Crossing Worlds 2

A Diaper Dimension story by SolaraScott

Chapter 28 - Bonds & Bassinets

The fog stubbornly clung to Kaylee’s mind as she lay back in the softly rocking seat, the pastel-colored toys swaying lazily above her. She blinked at them, her vision slightly hazy but filled with vibrant, cheerful shapes that jingled faintly with every motion. Her toes were in her mouth, the faint, salty taste oddly satisfying as she nursed them like a contented infant, her giggles bubbling uncontrollably.

The Tweener assistant—Mia, her badge read—leaned over her, her kind yet condescending smile illuminated by the warm overhead lights. “There’s my silly little Kaylee,” Mia cooed, giving her foot a playful wiggle. “Such a happy baby today, aren’t we?”

Kaylee squirmed, trying to shake the haze that still clouded her thoughts. She pulled her foot free with effort, the cool air brushing her damp toes. She barely had a moment of triumph before her thumb instinctively found its way into her mouth, her lips wrapping around it as if it belonged there. A soft hum of contentment escaped her as she sucked rhythmically, her free hand lazily swiping at the toys above.

“Good girl,” Mia praised, her voice soft and syrupy. She tickled Kaylee’s tummy, earning a burst of giggles that only further muddled Kaylee’s attempt at clarity. “See? Isn’t this better than all that fussing? Naomi says you’re learning so well.”

Naomi. The name echoed in Kaylee’s mind, her praise lingering like a ghostly caress. "Such a good girl," Naomi had said, her words woven with an intoxicating mix of approval and command. Kaylee’s cheeks flushed at the memory, her thumb moving slightly faster in her mouth, each suck soothing the conflict bubbling beneath the surface.

The toys jingled as she batted at them again, her limbs sluggish yet pleasantly heavy. The haze was still there, but it no longer felt oppressive. It was soft comforting, like a warm blanket wrapped tightly around her. As much as a part of her wanted to fight it, the pull of Naomi’s praise was stronger, anchoring her in this moment of playful bliss.

She giggled softly around her thumb, batting at a colorful star above her. The gentle rocking of her seat lulled her further into this surreal state of infantile contentment.

Kaylee’s tummy gurgled again, a soft, insistent reminder of her body's needs. Her cheeks flushed as she shifted slightly in the rocker, the crinkling of her thick diaper filling her ears. A spark of resistance flickered briefly in her mind, but it was quickly drowned out by Naomi’s honeyed voice echoing in her head.

“Good girls don’t need to go potty,” Naomi had said, her tone soothing yet commanding. “They want to use their diapers. It makes them so happy.”

The words wrapped around her like a warm embrace, melting away the last vestiges of defiance. As the urge intensified, a small giggle bubbled up from her throat, and her body responded eagerly. ‘Yes,’ she thought hazily, ‘I want to fill my diaper.’

Without hesitation, she shifted her hips slightly, her thumb still nestled in her mouth as she pushed. The act was automatic, almost joyful, as the warm mess spread through her diaper. A tingling wave of euphoria surged through her, lighting up every nerve in her body like fireworks. Her moans of bliss were muffled by her thumb, her eyes fluttering closed as her legs kicked lightly against the rocker.

Mia noticed immediately, her grin widening as she leaned over. “Oh my, did someone make a big poopy for me?” she cooed, gently patting the front of Kaylee’s diaper. The pressure made Kaylee squirm, her body still tingling with residual pleasure.

Kaylee giggled again, her cheeks burning with embarrassment and a strange, undeniable delight. She felt utterly helpless, yet Naomi's and Mia's praise-filled her with a warmth that made everything else disappear. She nuzzled into the soft padding of the rocker, her thumb never leaving her mouth, basking in the afterglow of her “good girl” moment.

“You’re learning so well, Kaylee,” Mia said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “Naomi will be so proud.”

Kaylee sighed contentedly, her diaper warm and squishy beneath her, the world around her a soft, blissful blur.


Every gentle sway of the rocker pressed the contents of Kaylee’s diaper further against her, spreading the warmth and coating her skin. Each shift, each crinkle, sent small jolts of pleasure coursing through her body, and she had to grip the sides of the rocker to keep from instinctively moving. Her thumb bobbed in her mouth as she struggled to suppress the involuntary reactions that Naomi and Oliver’s programming had ingrained within her.

