la's

lap. Sequins and satin blurred into one glittering haze, and a sharp twist of unease coiled

ing that th

brows drawn together. Even in casual clothes, even with that slight crease in his fo

I asked, forcin

pace between us until it felt like the air itself had contracted. He crouched beside me, brushing a strand of

murmured, voice thi

me hide anything. "Since this morning you've been pale, yawning every five minutes, barely touc

st of a smile. "Have you bee

dn't a

trying to adjust my posture to make t

You slept in today.

teased, the words coming

my knuckles, steadying, grounding. "You're my bride-to-be, Bell

e unease that refused to leave. I tried to shru

didn't waver. The kind of gaze that made it impossible to

corners of my mouth twi

leaned forward, pressing a brief

eak but genuine. "So when are you back to

Bella," he began slowly, "I meant to tell you earlier but... I have to travel. Four d

"Four days? And you

aving now, especially with the wedding so close, but t

ut my eyes gave me away. "You promise

ng against my cheek. "And I'll make it up t

include cake tasting

ade my heart tilt. "It includes anything you want,

ine. But only because you wo

and slipping on his jacket.

as he bent down to kiss me. "Stay

ing before stepping back. "And when I come ba

De

y hand drifted unconsciously to my stomach again, pressing gently as though I could soo

--

ent lights hummed overhead, and the sterile scent of antiseptic seemed sharp a

ella," h

ted softl

said, flipping the pape

tightene

tions. You'r

on ripples of water. My lips parted, hand flying to my mouth

d me. "You're about six weeks along. Ever

y cheeks before I could stop them. Laughter mingled with tears,

softened. "Yes. You

e, as if I could hold the life growing there in my

s hand on my stomach, pride and love radiating off him in waves. He had al

he doctor said. "Eat well,

irm, smile radiant, as tho

t precious thing in the world, the air outside felt sharper, brighter. Every step seem

ickly. Doctor's visit done. Nothi

eply came: Good. I'm board

ike champagne, ready to spill. Not tonight, I decided. I want

ther wiping away, I whispered, "Tom

d be the begin