Begin Again

Chapter 22

Alex POV - three months later (May 2025)

I watch as Mack moves around the kitchen and I smile.

I look back at my phone and smile when I see that Soph posted some pregnancy photos.

"Honey?" I call.

Her head snaps up, "Huh?"

I chuckle, "What do you think about babies?"

"Uhhh. Like in general? They're adorable and they smell amazing. Like what is it about that baby smell..."

She rambles on and stops, "Wait, why are you asking?"

I sigh, "We never really talked about if we want more kids."

She stares at me, "We should probably talk about that."

I smile, "Yeah, we should."

She walks over and sits next to me.

"I mean, I'm 35. I don't even know what that would look like at this point." I sigh.

She reaches and grabs my hand, "I think we can look into it."

My eyes widen, "Really?"

She nods, "Yeah. I'd love to have a baby with you."

"But I'm not volunteering to be pregnant." She deadpans.

I chuckle, "Don't worry, babe, I have that covered."

She smiles and leans in, I meet her halfway. She pulls back, "I love you."

"I love you and I can't wait to have a baby with you." I whisper.

She smiles and walks back towards the kitchen.

'New journey.'

Mack POV - one month later (June 2025)

"How're you and Alex, honey?" My mom asks.

I smile and finish chewing, "We're good. Wedding planning. Family planning."

"Family planning..?" She inquires.

I nod and wipe my mouth with a napkin, "Yeah. Looking into adding another baby."

She smiles widely, "Wow. Really? I can't even...that's great, honey."

I smile, "Yeah, we have an appointment this week."

"That's awesome. Charlie and Riley would love a younger sibling."

I bob my head and down, "It's a big step."

She sighs, "Are you feeling unsure about it?"

I shrug, "I'm excited, I love Alex."

"What's the but here?" She asks.

I sigh, "I honestly can't put my finger on it."

"Does it have something to do with Ally?" She asks carefully.

I stare at her and lean back, looking up, "Probably. I don't know."

I don't hear anything and look back down at my mom.

"Honey, sometimes I think you still have these moments that make you sad about losing her and mourning the life that you two could've had.."

I sigh and nod, "I feel bad about it."

"Feel bad? Because of Alex? She knows what you went through, honey. She understands. She's one of the most understanding humans." She says softly.

I take a deep breath and nod, "I know that she is, but I just feel guilty."