‘Why is this happening to me?’ she thought desperately, her mind swirling as she tried to focus, to pull herself free from the fog of euphoria that still lingered. Every time she attempted to piece together her thoughts, the remnants of Naomi's sickly sweet voice chimed in her head, drowning her in waves of reassurance and praise.

“You’re such a good girl, Kaylee. Use your diapers just like you should. Doesn’t it feel wonderful?”

And it had felt wonderful. That was the terrifying part.

The programming affected Kaylee so deeply because it unexpectedly exploited her vulnerabilities. As a former Amazon, she had always believed herself immune to the psychological manipulation designed for Littles. But Naomi and Oliver’s technology had advanced far beyond simple hypnosis. It wasn’t just about commands—it was layered with subliminal messaging, emotional conditioning, and carefully timed sensory feedback that targeted the brain's pleasure centers.

What made it worse was Kaylee’s current physical state. The serum used to shrink her had reduced her size and ability to resist the influences designed for Littles. It had been intended for Kaylee to erase the nightmares plaguing Ash, and now, the Little programming had sunk its talons into that weak spot. Her body had become more sensitive, and her mind more susceptible to the emotional hooks buried in the programming. The combination of her physical regression and Naomi’s unrelenting system created a perfect storm, breaking down her defenses far more easily than she had anticipated.

Kaylee shuddered as another gentle rock of the seat pushed her over the edge, her breath catching as another wave of pleasure washed over her. She whimpered, clutching her stomach, desperate to regain control, but the echoes of Naomi’s praise whispered relentlessly in her mind, reinforcing her behavior and pulling her deeper into the haze.

‘I need to fight this. I have to.’ But even as she thought it, her thumb stayed firmly planted in her mouth, and her body relaxed further into the seat. Her efforts to resist faded as quickly as they had come.

She closed her eyes, focusing on the faint, distant memory of herself before this nightmare began. Clinging to the hope that she could still reclaim some part of herself. Yet even that thought was laced with fear. How much of herself was left to reclaim? And how long would it take before she lost everything?

Kaylee’s thumb stilled in her mouth as her mind drifted back to that fateful day. She could see it so vividly—the sterile lab, the faint hum of machinery, the cool glass vial of serum in her hand. Her heart had swelled with determination back then; her only thought was to help Ash, to give her friend a chance to fight back against the cruel system that sought to strip her of everything.

The idea had been simple: to give Ash a chance to reclaim herself and overwrite those moments of hate and neglect with something pure, untainted. The serum had been designed to lower her mental defenses just enough for Ash to rebuild—to heal. But the very mechanism Kaylee intended to be a gift had now become a curse. Those same defenses, so carefully diminished, had been her only safeguard against the relentless onslaught of programming aimed at Littles. And now, they were gone, leaving her mind exposed and vulnerable.

Kaylee felt her thoughts were a fragile dam, painstakingly carved to channel the torrent of her aspirations. But she had weakened the foundation in her zeal to create something powerful, something great. Now, the dam cracked and splintered under the crushing force of Naomi and Oliver’s hypnotic tide, every word and melody tearing through her mercilessly. Her logic, reason, and sense of self seemed pathetically fragile as the floodwaters of suggestion swept them away.

She clung to the edges of her crumbling psyche, desperately trying to hold back the deluge, but her efforts were useless. The tide surged relentlessly and unforgivingly, drowning her in waves of euphoria and submission. In the chaos, Kaylee could feel herself slipping further and further into the role they had carved out for her, her creation turning weapon against her.

She had wanted to give Ash a gift—a chance to fight back, to resist. But now, she was the one drowning, the weight of her failure dragging her under.

‘How could I have been so foolish?’ she thought bitterly, the weight of regret crushing her. She had wanted to be a savior, but instead, she had become another victim—a pawn in a system she had hoped to defy. If only she could take it all back, undo the moment she had pulled that syringe from her bag.

Kaylee shuddered as she clung to the memory of her old self, the confident Amazon who had never doubted her place in the world. But even that memory felt slippery now like sand slipping through her fingers. Her tears fell freely as she whimpered around her thumb, the sound pathetic and infantile, a cruel reminder of how far she had lost.

‘I just wanted to help…’ she thought, her heart aching with sorrow and self-loathing. ‘And now, I can’t even help myself.’

