Stolen Identity: Mute Heiress

Dinner with the family was a very noisy affair. It was nothing like the cold and quiet dinner Abigail and Josh usually had with Ryan and Genevieve.

Everyone was talking, and some of the younger kids made fun of each other and threw bits of food when the adults weren't looking.

Abigail laughed most of the time as she listened to the ladies regaling her with their various versions of her first and subsequent encounters with Jamal when they were kids.

Josh was not left out in the fun. He sat between Presley and Mila, his cheeks round with laughter as they taught him how to fold napkins into funny shapes. He showed them how to make a rabbit with his hands, and they clapped and cheered like he was the smartest boy in the world.

Abigail's chest felt warm as she watched. She couldn't remember ever hearing her son laugh this much at a dinner table. At Ryan's house, dinners were quiet, and one hardly dared to talk unless Ryan asked a question. Here, there was chatter, teasing, and bursts of laughter from all sides. It was the happiest dinner she had ever seen.

Abigail felt a pinch in her chest as she thought about her own childhood. If only she had grown up with the Hanks instead of with Ryan. The thought ached, but then she let her gaze drift to Jamal across the table and the ache softened into something tender.

He was laughing heartily with his Dad and grandfather. It was so nice to see him be himself this way among his own people. He belonged here, and he fit into the room like light fit into a window.

Every so often, Jamal glanced her way or looked at Josh and made a face that made the boy giggle again.

When he glanced her away again and caught her gaze, he winked at her. Abigail's lips curved, but her heart tugged.

Josh yawned as dessert came around. His head drooped against Mila's arm, and he rubbed his sleepy eyes.

Abigail smiled softly, rising from her chair. "I think it's time I retired for the night. Josh is falling asleep."

Jamal pushed back his chair at once. "I'll escort you upstairs."

Every head at the table turned, and for a second the whole table fell silent. Then came the mischievous and knowing looks.

Jamal groaned, dragging a palm over his face. "Oh, for crying out loud, don't look at me like that. I'm only going to tuck in my son and see my girlfriend off. That's all."

The table erupted in laughter.

"Oh, come on. Don't start," Jamal said, making them laugh even more.

"Who said anything?" His grandfather teased.

"No one. We didn't say a word," Sonia added with a smirk.

Abigail's cheeks burned hot, but she couldn't help laughing along.

Jamal shook his head, muttering, "You're all unbelievable," as he scooped Josh into his arms. Josh sighed sleepily, and curled into his chest as Jamal headed for the stairs

"Thanks for dinner. I had a lovely time…"

"That sounds awfully polite," Bella cut in.

"Maybe because she has more manners than you," Branden said, making the others laugh while Bella glared at him.

Lucy smiled, "We are family, Dawn. Hopefully with time you'll get used to it. Good night."

Everyone called out goodnight to her, and Abigail hurried after Jamal as they climbed the stairs together, leaving the sound of laughter behind them.

Upstairs, the hallway was quieter, lined with more family portraits and soft lights. Abigail walked ahead of Jamal and pushed the door to her bedroom open.

When they entered the beautifully decorated room, Jamal looked around and raised his brows. "Wow. Lucy really went all out with this room. Look at the design. She never gave me such a decorated space. She is being partial already."

Abigail chuckled, shaking her head as she walked ahead and pulled back the covers for Josh. "Don't be jealous. She probably just wants me to feel at home."

"I hope you don't end up feeling too at home. You have another home waiting," Jamal said as he laid Josh down carefully.

Abigail grinned as she watched him brushing Josh's hair back from his forehead before tucking the blanket around him.

When he was done, he turned, opening his arms out to Abigail. "Come here."

Abigail stepped into him without thinking, pressing her cheek against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her hair.

Neither of them said a word for a while as they stood there just breathing in each other.

"I'm so happy you're home where you belong," he murmured, his chin resting on her hair. "With family."

Abigail smiled against his shirt. "Me too," she muttered then tilted her head back to look into his face. "I can see why you are the way you are, Jamal."

His brows lifted. "The way I am?"

Her smile soft. "Warm, soft, and kindhearted. It'd be hard to grow up surrounded by such love and people and not turn out so warmhearted."

Jamal's lips curved into a smile, though he gave a small shrug. "True. But it came at a price."

Her brow rose. "What price?"

"Zero privacy. You have everyone involved in your business," he said dryly, making her burst out laughing.

"I figured that much already. But it's okay. I didn't have much privacy in Westend or Husla either, so I don't mind losing it here. At least here it's with family and I know it's out of love."

His expression softened, his thumb brushing her cheek. "I'm glad you already feel that way. That you're already thinking of them as family."

For a moment they just looked at each other, then Jamal stepped back. "It's been a long day. You need to rest. I also need to go catch up with my army."

She chuckled. "Go have fun. But make sure you rest too," she said softly.

"I will."

Her voice dropped. "Will you spend the night here?"

He shook his head slowly. "No. I need to go to my own place tonight. I'm craving my bed. But I'll come see you tomorrow."

Her eyes flickered with curiosity. "When can we see your place?"

His smile grew sly as he reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "If I had my way, I'd take you both there tonight. But you need to settle in here first. Spend a few days with your family, and then I'll bring you and Josh over."

Her smile faded slightly when she remembered Ryan. "Have you heard from Emily?"

"By tomorrow, they should be here. When they arrive, I'll let you know and take you to the hospital," he assured her.

Abigail nodded. Then, on tiptoe, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was slow, tender, and sweet.

When she pulled back, Jamal was grinning. "What was that for?"

"For saving me and Josh and bringing us here safely," she whispered.

He chuckled, low and warm. "That brief little kiss? You're both worth much more than that are you not?"

Abigail laughed, swatting his chest. "Go before they come looking for you and think we're up to no good."

"I'd rather be up to no good with you," he teased.

She blushed, giggling. "Go, Jamal!"

Instead, he pulled her close again and kissed her deeply. When he drew back, his eyes shone. "I love you, Dawn. I love you more each day."

Her heart squeezed. "I love you too."

He turned to leave, but she stopped him. "Wait."

"You don't want me to leave, do you?" He asked, and she laughed.

"Have you heard from Stefan? Is Genevieve okay?"

His expression eased. "Don't worry about her. She's in safe hands."

Abigail exhaled. "Alright. Goodnight, Jamal."

He took two steps toward the door, then suddenly came back.

Abigail laughed. "What now? You don't want to leave, do you?"

His grin was playful. "We tucked in our baby. Now I want to tuck in my big baby."

Before she could protest, he swept her up into his arms and laid her gently on the bed. He tucked the blanket around her snugly, leaned down, and brushed his lips across her forehead. "Sweet dreams, my love."

"I can't wait for the time when we don't have to sleep in separate rooms," she said, and Jamal wiggled his brows playfully.

"You can't wait to sleep on the same bed with me? Is it just sleeping you plan to do though, you naughty little miss?" He asked, and she clamped a hand over her mouth as she laughed.

"Please leave already. Good night for the last time."

Jamal was still laughing as he switched off the light and slipped out of the room.

Abigail sighed contentedly as she rolled closer to Josh's small body. She pulled him into her arms, holding him close.

Long after he left, Abigail was still smiling and giggling to herself. As she lay there waiting for sleep to come, she wondered when would be the right moment to tell Jamal that she was his favorite podcaster.