[In the Shadows of Love] ~ Pedri.Gonzalez

Chapter 30 "Final"

Six years later, an early morning at 7:00, Emily woke up to find the bed empty. Pedri wasn't in the room. She got up and, still a bit groggy, walked to Lenor's room, but it was empty as well. Just as she was starting to wonder where everyone was, she heard some noise coming from downstairs.

Pedri at the kitchen looked down at his son and whispered, "Lenor, be quiet. Mama is sleeping."

Lenor looked up with wide eyes and a guilty expression. "Papa, I think Mama will be angry. We made a mess just for pancakes."

Pedri chuckled softly and ruffled Lenor's hair. "Don't worry, buddy. We'll clean it up before she comes down. It's a surprise, remember?"

Lenor nodded, his eyes brightening. "Okay, Papa. I'll help clean up."

As Emily appeared in the doorway, she saw Pedri standing with his back to her, focused on the stove. Lenor was standing on a chair, carefully stirring a bowl since he was still only six years old.

She smiled at the sight, her heart warming at the sweet scene. She took a few steps closer and softly called out, "Good morning, my boys ."

Pedri turned around, a surprised smile lighting up his face. "Good morning, mi amor. We were trying to make you breakfast in bed."

Lenor looked up from his task, his face lighting up. "Mama! We made pancakes for you"

Emily walked over and gave Lenor a hug, then kissed Pedri on the cheek. "You two are the best. Thank you for the lovely surprise."

Pedri smiled and said, "Lenor, go help Mama with the table. I'll finish up here with the pancakes."

Emily helped Lenor get off the chair he was standing on. Lenor, with a big grin, took Emily's hand. "Mama, let's go," he said eagerly.

They walked together to the dining table, and Emily began setting it up with Lenor's enthusiastic assistance. He carefully placed the plates and utensils, doing his best to make everything perfect.

"Great job, Lenor," Emily praised, adjusting a fork slightly. "You're a wonderful helper."

Lenor beamed with pride. "Thanks, Mama! I want everything to be nice for you."

A few moments later, Pedri came over with a stack of freshly made pancakes. "Breakfast is ready!" he announced cheerfully.

As Emily was cleaning up, Lenor came up to her with a concerned look. "Mama, where is Leo? I miss him."

Emily smiled and knelt down to his level. "Sweetie, Leo is with Aunt Bella. She wanted to spend some time with him."

Lenor's eyes brightened but he still pouted. "Mama, please, can we go get him back? I miss playing with him."

Emily chuckled softly. "We will, but first, you have to go clean up your toys in your room."

Lenor looked hopeful. "Can Papa help?"