Keep it Secret - COMPLETED

Chapter 27

This will be the last chapter! See you at the Epilogue!

---

The room is filled with warmth and light as sunlight pours in through the large windows. Elijiah has set up a cozy space with soft blankets and a bassinet in the corner. The atmosphere buzzes with anticipation as his friends arrive to meet the baby for the first time. Elijiah stands by the bassinet, a mixture of pride and nervousness on his face.

"Hey, everyone! Thanks for coming. I'm really excited for you all to meet... our little one."

His friends gather around the bassinet, their expressions a mix of curiosity and joy. Elijiah gently picks up the baby, cradling them in his arms. He takes a moment to gather his thoughts, looking at the tiny face of the baby.

Aston grinning "Oh man, I can't believe you're actually a dad now. It's incredible!"

Spade leans closer "Let's see this little bundle of joy!"

Elijiah carefully adjusts the baby, turning them slightly so everyone can see. The baby stirs slightly, their eyes fluttering open to reveal bright, curious eyes.

Naveen cooing at the baby "Look at those eyes! They're already so alert!"

Elijiah can't help but smile wider, feeling a swell of pride.

"I know, right? They've already got Stella's spirit in them."

The friends gather closer, peering down at the baby with wide smiles. Elijiah takes a deep breath, feeling a rush of emotions.

"I've been thinking a lot about names. After everything that's happened, I wanted to choose a name that truly represents who Stella was."

Daki raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "What name did you decide on?"

Elijiah hesitates for a moment, his heart racing. He looks at the baby, then back at his friends.

Elijiah said with conviction "I named her Stella..... Stella Grace."

Silence falls for a moment as his friends absorb the significance of the name. Then, Gael face breaks into a huge grin.

"That's beautiful, Jake. She's going to carry Stella's legacy with her."

Daki nods, his eyes glistening with emotion.

"It's perfect. Stella Grace-it sounds so lovely."

Gael grins, wiping his own eyes as he takes a step closer.

Gael smiling through tears "I can already tell she's going to be amazing. Just like her mom."

Pryce leans over to get a better look at the baby, his expression filled with wonder.

"And we'll all be here to make sure she knows just how loved she is." Pryce said affectionately.

Elijiah feels a rush of gratitude for his friends' support. He gently rocks the baby in his arms, feeling a mix of hope and sadness.

His voice thick with emotion "I want Stella Grace to grow up surrounded by love and laughter. You guys have been amazing through all of this, and I want her to know who you all are."

Aston's reaches out, lightly touching the baby's hand. "We're going to be the best uncles. She won't just have your love, Elijiah; she'll have all of us."

Elijiah looks around at his friends, feeling the bond of their friendship strengthen in this moment. He knows that while they lost Stella, they gained a new purpose together.

"Thank you, guys. It means the world to me to have you here

As they gather closer to meet Stella Grace, the atmosphere is filled with love and warmth. The friends share their hopes and dreams for the baby, promising to honor Stella's memory together as a family.