Chapter 938

The hospital kept Evelyn Carter on her feet without respite. She had just pulled three consecutive night shifts. Alexander Hamilton, concerned for her, took time off to care for Baby Chloe at home. Strangely, the baby called "Mommy" far more readily than "Daddy."

Alexander didn't mind. He gently tapped the baby's tiny nose, his touch featherlight, as if afraid of hurting her.

Evelyn watched, her chest tightening. The memory of that blood donation surfaced—the emergency with Grandma Dempsey, the flustered nurses, the unusually thick needle. Though no visible bruise remained on Alexander's arm, something about him felt off.

"Could it be...?" A cold dread settled in her stomach. She'd seen too many seemingly healthy people collapse gravely ill. That near-fainting episode—had it unmasked some hidden condition?

She was considering dragging him for a full checkup once he recovered when noises erupted downstairs.

Grace Anderson carried the baby to investigate, returning with a smile. "Mr. Taylor and his wife are here. They brought live fish and are cooking in the kitchen."

Alexander's lips twitched wryly. His bedroom was becoming a tourist attraction. But since they were Evelyn's family, he forced himself upright despite the effort.

Evelyn, her four-month pregnancy slowing her movements, bent stiffly to assist him. The simple motion sent aches radiating through her lower back.

Guilt flashed in Alexander's eyes. Suddenly summoning strength, he pushed himself up unaided.

"Stop overexerting," Evelyn frowned.

"Don't worry, I know my limits." His smile softened his features, warmth flooding his gaze.

The door swung open. Anthony and Teresa Taylor entered. "Mom, Dad," Evelyn blurted, then froze at her own words. The terms still felt foreign on her tongue.

Teresa immediately noticed Evelyn's posture. "Sit down," she urged, rushing to support her.

Evelyn complied, stealing a glance at Grace. Seeing her adoptive mother unfazed, she relaxed. Grace would always come first in her heart.

"Your bump is enormous!" Teresa exclaimed. "When I carried you, I only showed this much at six months."

Grace chimed in, "Same with my pregnancy with Emily."

The two mothers launched into a lively discussion, completely forgetting their original purpose. Propped against the headboard, Alexander watched, his lips curving unconsciously. Nothing pleased him more than seeing Evelyn cherished.

Evelyn's ears burned. "Maybe it's just a growth spurt," she deflected. As an OB-GYN, her professional opinion instantly reassured them, steering the conversation back to Alexander.

After pleasantries, the Taylors prepared to leave. Teresa couldn't resist tickling Baby Chloe, who giggled and reached for her.

Trembling with hesitant joy, Teresa hesitated—afraid her frail arms might falter. Grace understood, transferring the baby into her hold while supporting the tiny legs.

Only then did Teresa dare cradle the infant, pressing a reverent kiss to her cheek as if holding the world's most fragile treasure.

Evelyn stood frozen, an ache swelling in her throat. Childhood memories surfaced—yearning for exactly this maternal embrace.

"Walk us out?" Teresa asked suddenly, hope flickering in eyes mirroring Evelyn's own.

Evelyn stiffened. Logically, she knew her birth parents meant no harm. Yet the prospect of alone time left her flustered.

But meeting that familiar gaze—so like her reflection—a crack formed in her defenses.