Kenna resists the urge to roll her eyes as her parents question her about going back to England. She doesn't tell them any more than that as she would be stuck in their company for hours.
It's a new year now and she was trying to rebuild her family. She had many things to prepare for; her new arrival, Adrien's new school for when he returned from France in Easter, finding a job...
"I just think you should stay a little longer. You will be all alone in that house," her father says, keeping his voice neutral. "Until Easter at least and then, Adrien can visit us and you can both go back to England when the holidays are over."
"Dad, if I don't go now, I'll never leave," Kenna says, laughing a little. "I've got to move on and I'm rebuilding my life. It's fine. Mary and Francis are across the road if I need anything and all my friends are there. I can help Greer a lot more with Adrien being in France for the time being."
Her mother nods. "I guess Greer would appreciate your help. How far along is she now? Twenty-nine weeks, right?"
"Yeah," Kenna replies, smiling brightly. "Our babies will be age mates! She's due in March and I'm due in May. I can't believe I'm 18 weeks gone... Feels like a lifetime away."
Her father studies her, saying, "Alexander told us something before he left. Is it true that Sebastian may not be the father?"
She almost breathes a sigh of relief when she learns that Alexander didn't tell them of her attempts and she plants a small smile on her face.
"Yes, it's true. I've told Bash and he says we will get through it together," she tells them. "I was unhappy and sought comfort in Antoine's arms. I regret using him, but I don't regret how I ended up with him in the first place."
"Are you in a good place, Kenna?" Her mother asks.
Kenna nods. "I am, Mum. I'd rather not continue this conversation-"
"He also told us about your attempts, shall we say?" Her father cuts her off. "Mckenna, you can tell us anything. I may not have been the most attentive father in the world, but I still do care and love all of my children regardless of their mistakes. I forgave your brothers for leaving so unexpectedly, didn't I? I forgave you for cutting ties with us for six years, too. I just want the best for you all and for you to be happy. Now, tell me - are you happy?"
Kenna glances downwards, swallowing deeply. She knew that she had him promised to keep them a secret, but her parents meant the world to her and she wasn't going to let her relationship with Bash destroy her relationship with her family again.
"Bash and I are back together. I am happy, very much so," she tells them, hoping that Alexander never brought up the incidents that occurred during their arguments.
"Right," her father says, processing her words. "But you divorced each other, wasn't that a sign?"
"It was a sign," Kenna agrees, nodding. "That he's the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. We didn't start off on the best terms, but we've grown stronger and we have kids. I didn't make this decision lightly, Dad. So many factors destroyed our marriage and we won't let them nor new ones destroy us now."
Her mother tuts. "His father, Henry Valois, is a really terrible person. He's greedy, he's power hungry. You need to stay away from that, from them. The Valois-Poitiers family."
"Including Mary's husband, Francis, and Adrien?" Kenna snaps. "Because they've got the Valois blood in them too. So has Bash and those three have nothing to do with Henry. Look, both Francis and Bash have taken over their company - they'll do better than their father."
"Mckenna, you were hurt once. You admitted it, it took leaving him to come home to us."
"He never stopped me from coming home," she tells them. "I just didn't want to, that was on me. Just like Douglas and Alexander, we all chose to come home with no other factors involved. I somewhat enjoyed my time in France. I had a job, Bash, Adrien and Diane. Then it all began to crumble and I couldn't stop it from unravelling. I had no one so I left France for England and seeing Douglas when he turned up in France whilst I stayed for Adrien for the Summer... It made me choose to come home, Bash even encouraged it. He has been encouraging me to contact you throughout our marriage - he blames himself that I barely spoke to you all."
Robert nods slowly. "So, it was all you? You not wanting to visit Scotland or pick up the phone? Not wanting to let us know that you weren't dead in a ditch? Hell, why am I going for you when Douglas literally put himself on a battlefield?!" He mutters, rubbing his head.
Kenna jumps. Her father never raised his voice and she can see the hurt and pain in his eyes. She realises that he was setting this all aside during the festive period and once the decorations were down, he would air everything out.
"I'll speak with him about that later as it's about you now," he says, a little strained.
She feels like a scolded schoolgirl and when she opens her mouth to speak, he cuts her off.
"Do you know the embarrassment you had brought our family? You had met this man, got engaged and married him within nine months. That would have been fine if you remained in contact with us and it was another man."
She doesn't tell him that she knew him for longer than that nor does she dispute the timeline of her romantic relationship.
"At first, I admit, I was looking at the financial benefits. Two powerful wealthy families united by marriage, but the more I looked into Henry Valois and his sons, I hated everything about your union. They paint Henry as a man who gets rid of people to get what he wants. I've heard the stories about his brother that he named Mary Stuart's husband after," Robert says.
"Dad, what did you find out about Francis and Bash?" Kenna fearfully asks.
Her father gasps. "You know?"
"No," she tells him quickly. "I... I knew that Bash had a past, but I never brought it up because-"
Robert takes his glasses off and rubs his head, shaking it as her mother stares intently at her in shock.
"My grandson's father is a criminal," Robert breathes out in disbelief. "My daughter married a criminal, divorced him and now, she's carrying his child again." He turns to her. "You still want him even though he's probably killed someone with his bare hands? Even if he's broken countless laws?"
She nods slowly. "Sebastian Poitiers is a good man, Dad. He's not Henry and he admitted that his father wasn't the best father to him nor his half-siblings. The man he was isn't the man he is now. Now, he's a normal guy with kids and a woman he loves very much. He loves me, Mum and Dad, he really loves me."
"Or has he manipulated you into thinking that?" Her mother asks quietly. "I observed him as he stayed and yes, he seemed to have the perfect guest act figured out. Nothing was out of place, he was kind and helpful and sweet. He familiarised himself with your siblings, showed us how good of a father he is to Adrien..."
"Mum, if he wasn't a good person do you think I'd be stupid enough to stay with him and risk my children's lives?" Kenna asks her, eyes narrowed. "Do you think I'd allow him to take my little boy out of the country, away from me? Well, guess what? Selfish people are selfish for a reason and call me selfish for loving Bash with all of my heart and for not wanting to listen to you both condemn Bash for the sins of his father! I love him, he loves me and we are together and we're raising our children together. End of story."
"Kenna-"
"If you still want to be in my life or my children's lives, you won't speak ill of Bash ever again," she warns them. "Men like Henry, they break women, but he won't break me. These six years have been a wake-up call and a real hard lesson learnt. Henry threatened me and that was the wrong move on his part because his sons don't have his support. Bash is loyal to me and if he's loyal to me, he's loyal to you, my family. He wants to do better and he wants to change his father's ways. He wants to make up for everything he's done to hurt me."
Her father stands, studies her eyes and nods. "Joanna, I think we should help Mckenna with her things."
Kenna's face falls and tears spring to her eyes. "If that's how-"
"It's nine right now," her father continues, checking his watch. "We should be able to make it to England by five this afternoon. Stay with her a few days and settle her in. Then, we can organise how we are going to celebrate Easter with Adrien and Sebastian."
"Dad!" Kenna breathes out, hugging him tightly. "Thank you."
"Well, if he's the one then, I can't dispute that," her father says, looking away from her. "You better hurry, we want to beat the traffic."