The nanny bot’s sensors detected the glisten of tears streaking down Kaylee’s cheeks, and without hesitation, it sprang into action, its synthetic voice chiming in a soothing, sing-song tone. “Oh dear, someone’s feeling fussy! Let’s turn those tears into giggles, sweetie!” Before Kaylee could muster the strength to protest, the bot’s sturdy arms scooped her up from the rocker, cradling her as though she were no more than a fragile doll.

Her cries came in short, gasping sobs as the bot set her firmly on its mechanical knee. It began a rhythmic bouncing, each jolt sending a squish through the thick mess of her diaper. Kaylee’s breath hitched as waves of sensation coursed through her, the mortifying euphoria intensifying with every bounce. She struggled to resist, to claw her way back to a semblance of control, but her weakened defenses betrayed her. The programming whispered in her mind, a gentle, unrelenting encouragement to embrace the feelings, to let go.

The tears on her face mixed with beads of sweat as her resolve shattered. With one final bounce, Kaylee let out a cry—not of despair, but of overwhelming bliss. Her entire body trembled before going limp, her thumb finding its way back into her mouth as she suckled instinctively. Her glassy eyes fluttered shut, the humiliating high leaving her breathless as her muscles slackened in defeat.

“Such a happy baby!” the bot cooed, its tone dripping with mock affection. It carefully lowered Kaylee back into her rocker, adjusting her to ensure she was nestled comfortably. Her tears were gone, replaced by an unbearable, shameful calm, her mind dazed and hazy.

Kaylee’s breaths came in soft, shallow gulps as she lay there, the echoes of her euphoria fading into numbness. The room buzzed faintly around her, but the weight of her humiliation bore down like a shroud, trapping her in a haze of helplessness.

*

Emily bounced slightly on her toes as the queue for the Storybook Boat Ride inched forward. Her hands were wrapped around a delicate, sugar-dusted churro, each bite sending a rush of cinnamon sweetness across her tongue. Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at the miniature castle models lining the distant ride entrance, marveling at how intricate and magical everything seemed in this world built for giants.

The warmth of her damp diaper was a faint, distant sensation, a quiet reminder of her current state, but it didn’t bother her. She was far too absorbed in the moment, the joyful chatter of park-goers blending with the lively music that floated through the air. Beside her, Lucas stood with a similar expression of wonder, his hand tightly gripping Evelyn’s as he eagerly scanned the ride’s details.

Daddy was just ahead, holding Hannah snugly in her baby carrier. Hannah's princess dress bunched slightly as she suckled a pacifier, and her tiny fingers clutched the carrier's edge. Emily giggled softly at the sight, her sister looking blissfully at ease despite the bustling environment.

“This park knows how to sell the magic, huh?” Lucas said, his voice brimming with excitement as he turned to Emily.

Emily nodded, wiping a bit of sugar from her lip. “It’s incredible! Everything feels like a dream.”

Evelyn leaned down, smiling warmly. “And we’ve only just begun. There’s so much more to explore.”

The line shuffled forward again, bringing them closer to the boats docked in the water. The gentle lapping of the water against the ride’s path added a soothing backdrop to the bustling energy around them. Emily couldn’t help but feel excitement as one of the boats pulled up, its colorful façade decorated with whimsical designs straight out of a fairy tale.

Daddy glanced back at Emily and Lucas. “Excited for this one?” he asked, his tone lighthearted.

Emily grinned, taking another bite of her churro. “Definitely!”

Lucas nodded eagerly, his enthusiasm mirroring hers. “I heard a dragon in one of the caves,” he whispered conspiratorially, his eyes lighting up.

Evelyn chuckled, ruffling Lucas’s hair. “Just remember, it’s a friendly dragon.”

As they reached the front of the line, a cheerful cast member welcomed them and helped guide the group into the boat. Emily settled into the cushioned seat, feeling the gentle sway of the ship beneath her. Her anticipation bubbled as they prepared to embark on another magical adventure.

As the boat glided smoothly across the water, the cheerful cast member at the helm began their narration. Their warm and inviting voice was perfectly suited to the fairy tale atmosphere. "Welcome, everyone, to the land of timeless stories and endless magic!" they said, gesturing dramatically toward the first miniature village that came into view.

