Page 35 of Love in Kentbury

The hearing doesn’t take long.The judge—who isn’t the one who saw our case the first time—grants me custody of Archie and Tilly. However, I won’t be able to go to Kentbury for a few weeks. This is just temporary. “It’s all about legalities,” Ameline said. “Just give us time.”

The drive to my old apartment is a blur, my mind a whirlwind of anticipation and anxiety. Henrik’s hand occasionally finds mine, squeezing gently. He’s been so supportive, and everything he’s done for me and the kids is . . . I don’t have words. Paul gave me a credit card I can use for emergencies.

“I spoke to my parents. Dad will let you stay in the penthouse. It should be ready tomorrow morning. In the meantime, there’s a reservation in Merkel Hotel under your name,” Henrik says just as the car pulls up, my heart leaps into my throat. I turn to him, wanting him to know how I feel before our temporary separation. “I love you, Henrik.”

“I love you, too, Lou-Lou,” he declares, gripping my hand as we step out of the car.

The apartment building looms before me, a mixture of the familiar and the foreign. It’s been over a year since he unceremoniously ousted me, and months since I’ve laid eyes on Tilly and Archie. Those months have been an eternity of sleepless nights and ceaseless worry.

As expected, the doorman is initially reluctant to grant us entry. Fortunately, we’re not alone in this. Hunter, along with a couple of police officers, is here to ensure there are no obstacles in reclaiming my children.

I don’t recognize the woman who answers the door, but my attention is swiftly stolen as Tilly and Archie burst into the foyer. Their voices, vibrant and full of joy, boom through the apartment as they scream, “Mum, Mama!” Their small figures, a bit taller and subtly changed yet heartbreakingly familiar, charge toward me.

“Mommy,” they cry in unison. In an instant, they’re in my arms. I drop to my knees, enveloping them in a big hug. I’ve dreamed of this moment. One that I hope could defy time and last forever.

“I missed you both so much,” I whisper, my voice thick with tears. Their little bodies shake with sobs, a mix of joy and relief that we’re finally together.

Henrik stands a respectful distance away, witnessing our reunion. It’s a bittersweet moment, knowing they’re with me, but that he has to leave us here. He won’t even get to meet them. Not yet. It’s okay. These little ones come first, and then we can turn the page and create something new. The four of us together.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Henrik: How’s New York treating you?

Lou: It’s cold but fun.

Henrik: I heard Dad picked you up from the hotel and took you to the penthouse.

Lou: He and your mom did, and they actually set up rooms for the kids. They even bought them new clothes. I know you’re not a fan of your parents, but they’ve been amazing with us.

Henrik: They have their moments. I’m grateful that they’re coming through when I really need them. How are the kids?

Lou: Excited about being with me. Archie is going back to school on Monday.

Henrik: You already met your driver, right?

Lou: You didn’t have to hire someone for that.

Henrik: It’s safer for you and the kids.

Lou: Kentbury is safer for me and my children.

Henrik: What happened to living large in the city?

Lou: I spent several weeks in Kentbury and realized that’s my place.

Henrik: It is, and you’re missed.

Lou: By the way, Mac and my grandmother are going to help me furnish the house. Just in case you’re wondering why there are people getting too close to your property.

Henrik: I’m okay with people coming around this area. I’m not a hermit.

Lou: Or Sasquatch?

Henrik: He prefers to go by Bigfoot.

Lou: You’re friends with him.

Henrik: Obviously.

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