Kenna gives her parents a bright smile, kissing her father's cheek. "Dad, I won't let my past mistakes ruin our family again. I've still got to make it up to you all and this time, you will be a part of Adrien's life and my unborn child's. So much happened last year and the years before, I finally feel as if I'm in a good place to be happy."
"Your happiness is all we want, Mckenna," her mother says quietly. "Right, let's get your things packed."
...
Kenna is surprised when she steps into her home and hears her friends yelling out "Surprise!" in front of her.
"Wh-What?" She breathes out, almost laughing as she immediately spots Mary and hugs her tightly. "How...? I didn't tell anyone-"
"Your mum called me," Mary confesses, stepping back so Kenna can hug Lola next. "We wanted to surprise you. God, it's been ages."
Tears spring to Kenna's eyes as she hugs Lola tightly, sending a warm smile at Stephane's way. She then moves on to Greer and Aloysius.
"Greer, look at you!" She exclaims, hugging her blonde friend as best as she can.
"Look at you," Greer responds, placing a hand on Kenna's small bump. "How do you look that thin even when you're five months gone?"
Kenna blushes. "Don't, I look huge."
"Ahem, compared to me?" Greer asks, hugging her again. "I was beginning to think you were never coming back!"
"I'm sorry. Spending time with my family was all I could ever want for Christmas, but I had to do things for myself so I'm back in England for good, I promise," she tells her friends.
"Well, I guess that calls for some drinks. Don't worry, Lola made sure to get non-alcoholic options too," Stephane teases, heading into the kitchen with Aloysius, Greer and Lola.
As her parents join the others, Kenna greets Francis with a short hug, giving him a small smile.
"I got you something," she says, handing him the gift box. "It's not much and well, I hope you enjoy it."
Mary grins as she leans over Francis's shoulder to get a look at what his present is. He opens it and retrieves a crystal ball with a little message inscribed inside it.
"'A Friend, A Brother, A Lifetime Forever'," he says out, a smile playing on his lips. "Awh, thanks, Kenna."
"I gave it to my brother, Douglas, before he left and he always kept it with him. My brothers and sister will always get cheesy phrases from me because we will talk every day, but you... We may not talk all the time, but I do value your friendship and support, Francis," Kenna tells him. "Bash and I may not be married anymore, but you'll always be like a brother to me."
Francis laughs a little. "Thanks. Shit, I didn't get you anything-"
"Anything I got you is from him too," Mary says, laughing. "Just add his name on the cards."
"I wish I was as close to my siblings are you are," Francis says sadly. "I barely see them except Bash. Two are married, God knows where they are... Family is important Kenna and, I'm grateful that you're part of mine."
She smiles, giving him another hug. "Don't worry, Francis," she says softly as he cries on her shoulder, Mary rubbing his back. "Everything will be okay. You and Bash will work it all out. I'm here for you both."
Her eyes meet Mary's and she gives the woman a nervous smile. They're both worried about everything regarding them and Henry, but they needed to support them, not add to their problems.
"If you're done being sappy and all, join us for some drinks!" Greer calls out to them, making them laugh as Francis wipes his eyes.
"You just needed a good cry," Mary tells him, wiping his tears away for him. "My blonde Prince Charming..."
"What?" Francis frowns.
Mary and Kenna share a cheeky look, sending grins to each other as Mary shrugs it off.
"Nothing. Let's go join the party."
...
At midnight, Kenna heads downstairs as her parents remain asleep. She goes to the kitchen and gets a glass and fills it with water.
Heading to the living room, she settles herself on the sofa and sips her water, thinking about the past few years.
She has certainly come a long way from being the woman scorned to divorcée and now, mother of two.
She wants everything to be done properly, she wants to start at the beginning and rebuild her life from there.
It will be harder, she thinks. It's not just me and Adrien. It's me, Adrien and baby, too.
She doesn't think about Bash's involvement in their lives because they're working on that. Working on not arguing over every little thing and people coming into their relationship and trying to destroy it.
She almost jumps when her phone buzzes beneath her, chuckling to herself at her slight scare. She unlocks it and sees that she's got a message from Alexander, apologising that he's texting so late, but he's on a shift and hopes to talk in the morning when he's done.
Kenna frowns deeply, wondering why her brother wants to talk so badly. Not that it's bad or anything - she's glad that he's trying to maintain a relationship with her and their family - but Kenna has always been good at reading the tone of messages sent to her.
She sends him a text, requesting that they could speak right this minute and soon, he's calling and she answers.
"Alex, what's up?"
"Were you asleep?"
"No... I was up thinking," she replies. "Nevermind, what's up?"
She hears him sigh. "So, you know Christmas?"
She grins, replaying a certain memory in her head. "Hmm, I know Christmas. Happened about a week and a half ago, right?" She teases him.
He chuckles. "Yeah. Sorry, I'll get right to it. Well, I lied."
"Lied about what?"
"Being engaged."
Her eyes widen in surprise. "Oh. Right."
"I didn't want to return home after over a decade away with nothing to show for it. My best friend agreed to play the role, but then I realised I really liked her. I guess you could say she's my soulmate... I told her and..."
"And," she presses, smirking.
"She asked to remain friends. Oh, God... I even bought a ring to keep up the charade. Not only did I buy a ring, but I also wanted it to be something she'd really like if it was real. I told her that I couldn't be friends with her, that I'd always want something more and now, I feel like resigning from my position where we work."
Kenna gasps. "Oh, Alex... I'm so sorry." She sighs, rubbing her head.
She tuts when she realises that Bash was more or less the same. It was her or nothing for him because they certainly didn't remain friends for long and especially after the sex...
"What are you going to do?"
"How do you do it?" Alex asks her. "Remain friends with Sebastian after all he's done and what you've both been through? I know you have the children to think about, but even then. I couldn't go two minutes without seeing Sebastian all over you, flirting and even begging you to take him back. I honestly don't know how you have the strength to resist him again. It didn't work last time, even when he sent you the divorce papers."
Kenna smiles a little, taking in her brother's rambling. "Alex, breathe," she starts off saying. "And as I told you, Bash is my soulmate. Regardless of everything that's happened, he's the one and I will always love him. I'd admit, I wasn't the smartest of girls back then, going out with men old enough to be my father, but I had a lot of issues. With you and Douglas not being there, with Dad breathing down my neck to make sure I wasn't fucking everything up... I was the eldest after you both left and I had a lot of responsibility. Both mine and Bash's pasts have made us the people we are today, have played a role in hurting our marriage and destroying it. At the end of the day..."
"Yeah?" Alex urges her gently. "'At the end of the day', what?"
Tears slip down Kenna's cheeks as she says, "Being friends is better than losing them forever."
A memory flashes into her mind.
"Does this mean that we're trying?"
"We're being friends first, Bash. I can't handle anything more right now," she replies quickly. "We used to be friends, let's go back to that."
He smiles, planting a kiss on the corner of her lips before opening the wine and pouring them both a glass. He gives one to her and clinks his with it.
"To friends."
"To friends," she repeats softly, sipping her wine. "Roquefort."
He grins. "Got it in one."
And another memory.
"I'm not going to England, Bash," she tells him. "I'm going to Scotland."
"Oh, you're repairing your relationship with your family - that's great! Isn't that what you want? Why does that throw you off?" Bash frowns, taking her hand in his. "If you're scared, you don't have to be. I'm sure they're much better than my family is."