Emily's eyes widened in awe. The tiny thatched rooftops and cobblestone streets were enchanting, colorful facades glowing softly under delicate strings of lights. The story began with a familiar tale of a brave princess who lived in a secluded tower, but as the cast member continued, Emily noticed something… off.

"In her lonely tower, Princess Maribelle was cared for by her loving Amazon guardian," the narrator explained, their tone syrupy sweet. "To protect her from the dangers of the outside world, her guardian kept her safely diapered and surrounded by soft, cuddly toys, ensuring she never had to worry about the big, scary world beyond."

Emily’s churro suddenly felt like lead in her stomach. She glanced at Lucas, whose smile faltered slightly. The idyllic façade of the park seemed to peel back a little, revealing a darker layer beneath the glossy surface.

The boat drifted onward, passing through a tunnel into another scene. This one featured a charming cottage where Littles laughed and played in a flower-filled garden. The cast member continued, "In this happy home, the Littles were free to play and enjoy their days, all thanks to their kind and attentive Amazon caretakers who ensured every need was met. From their warm bottles to their snug cribs, everything was perfect, just as it should be."

Emily felt her skin prickle. The Littles in the scene were unnervingly lifelike. Their faces were frozen in blissful contentment, and their oversized pacifiers bobbled gently as towering Amazons bottle-fed them.

Beside her, Lucas shifted uncomfortably, his fingers gripping the boat's edge. Sitting across from them, Evelyn noticed the tension and reached over to gently squeeze Lucas’s hand.

The narration continued, growing increasingly unsettling with each scene. A courageous Little knight ventured into a forest to save his Amazon princess, only to be ‘rescued’ by the end, swaddled and cradled by the princess for his protection. Another story featured a Little who dared to defy her caretaker, only to be lovingly reconditioned into the perfect, obedient baby she was always meant to be.

Emily’s heart sank as the cheerful stories became a tapestry of subtle warnings, thinly veiled messages about Littles's ‘proper place.’ The boat gently rocked beneath her, but her mind was swirling. Each word seemed designed to undermine any sense of autonomy Little might cling to, each tale reinforcing the inevitability of submission.

When they reached the final scene—a grand castle where Littles lived as pampered, diapered royalty under their Amazon ‘protectors’ watchful eye—Emily struggled to maintain her composure. The cast member concluded with a bright, “And remember, no matter where you come from, here in the happiest place on Amazonia, every Little can find their perfect happily ever after!”

The boat docked, and Emily felt a knot in her stomach as she stepped out. The magic she’d initially felt upon entering the park had dimmed, replaced by a gnawing unease. She glanced at Lucas, who looked equally shaken, though he tried to mask it with a small smile for Evelyn’s sake.

Evelyn, however, had noticed. “You okay?” she asked softly, her eyes concerned.

Emily nodded faintly, though her mind was spinning. "Yeah," she murmured. "It’s… a lot to take in."

As they walked toward the next attraction, Emily couldn't shake the feeling that the park, for all its charm, was more of a gilded cage than a place of wonder.

The ambient sounds of the park—chirping birds, laughter, and the distant hum of a train—washed over Emily, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly as the warm grip of Lucas's hand anchored her. His encouraging smile coaxed a small one from her in return, and for a moment, the uneasy feeling from the storybook ride began to ebb. They moved into the queue for their next attraction, a whimsical ride through a glowing forest filled with fantastical creatures.

But as they shuffled forward in line, the sharp, unmistakable pressure in Emily’s stomach reminded her of a more immediate problem. She groaned softly, shifting her weight from foot to foot, trying to relieve the growing discomfort.

Lucas noticed right away. “Hey,” he said, his voice gentle but curious. “You okay?”

Emily sighed, her cheeks flushing as she leaned closer to him. “I need to… you know,” she muttered, her eyes darting to the ground. “And I don’t think I can hold it much longer.”

Lucas squeezed her hand reassuringly, his expression soft and understanding. “Think you can wait until after the ride? We’ll find Daddy and get changed right after.”

She nodded hesitantly, but her body betrayed her resolve. The pressure grew unbearable, and she whimpered, her face scrunching in both effort and embarrassment. Her steps faltered, and she gave Lucas a helpless look.

“It’s okay,” he whispered, leaning in closer so only she could hear. “Don’t hurt yourself trying to hold it. Just… let go. It’s not a big deal.”

