Chapter 91: Jack's Arrival
August began with a big event in Mike Baldwin's life. Hailey, his "little cousin" by heart, and Justin Bieber, one of his great friends, welcomed their first child: Jack. The birth was surrounded by emotion, and the couple could not be happier with the arrival of their beautiful baby.
Mike was in New York when he received the call from Justin. He was getting ready for some appointments, but as soon as he saw Justin's name flashing on the phone screen, he knew immediately that the long-awaited moment had arrived. He answered with a smile on his face.
— "Mike! He's here, man! Jack is born!" Justin exclaimed on the other end of the line, his voice full of joy.
— "Congratulations, brother! I'm on my way!" Mike replied, already organizing his schedule to fly straight to Los Angeles.
Mike knew how much that moment meant to Hailey and Justin. He had been closely involved in the couple's journey, from the first months of marriage to the exciting wait for their son's arrival. Now, as part of the family, he couldn't wait to meet little Jack in person.
A few hours later, Mike arrived at the hospital in Los Angeles. He entered the room where Hailey was, beaming with the newborn in her arms, and Justin was by her side, with an excited smile.
— "Look who's here," Justin said, with a sparkle in his eyes. "Mike, meet Jack."
Hailey, with a gentle smile, handed little Jack to Mike. He held him carefully, looking at the baby's serene little face, feeling a mix of joy and responsibility. The baby slept peacefully, and Mike couldn't help but smile at seeing this new chapter in his friends' lives.
— "He's perfect," Mike whispered, visibly moved. "Congratulations, both of you."
Hailey and Justin exchanged a knowing look before Justin approached Mike with a more serious expression.
— "Mike, we have something important to tell you. Hailey and I have talked about this a lot and... we want you to be Jack's godfather." Mike was surprised and honored to hear this. He looked at Hailey and Justin, absorbing the meaning of this proposal.
— "Really? Are you sure?" Mike asked, visibly moved.
— "Absolutely," Hailey said, smiling. "You're family, Mike. We couldn't think of anyone better to take care of Jack and guide him through life if necessary."
Mike felt a lump in his throat. Being chosen as godfather was a responsibility he took very seriously, and he knew how much Jack meant to Hailey and Justin. With the baby still in his arms, he nodded.
— "I accept. It will be an honor to be this little boy's godfather," Mike said, with a smile. "You have my word: I will do everything I can to always be there for you and Jack."
Soon after Jack's birth, the news quickly spread across the media. Justin and Hailey's fans were ecstatic about the baby's arrival, and social media exploded with celebrations, with hashtags like #WelcomeJackBieber and #BabyBieber trending.
However, what really caught everyone's attention was the announcement that Mike Baldwin had been chosen as Jack's godfather. The tabloids quickly picked up on the story, and Mike's name was everywhere.
"Mike Baldwin chosen as godfather to Hailey and Justin Bieber's son!"
"What an honor! Mike, a former SEAL and now one of the biggest names in fashion, will be godfather to little Jack Bieber," the headlines read.
Social media was also full of comments. Fans commented on how special it was to see such a strong friendship between Mike and the Biebers. Many admired Mike's loyalty and closeness to Hailey, who has always considered him like a big brother.
Later that week, Hailey and Justin made the official announcement on social media, sharing a beautiful photo of Jack and thanking everyone for their support.
They also mentioned Mike's choice as godfather, which brought even more attention to the story. Kendall, who was by Mike's side throughout the entire event, also shared her congratulations on social media.
"So happy for you Hailey and Justin! Jack is beautiful and I'm sure Mike will be the best godfather he could ever ask for."
For Mike, this moment was a defining moment. Not only did he have the responsibility of helping guide Jack through life, but he also knew he was surrounded by a network of love and friendship that meant so much to him.
August began with a new life entering the world, and for Mike, Jack's birth was a reminder that no matter where life took him, the value of family and friendship was what truly mattered.
Chapter 92: Justin and Hailey's New Phase
The month of August continued with a lightness and joy in the air, as Mike and Kendall dedicated a lot of time to being by Justin and Hailey's side, supporting them in this new phase of their lives as parents of Jack.
Little Jack had already become the center of attention, and Justin and Hailey's house was always busy, full of visits from friends and family eager to meet the baby.