She smiles a little. "Yeah, I guess..." She trails off. She finally turns to him. "We need to end things. I can't do this..."
Bash lets go of her hand and, rubs his own hands over his face. He has no words. Every step they take, they end up taking ten steps back and whatever he does, he fails.
"There's no pleasing you," he says lightly. "Kenna, I thought-"
"Taking things slow or quickly won't fix us. Whichever speed we go at, it won't help at all. It's going to take more than sweet nothings, sex and empty promises, Bash. I'm sorry like I always am..."
Bash nods sadly. "I guess I deserve to be on the receiving end for once."
"After I've solved my issues with my family, I'm moving to Scotland to be closer to them. For Adrien's next school year, he will be with me and you can visit whenever you want."
"I want you to be happy," he tells her. "I want our son to be happy. If that means without me then..."
She can tell he doesn't want her to leave and she doesn't do anything to comfort him when silent tears fall down his cheeks. Her own chokes her up and she turns, laughing at something one of the kids said below them.
France will be nothing more than a distant memory of failed hopes, dreams and love.
"I love you," she hears Bash tell her. "I want you to know that."
For the first time in years, she doesn't feel inclined to repeat those words back so she just nods.
"Look at him," she says, pointing to Adrien who is trying to fling his light brown locks away from his eyes. His green eyes. "That's who we love. Now and forever, he's who we love. Promise me you won't stop loving him, won't stop wanting to be there for him."
"I promise."
She realises that she's never told Bash that she loved him since that day.
"He was meant to be my forever," she tells her brother. "We were meant to be happy with our children, our lives... Just happy. Then, everything fell apart and I couldn't stop it - I wasn't strong enough to stop it, but I fell in love with him when I was sixteen. I never told him that because he and Mary had a thing back then and it was so embarrassing. Imagine knowing someone for ten minutes and falling in love with them and believing you were going to make it together in the future."
She takes a shaky breath and sips her water.
"Alex, I-"
"I've got to go, but thanks, Kenna. You've really opened my eyes," Alex says.
Kenna giggles, wiping her tears. "Yeah, talk to you later."
He hangs up and Kenna finishes her water, settling into the sofa in a more comfortable position.
She's afraid. They've attempted to fix their relationship countless of times, running to each other so many times that she's lost count and they end up separating within minutes.
She winces when she feels a twinge in her stomach, letting out a sharp gasp. The pain is intense in her lower abdomen and she breathes through the pain, tears stinging her eyes.
When the pain lessens, she stands and turns to collect her empty cup, gasping at the sight of blood in her peripheral vision.
"No..." She whispers, eyes wide. "No, no, no..."
She can't do this again. Lose another baby. Last time, she was too weak to prevent it, not that it could be prevented, but she just sat there sobbing.
"Mum!" She calls out, placing her cup down and holding her hands to her bump. "Mum!"
The light upstairs switches on and her parents rush down the stairs, her father struggling to put his glasses on.
"Wh-What...?" Her mother catches sight of the blood and her daughter's tears. "Okay, here's what we're going to-"
"I'm losing it. Aren't I?" Kenna whispers, bringing a hand to her mouth as she shakes her head in disbelief.
Her parents flank her sides, her mother's hand rubbing her back in circles as they lead her to the door.
"I'll start the car," her father says, grabbing his shoes and keys.
"Can you get Mary, Mum?"
Joanna nods, saying, "This could be something harmless! I was bleeding when I was pregnant with Lachlan-"
"It feels like last time," Kenna replies, heartbroken. "What is wrong with me?"
"Nothing, my darling," Joanna tells her firmly. "Everything is going to be alright, I promise."
Kenna shakes her head. "Don't promise me that. Last time, my marriage ended and my little boy was so upset. It's exactly like two years ago. Only, Bash isn't here."
"To scream in your face?" Her mother snaps. "You tell your brothers everything and they tell us most of that. Is Bash truly your happiness? What if he leaves you again-"
"We've been over this and now is not the time," Kenna tells her mother, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Get me. Mary. Please."
They hear the car start and Robert leads Kenna to the backseat as her mother heads across the road in her slippers, ringing the Stuart-Valois' doorbell.
Francis opens the door a few minutes later, bleary-eyed. "Mrs Beaton, wh-"
"Kenna needs Mary, we're going to the hospital," Joanna quickly says.
Francis's eyes widen in surprise and he heads upstairs, calling for his wife as Joanna waits on the doorstep.
She sees Robert get into the driver's seat and soon, Mary heads down in her pyjamas and two jackets. She gives one to Joanna.
"Aunt Jo, what's going on?" She asks, following the woman to the car as she slips her borrowed jacket on.
"Kenna might be losing the baby," Joanna tells her gently.
Mary gasps, tears springing to her eyes as she stops in the middle of the road.
"I lost a bit of my soul during the miscarriage. I don't think I've recovered from that," Kenna says. "I can't literally believe I'm pregnant, Mary... I don't know what to do."
Her best friend's words echo in her head and she composes herself, wiping her tears and gets into the car, taking Kenna's shaking hands in hers.
Her friend is too stunned to react, tears freely slipping down her cheeks and Mary kisses her hands, squeezing them.
"I'm here, I've got you," she tells her.
"I know," Mary says sadly, placing a hand on Kenna's cheek. "I'm here, the girls are here. You have your family... We're all here to help you out this time. You're not far away in France, you're home."
Her own words echo in her mind and she sighs, trying to steady her quick heart.
Kenna isn't alone. She has her, the girls, her parents in the front seats, her siblings... She's home and they will all be there for her.
...
Mary's eyes close. They feel heavy and she swears she looks horrible. Her eyes are red and blotchy, her cheeks flushed and dry.
She's been waiting inside the waiting room for a while with her Uncle Robert as Joanna is with Kenna.
She had passed out sometime during the journey to the hospital and Joanna had taken it upon herself to remain with Kenna. Six years wasn't going to prevent her from being there for her daughter.
Mary feels scared, not for herself - for Kenna. Losing a baby has already hurt her life once, this could destroy her. Considering her mental state in the past, Mary tries to think about good things and not the time she and Francis lost a baby before James came along.
"Shit..." She mumbles, gaining Robert's attention. "I didn't call the girls."
Robert nods. "Or Sebastian," he says, strained. "Do you have his number?"
She nods, reaching for her pockets. "Shit. I forgot my phone at home. I'm sorry, I-"
"Do you remember any of their numbers?" Robert asks, slightly amused.
"No," Mary replies, smiling a little. "The younger generation, right? Smartphones don't require you to remember numbers no more, except your parents'!"
Robert smiles softly. "I don't have my own either. Come to think of it, I don't have the house key. We just rushed out and closed the door behind us."
"I've got a spare," Mary tells him. "At home though."
They laugh and Mary wipes her face, clearing it from any unfavourable fluids.
"So, you've got John, James and Anne?" Robert asks her.
She smiles brightly. "Yeah, my three precious children..." She doesn't tell him that John's not hers. He's got enough to think about than her chaotic lifestyle arrangements.
"And Francis?"
"He's a really good guy," Mary says with a grin. "I can't believe I ever met him. We were kids when we met, my mum sent me to stay with them during the Summer holidays. I think you remember that time because I came home and learned that Kenna was crying throughout the Summer."
