Five months and a dozen therapy sessions later…….
It turned out to be a good thing that Leroy and Ben had decided to use Ben’s house as an interview for prospective contractors. The four month project turned into five when they had to fire the first contractors and hire new ones. The new ones were awesome. They were able to beat their scheduled time which meant that Ben and Sofia could actually move in before the baby was born. But just barely. She was due any day.
“Sofia, sit down. Please. I will get the rest,” pleaded Ben as they moved the last of the remaining boxes into their new home.
Sofia gratefully took his suggestion this time. She sat on the front porch bench, rubbing her aching back as she did. She had been having contractions off and on for a few hours. She figured they were Braxton-Hicks contractions, so she hadn’t told Ben. He would have already made her go to the hospital just to be sent home. But not after insisting on seeing the doctor and getting himself upset. She just wasn’t ready to deal with that until she knew it was real.
Still, she smiled thinking about how far Ben had come since she and his parents did an accidental intervention. Therapy was helping and the nightmares had all but disappeared. Still, she didn’t trust him right now. His anxiety had ratcheted up the the last few days as her delivery date grew closer. Everyone knew her labor might trigger him. She was afraid he might lose it again like he did the day she told him she was pregnant.
His therapist instructed Ben to call if he needed to talk during the delivery and had given him Xanax to help him through the next couple of weeks. Ben had refused to take it, so the Doctor’s number was in everyone’s phone. Including the Obstetrician and staff. Her mom and Ben’s mom were going to be in the delivery room with them. She was confident that Kate would know what to do if Ben lost it. Sadly, Sofia was more nervous about Ben than the actual delivery. Still she couldn’t wait to hold their daughter.
“Coleman Ramsay! Leave that dog alone!” shouted Ben around the box he was carrying, startling Sofia out of her thoughts.
“Daaaddddy, I want a puppy dog!” whined the six-year-old. “You promised!”
“Come here honey,” said Sofia from her supervisory perch on the front porch.
The little boy glumly walked over to his mother and sat on the bench next to her. “Daddy promised,” he said with his bottom lip stuck out.
It was all Sofia could do not to laugh at how cute he looked trying to gain her sympathy. He had her number. He knew the pout worked. She smiled brightly before answering. “As soon as your little sister is born, we will get you a dog. That was our deal remember? Maybe we can find out who owns that dog and they will let you help with him until then. He has a tag. We can check it for a number. That way you can get some practice for when you get your own dog. Okay?”
“Okayyy,” said Cole. Then he looked up at Sofia with those gorgeous blue eyes. “Mommy?”
Sofia loved that he called her Mommy. He had easily accepted her into his life. When he started calling her Mommy it felt right and warmed her. She knew she had big shoes to fill. No shoes are bigger than those that never had a chance to make mistakes. Still, she prayed everyday that she was making Grace proud.
“What sweetie?” she asked smiling down at him.
“I love you. I’m going to marry you when I grow up,” he said.
She looked up and saw that Ben had stopped and was listening. The look on her husband’s face, plus his sweet little boy, completely melted her heart. She wished he were truly hers. Maybe one day she would get the courage to ask Ben if she could formally adopt him.
She flashed Ben a quick grin and hugged Cole tightly, “I love you too kiddo. But what about Daddy?”
He thought about her question for a minute and a satisfied grin spread across his face, “Well, I guess it would be okay if Daddy marries you too.”
Ben and Sofia both couldn’t help but laugh.
Sofia abruptly stopped laughing. She instinctively grabbed her middle as a pain shot through her back around to her belly. By far stronger than any she had been having.
Ben was instantly on red alert. “Pia! Are you okay?”
“Yes,” she said, giving Ben a weak smile once the pain subsided, “but that one was strong. I think maybe it’s time.”
“That one? That wasn’t the first one? You’ve had more?” Ben’s eyes were wide.
Sofia rolled her eyes. “Calm down Babe, and please, don’t forget to breathe,” she said very matter of factually. “Call your Mom and tell her we are on the way to the hospital. Ask them to meet us there so they can watch Cole. Get the overnight bags and let’s go.” Her husband didn’t move, he just stood there and he was breathing too fast. Damn.
