?Chapter 1531:

    A frown tugged at Sophie’s lips as she murmured sleepily, “Are you tired? I’m not a baby anymore. You and Dad don’t have to stay up for me.”

    Kallie’s tense expression melted into something warm as she gently pressed her hand to Sophie’s forehead, relieved to find it cool to the touch. “What are you saying?” she chided softly, a gentle smile forming. “No matter how old you get, you’ll always be our little girl. We couldn’t possibly rest easy without keeping an eye on you. And look—you’re already doing much better.”

    Maybe it was the remnants of her fever, or perhaps it was just one of those rare nights, but Sophie clung to her mother more than usual. “Mom, can you hug me?”

    Kallie hesitated, her gaze flicking to the IV in Sophie’s hand. Not wanting to risk disturbing it, she slid onto the bed instead, gathering her daughter close in a careful embrace.

    “It’s still early,” Kallie whispered. “Get some more rest. I’ll sing you a luby.”

    Sophie nodded against her shoulder, her small body rxing as Kallie’s soft voice filled the room, lulling Sophie back into peaceful sleep.

    As Sophie’s health improved, the family decided to take a well-deserved trip to unwind.

    Linsey, ever the meticulous nner, had mapped out the perfect itinerary, ensuring every moment was filled with joy and rxation.

    By the time they reached their final destination—the seaside—the air was refreshingly cool, a wee contrast to Burmoos’s lingering heat.

    Luckily, everyone had packed summer clothes, making it easy to bask in thefortable breeze.

    Kallie sat back, watching the kids run along the shoreline, theirughter mixing with the rhythmic crash of the waves. A soft smile graced her lips. She had just closed her eyes, ready to steal a quick nap, when a shadow suddenly loomed over her.

    Blinking up, she found herself face-to-face with Jake. He stood before her in nothing but a pair of shorts, his athletic frame on full disy. Defined abs, broad shoulders, tanned skin kissed by the sun—he looked every bit as captivating as ever.

    “Thinking of dozing off?” His voice was yful as he arched an eyebrow, reaching out to pull her up.

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    Kallie let out a dramatic sigh, teasingly protesting, “Just let me sleep a little. I’ve been running after the kids all day—I deserve a break.”

    Jake ced a hand over his heart, feigning hurt. “So you’ve had time for our kids, but not for me? I see how it is.”

    Sheughed, but as she thought about it, she realized he wasn’t entirely wrong. With no excuse left, she finally relented.

    As soon as she stood, Jake wasted no time pulling her into his arms.

    The sudden closeness drew attention from their surroundings—some admiring, some envious.

    Kallie couldn’t help but notice a few young women nearby, their eyes lighting up at the sight of Jake—until they saw him holding her. Almost instantly, their interest faded, reced with a mix of disappointment and reluctant eptance.

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