Robert grins. "You were five. Never a day apart or without contact." He glances downwards. "Is Sebastian a good man, Mary? Don't lie to me, I've known you since you were a baby. Your father and I were dear friends..."
Mary nods firmly. "He is. Kenna means the world to him and he'd do anything for his family. I'd admit, things were not so good due to circumstances out of his control, but he adores and worships the ground she walks on."
"I know you were the woman he told he loved on their wedding day," Robert says, turning to her. "I promised my daughter that I'd make an effort, but I need the full story and not glorified extracts."
Swallowing deeply, Mary looks up at him. "Uncle Robert, Bash and I were the past. I was his first love by accident, but he found Kenna. The full story is that Bash loves Kenna. I'm not in that picture and never was because the only woman he sees is your daughter. No other woman, not me... Just Kenna."
"A glorified extract," Robert tells her.
"No. The truth. He vowed that if he and Kenna never got back together, there would be no other woman for him. He loves her so much, I can see that. What we had, that was just infatuation. What he and Kenna has, that's more than lust and sex," she says, blushing slightly. "That's true love. They're practically soulmates. He'd do anything for her and Adrien. And this baby... This baby was made from their love and I hope to God, it isn't Antoine's. Because they've fought so hard for each other and they've always wanted a family... This is their moment alone."
Robert remains silent as he looks away, closing his eyes. He lets it all sink in, taking a shaky breath.
"I... I'm going to head back, get our phones and I think my daughter would like it if you called Sebastian," he says, getting up.
Mary gives him a warm smile, standing up and hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Uncle Robbie. I know you have your doubts, but no one else has those except you and Aunt Jo. Kenna is the one for Bash and he's the one for her, that's honestly the full story."
"I thought parents were supposed to be dishing out good advice and truth," Robert says to her, a smile on his lips. "You've all grown so much, my dear and I wasn't there to see so most of the time. Your father would be so proud. I know it so."
Mary's tears fall down her cheeks and she's brought into her godfather's chest, gripping onto him as if her life depended on it. She misses the father she barely knew every day. She named her biological son after him for goodness' sake.
"I wish I had him like Kenna has you," she says, heartbroken.
"I wish he was here too."
"Thank you for helping my mother raise me. Jamie and I weren't the easiest children to raise, but you, Uncle George, Uncle Xander and Uncle Malcolm helped raised us."
"Whenever you need us, we'll be there," Robert says. "Now, let me get those pesky smartphones of ours, eh?"
She giggles. "Yeah."
A short while later, Mary jolts awake when the door to the waiting room opens, becoming disappointed when it's not a medical staff to inform her of Kenna's condition nor Joanna.
She then frowns, pauses and turns back to the person who comes to sit beside her.
"Alexander?"
Alex smiles, handing her a cup of coffee. "My dad bumped into me. What are the chances that the hospital where I work at now, is the same one you all live near?"
Mary's eyebrows raise. "You never truly left Kenna, did you?" She asks softly, taking a sip from her coffee.
"No, kind of," Alex admits. "I'd transferred here back in January last year. It was a bit of a shock, seeing you ladies around town and Greer around here. I wasn't ready to face Kenna back then. How is she?"
"I've had no word. It's only been thirty minutes, I think. I don't know," she replies, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I'm just worried."
Alex nods sadly. "Same. My boss gave me a few hours off to clear my head. If she loses this baby, I don't know what would happen to her."
"That's what I've been thinking. Alexander, she has the worst panic attacks and mental state at times. All this drama with her marriage, with Adrien and everything else, has fucked her up. She really loves this baby."
They both sniffle, wiping at their tears as they get comfortable on their seats and wait.
"I could go and ask if there are any updates?" Alex says after ten minutes. "I just can't sit here and wait, I'm not patient like you are."
Mary turns to him. "Yeah, I'll wait," she says, smiling softly.
He gets up, pats her shoulder comfortingly and heads outside. As he leaves, Mary sighs and downs her coffee, pulling a face in distaste.
She just hopes that everything would turn out alright.
...
Kenna opens her eyes, turning to see her mother speaking to someone. She moans in slight discomfort.
"Hey, darling," her mother coos, rushing to her side. "How are you feeling?"
"My baby?" Kenna asks her quietly, tears springing to her eyes. "Mum-"
Joanna beams. "It's fine. I told you that there was nothing to worry about. I'll let your doctor explain everything."
Kenna nods, gripping her mother's hand as her doctor explains that she suffered placental abruption. It has been caused by her high blood pressure and Kenna admits that she's been under stress lately. As it's minor, she'll be kept under observation at the hospital until she's fine to go home. He also says she has acute anaemia which can be treated by supplements.
"The bleeding and the pain was like when I had my miscarriage," she says to her doctor when he's finished talking.
"Every pregnancy has different experiences, but I can assure you that it's not a miscarriage at least. I should alert you to the fact that it increases the risk of premature birth, growth problems and stillbirth due to the placenta starting to come away from the inside of the womb wall. There are complications involved for both you and baby and we will do our best to ensure you have a safe pregnancy and delivery. If the bleeding stops and your baby's condition is stable, you might be able to rest at home. This means bed rest, Ms Beaton."
Kenna nods. "Kenna is just fine," she tells him. "T-Thank you. You are certain that I'm not losing it, right?"
Her mother strokes her hair. "Darling, do you need to hear more medical jargon to understand that it's fine?" Her mother teases her.
But Kenna knows where her fears are coming from. She's lost a baby before, she's not about to again.
"Mum, last time I-"
"I know," her mother says gently. She turns to the doctor. "Is there any possible chance that we can hear the heartbeat? To put her mind at rest?"
He smiles warmly. "Of course, I'll be right back with the midwife."
He leaves and Joanna turns to Kenna, whispering sweet nothings into her daughter's ear.
"Will this kill me?" She asks her mother. "I almost died last time, I lost a lot of blood and having Adrien, I was severely anaemic. Mum, I can't go through that again!"
"I pray to God to put your mind at rest," her mother says. "You'll be just fine, my sweet."
"What would I need to do? Would I need to sit down or move a lot more? I know he said bed rest, but that could stop blood flow to my legs, right? Or would I need medication? Can I travel to France and see Adrien? Oh, Adrien! I need to wish him 'good morning'. What's the time? Bash would be worried. Oh, God - does he even know?"
Joanna cups her daughter's cheeks, saying, "Calm down. Mary and your father would sort everything out. All you need to do is rest. Please, for the love of God, rest!"
"Okay," Kenna breathes out. "I'll rest. Call Diane, too, though."
"We will call Diane."
"Don't tell Greer, she would be worried and she doesn't need the stress," Kenna adds. "Oh, can you get me some ice cubes? I have a craving for them."
Her mother laughs. "Of course, my darling."
...
Kenna chuckles softly as she settles into the hospital bed, her phone on her ear.
"How do you know I look beautiful? You can't even see me," she says, playfully rolling her eyes.
"I've already seen you in a hospital gown," Bash replies. "When you had Adrien and you still looked beautiful even after losing all that blood. He's fine before you ask for the hundredth time - it's you we need to worry about."
She smiles a little. "Thank you. As much as I want you here, it's best if you stay because he still has school-"
"My mother isn't moving until Summer. She will gladly look after him and I can come and see you."
