With Lily gone, the air in Sterling Villa felt infinitely lighter.
Sarah finally stopped walking on eggshells. She no longer felt the need to be joined at my hip 24/7. Arthur didn't downgrade the security detail, but his whole demeanor visibly relaxed.
As for me? I officially entered my hyper-development phase.
At seven months, I was clearly articulating "Mom," "Dad," and "Grandpa."
At nine months, I pulled myself up on the living room sofa.
At ten months, I took my first steps.
By my first birthday, I was speaking in complete, coherent sentences.
"Mom, hold me."
"Dad, come back."
"Grandpa, let's eat."
Every time I opened my mouth, my family acted like they had just hit the Mega Millions jackpot.
Jacob bragged to anyone who would listen, "My little Chloe is a born prodigy. You c
