Chapter 43

Jo lay still in bed when the sun came up. She could feel it was early morning. There was a slight breeze, birds were chirping, and some people were talking. The smell of breakfast had awakened her. She tilted her head up to watch Jo.

His features softened by sleep, his arm draped protectively over her waist, and a sense of peace washed over her, knowing she was wrapped in his embrace. She had really missed him for the days that he was gone, and it was nice to get to know her mother more, even with her father-in-law being present.

With a sigh, Chloe stretched and sat up, her movements slow and languid as she took in the scene before her. Their bags were packed, ready to embark on the journey back home. Today was the day they would bid farewell to Akiko, Chloe’s biological mother, and return to the familiar comforts of their own lives.

Jo woke up when Chloe was already dressed. She was hungry and could not wait to eat.

As Chloe and Jo made their way downstairs,