Mike and Kendall were constant presences. Ever since they were chosen as Jack's godparents, they made a point of being close by, helping where they could and enjoying the quiet and special moments that came with the arrival of a new member of the family.
Mike was sitting on the couch in the Bieber house, gently rocking little Jack in his arms while Justin made coffee in the kitchen. Hailey and Kendall chatted near the window, admiring the afternoon sun that entered the room, reflecting the tranquility of that moment.
— "He's getting stronger every day," Mike commented, looking down at the sleeping baby. "You guys are doing a great job as parents."
Justin smiled as he brought two cups of coffee into the living room. He looked exhausted, but clearly beaming with happiness.
— "Man, being a dad is a lot harder than I thought it would be," Justin replied, sitting down next to Mike. "But every minute is worth it. I never knew I could love someone this much."
Mike nodded, understanding the weight of the responsibility. Even though he wasn't a father yet, he knew how much it meant to Justin and Hailey to take care of Jack and dedicate themselves to this new life.
— "You're already doing great. And you have an incredible support network around you," Mike said. "Whenever you need anything, you know you can count on me and Kendall."
Kendall, listening to the conversation, smiled at Mike as she approached, along with Hailey.
— "Absolutely," Kendall added. "Jack is so lucky to have you as parents, and we're here for you if you need anything."
Hailey beamed, clearly touched by Mike and Kendall's friendship and support. Despite the exhaustion that came with the first few weeks of parenthood, Justin and Hailey still managed to find moments to laugh and relax with Mike and Kendall.
One sunny afternoon, they decided to head outside and spend some time in Justin and Hailey's garden, enjoying the summer heat. Mike, ever the energetic one, suggested a little Frisbee throwing competition.
With Jack comfortably asleep in the portable crib next to Hailey, Justin and Mike began to play, tossing the Frisbee back and forth while Kendall and Hailey watched and laughed at Justin's clumsy attempts to catch the Frisbee.
"I swear, I used to be good at this!" Justin exclaimed, as Mike threw it with ease and effortlessly caught the Frisbee in mid-air.
— "You're just rusty, bro," Mike teased, throwing the Frisbee back with precision. "But nothing a little practice can't fix."
The sound of laughter echoed through the garden, bringing a sense of normalcy and lightness that everyone needed. Despite the intensity of the last few months, this simple moment of fun and friendship was exactly what Justin and Hailey needed to recharge their batteries and continue navigating this new phase of their lives.
In the days that followed, Mike and Kendall continued to spend a lot of time with Justin and Hailey, offering help whenever possible. While Hailey cared for Jack, Kendall was always by her side, listening, giving advice, and making sure Hailey had time to rest and take care of herself.
— "Having you guys here makes all the difference," Hailey commented in a quieter moment, as she and Kendall sat on the couch with Jack asleep in Hailey's lap. "Knowing that we can count on you guys makes us feel so much better."
Kendall smiled, holding Hailey's hand.
— "It's the least we can do. You're like family, and we're here to support you through everything."
Mike, who had been listening to the conversation from a distance, walked over and put his hand on Hailey's shoulder, confirming Kendall's words.
— "And besides," Mike said with a playful smile, "I'm already the godfather. So I'm officially committed to helping out whenever you need it!"
Everyone laughed, feeling the depth of their friendship that, despite the changes and the new phase, only grew stronger.
As August continued, Mike and Kendall helped Justin and Hailey adjust to the rhythm of fatherhood. With all of their public lives, maintaining moments of privacy and peace was essential. For Mike, this new phase of being by his friends' side as they adjusted to life as parents was deeply meaningful.
He knew that, as much as he was living a moment of recognition and personal success, true happiness came from these strong bonds and genuine connections.
Chapter 93: The Return of the Book
In mid-August, Mike finally received the news he had been eagerly awaiting. The Department of State and Defense had finished reviewing his book, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. With the revisions completed and everything approved, Mike was ready to officially release his work.
He was sitting at home with Kendall when the email arrived. When he opened the message and saw the approval, a smile of satisfaction spread across his face.
"They approved it, Kendall," he said, quickly standing up from the couch. "The book is ready to be published."
Kendall, who was fiddling with her phone next to him, looked at Mike excitedly.
"That's amazing, Mike! I'm so proud of you," she said, hugging him.