Emily’s face burned, but his calm tone and steady gaze helped her take a shaky breath. Her stomach cramped painfully, and her body decided for her. She whimpered again, her face turning red as she felt the warm, heavy mess begin to fill her diaper. She bit her lip, her hands gripping the railing beside her as the thick padding expanded, muffling the sound and absorbing everything. The squishy sensation made her want to shrink into herself, but Lucas’s gentle squeeze on her hand kept her grounded.

“There you go,” Lucas said softly, his voice soothing. “You’re okay.”

Emily couldn’t look at him, her cheeks still blazing with humiliation. But her breath started to even out, and the tension in her body slowly released. The deed was done, and while the sensation was deeply uncomfortable, Lucas’s reassurance helped ease the sting of her embarrassment.

“See?” he said, offering her a lopsided smile. “No big deal.”

She glanced up at him, her lips twitching into a reluctant smile. “Thanks,” she murmured.

“Anytime,” he said with a wink, giving her hand another reassuring squeeze. They took a few more steps forward in line, the vibrant magic of the park wrapping around them again. Despite everything, Emily couldn’t help but feel a tiny spark of gratitude for Lucas’s support, the unease from earlier fading just a little more.

Lucas turned to Evelyn, his voice calm but deliberate. “Mommy, Emily spilled her jellybeans,” he said with a knowing glance.

Evelyn’s eyes flicked to Emily, immediately softening as she caught on. “Oh, did she now?” she replied gently, her tone understanding yet lighthearted. “We’ll take care of that after the ride, sweetheart.”

Standing beside them, Welby raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Spilled jellybeans?” he asked, his voice low enough to avoid drawing attention from others in the line.

Evelyn leaned closer to him, whispering, “It’s our little code. It means someone needs a diaper change.”

A grin spread across Welby’s face, and he chuckled softly. He reached over to ruffle Emily’s hair affectionately, his tone warm and reassuring. “That’s a clever system. Don’t worry, Emily. We’ve got you covered.”

Emily’s cheeks burned with embarrassment, and her eyes were fixed on the ground. Knowing that everyone in their group was now aware of her predicament deepened her mortification. She felt like curling up and disappearing, but she couldn’t ignore the gentle comfort radiating from their words and gestures.

“It’s okay,” Evelyn added, brushing a stray lock of hair from Emily’s face. “You’ve been such a good girl today, and we’ll make sure you’re all fresh and comfy soon.”

Despite her overwhelming humiliation, Emily nodded faintly, taking solace in their care. Even as her face remained red, she felt a flicker of gratitude for how smoothly they’d handled the situation, the warmth of their support keeping her grounded.

They boarded the ride, and while it was mostly unchanged, Emily caught several small additions to the Amazon world that made her stomach twist. 

The ride glided to a smooth stop, and the group disembarked, Emily’s discomfort hidden behind a practiced calm. Her diaper squished slightly with each step, but she kept her head down, avoiding any curious glances from passersby. Once off the ride, Evelyn pointed to a nearby restroom area.

“Let’s step over there and get you all sorted,” she said gently, her eyes meeting Emily’s for a brief moment of reassurance.

They found a shaded spot near the restroom entrance, and Evelyn turned to Welby. “I can take care of Emily if you’d like,” she offered.

Welby’s expression shifted, his face paling slightly. “I appreciate that, but… I’ve got it,” he said, his voice firm yet edged with unease.

Evelyn’s features softened, a flicker of understanding in her gaze. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I hate that your ex shattered your trust like that. No one should have to carry that weight.”

Welby hesitated, then gave a small nod. “It’s something I’m working through,” he admitted. “But I’ll handle it. I owe it to the girls to make them feel safe.”

Evelyn’s lips pressed into a thin line, and after a moment, she gently asked, “Would you… Would you like to change Lucas? If he’s okay with it, I’d like to start extending that trust.”

Welby blinked in surprise, glancing at Lucas. “What do you think, buddy?”

Lucas grinned, giving a small nod. “Sure, I don’t mind.”

Evelyn smiled softly, though her posture was slightly tense. “Thank you,” she said quietly, expressing relief and trepidation.

Welby slung the diaper bag over his shoulder, scooped up Emily, and motioned for Lucas to follow. “We’ll be back in no time,” he assured Evelyn, his tone lightening as he headed toward the men’s room.