She redirected her attention to his son. “Cole, honey, go get your bag from your room,” she instructed.
“Are we getting my sister now?” asked Cole wide-eyed.
“Yep, scoot kiddo so we can go,” she said with a little more urgency, motioning for him to run along.
“Yay! Then I can get a puppy!” said Cole as he happily skip-ran to his room.
Then she turned her attention back to Ben. She lowered her voice and was as calm and direct as she could be. “Ben, you can get my bag later. I really need you to sit down and hold my hand for a minute.”
When he sat down, she breathed a sigh of relief. He was still with her. She took his hand. He was sweating and a little pale. “It’s okay. Just remember Ben, slow deep breaths. I need you to drive.”
Ben did as she instructed and his color returned as his breathing went back to normal. “I’m sorry. I will be okay,” he said.
Sofia was still holding his hand when another contraction hit. She got quiet and breathed slow breaths just like Ben was doing when Cole ran back out. The contraction was over quickly and not as bad as the last one. Thank God, she thought. Her water hadn’t broken yet so she was pretty sure they had plenty of time.
“Boys, time to even things out. Let’s go get us a baby girl!” she said happily as they climbed in the car.
* * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ben, Sofia and Cole were greeted by their parents plus Rachael and Nick with their two year-old little girl, Macy in tow. Ben was relieved they made it to the hospital in one piece. He knew when Sofia was having contractions in the car, because she would suddenly get still and quiet. She was trying really hard not to worry him. It was so different from Grace. They took her by ambulance straight to the Operating Room. His therapist has been having him talk about it and it has helped but this was so much more intense. He almost wished he had taken the Xanax.
Their families were a good distraction for Ben. It kept him from focusing so much on Sofia and what was happening. When Sofia’s contractions began to get close and hard, the nurse cleared out the tiny room they were in and called the doctor. It was time.
Now that he was alone in the room, with just, Sofia and their mothers, his anxiety level began to rise. It was hard to focus on his breathing when he had to watch how how much pain his wife was in – coupled with how bad his hand hurt. He figured Sofia had crushed at least two bones so far. It felt like it anyway.
When she saw him shaking his hand between contractions she laughed at him and called him a wimp. She was trying to keep him calm, when he should have been trying to help her. All he could do was let her pulverize his hand.
The doctor looked up and held up his hand. “Sofia…Don’t push yet…I need to turn her just a little….Okay good. You are doing great. On the next contraction you can push…..”
“Okay, now Sofia – PUSH – keep on – don’t let up – here she comes!”Ben barely registered his mom behind him telling him to breathe slowly when Sofia let out the only scream she had the whole time and broke the remaining bones in his hand. Then he heard the most beautiful sound in the world and forgot about his crushed hand. He heard his daughter’s very first cry.
Moments later, he saw the source of the cry when the doctor placed the tiny baby in Sofia’s waiting arms. Ben caught his breath at the site.
There was so much love on her face for their newborn. She was so happy. Ben was overwhelmed and began to feel a little dizzy. The anxiety began to creep in. Grace had looked at Cole the exact same way.
“Ben, do you want to hold her?” she asked.
He nodded his head. “Yes…”
He looked at the tiny baby in his arms and started to cry. “We’re gonna be okay Cole. I promise to take care of you. Just you and me.” He kissed him on the forehead.
Suddenly, his arms were empty…someone took the baby from him….”Cole…?!” he said, and looked at his empty hands. Someone was crying in the room. Why? Where is Cole?
“Should we get him out of here?” asked the nurse.
“Not yet,” said the doctor. “Give him a minute. She is helping him.”
Ben was confused and looked at the doctor. “Where is he? I need to see him! Who is helping him?” Why won’t they tell me what’s wrong? he thought.
Then he heard his mother’s voice….. “Breathe Ben. Please. Cole is okay. Sofia is okay. Deep breaths. It’s me. Mom.” Mom’s not the doctor.
Why is Mom here? What’s wrong with Sofia? Did she take Cole? “Mom? Where’s Cole?” asked Ben, as he tried to look around the room for his baby boy.
“Ben. Look at me sweetheart,” begged his mother. So he looked at her for the answers.
“Good,” she said. “Now, take slow deep breaths.”