Mike knew this was a momentous moment. The book he had written told the story of his life, the military operations he had led, and the intense experiences that had shaped him, both as a soldier and as a person. He had shared personal stories and revealed details of his journey in the service, always with the concern of honoring the safety and confidentiality of those involved.
After digesting the good news, Mike knew it was time to share it with his followers and fans. He opened Instagram and prepared a simple but impactful post:
"The moment many of you have been waiting for has finally arrived. I have received approval from the Department of State and Defense to release my book. It has been an intense journey to write each page and recall so many meaningful experiences, but I am proud of the result. Now, it is with great excitement that I announce that I will be making a special appearance at a bookstore, where I will sign copies and share a little more of this story with you. Thank you for all your support! Stay tuned for more details on the date and location."
He attached a photo of himself smiling with the revised manuscript in his hands, and within minutes, the post began receiving thousands of likes and comments. Kendall, next to him, chuckled at the reactions of fans.
— "I think people are more excited than you are," she joked.
Mike laughed and shook his head.
— "Let's see how it goes at the bookstore. I think it's going to be a big event."
In the days that followed, the response to the post was overwhelming. Fans, military veterans, and public figures began sharing the news, further fueling anticipation for the book's release. The media was quick to cover the news, highlighting the importance of the book for those who followed Mike's career and were interested in the special operations he had participated in.
In addition, many were curious to learn more about the stories Mike would share and how he had dealt with personal and professional challenges throughout his career.
As the date for the book signing at the bookstore approached, Mike and his team were busy organizing all the details. Kendall supported him every step of the way, helping to review the logistics of the event and making sure everything was perfect.
— "You're going to rock," Kendall said one day as Mike reviewed the latest information about the release.
— "I hope so," he replied, smiling. "I just want people to know how much this book means to me and how it was a labor of love and respect for all the men and women I served with."
The event was scheduled to take place in late August, and with the official announcement made, the audience was now eagerly awaiting to hear more about Mike's book, his life story, and the operations that made him an icon in both the military and the public eye.
Mike knew that the book launch was more than just a milestone in his career. It was a way to share with the world the stories of courage and sacrifice of those who fought alongside him, and to ensure that those memories would never be forgotten.
Chapter 94: The Big Launch
The day of Mike's book launch had finally arrived. The bookstore was fully prepared, with lines stretching around the block. People of all ages, military veterans, fans, and curious onlookers gathered to witness the moment Mike had been waiting for.
The atmosphere was electric, with the press in attendance to cover the event and several influencers commenting on the importance of the book.
Kendall was by Mike's side, as always, providing his constant support. Gigi and Hailey were also present, showing their pride in him. As soon as the doors of the bookstore opened, Mike was greeted by thunderous applause, and the audience seemed eager to interact with their author and hero.
When the event officially began, Mike took the makeshift stage to thank everyone for coming. With the microphone in hand and a smile on his face, he began:
— "Today is a very special day for me. The launch of this book is something I never imagined I would do, and it is a huge milestone in my life. More than just sharing my story, I want this book to be a tribute to all the brave men and women I had the honor of serving with. Every page of this book is a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices and victories we achieved together."
He paused, looking at the crowd with emotion.
— "I am very proud of the work we did here, and I hope this book can bring a new perspective to all of you. I want you to know that this story is not just mine. It belongs to all those who have been part of this journey alongside me. Without them, none of this would be possible."
The audience erupted in applause. Veterans present were visibly moved, feeling the weight of Mike's words.
After the speech, Mike went to the autograph table, where the line was enormous. He took his time with each person, chatting briefly, signing copies, and taking photos. Many veterans greeted him with military salutes, and Mike responded respectfully, reinforcing the brotherhood they shared.
— "Thank you for your courage and your service," one veteran said as he shook Mike's hand, tears in his eyes.
— "The honor was mine," Mike replied with a respectful nod.
Kendall watched with a glint of pride in her eyes, noting how her boyfriend was admired by so many. It was clear that this was more than just a book launch; it was a moment of reflection and recognition for the dedication and sacrifice that he and so many others had made.
At the same time as the event, the book was made available for purchase online, in both digital and physical formats. Social media exploded with the news, and within hours, Mike's book was among the bestsellers on several platforms.
