel terrible. Throughout my life, I have sought ways to help children without parents and single mothers, and now that I can prevent it, I feel powerless.
When I call Sarah, she arrives with Paige and Riley. I wasn't expecting them, but it was good that they came because we are all trying to find a way to help that baby. It's not for Peyton, she doesn't matter to us, but that baby, who is innocent and had no say in the mother they ended up with, doesn't deserve to suffer.
My son didn't take the letter well. I see Paige taking him for a walk to let out all that he feels, and I sigh for the beautiful woman he has had by his side, whom he was unable to appreciate when he had the chance. Seeing them walking hand in hand as if they were a loving couple, I sigh, longing to see them like that again. Because you can feel the love, it's just that she is to hurt to accept giving him another chance, and I certainly don't blame her. On the contrary, I support her. Mason deserves to fight to have Paige by his side again.
As we are left in the room, I see Lucas and Riley looking at each other, as well as Ethan and Sarah. I take a deep breath and say to them with my sincerest words:
"I apologize for involving you in this matter, but I didn't know who else to call. I understand that it's not your concern, and I... well, I will find a way to help that baby," I nervously comment.
Riley stands up from where she is and gently takes my hand. I smile at her, and she returns the smile.
"I'm sure we'll figure something out. Count on me for whatever you need. I'm sure Sarah feels the same way, and Paige too. Therefore, together we will find a way to solve this," Riley replies.
I nod and embrace her, taking her hug as reassurance that we will do the right thing. Minutes pass, and Sarah leaves to tend to her baby, as well as Lucas with Riley. Mason and Paige haven't returned from the walk they went on yet, but the last thing I want to do is call them. They need time alone to talk and heal their wounds.
Narrating Lucas:
We're on our way to Ethan's house and reading that letter has left me stunned. I think about how it's possible for a woman not to want a child, while there are people who long to be parents and can't, others waste this opportunity.
Riley has noticed my silence, and when we arrive at the house, our friends go their separate ways. Riley takes my hand and leads me to the terrace. We sit down, and she sighs, twisting her fingers.
"What's wrong?" I ask, concerned.
"I'm sorry, but I have to tell you something that I haven't dared to. I know we said we wouldn't keep secrets, but this is something difficult to explain, and it hurts to bring it up, to remember and make it present in my present is not something I like to do," she says, even more nervous.
"You can tell me anything. I'll always be by your side. Nothing will ever make me leave you," I reply, taking her hand.
"When I lost our baby, I think my mother messed up the dosage or something must have happened, because I ended up with complications that would make it difficult for me to get pregnant again. It's something that can be treated, but it's delicate for my health. The truth is, I haven't even researched it properly because I'm in denial and terrified of getting pregnant again..." I don't let her finish speaking because I kiss her lips.
I do it slowly and tenderly, showing her that it doesn't matter to me. I want her by my side, and we'll figure out the rest together.
"I want you to be the woman in my life, and no one else. If we can't have children, we can adopt or sponsor, those are just details. The only woman I want with me is you, and you're simply perfect for me," I say, bringing our foreheads together and closing my eyes as I sigh.
"Sometimes I think I don't deserve you, you're too good," she responds, smiling.
"I'm the lucky one to have you in my life. Now that we've talked about that, is there anything else you want to tell me?" I ask, because I know her, and I believe I know what she's thinking.
"Well, about that, I might want to help that baby. I want to be a mother, and I've always wanted to be. It's like that baby has been waiting for me. I feel like it's something destiny wants to give me, the child I lost, the child that made me feel empty for not having with me. If you don't want to, you don't have to feel guilty. I'm not speaking for both of us, I'm doing it for myself. I feel ready to take that step and take responsibility for that child who is not at fault for the mother they got stuck with."
I look at her proudly, knowing that she will be by my side for the rest of my life. She is an extraordinary woman, strong, and I am convinced that she will be an exemplary mother.
"I love you, I always have, and if you let me, I want to be a part of this new chapter by your side. I want that baby, and I want us to raise that baby just like the one we lost. They will be our child," I say decisively.
"Are you sure? You know it's crazy, like always. Sometimes I'm impulsive with my decisions, and it might not be the best..." she starts speaking non-stop because she's nervous.
"Love, we'll do it, and we'll be the best parents," I say, kissing her lips and stopping her verbal rambling.
She embraces me, and we celebrate with affection over the new decision we've made. Now, we're going to be parents, something I've always wanted. What better way than with the love of my life by my side.
Regardless of the biological mother that child may have, it doesn't define the baby. They will be raised with all the love we have to give, with Riley, and we'll do it in the best way possible. I'm sure of it.
Now, we just have to wait to tell Paige and Mason, also Emily. I hope they don't take our decision the wrong way and that it brings them as much joy as it does to us.