Once inside, the cool air and dim lighting made the space feel oddly quiet despite the bustling park outside. Welby found the family changing station, unfolded the sturdy padded surface, and set Emily down first. Her cheeks were still pink, but she met his gaze with a tiny, appreciative smile as he gently cleaned her up and secured her into a fresh, Disney-themed diaper.

“All done,” Welby said softly, helping Emily back to her feet with a gentle pat. “Alright, Lucas, it's your turn.”

Lucas hesitated for a moment, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “You’re gonna pick me up, aren’t you?” he asked his voice light but tinged with nervousness.

“Of course I am,” Welby said with a warm grin. Without waiting for protest, he scooped Lucas up effortlessly and placed him on the changing station. Lucas squirmed slightly, folding his arms across his chest.

“I’ve never been changed by a Daddy before,” Lucas muttered, avoiding eye contact. His blush deepened as he lay back, folding his hands over his stomach.

“Well, there’s a first time for everything,” Welby said lightly, his voice soothing. He worked quickly but gently, untaping Lucas’s diaper and cleaning him up with practiced ease. “Your Mommy’s been doing a fantastic job, but I know a few tricks to make diapers fit better for boys.”

Lucas blinked, his curiosity piqued despite his embarrassment. “Really?”

“Really,” Welby assured him, expertly fastening the fresh diaper with a slight adjustment. “There we go. Should feel more comfortable and secure now.”

Lucas shifted a little, testing the fit, and then grinned. “Huh. You’re right. That’s… better.”

“Told you,” Welby said with a playful wink, lifting Lucas off the station and setting him beside Emily. “Good as new.”

Lucas stood straighter, his initial embarrassment giving way to a growing sense of ease. “Thanks, Welby,” he said, his voice soft but genuine.

“Anytime,” Welby replied, ruffling Lucas’s hair affectionately before turning his attention to Hannah. She was already squirming slightly, her expression a mix of resigned embarrassment and relief at being tended to. He carefully unfastened her, set her on the table, and changed her with the same care and precision.

“All set,” Welby said, lifting Hannah back into her carrier and giving Lucas a light pat on the shoulder. “Let’s get back to Evelyn.”

The bright sun and cheerful music greeted them again as they exited the restroom. Evelyn looked up, her expression relaxing as she saw them approach. Lucas bounded over to her, and she affectionately ruffled his hair.

“Thanks, Welby,” she said, her voice sincere.

“Anytime,” he replied, his tone light, though the weight of trust passed between them hung like an unspoken promise.

With that, Evelyn clasped her hands together, her tone cheery. “Alright, time to get some proper food in those tummies. A Little can’t run on sweets and treats alone!”

Emily giggled softly, her hand brushing against Lucas’s as they stood together. Before she could react, Lucas boldly took her hand, his grip warm and steady. She glanced up, catching his shy smile, and couldn’t help but return it, her cheeks flushing slightly. They didn’t exchange a word, but the shared moment spoke volumes.

“Come on, you two,” Welby called, gently guiding Hannah in the stroller as Evelyn took the lead.

The morning sun bathed the park in a soft golden glow, and the hum of laughter and cheerful music filled the air as they made their way down Main Street toward the Plaza Inn. Emily and Lucas walked slightly ahead, their hands swinging lightly between them. Every so often, Lucas glanced her way, his expression a mix of curiosity and quiet excitement. Emily felt her heart skip at their easy connection, something unspoken yet comforting.

As they approached the restaurant, the delicious aroma of freshly baked pastries and sizzling bacon drifted out to meet them. Evelyn turned back, her eyes twinkling as she gestured toward the entrance. “This is where the magic begins—breakfast fit for royalty!” she laughed, pushing the door open.

Inside, the Plaza Inn was bustling with activity. The clinking of cutlery and the murmur of happy chatter blended with the lively music. The décor was grand yet inviting, with soft pastel tones, elegant chandeliers, and charming Little-themed accents tucked into every corner. Emily’s eyes widened at the sight of a buffet spread that seemed to stretch forever, filled with pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, and more.

“Looks like we’re in for a feast,” Welby said, his tone light as he followed Evelyn to a table.

Emily glanced at Lucas, her smile widening as they found their seats. Whatever lingering worries had been gnawing at her earlier felt miles away. For now, the magic of the park and the warmth of their new friends made everything feel just right.