Raegan was stunned. She quickly added, "Your daddy. Wasn't he just outside? Please, go and call him in."

A wave of disappointment washed over Raegan. She had hoped Mitchel would be the first to see their newborns, their children.

Yet, Janey's confusion deepened. “Mommy, there's no daddy. I never had a daddy."

Shock rippled through Raegan. Never had... How could this be?

She turned to Landen urgently. “Dad, have you seen Mitchel? He was just outside. Could you please call him in for me?"

Landen's voice was soft yet firm. "Raegan, didn't we agree not to mention him in front of the kids?"

Raegan, puzzled and frustrated, questioned, "Why can't we mention him?"

She couldn't understand why Mitchel's name should be avoided. He was the children's biological father, her husband. Why should his name be taboo? He had a role in her children's lives, and just a short while ago, he had been comforting her so tenderly. How could he just vanish?

Turning to Erick with a pleading look, Raegan beseeched, "Erick, can you go call him for me?"

Erick was silent for a moment and then asked, “Raegan, where do you expect me to find him?"

“He promised me he wouldn't go far. He should be just around the corridor," Raegan replied with certainty.

Erick fell silent again.

"Raegan!" Landen suddenly interjected. "Mitchel hasn't been around for..."

"Father!" Erick sharply cut him off, causing Landen to halt.

After a brief pause, Erick suggested, "You take the children and Janey outside first."

Landen's eyes met Raegan's, conveying a deep sadness as he nodded slowly.

Once only Raegan and Erick remained in the room, she persisted, “Erick, why aren't you going? I want to see Mitchel.”

“Raegan..." Erick's face was marked by reluctance and sorrow.

“Mitchel... He..."

Erick choked up, unable to continue, and after a moment, he gathered his courage and said, “Mitchel... He's not here. How could you forget?"