Ben’s hand went to his head. “I don’t feel so good.”
“Sit down.” she commanded, so he did.
When he sat down, he looked around the little hospital room.
Sofia was in the bed holding Cole. No….not Cole, he thought. Why did he think she was holding Cole? He blinked and took a deep breath. Their daughter. “Shit….” he murmured, mostly to himself. He suddenly realized what had just happened. He blacked out.
“Do you know where you are?” asked his mom.
He was so humiliated and ashamed. He couldn’t look at anyone. “I’m okay now,” he whispered. “How long?”
“Is he okay Kate?” It was Sofia asking. His sweet Sofia, having just given birth and now worried about him. I’m such a jackass.
Ben got up on shaky feet and walked over to her. He sat on the bed and leaned down to kiss her. She was crying so he gently wiped her tears with his thumb. “I’m so sorry. Please, don’t cry sweetheart. I promise, I’m okay now. It was just too much. I will call Dr. Bradshaw when things calm down.”
Sofia looked down at the little girl in her arms. “Look at her Ben,” she said softly, “she is so perfect. We are right here for you. Both of us. Me and Amelia. Please believe that we are okay.”Ben smiled. “I know. I love you. And I love both of our children more than anything.”
This is the official end of Generation 1.2. I think of Starting Over as the real Generation 1 that began with Kaitlin’s journey.
My readers wanted to see what happened to Ben after her story ended and New Beginnings was born. ♥♥♥ I want to thank you all for encouraging me to go on Ben’s journey and for going with me. I love my readers! ♥♥♥
Generation 2 will pick up with our heir, Coleman Ramsay Murdock, three years later….. at age 9 and his new little sister at age 3. Look for it to begin within the next two weeks. As always, thank you for reading!
Of course, it was in fact generation 2 ♥
I’m so glad and relieved everything went well. Poor Ben was going through the same thing as his mother was, but I’m glad his flashbacks weren’t as intense.
Sofia is so strong, she brings no drama and she was totally okay throughout the labor. It was even funny how she was stronger than Ben and it was her that comforted him, when it really should have been the other way around.
And look at me, I’ve only just read two generation 1’s. I can’t wait for Cole! Keep up the amazing story. I am so proud of Ben. He’s gone a long way and matured so much.
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Thank you for your kind words… ❤️. And I agree, Sofia is anti-drama now. She had to mentally prepare for this the whole pregnancy. There is a reason both of their mothers were in the room for the delivery. Sofia knew she might not be able to count on Ben and that Kate would be able to handle him if he did begin to flashback. It wasn’t too bad, although I’m sure it was hard on her. But Ben got help! Finally….and he totally recognizes what she did for him. ❤️. Those two are very much in love still and will make it. Get ready for a different kind of drama in Cole’s generation. 😈
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Ben: irrational fears about Sofia bleeding out and dying
Sofia: very rational fears of how to balance with those giant prognant boobies
But no longer because ❤ ❤ ❤ We'll see what heartbreaker Cole can come up with. 😈
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They were giant! 😂 She is well endowed anyway and pregnancy boobs are crazy. Ben is getting it together as long as no more kids happen…maybe time for a little snip snip….
Cole…who said anything about heartbreak…😈
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And deny
usthem a chance for more beautiful and perfect Befia babies? Nah. Pop more Xanaxes. 😈LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww what a sweet chapter..!! ❤
I'm so glad everything went well – okay, all except Ben's relatively tiny breakdown! But all is good eventually 🙂
Baby Amelia ❤ welcome to the world!!
I agree with Jowita, I admire Sofia so much, she's so strong and level-headed, and always able to calm Ben down – which is exactly what he needs!
This was such a wonderful generation… so full of drama and exciting moments! I loved going through Ben's journey and I'm sure Cole's will be just as awesome! I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for him! ❤
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Yes…it was sweet, only a tiny bit of drama that was easily dealt with. The funniest part of this whole chapter that we didn’t see was Sofia’s mother’s reaction to the whole thing. She was looking at everyone like ‘what the hell is wrong with this family’. I didn’t sign up for this shit! Sofia is so anti drama anymore… she’s been through a lot herself with Jesse and she knows she has a good thing with Ben even with his issues, which he is getting help with. And I only imagine that he is an excellent and patient lover too. That doesn’t hurt.