Fans who couldn't attend the event were keen to purchase their copies online, and veterans watching from afar expressed their support and admiration through social media posts.
As soon as the event concluded, media coverage was intense. Several news outlets highlighted Mike's book launch as a major cultural and military event, highlighting the importance of his career and the way he had managed to inspire a new generation of leaders and citizens.
Interviews began to emerge, with reporters asking veterans, influencers and fans for their thoughts on the impact of the book. Many commented on how Mike's honesty and respect for the material stood out.
— "This book is not just a military account. It is a life lesson about courage, humility and teamwork," commented one of the book reviewers.
After a long day, Mike finally had a moment to breathe. He was exhausted, but extremely satisfied. When he looked over, he saw Kendall smiling at him.
— "You did it, Mike. This book is going to change lives," she said, her expression warm.
— "That's all I could ask for," he replied, taking her hand.
As August rolled on, Mike's book continued to be a resounding success, both in stores and online. He knew this was just the beginning of a new journey, and he was ready to face whatever came with the same commitment and integrity that had guided him throughout his life.
Now, more than ever, Mike felt like he was exactly where he needed to be.
Chapter 95: Best Seller
Less than a week after Mike's book was released, a bombshell was circulating on the internet and in the major media outlets: the book had become a best seller in record time. Sales soared both in physical bookstores and on digital platforms, and Mike's name echoed in every conversation about literature, war heroes, and overcoming obstacles.
Kendall was by Mike's side when he received the call from the publisher, informing him that his book had reached the top of the best-seller list.
"Mike, I knew it would be a success, but this... this is incredible!" Kendall exclaimed, beaming with pride.
Mike, ever humble, smiled and said:
"I never thought my story would reach so many people this quickly."
Social media was flooded with photos of people holding the book and leaving positive reviews, praising the honesty and depth with which he told his story. Many readers have expressed that they have been inspired by Mike's journey, whether it be the hardships he faced as a child, his experiences as a SEAL, or the lessons of leadership and resilience he has learned throughout his life.
Veterans have also spoken out, thanking Mike for giving voice to so many stories of sacrifice and courage that often go untold to the public. Mike's words about the importance of teamwork and the recognition of his fellow operators have deeply touched those who served alongside him and in other branches of the military.
The media, which had already been paying close attention to the book's release, now turned its full attention to Mike's impressive achievement. Television shows, magazines, and podcasts have commented on the impact the book has made in such a short period of time.
Literary critics who had previously viewed the book as a mere military biography began to recognize it as an inspiring work that pushed the boundaries of the genre.
— "Mike's book is not just a war story. It's a life lesson on courage, leadership, and overcoming the most difficult obstacles. It's a true handbook of perseverance," said a famous talk show host.
Interviews with Mike began to be scheduled on television and radio shows, and the demand for more book signings grew exponentially. The book quickly gained international fame, being translated into other languages and gaining readers around the world.
Justin and Hailey, who were already proud of Mike since its release, were quick to congratulate him on social media. Hailey posted a photo of Mike holding their newborn son, Jack, with the caption:
— "Not only is he the best godfather, he's also a best-selling author! Congratulations, Mike! We're so proud of you!"
Gigi and Bella also made a point of celebrating Mike's success, sharing personal stories about how determined he always was in everything he did. And of course, Kendall was always by his side, supporting him every step of the way on this new journey as an author.
Now, in addition to his responsibilities as a model and influencer, Mike had to balance his schedule to include literary events. He was being invited to lectures and seminars all over the United States, where he would share more details about his experiences, both in his personal and professional life.
— "I always wanted my story to be about something bigger than myself," Mike said in an interview with a magazine. "If the book can inspire someone to face their own challenges, whether on the battlefield or in everyday life, then it was worth it."
Despite his massive success, Mike remained true to himself, never letting the recognition change his essence. He knew that the hard work was still ahead, and his mission to inspire and help others was as strong as ever.
To celebrate the achievement of becoming a bestseller, Kendall threw a small surprise party for Mike at her house. She invited only his closest friends and family. As everyone toasted Mike's success, he looked around and realized that while the book was a major milestone, what really mattered was the support and love from the people around him.
"This book is just the beginning. We still have so much more to accomplish together," he said, looking at Kendall and his friends.
