Bikeriders Serenade

Preparing for Lora

The day after her victorious court win, Ashley felt a renewed sense of purpose. With the weight of her past finally lifted, she was ready to focus on what truly mattered: preparing for Lora’s arrival. Austin and their dad, David, were eager to help, turning what could have been a daunting task into a joyful family project.

“Let’s get to work!” Austin exclaimed, rolling up his sleeves as they gathered in the nursery. The walls were a soft pastel color, but Ashley had decided they needed a fresh coat of paint. “What do you think about a cheerful yellow?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Perfect! It’ll be bright and happy,” David agreed, already mixing the paint. The three of them worked together, laughter filling the room as they painted and shared stories. Each stroke of the brush felt like a step toward a fresh start.

Once the walls were painted, they moved on to assembling the furniture. Crib, changing table, and rocking chair all came together with a few laughs and some playful banter. Austin struggled with the crib, pretending it was a puzzle he couldn’t solve, which made Ashley giggle.

“Maybe we should have gotten an instruction manual for you instead!” she teased.

As they finished setting up the furniture, Ashley took a moment to step back and admire their work. The room was starting to take shape, and she felt a swell of happiness.

Next, they organized toys and clothes, folding tiny onesies and stacking plush toys in neat little rows. Ashley found herself lost in thought, imagining all the moments she would share with Lora—reading bedtime stories, singing lullabies, and creating a lifetime of memories.

“I think we need to add a personal touch,” Ashley said suddenly, her mind racing with ideas. She headed to a box in the corner filled with family photos. With a smile, she pulled out pictures of her mom, who had passed away when Ashley was young.

“I want Lora to always feel like her Grammy is watching over her,” Ashley explained, hanging the photos on the wall. Each frame held a different memory—her mom’s warm smile, her laughter, and the love that had always surrounded them.

Austin and David watched as Ashley carefully arranged the photos, a bittersweet smile on her face. “This is perfect, Ash,” Austin said softly. “She’ll always have that connection.”

“Yeah,” Ashley replied, her voice filled with emotion. “I want her to know how loved she is, even by those who aren’t here anymore.”

As the final touches were made, the . transformed into a cozy haven filled with love and warmth. The walls glowed with bright colors, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of fresh paint and new beginnings.

When they finally stepped back to admire their work, Ashley felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. “Thank you both for helping me with this,” she said, her heart full. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

David wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “We’re family, Ash. We’ll always be here for you and Lora.”

With a smile, Ashley looked around the room, feeling ready for the next chapter of her life. Lora’s arrival was just around the corner, and she knew that with love and support from her family, they would create a beautiful life together.

A Sudden Change

Later that evening, the atmosphere at the dinner table was light and filled with warmth. Austin, Ashley, and David enjoyed a delicious meal together, sharing stories and laughter as they savored each bite. The comforting sounds of family filled the room, and for a moment, Ashley felt completely at ease.

Suddenly, she dropped her fork, her face contorting in surprise. “Oh, ow!” she exclaimed, gripping the edge of the table for support.

David and Austin immediately looked up, concern etched on their faces. “Ashley, what’s wrong?” David asked, his voice steady but worried.