Saturday, January 10th, 2026

Dia's POV

"Thank you, mama and Aunt Layla, for the trip. Braelyn and I had fun. It stinks to come home though."

"You're welcome, sweetie," Aunt Layla said.

"You're welcome, Dia," my mama says.

"It sure does. Back to school, we go. It still feels weird staying home for school. I miss being with you all. I can't believe you and Rocco got suspended for fighting."

"We miss you too, Braelyn. I can't believe it either. We had to defend ourselves and you too. I hope it never happens again. Rocco and I go to the same school. Devin, Isabella, Kekoa, Gabby, and Angelo had to go to a different school."

"Layla, look at our girls. Next year they will be in high school. No more little girls. That was sweet of you to pick out gifts for your dad, brothers, and sisters."

"Thanks, mom."

Aunt Layla's plane just landed safely back home.

"Braelyn and Dia, you can take off your seat belts now. I see Cris and Ryan pulling up now."

Braelyn and I unbuckled our seat belts and hurried off the plane. "Daddy!" I ran over to my dad and squeezed him tight.

"How was your vacation with mommy, Braelyn, and Aunt Layla?"

"We had fun, daddy. And, I got everyone a gift. Well, mama paid for them. Oh, and we have so many pictures to show you."

"I can't wait to see the pictures. And, thank you for the gift."

Mommy and Aunt Layla is coming off the plane now with the bodyguards. I went over to Uncle Ryan to say hi. "Hi, Uncle Ryan!"

"Hi, Dia. How are you? Did you girls have fun?"

"We sure did, Uncle Ryan. It was sad coming back though."

"It's always sad coming back from vacation. But guess what? You, Braelyn, Aunt Layla, and your mommy get to have a sleep day tomorrow."

"I can't wait."

"Dia, princess, let's get ready to go home," my dad yelled. Braelyn and I shared a hug, then I ran over to get in my daddy's truck to go home.

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Sunday, January 11th, 2026

Kam's POV

I couldn't sleep knowing that Bliss was in the hospital and Jordan was in the NICU. Isabella and Gabby are traveling with me to visit them. After finding a parking space, we walked into the hospital. The media was camped outside. Like seriously? Give them a break! 

The girls and I quickly walked passed them and entered the lobby. Shane was waiting for us. Isabella made a beeline right for him, and he scooped her up in his arms.

"Uncle Shane, is Aunt Bliss and Jordan okay?"

"Aunt Bliss is resting in her room. Because Jordan came early, he is very sick right now. He is having problems trying to breathe, so the doctors are taking very good care of him so Aunt Bliss and I can take him home."

"Thanks for meeting us, Shane."

"You're welcome, Kam. I didn't want the media to bother you. They keep trying their best for any bit of news. Why can't they just wait like my mum and Lesia asked?"

"I agree."

"Can I go see him, Uncle Shane?"

"I'm sorry, sweetheart but per hospital rules, the only children under the age of 14 that can see Jordan are siblings. How about this - when Aunt Bliss and I bring Jordan home you will be the first one to hold him."

Isabella kissed Shane's cheek. "Thank you, Uncle Shane."

"You're welcome, Princess."

"Isabella, sweetie, let's go see Aunt Bliss. We have to take the flowers to her room so she can see them, remember?"

"Okay, mama."

Shane carried Isabella and I carried Gabby and the flowers as we walked to Bliss' room. Adrian and Brently were in there with her.

She was just waking up. "Hey, mama. Sorry, we didn't come back sooner from Fiji. Hi, Adrian and Brently."

"It's okay, Kam. I missed you guys. How was it?"

"We had a blast. But, how are you doing? The girls and I brought flowers for you and Jordan."

"My body is beyond tired. Once I feel a little better, then Shane is going to take me to see Jordan. Thanks for the flowers. "

"You're welcome, sis. Isabella and Gabby, how about you stay with Aunt Bliss, Adrian, and Brently so mama can go see Jordan?"

"Okay, mama."

"I'll go with you, Kam." Shane and I walked towards' the NICU Unit. "You'll have to wear a robe, gloves, and a mask. One of the nurses will get them for you."

"Hi, Mr. Landes. I'll get your things so you can visit with Jordan."

"Thanks, Sonya. My friend, Kam, will need the same thing."

"Sure thing. I'll be right back."

"Kam, we'll need to wash our hands first. Sonya will help us put on the robe, gloves, and mask."

"Got it." Shane and I went over to a wash station to thoroughly wash our hands. Sonya came back and put our gloves on first. Then, she put on our robes. Lastly, she put on our mask and then opened the door for us.

Shane and I walked over to Jordan's incubator. "Aww, Shane he is so precious."

"If you put your hands through the holes on the right side, you can touch him."

I did just as Shane said and I caressed Jordan's arm. "Hi, there my little handsome prince. It's your Aunt Kam. Aunt Kam can't wait to hold you in my arms. Guess who else can't wait to hold you? Your cousin Isabella. You, my precious one are going to be charming just like your big brother and daddy. The Landes men sure know how to win the ladies' hearts."