With the success of his book, Mike not only solidified his place as a respected public figure, but also as an inspiration to everyone who followed him. The bestselling title was an accomplishment he never expected to achieve so quickly, but as always, he handled the moment with the same humility and determination that had defined him throughout his life.
Now, Mike's future looked brighter than ever, and he was ready to take on whatever it took came from the front.
Chapter 96: Memories and Reconnections
September began on a more solemn note for Mike, Kendall, Gigi, and Bella. The date marked the approaching anniversary of the tragic September 11 attacks, and they decided to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. It was a way to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, especially Mike, whose actions in military service were deeply impacted by the events of that day.
As soon as they arrived at the memorial, the heavy atmosphere took over. The reverent silence of the place, the fountains where the Twin Towers once stood, the names engraved in the black marble. For Mike, every detail there brought back memories and emotions of everything he had experienced, the friends he had lost throughout his military journey, and the very reason that motivated him to serve.
Kendall walked beside him, holding his hand tightly. She knew how personal this visit was for him. Gigi and Bella, who considered Mike like an older brother, also followed him in silence, respecting the moment. Inside the museum, they looked at the exhibits.
The photos, the personal belongings of the victims, the videos that detailed the tragedy and the global consequences of that day. Mike stopped in front of a wall full of portraits of the unsung heroes and those who sacrificed their lives to save others.
"This here… is so we never forget," he murmured, almost to himself, feeling the weight of the responsibility he carried for being alive and being able to tell the story of so many who did not return.
The Hadid sisters respected the space Mike needed, but were there for him, as they always have been, in his own moments of reflection. Although the impact of 9/11 was different for each of them, they all understood the value of remembrance and tribute.
After their emotionally charged visit, they decided to go to dinner at a fancy restaurant in SoHo. It was a time to relax and enjoy each other's company. It had been a while since Mike had had a quiet moment with his "younger sisters", Gigi and Bella. Between the fashion shows, events and everyone's busy lives, it was rare to find time for these simple and precious meetings.
Sitting at the table, the atmosphere was lighter. The restaurant was decorated with low lights, and the aroma of Italian food filled the air. Mike, always playful, began to tell funny stories about his life outside the catwalks and the military, making his sisters laugh.
— "You know, I never imagined I'd see you parading in a suit and tie at Dior," Bella joked, smiling.
— "Neither did I," Mike replied with a mischievous smile. "But you're my sisters, you made me believe that I could be in this world of fashion."
Kendall laughed too, noting how Mike was completely at ease with his friends and sisters at heart. The conversation flowed naturally, from old stories to plans for the future.
— "So when are we going to meet at one of these fashion weeks again?" Gigi asked Mike. "You're all over the place now!"
Mike shrugged, laughing. — "I'll go wherever my girlfriend takes me," he replied, casting a fond glance at Kendall, who smiled back.
As the night wore on, the group felt grateful for this time together. It was a much-needed break from the busy schedules and pressures they all faced in their respective careers.
— "You know, life goes by so fast sometimes," Gigi said, looking around. "But these moments… they're what really matter."
Mike nodded, feeling the same way. As much as the world around him was constantly changing with success, fame, and challenges, it was these simple moments of connecting with the people he loved that kept him centered.
At the end of the night, after much laughter, stories, and conversation, the group decided to take a walk before saying their goodbyes. New York was vibrant with lights and energy, but for them, the city seemed a little quieter that night.
As they drove home, Mike reflected on how much his life had changed since the beginning of his military career until now. He had amazing people by his side, a girlfriend who supported him in every way, and friends he considered family. And despite all the adversities and obstacles, he knew he had a lot to be grateful for.
The month of September began with a strong reminder of sacrifice, but also of love, support and companionship. For Mike, Kendall, Gigi and Bella, the day was proof that even in the midst of the chaos of the world, there would always be a place of peace and comfort in the company of the people they loved.
And with that, Mike was ready to face whatever came his way, with his family by his side, always.
New stories in my Patreon
News stories there: " I won a Oscar when I was 19 " , " NCIS HAWAII: The Captain " , "SUITS: The Lawyer " and " The Lawyer and Policeman "
This story is already complete there
p@treon.com/SHADOWGHOST07
Just replace the @ with an a