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Seven Weeks Later
"Finally, home sweet home," Belle sighed in relief as she stepped into the house, JJ trailing behind her with her bags.
"Are you two ready to head back to school?" Mrs. Reynolds asked excitedly, probably just eager to capture the first day of school photos.
"Totally," JJ replied, his enthusiasm clearly forced as he climbed the stairs to put Belle's things away. Belle rolled her eyes playfully.
"I'm starving," she whined, but was cut off by a booming voice.
"Is that my favorite niece I hear?" Uncle Ray called out, rushing toward her out of nowhere, a baby cradled in his arms.
"Oh my god, she's so perfect!" Belle exclaimed, her eyes wide with awe as Uncle Ray handed the baby over.
"He couldn't wait to show you," Aunt Diana added with a warm smile as she joined them.
"she's the cutest little thing" belle cooed at the baby as he handed her to her
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The Next Day
"Welcome back!" Pope exclaimed, spotting them as they approached.
"How was Paris, Hawaii, and Europe?" Kiara asked, attempting a fake accent. But her smile faltered when she saw Belle holding the baby.
"What were you two doing those seven weeks?" Kiara asked, eyeing the baby curiously.
"It takes nine months, Kiara," Pope reminded her, but JJ opened his mouth to explain, only for Belle to cut him off.
"Relax, it's not what it looks like. I'm just watching my little cousin. She'll be around a lot, so get used to her," Belle reassured them.
The four of them then gathered to reminisce about John B.
"To John B," JJ said solemnly, taking a sip from his flask. Suddenly, Zoey threw her toy at his face, giggling, which made everyone burst into laughter as JJ feigned pain.
"Are you okay?" Belle asked, concern in her eyes as Kiara bent down to pick up the toy, cleaning it before handing it back to the baby.
"Nope, it hurts a lot," JJ replied, still pouting as Kiara and Pope exchanged knowing looks.