Shane started laughing.

"Shane, you know it's true. It took you the same amount of time to win over Bliss as it took Cris to win me over - 4 months. One day, Shane is going to win over the heart of someone just as beautiful as his mommy. Jordan will do the same. And, I know your Grandpa did the same with Nana Margie. Brently with Adrian. Those are some strong genes in the Landes family. And, can't forget the beautiful women."

"Thanks, Kam." Shane and I stood there, talking to Jordan like he could understand us. At one point, it was almost like he smiled at us. We didn't stay long because Shane says we should keep our visits short.

"Jordan, sweetie, Aunt Kam is going to leave now. But, I will be back. Goodbye for now, little one."

Shane and I exited the unit. Sonya helped us out of the gloves, masks, and gowns. Then, we thoroughly washed our hands again. Shane and I walked back to the room.

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We stayed for another hour, talking with Shane, Junior, and Brently in the waiting room. Bliss was in and out of sleep. Little Shane even read us a story.

"Shane, you and Bliss have a little genius. Just think, Shane and Pilar are going to school next year. Time sure flies by."

"I wanted to put them in pre-K this year, uh but I was outnumbered even though the discussion was between me and Bliss. So, we have been teaching Shane and Pilar to read. And, even write their names."

"Shane, you are a trip. Well, we better be heading home. Gabby and Isabella, let's get ready to leave. Give everyone a hug, girls."

Isabella, Gabby, and I gave everyone a hug, then we left the hospital for home.

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Saturday, January 17th, 2026

Dia's POV

Mom invited Aunt Layla and Braelyn over for dinner. While mom is talking to Aunt Layla, Braelyn and I are sitting in lounge chairs near the pool.

"Braelyn, didn't you and Aunt Layla go to therapy? How did it go? I know you can't tell me anything, but did it go good?"

"Dia, it was horrible for me and mom. I am the child of a horrible dad. You have Uncle Cris and I am stuck with Austin Mitchell."

"Ouch. Not Uncle Austin."

"Yes, him. He doesn't care about me or my mom. Ryan is more of a dad to me than my own father."

"But, Braelyn if he didn't care he wouldn't have saved you from that evil lady."

"Dia, that's only one thing. I don't ever want to go back to his house again. Mom was so mad she punched him in the face."

"I have never seen Aunt Layla that mad before. If your dad went missing, wouldn't you miss him?"

"I probably would."

"Dad said my real mom died after giving birth to us. He showed me and Rocco pictures of her. That's all we have. True, your dad may have hurt you. But, he is your dad. Cherish the time you spend with him while you can. Don't totally shut him out, Braelyn. We are just only 12 years old. Just give yourself some time. Pretty soon, we'll be going to high school. Then, college."

"I guess you're right. Aunt Kam treats you and Rocco like her own."

"She does. We love her a lot. She is the only mom Rocco and I know. Dad said Rocco was the first one to call her mommy when we were five-years-old. We've been together since. The way she protects us means a lot to both me and Rocco. Dad helped us with a surprise for her tonight after we eat. Let's go see if dinner is ready."

"Yeah. I'm hungry too. Can't wait to see the surprise. And, thanks for the chat."

"You're welcome, Braelyn. That's what best friends are for." Braelyn and I ran over to dad. "Dad, is dinner ready?"

"It's almost finished. Tell everyone to go wash their hands and have a seat at the table."

"Thanks, dad."

Braelyn and I ran over to the pool where the other kids were.

"Dad said time to wash our hands for dinner."

Rocco said, "Okay."

Everyone got out of the pool, dried off, then we all went to wash our hands for dinner.

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Dad got everyone to be quiet.

"Before everyone runs off to play, Dia and Rocco have a surprise."

Rocco carried a bouquet of flowers and I had the card in my hand as we left the house. We walked straight over to our mom.

Rocco handed her the flowers. "Beautiful flowers for a beautiful mom."

"They are very beautiful. Thank you, my handsome prince."

"We have a card also." Mom put the flowers on the table, then I handed her the card and she read it out loud.

She began crying after reading the card, so we gave her a hug.

Kam's POV

"I love you both too. This is special. I remember when Cris and I officially began dating, on our way back home from Disney, Rocco asked to call me mommy. I thought that was the sweetest thing ever. In two years, Cris and I will celebrate 10 years together."

"Kam, it doesn't seem like it."

"It sure doesn't, Marco. Time flies when you spend it with someone you love very much. You and Noeli are right behind us. You will be married for 7 years in July."

"It has been the best 7 years of my life. And, we have two kids to show for it."

Noeli began clearing her throat. "Make it three kids to show for it. Sofia and Marco will be getting a new brother in August."

"Well, well, well, Marco, you have been quite busy there bro." Cris began teasing Marco.

"Yes! I'm going to be an auntie again!"

"Congratulations, Marco, and Noeli. And, kids you will have another cousin."

"Thanks, Layla."

"We have so much to celebrate today. This year, we have a wedding and a baby shower to plan for. Aunt Kam can't wait."

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