Chapter 132

Richard

pov.

The morning sun streamed through the hotel windows as I zipped up the last of our suitcases.

The trip had been a whirlwind-work, family, moments of laughter, and the occasional bit of chaos. But now, it was time to head home.

I glanced over at Sarah, who was double-checking her carry-on bag. She looked focused, but there was a softness to her expression that hadn't been there a few weeks ago.

"Do you really need to go through that again?" I teased, sitting on the edge of the bed. "You're making me nervous, like we're smuggling gold bars or something."

Sarah shot me a mock glare. "Well, I don't trust you not to have forgotten something important. Do you remember that time in Paris when you left my charger at the hotel?"

I groaned, holding up my hands. "You're never letting me live that down, are you?"

"Not a chance," she said, smirking before zipping up her bag.

A knock on the door interrupted us. Zoe strolled in, sunglasses perched on her head like she was the star of some tropical travel magazine.

"I figured I'd catch you two before you disappeared," she said, leaning casually against the doorframe. "And, you know, make sure you're not planning to take half the hotel's inventory with you." Sarah laughed, shaking her head. "Oh please, you're just here for a final victory lap to remind me how much better you're running the office these days."

Zoe grinned. "Guilty. But seriously, it's been great having you both here. Though I might need a vacation myself now. Managing you is no small task, Sarah."

but chuckle. "She's a

arm. "You're supposed to

waved a hand, brushing

two should focus on what's next. And don't worry-we'll call you if we accidentally burn the

Sarah said, her tone lighter now. "But seriously, Zoe,

her, okay? She's got that

I'll make sure she actually takes a

was oddly soothing as we settled into our seats. Sarah leaned back, her eyes closed, her hand resting lightly on her belly. For the first time

I'm too comfortable to nap just yet. These seats are like

I said, leaning back myself. "It feels like

softly. "Chaos? It wasn't

don't remember the great snack debacle on the jet? Or the time Zoe made me

head. "Okay, fine, maybe there were a few moments. But you

thinking more along the lines of a trophy," I joked,

marveling at how at ease she seemed. She had spent so much of the trip worrying-about work, about the baby, about everything in between-but now, it was like she'd finally let herself breathe. "I'm proud of you, you

to me, her

team, for taking care of yourself. You've grown so much, Sarah.

blushed slightly, leaning her head against my shoulder. "Thanks, Richard. That means a

flight talking quietly, reminiscing about the trip and making plans for the future. It felt

***

greeted us as we stepped through the door, the

as I took in the sight of

I said, turning to Sarah, who was

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