But now we must move on…the new generation is coming of age…. ❤️😈❤️
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Welcome to the world, baby Amelia! You have such loving, wonderful parents!
I laughed so hard when Cole wanted to marry Sofia. That’s typical of the age (and SWEET!!) I’m glad Sofia is filling that mom role so well. Of course, Grace would be so happy about it.
Here’s hoping the worst is over (no more kids, guys. Ben can’t take it!)
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No more for sure! You probably thought I was crazy for my response on your last post. But I thought you were responding to this one. I was so confused. 😊 Ben did finally get the help he has needed for so long. That is so true. My boys have said that to me before. So sweet.
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So ready to go forward!! Lets see what Cole comes up with!
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He will be fun. ❤️ He is sweet boy.
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yes he is ❤ Adorable!
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I hope he gets his dog
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I can now confirm…a dog(s) is in his future. ❤️
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awwww
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Cole is a typical little boy, excited about the dog more than about the sister. 😀
Sophia ia a woman of steel, successfully handling her husband and the pain.
I love the name Amelia.
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Sofia is strong…stronger than me! 😂 I would have told him to get his shit together or leave! Sweet Amelia. ❤️
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Yeeeaahhhh Generation 2! Can’t wait to see what Cole gets up to.
Sofia was awesome this chapter. Welcome to Amelia as well!
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Sofia wins the prize, even without Ben losing it! ❤️❤️❤️
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~ A very Ben ending to this Gen,now, to look forward to the next,………..I wonder if Cole got his dog!LOL *wink,wink* 😉
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Lol… Very Ben. Gotta love him…Cole is so getting a dog…
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The scene between Cole and Sofia was adorable! And I’m so glad Ben was able to pull it together (eventually! I know it was really hard for him 😦 ) Welcome baby Amelia! (Love the name! That’s my 2 and a half year old niece’s name! ^_^)
Can’t wait for Cole’s gen to begin!!!!
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I don’t know anyone with that name but I liked it. Cole and Sofia…so sweet. Ben is trying really hard. Cole’s gonna be crazy!
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I LOVED THE CHAPTER!!! It is a good place to end this generation. I look forward to seeing everyone in the next generation. Enjoy your vacation between Generations. .
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Glad you liked it! ❤️ Vacation? No vacation….just work travel…Haha…
I can’t wait for Cole’s gen to start either. I will miss Ben. 😢 He has been a focal point for so long even before this story.
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I know right LOL.
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I have been following Ben’s story since Escape from Nowhere. It has been so much fun watching how much her has grown and matured.
And I can’t wait to see where Cole’s story takes him.
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Thank you so much for continuing to read. ❤️ I had a lot of fun watching Ben grow from the introverted 8 year old to the confused 11 year old to the teenaged Casanova pretending that he didn’t need anyone…and finally to a fairly well adjusted husband and father. ❤️
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Me too. 😁
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Wow, it’s the end of this generation already! 😀 I really enjoyed Ben’s story a lot! I’m really looking forward to Cole’s story, too.
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The end…and a new adventure on the way. I am glad you enjoyed Ben’s story. I had a lot of fun with it for sure. 🙂
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Pingback: Chapter 66 – Intervention | New Beginnings
Yay! I bring in the gen 2! I Hope Ben is more…stable when we get to gen 2, and that they are a happy family! I really am glad Kate was in the room, or otherwise, things could have ended up pretty bad, pretty fast…liked the effect on the pictures when Ben was “losing it“.
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Ben is in a much better place now than he has been since he was 8 years old. Poor guy. He has reconnected with both of his parents, has a loving wife and two sweet children. No more grow illegal activities putting them at risk. And therapy. Yep….
I thought about him being in a fog and the blackness made it feel like he was in this place by himself with everything around him not really there. Glad it worked for you! 🙂
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Pingback: Prologue – Cole | New Beginnings
“I love you. I’m going to marry you when I grow up,” he said. Words that have touched every mother’s heart! Amelia is such a lovely name! I’m finally done generation one. My time is so short these days but I am determined to catch up. I hate that I can’t read them the moment they came out like I did from the beginning to the time I got behind. I’m loving the story and so glad my Benny has become the man his is right now. Panic attacks and all.