Her smile fades away slightly when she remembers the time she lost their second baby. How he refused to follow her and Diane to the hospital. The smile returns when she hears how eager he is to visit her.
"No, stay there. Adrien needs you. Just like last time," she says, the last bit quieter.
"Kenna, I apologise a million times for that. I wasn't in the right frame of mind. I love you so much and I hate myself for hurting you. You never deserved that-"
"Let's leave that for another day," she says softly. "My parents say that Lachlan and Paisley are coming to see me. Alex is already here - he works here, I never knew that. He hasn't been for long though, just a year."
She hears him shift on the other line before he says, "I'm happy for you. You're surrounded by your family who loves you. Look, I have to go. Got some things to sort out with the company. I love you."
She nods. "Yeah, of course. Talk later."
The call ends abruptly and she knows that it was unfair of her to bring up last time no matter how discreet. He's trying, she knows that but sometimes, the past can't be forgotten about. She forgives him, but she can't forget.
"Hey, I've got you some things from home," Mary says, entering the room, holding up a bag. "I've brought Francis with me, Lola's with the kids and will visit this afternoon. We're on shifts for you."
Kenna beams, leaning up slightly to give them both tight hugs. "Sorry for worrying you. It's taken a while for the doctor, midwife and my parents to calm my mind about the baby. It happened last time, the same symptoms and I just started to panic."
"I'm-We're happy you're fine," Francis says, sitting on the chair beside her. "We're still family."
She grins. "About that... We wanted to keep it quiet, but Bash and I... we're trying for good. No more ending things just like that, I want things to work. If not for us, for the kids - they come first."
Francis gives her a nod, patting her hand. "That's good."
"Yeah, I hope it's different this time," Mary says, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I can't go another day with your fake smiles and Bash's brooding."
"Hey, my smiles are genuine!" Kenna retorts. "And we've also thought it was best that he doesn't live with us just yet. We don't want to confuse Adrien and if it doesn't work out..."
"It will work out," Mary tells her firmly, reaching over and brushing her hair from her eyes. "It has to because you both are complete wrecks without each other. You belong together."
Kenna replies with a smile, leaning back comfortably into the bed. "Thank you." She turns to Francis. "How's everything in France? Bash and I were talking and he had to end the call."
Francis's smile disappears and he looks away. "You don't need to worry about that."
"Sounds shady," she replies slightly teasingly, sharing a glance with Mary.
"Francis, is everything alright?" Mary asks him. "I know you'd hate to burst the bubble, but we've had no word from the company and how your father is."
Francis clears his throat. "My mother, Bash and I are sorting it. You don't need to worry your pretty heads about it. All you need to know is by April, we will be happy in England, the company will grow and everything will be alright."
"Yeah, okay," Mary says, still unsure as she and Kenna share a wary look.
"So, did you guys get me chocolate?" Kenna asks with a grin.
They all laugh, with Mary saying, "Dark chocolate as always, pretty."
...
A few days later, she's discharged from the hospital and put in bed immediately when she gets home. Not only was she not allowed to walk and was put into a wheelchair, but Francis had also carried her into bed under her mother's and Mary's say so.
She felt so embarrassed and he hadn't minded, of course, being the lovely friend he was.
"I'm so bored! I've nothing to do," she whines to her mother. "Mum, I want to go out, get in some fresh air!"
Her mother gets off the bed and opens the windows. "There's your fresh air."
"You're joking," Kenna says, shocked. "Mum."
"At least wait an hour," Joanna says, getting back into the bed.
"What's happening?"
Joanna shrugs. "Greer and Lola want to visit you."
"It will be a quick walk," Kenna replies, crossing her arms. "Mum, I'm bored!"
Before her mother says anything, the doorbell rings and Joanna gets up to answer it.
Frustrated, Kenna rolls her eyes and leans back on her pillow. As much as she loves having her mother stay a little longer as her father went home to Scotland, she hates being treated like a child.
She closes her eyes and tries to sleep at least. There's nothing she can do other than sleep, eat and play mobile games. Oh, and Skype Adrien and Bash, and use the bathroom.
"Hey, Beautiful," she hears a familiar voice say softly.
Her eyes snap open and she grins. "Bash! Oh, but I told you not to come!" She cries out, pulling him into a hug and inhaling his scent. "Oh, it's been horrible! I'm not allowed to leave my bed unless I need to use the bathroom. How's Adrien, you didn't tell him I was ill, did you?"
Bash laughs, placing a kiss on her lips first. "I'm good, too, by the way," he teases her, receiving a hit. "I was so scared that I was going to lose you. again" He runs his hand through her hair, kissing her forehead.
"I'm still here. You can't get rid of me that easily," she tells him, smiling. "How's Adrien?"
"He's good, excited to come home to England. He's been telling all his friends that we're moving during Easter. And no, I didn't tell him you were ill," he replies, taking his coat off. "I can't stay for long, just for tonight and I'll go back tomorrow morning."
Kenna frowns, but she knows that he can't stay for long. By April, she'll have him every day.
"Bash... I guess we should talk," she says, watching as he takes his shoes off and gets under the duvet beside her. "About the miscarriage."
"I-"
"I want you to stop apologising, it was a long time ago. I wasn't happy, we weren't in a good place. If it wasn't that we were having sex or arguing, we weren't talking at all. That baby wasn't made from happiness and I guess it was a sign that we were becoming very toxic. I almost died losing that baby and you didn't even bat an eyelid," she says, strained. "I thought that the baby would fix our marriage. That it would show you that I was committed to you and not Antoine. I was so wrong. A baby couldn't have solved our issues. It would have made things worse. That would have meant screwing up two kids with our constant arguing and rapid lack of patience and love for each other."
He takes her hand. "Things will be different. This baby will come into the world knowing that we love them so much and we love each other. It may not fix our marriage because that is over, but it's a start. We will maintain a healthy relationship, we will see someone... Whatever it takes to make sure this works. We're ready to be a proper family, Kenna. I'm ready to be the man you need, the father our children need and I will do everything to make you all happy."
She smiles and leans over to kiss him. "Are you really sure about this? That you can change and be the man I need you to be? Because if you aren't, I can't open my heart for it to be broken again."
"I'm ready, I promise."
"Okay," she says, nodding. "Well, let's make the most of the time we have together. At least until Greer and Lola get here-"
He grins, pulling her to his side. "Now, that was a ploy to get you to stay before I arrived."
"Was it now?" She asks, grinning. "Oh, God, if I was allowed to move a lot, you'd know exactly what I want to do right now."
"Who says you can't?" He asks, kissing her neck. "Do what you want to do right now... You don't even have to move. I'll put in all the effort."
In a quick motion, he's hovering over her as she giggles, covering her eyes.
"Don't tell me you're going to strip tease," she says.
He laughs. "God, it's been years. Might as well," he replies, taking his shirt off and pulling her hands from her eyes. "Do you want me to?"
"I have nothing better to do. Might as well get a show out of being bedridden," she tells him, sitting up.
"You're milking this, aren't you?"
She nods happily. "Yes, I am. I won't see you until April so I need you to paint me a vivid picture that I won't forget and will cherish until I see you again."
"You're so funny, do you know that? Honestly, your sense of humour is so crude and I wonder how the girls handle it," he says, laughing.
A blush creeps onto her cheeks as she replies with, "You should see our group chat."
