chaps for kyle and sophie…
A Few Months Later
Kyle stepped into his home after a long day at work. The scent of a freshly cooked meal lingered in the air, and the floors sparkled beneath the soft glow of the chandelier. Everything was neat, polished, and quiet—too quiet.
He walked into the dining room where a delicious dinner was already set out on the table. The warmth of the food contrasted with the stillness of the house. With a small sigh, he headed upstairs.
In their bedroom, Sophie lay on the bed, curled beneath the covers, sleeping like a baby. Kyle walked over and leaned down, pressing a soft kiss on her lips. She stirred, smiling sleepily as she kissed him back.
"Welcome home, love," she whispered, her voice hoarse from sleep.
"You look so tired," Kyle said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Want to join me for dinner?"
"No, I'm okay," she replied, her eyes fluttering shut again.
Kyle sat on the edge of the bed. "What's wrong with you?" he asked gently.
"Nothing… I just feel weak. Sad. Alone."
"How?"
She opened her eyes, looking at him with a tired gaze. "You're never with me. You stay at the company, and when you come home, it's always late… you're always exhausted."
Kyle frowned. "Okay, I'll find—"
"No need," Sophie cut in softly. "I'll make myself busy here." And just like that, she closed her eyes again, slipping back into sleep, leaving Kyle in a quiet sea of guilt.
---
Meanwhile, at Cody's Mansion
"Please, Alice… just go to sleep," Alva whispered desperately to the baby in her arms. She had fed her, rocked her, and sung lullabies—yet beautiful little Alice was wide awake, her curious eyes flickering around the room.
Alva sighed. "You've had enough baby formula. What more do you want, sweetheart?"
Alice blinked slowly, then whimpered—a clear sign that being put down was not on her to-do list.
"I need sleep, baby girl," Alva muttered as she gently placed Alice in her crib, surrounded by stuffed animals and colorful toys. But the moment she let go, Alice's cries grew louder.
"Oh God…" Alva groaned, picking her back up. "I can't feed you from my breast—I'm too weak, Alice." Her voice cracked, frustration and exhaustion creeping in.
Just then, the door opened, and Cody stepped in, wearing his usual black joggers and fitted black shirt. His presence alone brought a sense of calm.
"What's going on, babe?" he asked, walking over and placing a soft kiss on Alva's forehead.
"It's your daughter," Alva said, barely able to smile. "She doesn't want to sleep and I'm so tired."
Cody gently took Alice from her arms. "Hello, pretty Alice," he cooed. The baby's cries immediately turned into a happy smile.
"Let's sleep now, yeah? You're stressing Mommy," Cody said softly, swaying her gently in his arms. "Go to sleep, and I promise I'll be back. Me and your mom are planning to make a brother for you," he teased, grinning.
Alva chuckled and lightly smacked his chest. "Seriously?"
He winked, placing Alice carefully in her crib. "Good night, baby," he whispered, kissing her forehead before switching off the night light. Alice settled in quickly, finally drifting off.
"Does she like you more than me?" Alva asked, raising an eyebrow as she leaned against the doorframe. "You're really her dad… like father, like daughter."
Cody smirked and walked over to her. "Are you jealous?"
"Of course not," she said, rolling her eyes—though a soft smile betrayed her.
"I hope not. Now come on, you need sleep too," he said, sweeping her into his arms.
Alva let out a small laugh as he carried her toward their bedroom. In his arms, safe and loved, her exhaustion finally began to fade.
So, are you ready to have another child?" he asked after helping her change into his clothes.
"Having Alice is enough. She doesn't even listen to me unless you talk to her. And no, I'm not ready to go through all that pain again," she said.
"Just kidding," he chuckled.
"I have something to discuss with you," she said, rubbing his chest.
"And what's that?"
"It's about my friend Sophie. I think she's tired—emotionally. She wants Kyle to marry her. She looks so tired and lonely."
"Okay, I'll talk to Kyle," he said, then leaned in and kissed her lips.
"Sleep, babe," he whispered.
She closed her eyes, and after a while, Alva finally drifted off to sleep. Cody gently moved her off his chest, placed her head on the pillow, and stood up, taking his phone with him.
He walked over to the window, admiring the night view outside.
Then his phone rang.
the next day…
"Kyle, kick your butt over to my house tomorrow," he said, then ended the call
Arriving at Cody's house, Cody sat across from him with little Alice on his back.
"Kyle."
"Yes?"
"Remember the deal we made before we got married?"
"Yes, I do."
"Remember when I told you to find a girl you like?"
"Yeah."
"Well, now I'm married to Alva and have a kid with her—this little one right here," he said as Alice giggled on his back. "So where's the promise we made?"
"You fulfilled your promise."
"No, I want us both to fulfill it. Even Timothy has a girl he wants to marry. And… my wife's been worried about Sophie."
"I get your point, Cody. You want me to get married."
"I'm glad you understand."
"Sophie and I have been together for some time. I really love her, but I don't know how to tell her… or how to propose without upsetting her or making her reject me."
"You shouldn't be scared, Kyle. She loves you—and that's all that matters."
"I got the ring… but I don't know what to do, how to tell her, or how to plan it all," Kyle admitted.
"That's why I can help you. I've got a few ideas on how you can do it—tonight. Just stay here till 10 p.m.," Cody said, heading toward his room.
"Now," he muttered, as Alva shook her head with a small smile.
Cody handed the baby to Alva. Alice resisted, wanting to stay with her dad, but eventually let her mom carry her after Alva kissed her on the forehead. As Cody walked away, Alice burst into tears.
"So… you really do like Cody more than me, huh?" Alva teased gently.