Mallory's phone rang, and the name "Dominic" flashed on the screen. She hesitated for a moment, glancing at Harris. His raised eyebrow was a silent question.
"Are you going to answer that?" Harris was curious, but he asked cautiously.
"I... I don't know." Mallory was uncertain, but curiosity got the best of her, and she answered the call, putting it on speaker for Harris to hear. 
Dominic's voice trembled with sincerity as he spoke on the other line. "Mallory, I know I've messed up big time, but I really want to talk to you. Can we meet? I need to make things right."
Harris listened to Dominic's words, and his face darkened with displeasure. "What's he want now?" Harris asked, raising an eyebrow.
Mallory felt torn. She remembered the times she and Dominic had been close, the friendship they once shared. But it had all unraveled, and she wasn't sure if there was any way to knit it back together.
"Dominic, I appreciate your call, but I've made up my mind. I can't reconcile with you. It's best for both of us if we move on."
Harris's eyes softened with admiration. Mallory had made her decision, and he was elated to hear her stand firm.
"That's my girl," Harris said. He then moved close to Mallory and sniffed her hair. Mallory was tickled by such action and rolled her eyes at Harris. Harris grinned like a child.
Dominic tried to plead once more, but Mallory ended the call. She looked at Harris, and her heart swelled with affection for the man who had stood by her side.
"Thank you for being so understanding, Harris," Mallory said softly as she held Harris's hand.
"Mally, you don't have to thank me for supporting you. Baby, we're in this together."
With Dominic's call behind them, Mallory and Harris moved forward. Their love, trust, and commitment were unshakable, a testament to the resilience of their bond. They sat in their cozy living room, basking in the warmth of the evening.
It was a tranquil moment, and Harris couldn't help but smile, content with the way things had been going for them lately. They have forgiven Nicole and made peace with their past. But Mallory had something to confess, something that had been bothering her.’’
"Harris, I need to tell you something," Mallory said nervously.
Harris's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. "What's wrong?"
Mallory hesitated but eventually spoke. "It's about Dominic. I think you need to know. He's been texting me almost every day."
Harris's brows furrowed in surprise and then mild irritation. The name "Dominic" had a way of casting a shadow over their peaceful moments.
Harris was shocked in disbelief. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"It's not a big deal, really. I don't reply to him," Mallory said defensively. "I don't even read his texts half the time."
"You think it's not a big deal," Harris narrowed his eyes. "Mally, h by that time, he's still trying to get back in your life. And you didn't think it was important to mention?"
"Harris, I didn't want to upset you," Mallory said softly.
"You didn't want to upset me yet you hid this thing from me," he said sternly. "That man gets on my nerves. The audacity of him still trying to take you away from me was astronomical."
"Baby," Mallory said sweetly, trying to persuade Harris. "I figured it was harmless. Are you... are you jealous?"
Harris hesitated, trying to find the right words. He didn't want to admit that he felt a twinge of jealousy. Instead, he opted for humor, albeit a bit dark.
"Jealous? Nah." Harris grinned. "But if I ever see Dominic in person, I'll make sure he never thinks of contacting you again."
Mallory let out a soft laugh at Harris's response. She felt a wave of gratitude for having a man who cared about her and her feelings so deeply. "You're the best, Harris."
Their conversation about Dominic may have introduced a hint of tension, but it also strengthened their bond. Harris was determined to protect what was his, and Mallory appreciated his unwavering support.
Later on, Harriet joined them in the living room with her puppy, Max. Mallory and Harris exchanged glances, their eyes filled with love as their daughter Harriet chartered away about her day at school. They were content in this simple moment, cherishing the joy that Harriet brought into their lives.
"Today in school, we learned about animals, and I got to draw a picture of my puppy, Max!" Harriet narrated excitedly.
Harris smiled ear to ear, proud of his daughter. "That sounds like fun, sweetheart. By the way, I have a question for you."
"What is it, Daddy?"
"Do you know how your Mom named you?"
Harriet's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked at her mother, Mallory.
"How, Mommy?" Harriet asked, shifting her attention to her Mom.
Mallory took a moment to collect her thoughts, her gaze shifting between Harris and Harriet. She smiled at her precious daughter, a gentle warmth in her eyes.
"Well, Harriet, when you were born, I wanted your name to reflect something very important to your Dad since he wasn't with me when I gave birth. I found a name that has a beautiful rhythm to your Dad's name, Harris, and Harriet just felt right. So, I named you after him."
Harris chuckled softly, his heart brimming with affection. "That's right, Harriet. And it's because your mom loves me so much, she couldn't help but name you after me."
Mallory rolled her eyes, hearing Harris tease her. "You're overconfident, Harris."
Harriet giggled, clearly amused by the banter between her parents. Her little hands clapped together as she expressed her delight. "I love my name, Mommy and Daddy!"
Mallory leaned in and kissed Harriet's forehead, her heart full of gratitude for the family she had found in these two wonderful people. "We love you too, sweetie, more than anything in the world."
Harriet looked at her parents with bright, innocent eyes and spoke the words that melted their hearts. "When we were in St. David, Mommy told me she loves my Dad so much. I was so eager to meet you then, Daddy, but Mom said, "I can't."
Harris felt a pang of guilt for the time he wasn't on Harriet's side to be her father. "Sorry about those times I wasn't with you, sweetie. Daddy will make it all up for you."
"It's okay, Daddy, I'm happy we are a complete family now like my classmates."
Harris and Mallory exchanged a knowing look. At that moment, it was clear that their love had created a beautiful bond, not just between themselves but with their daughter as well. They embraced the love that flowed through their home, thankful for each other and the family they had built together.
"Daddy, Max wants to play fetch! Can we?"
Harris chuckled, patting Max's head as he retrieved the ball. "Of course, sweetheart! Let's see how far Max can go this time."
Harriet and Max dashed across the room, playing fetch with laughter and excitement. Harris watched them with a warm heart. However, the serene atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by Mallory's phone ringing.
"Oh, it's Scott! Harriet, sweetie, it's Aunt Heidi. They're in the hospital! She's going to have her baby!"
Hearing the news, Mallory jumped up from her seat, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She looked at Harris with eagerness.
"Harris, could you please come with me? I want to be there for Heidi when her baby is born, right after Scott, of course."
Harris nodded, understanding the significance of the moment for Mallory and Heidi. "Of course, Mallory. We'll go right away."
Harriet, who had paused in her play with Max, looked up with understanding. Her big, compassionate eyes held a glimpse of maturity that went beyond her years. "It's okay, Mommy. You can leave Max here with me. He'll be fine."
Mallory was proud of her daughter's maturity and kindness. She bent down to hug Harriet tightly.
"Thank you, sweetheart. We'll be back soon, and you'll be the first to hear all about the new baby."
"Take care, Mom and Dad, I'll be a good girl here. Bye!"
With that, Mallory and Harris hurried to their car, leaving Harriet with Max. As they drove to the hospital, anticipation and excitement filled the air, knowing that Heidi and Scott's family was about to grow.