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I am so glad you are enjoying the story. But I get how RL can suck up your free time! I do appreciate you reading and your comments. ❤ Ben has come a loooong way. When I went back and looked at the wedding chapter…I was so proud of him! And now he has a gorgeous daughter. And spoiler not spoiler – she is beautiful! 🙂 And Cole is such a sweet boy… my boys told me they wanted to marry me too and it is so sweet! ❤
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Well I spent the month of April on and off, and now part of May with no hydro or internet due to storms. But I will definitely catch up!
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You sound suspiciously like you live on Jade’s Island…..
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hahahahaha, nope. Just a bad Spring in Canada. Totally unexpected. Dealing with a flood now and restoration company here every day
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I’m so sorry to hear that! Hopefully it won’t be much longer.
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WOOT
/Puts Ben on the done pile
COLE TIME
Congrats on the nooboo! Aww
Can’t wait to see what she gets up to 😈
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Yep. You are almost there.
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The flashbacks are definately PTSD, wish it was said in the story.
This brings back good memories. I did not have to wait in the delivery room with my first three children. we took lamaze classes so we were fully prepared and since we both were deaf I also got to interpret for the doctor as well as coach her in the delivery room. No way would that many people be allowed in the delivery room. the Last kid I delivered myself before the ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital. It just happenned so quickly, good thing I had experience with the first three in coaching.
Thank you for a wonderful story. and ties to randy blue to find out how ben got free. as well as to the second generation.
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Hah! So glad it brought back pleasant memories! And delivering a child yourself! Wow….that must have been an experience you will never forget. I think as we have more children they do tend to come faster and we remember the hours in the hospital waiting and then wait a beat too long… 🙂
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“I love you. I’m going to marry you when I grow up,” he said.
Oh. My. Cuteness.
Man, those blackouts are serious!
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Yes. Ben needs some help. And so much cuteness. ❤️❤️❤️
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This was a great generation, Audrey. It was such a rollercoaster ride, especially as the story went on, but it was a very enjoyable read 😀 Loved the character development, love Ben’s cute little family, and now I’m excited to move on to Cole’s gen. I’ve already had sneak peeks of it because I follow you and I have a feeling there’ll be plenty of drama so bring it on >:)
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Ha. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. More drama to come with sweet Cole. But it builds a little more slowly.
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Aww yay! What a great way to conclude Ben’s chapter! They are a beautiful family of four.
Just out of curiosity, I have a question about the baby that the doctor is holding? Is that part of the sims or is it a prop? I still don’t have sims 4 installed yet (my computer is ancient, lol) the graphics of the baby’s feet look really distinct, so I thought it looked interesting.
Anyways, well done on Ben’s chapter I really look forward to reading Cole’s story now. I have a feeling he’s going to grow up to be a total gentleman. 🙂
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I know….I love Ben’s little family. And yes, the baby the doctor and Sofia are holding right after delivery is indeed an object or prop for the pose. Those little toes were cute.
I’m very glad you enjoyed Ben’s journey. And as for Cole, you may be right. A perfect little gentleman. ❤️❤️❤️. And a cutie too.
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So proud of them. The demons of the past never let you go fully but Kaitlin, Ben and Sofia have managed to beat them back and get their lives back again. A life together, now with another extremely cute addition 💖 All the best for their beautiful little family!
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Yes! They have reclaimed their lives and things are looking better. And Coles little sister is so cute!
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Wowza, what a ride! It sure was one hell of a roller coaster but thank goodness everything turned out fine in the end. Poor Ben! I really do feel for him with his flashbacks. As I said in another comment, I know what that feels like although the circumstances were much different. It’s tough. But he will make it as long as he has his little family beside him.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Cole gets up to. I bet he is going to be one handsome fellow when he gets older. I mean, look at how cute he is now. ❤️❤️
Now for a tech question. How did you get the black borders on the pictures where Ben was having his flashback? Did you do that with Canva or something?
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I use gimp, it’s a free photo editing tool like photoshop. And Cole is a perfect mix of Ben and Grace. He is very good looking. 😍
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