"You're not crude on-"
"Our group chat. The one just for us girls," she cuts him off. "If you think I'm crude out loud, read my messages."
"I pray that you don't talk about our sex life-"
"Oh, honey, that's just the frosting on the cake," she says. "I talked about our sex life all the time and how we broke three beds and smashed a window from when we did it in your mother's conservatory. It used to be interesting until, you know."
He pulls back. "Is it interesting now?"
She shrugs. "Maybe. Made another kid, didn't we?"
"Huh. Somehow, I'm not even surprised that you talk about our sex life. It's you for God's sake, you have no secrets. Especially the bed breaking and window smashing stories," he replies, laughing. "I love you."
"Hmm-hmm," she replies, pulling him closer. "Are you going to keep talking or am I getting a free show or what?"
He smirks, leaning back as his hands find the buckle of his belt. "Your wish is my command, my Lady."
...
The next day, after he's gone, Kenna gets out from her bed and heads to the bathroom.
Her mother still sleeps and she's relieved for the time she has to be alone and think.
After she's done getting ready, she heads downstairs and grabs her keys. She heads outside to her car and gets in, inhaling the scent. It's been ages since she's used her car.
She jumps when she hears knocking on her door and sees Francis with Anne in his arms.
She opens the door. "Francis! God, you scared me."
"Are you supposed to be out of bed?" He asks her, tilting his head to the side as Anne copies his actions.
Kenna smiles. "I'm going to the hospital. Before you worry, I'm visiting Alexander. Our conversation was cut short and we never had a chance to return to it."
"At least let me drive and you'll tell me when to pick you up if you'd like. Mary will kill me if I let you go and drive," he says.
Kenna nods, accepting his offer as he helps her out of the car. "Where's Mary?"
"She's gone to work. Her brother is holding a meeting and her vote is needed as one of the majority shareholders. Between you and me, I think they're pulling out their money from my family's company," he admits. "I don't mind, and I knew it would happen sometime. However, it gives Bash and me more work to find new shareholders."
"Oh, sorry about that," Kenna says. "I'm guessing my family selling our shares also gave you a blow."
Francis nods, watching as she locks her car and follows him across the road. "We hold sixty per cent right now, the Poitiers with twenty and the Stuarts also have twenty. We can afford to be majority shareholders, but it will make doing business with other people harder. Bash is dealing with negotiating deals right now and I'm trying my best being in another country."
"That's why he couldn't stay for long," Kenna realises. "But by April, everything will be normal, right?"
"Yeah," Francis says, smiling brightly. "Let me get the kids ready and I'll unlock the car for you."
When she gets to the hospital, she greets Alex with a tight hug and takes his tea from his hand.
"Excuse me?" He asks, surprised.
"Just a sip-"
"It's caffeinated. I'm not allowing you to drink any caffeine. Are you trying to give me heart failure?" He replies, taking his tea back. "Let's go to the gardens. It's normally quiet and peaceful this time in the morning."
She follows him, linking their arms as he supports her. She doesn't really need the support, but she knows it will ease his worries about her health.
"You gave us quite a scare," he says to her quietly as they sit down on a bench. "You really should be resting. At least we're at a hospital."
"Yeah," Kenna replies, grinning. "I had to get out of the house, out of any bed."
Alex nudges her shoulder gently. "So, our conversation..."
"Yep, the one we were having before I was hospitalised," she replies.
"Sorry I had to go. Had an emergency to attend to. You always were one for dramatics," he says. "Right, our conversation. I know you and Sebastian are back together. Why though?"
Kenna sighs. "I told you why," she tells him. "We're meant to be together, I guess."
Alex takes a long sip from his tea, shaking his head slightly. "It's your life. I don't agree, but it's your life and if he makes you happy, I'll support you. I'll be here for you, Adrien and the baby."
"Right, enough about me - how's Archie?"
"Oh, God," he mutters, making her grin. "I'm staying put, you're right. Friendship is better than nothing at all and who knows? Might find some lucky lady one day."
She sends him a wink. "Any lady would be a fool to choose you, brother dearest."
"Shut up, Mckenna," he replies, smiling slightly. "I'd rather still have a best friend and settle for someone less than her."
"Who knew you were such a romantic?" She asks him.
"I learnt from you, you little bitch," he says. "Thanks a lot."
Kenna gives him a smile, leaning into his side as she sighs wistfully. She doesn't know what the future holds, but she's glad she has support.
"Can you drive me home after?" She asks him.
"Fine," Alex begrudgingly accepts.
"Thank you."
Alex turns to her. "Have you ever hated Sebastian? Don't be offended, I'm just curious."
Kenna falters, turning away from him as she nods. "Quite a few times. No matter how much I love him, there's always that bit of hate for him inside me. Do you know, I've not even told him that I loved him since we got back together? I don't even feel guilty about it because it had been so long since he genuinely told me that he loved me. I'm not for letting someone have a taste of their own medicine or anything, but I have to protect myself, you know?"
"Yeah," Alex says quietly. "So you hate him and love him at the same time?"
"Yes," she replies with a nod. "It keeps me sane."
...
Six Years Ago
Kenna watched as everyone enjoyed themselves. They drank, they ate, they laughed, they danced. All except her. Well, she was nursing her fourth glass of champagne.
She turned to see Bash talking with Mary, laughing as if they hadn't had a conversation about his love for her earlier. Her other friends were engaged with conversations with their partners or other guests in attendance.
She smiled, thanking guests when they come up to her and congratulate her on her nuptials. She felt so alone, so used, but she loved him. She needed him, craved him and she wanted his whole heart.
She would never get his whole heart. She hated him, but she couldn't help but love him. She didn't want to, but she couldn't put anyone else above him. She couldn't put herself above him.
Kenna looked back at Bash and perfect Mary. Mary who always got what she wanted, but even then she couldn't be upset with Mary. She loved Mary just as much as she loved Bash, the two most important people in her life who were causing her so much pain.
She sat there, watching her husband of two hours watching her best friend of her entire life as if Mary was the only girl he'd ever seen. He doesn't even hide it, Francis and Henry look on quite displeased, Henry more so than his son.
Bash never cared for what people thought about him, but she cared. She cared about image and what people thought of her and how they saw her. She was insecure like that and played it off as vain. She'd rather be thought of as vain than insecure.
He was slowly killing her. She thought she'd stop battling for his love and attention after they'd got married, but she had to accept it. Maybe, they'd have kids who will take his mind off her. If he wasn't going to love her, she will kill him with kindness and be the best wife she could be to make him feel guilty. No, that was wrong. She wasn't like that, was she? A horrible person underneath her nice exterior?
You want her, you need her and I'll never be her, she thought to herself, cursing the lyrics to a song she sang for fun with the girls a while ago.
She didn't think it would actually refer to her pathetic life now.
She stood up, smiling politely at guests as she left the hall and headed in the direction of the powder room.
She jumped when she felt arms wrap around her waist just as she reached the door for the toilets.
"You left quite abruptly," she heard.
"I just need to retouch my makeup, Bash," she replied, tears stinging her eyes.
She felt his chin on her shoulder and heard him whisper into her ear, "I love you."
"I love you, too," she numbly replied, the dam breaking and her tears slowing down her cheeks.
He, of course, took them for happy tears and kissed them away.
At least she's the only one who would have his lips on her skin and his fingerprints on her body.
