CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY TWO – START OF A NEW FAMILY

The roar of the private jet engines faded into a distant hum as Karina gazed out the window, a bittersweet feeling settling in her stomach. Three days of pure paradise with John felt like a dream. They were already soaring back to reality, to their little Becky waiting for them. "Penny for your thoughts," John said, leaning closer, his hand finding hers. Karina turned, a nostalgic smile gracing her lips. "Just thinking about how fast it all went by. It feels like yesterday we were fumbling with surfboards." John chuckled. "And here I thought I looked pretty graceful." Memories of their failed surfing attempt brought a wave of laughter. They reminisced about snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs, John's playful attempts to teach her basic surfing moves, and the romantic dinner under the starlit sky. As the jet descended, John intertwined their fingers. "Ready to face the real world again, Mrs. Hardy?" Karina squeezed his hand. "More than ready, as long as I'm facing it with you."