When the Story Continues (Sequel to When the Script Changes)

Chapter 10: Growing Pains and Midnight Whispers

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8:45 AM – Mon's First Giggle

The moment Mon woke up, everything else faded away.

She stretched in her crib, her tiny fists rubbing at her eyes, her soft coos filling the room.

Freen felt her heart melt.

Becky reached down first, carefully scooping her up.

"Good morning, little love," she whispered, pressing a kiss to Mon's forehead.

Mon blinked up at her sleepily before letting out a tiny hiccup.

And then—

She giggled.

Both Freen and Becky froze.

Becky pulled back slightly, eyes wide.

"Did she just—?"

Freen stared at Mon, completely entranced.

"Do it again, baby," Freen whispered, lightly running a finger over Mon's belly.

Mon blinked up at them—then let out another soft, breathy giggle.

Becky let out a quiet gasp. "Oh my God."

Freen felt her heart explode.

"That's the best sound I've ever heard in my life," she said, completely serious.

Becky grinned. "Right?! I want to hear it every day."

Freen leaned in, pressing soft kisses to Mon's cheek. "We have to record this. I need this as my ringtone."

Becky laughed, quickly pulling out her phone. "Mon, baby, do it again for Mama."

Mon just stared at her, wide-eyed.

Becky wiggled her fingers over her belly.

Nothing.

Freen smirked. "She knows she's being watched now."

Becky groaned dramatically. "Our daughter is already messing with us, and she's not even old enough yet."

Freen laughed.

And for the first time in days—

Everything felt normal again.

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3:15 PM – The Growing Pains

Mon was having a fussy afternoon.

No matter what they did, she squirmed and whined, her tiny face scrunching up in frustration.

She wasn't sick—thank God.

But something was wrong.

Becky held her against her shoulder, rocking her gently. "I think her gums are bothering her."

Freen frowned. "Teething?"

"Maybe. She keeps chewing on her fingers."

Mon whimpered, pressing her tiny fists into her mouth.

Freen's heart ached.

She hated seeing Mon uncomfortable.

Becky sighed. "We should try the teething rings."

Freen nodded, quickly grabbing one from the freezer.

The second Becky pressed it against Mon's lips, she latched onto it, gumming at it furiously.

Freen and Becky exchanged a look.

Yeah. Definitely teething.

Becky sighed. "We're not going to get much sleep tonight, are we?"

Freen grinned despite herself.

"Nope."

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10:21 PM – Midnight Whispers

They were exhausted.

After hours of rocking, singing, and walking around the house, Mon had finally fallen asleep.

Becky lay beside Freen in bed, staring up at the ceiling.

The room was dark except for the soft glow of the baby monitor.

"You okay?" Freen murmured, turning her head.

Becky let out a quiet laugh.

"I was just thinking," she said softly. "Do you ever look at her and just... feel like your heart is going to burst?"

Freen smiled.

"Every single day."

Becky turned her head to look at her. "It's kind of terrifying, huh?"

Freen reached over, gently tucking a strand of hair behind Becky's ear.

"Yeah," she admitted. "But in the best way."

Becky hummed in agreement.

Then, softer—

"I love you."

Freen felt warmth spread through her chest.

"I love you too, baby."

She leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Becky's forehead.

And as they lay there—tired, but happy—

Freen knew.

This was what love felt like.

Not just the kind that swept you off your feet.

But the kind that stayed.

The kind that grew.

The kind that made life worth everything.