Sarah’s mother underwent treatment and improved, walking with just a cane. She adored her son-in-law, praising him constantly. One day, while Michael was at work and Victoria played outside, she confronted Sarah:
- Tell me straight, don’t you like Michael? You still haven’t fallen for him?
Sarah smiled:
- No, Mom, you were right. He cares for us, protects us. I’m lucky to have him, and I respect him deeply.
Her mother frowned:
- Then why keep him at arm’s length? I see how he looks at you, like he’s smitten. Men don’t wait forever—you could lose him.
Blushing, Sarah admitted:
- I want to be closer, but I told him not to rush me, so he’s holding back. I can’t just say, “Let’s sleep together!” It’s awkward.
Her mother sighed:
- You’re adults acting like kids, torturing yourselves. Here’s the plan: Michael got me a spa retreat for my joints—mud baths, the works. I’m taking Vicky; she’ll love the pool. We’ll be gone two weeks. You two need a honeymoon. Sort it out.
They left for the retreat. Michael drove them to the station, ensuring their comfort. On the way home, he bought flowers, champagne, and strawberries, planning a romantic evening.
Entering the house, he saw flickering candles and smelled perfume. Sarah wasn’t in sight. In the bedroom, he froze: she lay curled up, asleep, in a stunning red dress with a deep neckline, her hair fanned across the pillow. She was breathtaking.
Sitting beside her, he gently touched her hand, inhaling her scent. As he embraced her, Sarah stirred, mumbling:
- Mike, you’re here? I wanted to surprise you—candles, this dress… imagined you’d walk in and be shocked.
- You’re beautiful, my darling, he whispered. Can I kiss you?
Sarah leaned in, and they shared a passionate kiss. That night, they didn’t sleep, lost in each other. Michael, overwhelmed with joy, kissed her hands and body, thanking fate for this moment.
They savored strawberries, sipped champagne, and gave in to their passion. At dawn, drifting off, Michael murmured:
- God, we were fools, wasting so much time. You’re mine forever now, know that.
Sarah smiled, snuggling closer, and fell asleep, feeling light and free. Their honeymoon was magical.
When her mother and Victoria returned, they noticed the change. Sarah glowed, her eyes sparkling. Michael looked serene, elated. Her mother sighed, “Thank God, they’re finally happy.”
The couple doted on Victoria, who shared tales of her trip. No longer a timid orphan, she was confident and bright, thriving in first grade. She blended in with her peers, no different from any other child.
Michael felt compelled to find Emily’s grave to seek forgiveness. After searching a small-town cemetery, he found a neglected plot with a faded wooden cross. He restored it, erecting a new headstone and planting red poppies—Emily’s favorite. Sitting by the grave, he whispered:
- It’s proper now. I’ll bring Vicky to see you. I’m sorry, Emily, for betraying you, for shaming you. I’ve carried our love in my heart all these years. I’ve met Sarah now—hope you’re not upset. She’s wonderful, loves our girl. There’s something of you in her. Vicky’s growing, already in school, still a firecracker—got in a spat with a boy. Rest easy. I’ll always love and protect our daughter.
One evening, Michael ordered sushi to treat the family. Sarah’s mother puzzled over chopsticks, but everyone enjoyed it. That night, Sarah fell ill, vomiting until morning. Worried, Michael suspected food poisoning and took her to the hospital. Oddly, only she was sick, though they’d all eaten the same.
Pacing, he waited as a colleague examined her. When they emerged, Sarah looked pale, tears in her eyes. Panicked, Michael rushed to the doctor:
- Is it serious? Poisoning? That restaurant came highly recommended—never again!
The doctor raised a hand, smiling:
- Calm down, Mike. It’s not the restaurant. Head to OB-GYN upstairs. Sarah’s pregnant. Her body just doesn’t handle seafood well—that’s the reaction. I prescribed a sorbent; a few days, and she’ll be fine.
Michael stared at Sarah, stunned:
- My God, that’s incredible! Why’re you crying, honey? Feeling bad? Want water or tea?
Sobbing, Sarah shook her head:
- I can’t believe it… Doctors said I was barren, some congenital issue. Is this real?
The doctor smiled:
- Get an ultrasound to confirm, but the tests are clear. Congrats. Looks like a misdiagnosis.
Sarah went for an ultrasound. Seeing a tiny speck on the screen—her baby—she grasped she’d be a mother. Joy, awe, and worry swirled within her.
Her mother nearly kissed Michael’s hands:
- You’re amazing, son! Sarah had given up on motherhood, and you gave her this miracle! I’m lighting a candle tomorrow to thank God. Kids are a blessing!
Michael told Victoria, bracing for her reaction:
- Vicky, you’re getting a little brother or sister. Excited? You’ll have someone to play hide-and-seek with. Don’t worry, Mom and I will love you just as much, even more.