...
Present Day
Mary pauses outside of her bedroom door, frowning when she hears Francis speaking in a heated tone over the phone. He's speaking in French which he rarely does.
She listens, picking up on how he says his brother's full name as they argue about something regarding Henry. A part of her wants to know, the other part doesn't.
About to open the door, her phone buzzes in her pocket and she walks away, picking up the call.
"Catherine," she greets the woman cordially.
"I need your help, Mary. Yours and... Kenna's," the woman gets straight to the point.
Mary frowns deeply, continuing to walk away from Francis's hearing distance as she says, "With what exactly?"
The older woman sighs. "I can't let Francis get involved too much. His only focus should be on the company. As you know, our shareholders are selling their shares - you and your brother jumped ship with the Beatons."
"James thought it was best to protect our image," Mary says calmly. "I hate that you still think of my marriage to Francis as a transaction deal. Henry got lucky when we fell in love regardless of his efforts to use me and Kenna with Bash."
"Henry never did have tact, Mary," Catherine replies. "Anyway, I would deal with Henry myself, but I need an alibi. Something that doesn't involve either Francis or Sebastian. They can't know, they've already too much on their hands."
Mary nods. "And their pasts."
"Exactly," Catherine replies. "Do you understand what I'm saying here, Mary?"
Mary nods again. "I do. Tell me what I need to do, Catherine - I'm in. I'll call you when I'm with Kenna."
"I'll be expecting your call," Catherine says.
Mary hangs up and walks back towards her room where Francis is still in a conversation, but it's tamed and in English.
"...I'll do it. I don't want you to do that, you've got everything to lose... I know I have too, but I'm clean - I have no one watching me."
She frowns, eyebrows furrowing. "Who's watching you?" She mouths to herself.
"...I know who to ask... I know you don't trust him, but we have to for this... Okay, I've got to go... Yeah, she's fine. Talk later."
She heads downstairs, running her fingers through John's hair as she passes the children as they watch TV.
"Right, suggestions for dinner, kids!" She calls out, giving Francis a smile when he follows her into the kitchen. "Who were you talking to?"
"Oh, just Bash. He's scanning over some contracts I need to sign," he replies, his right eye twitching slightly.
She nods. "Do you think Diane will sell her shares? She has to ask for Bash's permission, right?"
"Yeah," Francis says. "I doubt she'd sell her shares, Bash is the one who controls them. I currently hold twenty, but Bash could potentially be the majority shareholder as the de facto CEO and Valois representative and with his mother's shares. Isn't he lucky to be half Valois and half Poitiers?"
Mary chuckles. "If your father leaves the company, I will personally make sure we rebuy our shares as well as ask Kenna's father to buy theirs too. We will work this out and we'll all be free of Henry."
She smiles when he kisses her, their children finally running into the kitchen with different requests for what to eat.
Her attention immediately lays on her children, giving Francis the benefit of doubt.
...
"I thought I could eventually wear him down with being the perfect, little wife," Kenna continues. "But my plan failed even with so much effort. I kept being rebuffed, brought down... Antoine didn't help things, but I felt so lonely. I had a husband and a son yet, I felt so alone."
"Why didn't you tell him earlier that you knew about him and Mary on your wedding day?" Alex asks her. "When he followed you outside?"
Kenna shrugs. "I didn't want to make a scene. Also, we pretty much went on our honeymoon straight after the reception. I didn't want to hold the record for the shortest marriage ever and ruin a lovely time away. He treated me great, to be honest. Better than I expected for a man who didn't love me. Things went sour after Adrien turned one."
"I still can't believe you suffered for that long," Alex says, shaking his head slightly. "That wasn't healthy at all."
"I just wanted someone to love me. Someone who was always on my side, who cared for my wellbeing and was my confidante. I still surprise him these days. It's like he's finding out things about me that he never bothered to learn when we were married. I'm still waiting for the pin to drop."
Alex turns to her. "You deserve so much better, Kenna. Don't force things with Sebastian because you have children or you're so hopelessly in love with him that being apart from him would kill you... He needs help and you need better than him. The last thing I want for you and your children is for you to end up being heartbroken again. You're not good for each other, nevermind the soulmate shit."
"Alex-"
"I know it's your life, but..." He trails off, tears stinging his eyes as he looks away. "You've nearly given up many times, Kenna. I don't want him to keep wearing you down until you finally give up for good. That Christmas you told me about, I never knew that someone I know was so strong could be weakened by that. You're the strongest person I know, mentally wise and if you couldn't handle that then, I doubt you could again."
Kenna cups his cheek, saying, "I won't give up. I've got something to fight for, to live for."
"If Adrien wasn't enough back then-"
"Alex, trust me," Kenna whispers, her eyes searching his. "Trust me to know better this time."
He swallows deeply, nodding. "Okay. If I hear you're getting remarried to that prick, I'll refuse to talk to you for like, a week."
"Bash is not a prick. He's many things, but he makes an effort and he gives his best always. Even when it seems like he's giving up."
"He gave up on you."
Kenna smiles sadly. "Well that time, he wasn't fully in the run in the first place. Now, he's fighting not just for me, but for his children because he knows I'll deliver on anything I promise. If he hurts me, he won't ever see them again and I won't feel guilty about that."
"Because he's already threatened you with full custody once," Alex replies, agitated. "Just be safe."
She nods, kissing his cheek. "I will big brother. I will."
...
Five Years Ago
Kenna looked up with wide eyes, fear written in them as she shook her head. Sweat matted her hair and dripped from her forehead and everything seemed to be going in slow motion.
She barely heard the midwife telling her to push as she let out a scream, gripping tightly to the hand supporting her.
I'm dying, she thought when she saw the amount of blood there was. She turned her head, sobbing her fears.
"I can't do this," she said, her sweat mixing with her salty tears. "I-I can't do this."
"You can," Bash told her, pressing a kiss on her head. "You've got this. Just a few more pushes and we'll have him in our arms, Beautiful."
Her vision blurred. "Bash... I-I love you. If anything happens-"
"Don't say that, Kenna. You'll both be fine," he said, squeezing her hand a little. "I love you, too."
Her eyes searched his and she finally nodded in acceptance, pushing again when the midwife told her to. She pushed as if her life depended on it.
With each push, she could feel her strength leaving her. The taste of blood pooled in her mouth and she realised that she bit her tongue.
Then the pressure went and she fell back against the hospital bed, breathing heavily.
She felt so tired, she wanted to close her eyes, but she was being told to stay awake as someone emptied her mouth of the blood.
She felt numb and everything seemed to be rushed to her. How the medical professionals tended to her and her...
"He's not crying," Kenna mumbled, trying to see where her newborn was. "Wh-Where is he? Why isn't he crying?"
Bash shushed her, his eyes not on her. He was using one hand to smooth her hair down as his other one was still in her clutch.
It felt like a lifetime, but when they finally heard a cry they let out relieved and happy sobs, Bash kissing his wife over and over again.
"He looks just like you," he whispered into her ear as her eyes felt heavy and finally closed. "Kenna?"
He was forced back when the machines beside him began beeping, someone placing an oxygen mask on Kenna.
"What's happening?" He asked, looking between his wife and son. "W-What's going on?"
The midwife gave the doctor a look and Bash's heart sank.
