Se connecterConall I am the first one up this morning, which surprises me. Serena is usually up early every morning these days. She likes early-morning walks with the dog, but she must be extra tired this morning. I left her to sleep. I’ve been up for a while. I’ve been on my morning run and have taken the dogs with me so they wouldn’t wake Serena up. They have been fed, too, so they are content for the moment. Once I am done showering, I will start breakfast for everyone before I wake them up. We don’t have too much planned today, but we will go out for a few hours. My mom and Eric want to see the progress on the ranch.I head to the bathroom, remove my clothes, and step into the shower. I'm hot and sweaty from my run, so I need a shower to wash off the sweat and avoid smelling all morning. I stand under the water, letting it stream down my face and chest, close my eyes, and enjoy the sensation. Initially, I planned to take a cold shower but changed my mind. Suddenly, hands wrap around me from
Serena Conall’s mom and I were preparing the sides while the guys were outside cooking on the grill. We chose to have a BBQ.“Tell me, Serena, how far along are you?” she asks from beside me.I freeze and then turn to her, asking, "Huh?”She raises an eyebrow at me, laughing. “You know what I mean, sweetie. How far along are you?” “How did you figure that out?”“You're glowing, and Conall is acting more protective than usual. You haven't had any coffee since we arrived, even though I know how much you love it. Also, I noticed Storm keeps resting her head on your stomach.”“We planned to tell you at dinner. I am thirteen weeks along, and we only discovered this a few weeks ago. I didn’t want to share the news too early. It was definitely a surprise, but we're very happy about it.” I smile. “I am so happy for you both. Congratulations,” she exclaims, tears welling in her eyes, as she embraces me warmly. I smile and hug back. “Thank you.”When we part, she smiles. “How are you feelin
Conall “Are you sure you will be okay here alone? I could send a car for them,” I ask Serena with a sigh.I am heading out to pick up my mom and Eric from the airport. Serena is supposed to come with me, but she isn’t feeling too well today.“I will be fine. You aren’t sending a car to pick them up. You will only be away for a couple of hours. I promise to take it easy. If anything does happen, I will call the construction site, but I will be fine. Stop worrying.” “Sorry, I can’t help it. Call me if you need anything, okay?”“I will. Now go. You are going to be late.” She laughs.I gently kiss her. "I love you both." I smile, rest my hand on her tummy, and affectionately rub her small bump. She's beginning to show, but only slightly. “And we love you.”I nod and head out before I am late. We went for our twelve-week scan last week, and everything is still okay, so it has helped Serena relax and worry less. I have booked us in for another one at sixteen weeks, then eighteen and twe
Serena I wake, and it takes me a minute to come to because it is so dark. It was still light when I went to sleep. How long have I been asleep? I search for my cell and see it is nine at night. I have been asleep for over four hours. That was not the plan. I was supposed to sleep for maybe an hour. Now I won’t sleep tonight. I thought Conall would have woken me. I groan and slowly sit up to get out of bed, but I don’t have any space to do so. The dogs are all lying around me. Storm has her head gently resting on my stomach. It is as if she senses I am pregnant. Pregnant! I am still trying to get my head around the fact that I am and so far along without having any idea that I were.“Hey, sweet girl, I am sorry to disturb you, but I need to move,” I say, patting her head.She shifts off me, and the other two become alert, all jumping from the bed, allowing me to climb out, just in time because I am bursting for a pee. I head to the bathroom to do what I need before going downstairs t
Conall We stare at the nurse, both clearly shocked.“Wait, what?” I finally ask aloud.“I-I-I am pregnant?” Serena whispers.The nurse glances between us. “You didn’t know? No one has told you?”Serena shakes her head. "No, I didn’t even know. Things have been so hectic lately. My periods aren’t always regular. Do you know how far along I am? Is the baby doing okay?” Her voice is increasingly filled with panic, reflecting her growing worry. “No, but we can check. Are you alright?”Serena sighs. “Sorry, I previously had a miscarriage. I was early on, but after that I am scared it will happen again, even though the first time wasn’t my fault.”I reach for Serena’s hand and squeeze it.“We can get you checked today if you have the time. We can arrange an ultrasound.”“Please. I won’t relax until I know what’s going on,” she whimpers.“I will get that arranged. I will be back soon.” The nurse smiles and leaves the room.Serena turns to me, and I can see the tears in her eyes. I can’t
SerenaFortunately, I didn’t suffer a concussion from my head injury, but I did require five stitches. I remembered the incident: I felt dizzy, fainted, and hit my head when I fell. I'm grateful that I'm okay; it could have been more serious. “Are you sure you are feeling okay?” Conall asks sadly from beside me.I'm still in the hospital undergoing tests and waiting for blood results. I'll be here for at least a few more hours so they can monitor me for any changes. Even after I return home, Conall needs to stay with me for the next twenty-four hours in case anything occurs. I grasp his hand and give it a gentle squeeze. “I am okay. I promise.” “When I saw you lying on the floor like that, I had never been so scared in my life,” he whispers, lifting our hands and kissing my knuckles.“I am sorry that I scared you, my love.”“All that matters is that you're okay. I should have taken you to the doctor when the dizzy spells began, Serena. Clearly, something has been going on since thi
SerenaI told Conall I was going home when I left him. I am not. I have another stop to make first. If my ex-father-in-law wants to threaten me, he can do it to my face rather than through other people like the coward he is. He isn't getting away with threatening Conall either. I hop in my car and d
ConallI am on my way to Serena’s place. I am not too happy. She told me she was going home after lunch, which was a lie. I know what she did. A scene like what went down at the Country Club doesn’t go unnoticed. The worst of it is, Serena is being painted as the bad one, the crazy one who has no r
Conall I enter the office, feeling good after my morning with Serena. I had a spring in my step, ready to start my day. I smile and say hello to everyone as I go to my office. I would have much preferred to stay home with Serena, but I need to work. She is coming to mine tonight, well, maybe, she
SerenaI am nervous as I wait for Conall. What did his father say to him? It must have something to do with me if he asked to meet and it couldn’t wait until tonight. I can imagine the things he said. He never did like me. He tried to hit on me once while I was married to Henry. I shot him down, an