"There is nothing to worry about," the midwife tending to his son assured him. "Do you want to hold your new son?"
"A little you, Bash. It's a boy, I can feel it."
Her words echoed in his ears and he gave the midwife a nod, gently taking the baby into his arms.
"You're very quiet. And small," he whispered, staring into the baby's eyes. "You have my eyes, little man. Just like the sea."
He looked up when he heard his wife's name thrown about and frowned. He needed to know what was going on.
"Can anyone explain to me what is happening to my wife, please?" He asked, hoping his voice wasn't breaking.
"Your wife has lost quite a lot of blood - postpartum haemorrhage," the doctor explained. "There's a severe drop in her blood pressure and we will need to perform a laparotomy immediately to try and attend to what is causing the severe bleeding. We will take her into surgery right now."
"Can I stay with her?" He asked softly, his gaze returning to his son's.
The doctor nodded. "Of course."
A few hours later, Bash fell asleep in the hospital chair. They'd left home just after one at night and now, it was early in the morning. Just after seven.
He'd made all the necessary calls and promised to keep Mary and Francis updated as Diane sat awake on the seat on the other side of the bed.
She watched her new grandson sleeping in the plastic cot, smiling when he let out a yawn.
"Ah, son premier bâillement!" She gasped in wonder. "He looks exactly like you were when you were born..."
Bash awoke, hearing his mother's words. He waved her off when she apologised for waking him. "I need to stay awake, I have to be the first one she sees."
"Do you love her?" Diane asked him, looking up to see his reaction.
"Huh?"
"Do you love Kenna?"
Bash paused. "Yes, I guess. Why would you ask me that?"
"No reason," said Diane, shrugging.
"You asked for a reason, Maman," he told her, sitting up properly.
Diane sighed, tutting at herself. "Pardon me-"
"Mother."
"Well, sometimes... it seems like you don't," Diane said quietly. "It doesn't bother me, but now she's the mother of your child. Any hope of you getting with that other Scottish girl is gone. You have a son now and he will be the glue that holds you both together forever. Now, do you love Kenna?"
Bash looked up. "As you said, it doesn't bother you-"
"Tell me."
"I told you that I love her," he snapped.
Diane smiled a little. "Your tone and your eyes give you away."
"I love her. Maybe not with all my heart, but I do care for her and I will protect her," Bash replied. "She's my wife - we said vows in front of God and she is the mother of my son. I intend for my marriage to last unlike yours."
His mother's face fell and before he could apologise for being so harsh in his words, Kenna woke up and reached out for him.
"Where... where is he?" She asked, breathlessly.
Bash grinned, standing to pick up their new son before placing the sleeping baby on his mother's chest.
"His eyes are like mine," he told her, brushing back the baby's small wisps of hair.
"Like the sea?" Kenna asked softly, tears springing to her eyes.
Bash nodded. "Like the sea."
"Adrien."
"That... that works, yes," he said, smiling down at his wife and son. "Adrien fits with the sea theme. Adrien..."
"Our little Adi," Kenna added, bringing a shaking hand to line his cheek. "Adrien Olivier Poitiers."
"Did you have that name already planned?" Bash asked, kissing her head.
She shook her head, leaning up to capture his lips in a soft kiss. "To be honest, I didn't even think of names. We never thought of names, did we...? I knew I'd want something French like yours and Olivier is the French version of one of my older brothers' middle name."
"Do you miss them?" Bash asked her, wiping her tears. "Your family?"
"Every single day," Kenna croaked out, staring at her new son. "I love you, Adrien. And I love you, Bash."
Bash frowned when her words were drowned out by her sobs, placing a soft kiss on her lips. "I've got you, Kenna. I love you, too."
He pulled away and saw his mother raise her eyebrows. He looked away.
...
Present Day
"When Adrien was born, I was too drugged up on painkillers and anaesthesia to listen to the insincerity in Bash's 'I love you's," she suddenly says. "Now, they're all sincere and it scares me. I've got so used to being pushed away that feeling wanted frightens me."
Alex nods. "I get what you mean. Well, I can't believe it has taken him this long to be sincere. I hope it works out because I want you to be happy. Or else, I will personally give him a punch. He looks like an arsehole."
"You look like an arsehole," she tells him.
He starts laughing, almost spilling his tea. "That's true. I bet his first impression of me was 'overprivileged twat'."
"It was with your five-piece suits and Jimmy Choos," she replies nonchalantly.
"The Jimmy Choos were one time when I was sixteen! You can't hold that against me, it was Dad's fault for giving me all that money to spend for my birthday."
Kenna grins, nodding. "Yeah, right. Dad's fault..."
"Fine. I did like the Jimmy Choos," he admits with a roll of his eyes. "Don't tell anyone that."
"Only if you stop telling our parents about my life and what I used to do..." She requests. "They've shipped me to enough therapists already after you left. I don't need them to now."
He winces. "Sorry about that."
"It wasn't only you and Douglas," she says. "I had other issues like my escapades with older guys and me just being... I don't know, it's hard to talk about my early adulthood. I'm not proud of my past and sometimes I wonder if Bash was right to bring it up whenever we argued. It shows how much of an irresponsible, self-centred, self-conceited bitch I was."
"You was insecure, Kenna. So many other young women go through the same thing. You just took some time to find yourself after your support systems left. We can't keep dragging up the past, but we can learn from it. Like I can run away from my problems, my family. Anyway, seems to me that your love for Bash was unrequited and six, seven years on, the tables have turned."
Kenna nods sadly. "Yeah. Karma, right?"
"Yeah," Alex mutters, taking her hand in his and squeezing it gently. "Let's get you home and in bed. I won't have my future niece or nephew hurt in any way."
"Thank you," she replies, grinning.
"My pleasure, as always."
After he drops her off home, Mary arrives and asks if Joanna could help babysit for her as Francis has gone shopping for food and she wants to check on Kenna.
She just needed an excuse to get Kenna alone as when she finally closes the door behind Joanna, Mary heads upstairs to a bedridden Kenna.
"Catherine called me," she says quickly, about to dial the woman's number. "Said she needs our help."
"My father won't buy the shares-"
"Neither will James, but that's not the reason why she needs us. It's Henry."
Kenna sighs. "And she doesn't want to involved Bash or Francis. What can we do? What can I do? I'm pregnant!"
Mary shrugs. "I don't know. She said something about an alibi."
"Do you think she intends to kill him?" Kenna asks, gasping. "She does realise that I have people watching me, right? Henry told me about the situation with the Bourbons and he thinks I'll let that slip. He forgets that his son is the father of my kids and I won't ever land him in it."
Mary gives her a nod. "I believe she'd probably need you as a time stamp, phone calls and texts. Me, well, I can go to France for a visit. Let me call her."
She puts the phone on loudspeaker after she's dialled Catherine's number and the woman quickly picks up.
"Are you both there?" She asks.
"Yes," they reply.
"Right," the woman says. "I think it's time Henry was put to rest. Permanently, don't you think ladies?"
Kenna and Mary share a look of shock, staring at the phone again.
"If he isn't, Bash won't be able to deal with his past and be the man you need him to be, Kenna. And Francis... Well, Francis will always be dividing his precious time between France and England, straining your marriage. It's a three-way win for us ladies."
"I'm in," Kenna quickly says, giving Mary a look. "Tell us what you need from us."