Bill’s POV“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about,” Harry spits out, his voice sharp and defensive. His eyes dart around the room like a trapped animal’s, his pale face betraying the fear he’s trying to hide.“Don’t lie to me,” I say, voice low, though I feel the fury simmering beneath. “Y
Bill’s POVThe world feels like it’s closing in, everything shrinking to this moment. Mom stands there, looking so much smaller than I remember, holding Collin close. She’s frail, almost unrecognizable.Her face is pale, gaunt, each cheekbone sharp, her eyes hollowed by dark shadows, and her hair —
Bill’s POVI hold Collin tight, staring at Mom, barely believing a word she just said. She looks at me, eyes wet, pleading, but I can’t bring myself to trust her — not after what she’s done.“Stage four cancer?” I repeat, my voice thick with skepticism. “So now you’re dying, and I’m supposed to… wha
Serena’s POVIt’s been a few days since we brought Collin home, and every day feels like we’re waking up to a miracle. Bill and I both cleared our schedules, taking a break from everything to just be here with him, soaking in every tiny moment we missed out on. There’s something magical about these
Serena’s POVCollin’s lying on his tummy, little legs kicking as he wiggles around, making his way from toy to toy, determined to grab every single one within reach. It’s a happy sight, one that fills me with a warmth I didn’t realize I was missing all this time.Bill and I are both down on the floo
Serena’s POVThe moment the word leaves Collin’s mouth, I feel like my heart might burst. “Mama.” It’s so clear, so perfect, like he’s been waiting for this exact moment to say it. He looks at me with those wide, curious eyes, his tiny mouth forming the sound again, like he’s testing it out. “Mama.”
Bill’s POVReturning to the office feels different this time. There’s a new energy running through me, something alive. Damn, I haven’t felt this good in ages. I think back to Serena and Collin at home, inseparable since the day we brought him back. Serena has taken to motherhood like she was born
Bill’s POVThe idea hits me suddenly, a need to just… get away for a while. To actually enjoy this time with my family, to let go of everything else, even if it’s just for a day. So I turn to Serena, who’s sitting on the couch with Collin in her lap, and ask, “How about we go out? All three of us.”
Serena’s POVThe reception is in full swing, and I’m mid-laugh at one of Bill’s dry jokes when something catches my eye. I glance toward the dance floor, taking in the swirling crowd, and then I see it. I freeze mid-sentence, my smile faltering. “Why is Stevie grinding on Calvin?” The words slip out
Stevie’s POVThe second we step onto the dance floor, I realize I’ve made a mistake. Calvin doesn’t just dance — he moves like he’s got something to prove, and my body is all too willing to keep up. His hand slides to my waist, firm and deliberate, pulling me close enough that I feel the heat radiat
Stevie’s POVThere’s something about an open bar and a wedding dress code that just makes people lose their damn minds, and honestly? I’m here for it. After my speech, I’ve earned the right to let loose, and by let loose, I mean dance like a maniac and drink just enough to get tipsy, not trashed. Th
Calvin’s POVThe whiskey glass feels cool against my hand, the amber liquid catching the light as I swirl it lazily. The clinking ice is oddly comforting, a quiet sound in contrast to the laughter and music filling the reception. I’m sitting at the bar, a little removed from the crowd. It’s better t
Serena’s POVThe lights dim, and the chatter of the reception quiets as the opening notes of "Crazier" by Taylor Swift float through the air. Bill takes my hand, his grip steady, and leads me to the center of the dance floor. The spotlight feels warm, but it’s nothing compared to the way he’s looki
Stevie’s POVThe mic feels heavier in my hand than I expected, which is dumb because it’s a mic, not a damn kettlebell. I stand in the middle of the reception, the crowd staring at me like I’m about to announce the next lottery numbers. My palms are sweaty, but there’s no way I’m letting anyone kno
Bill’s POVThe sand is warm beneath me, even as the day starts to cool. Serena’s hand is in mine, her fingers soft and familiar, like they were always meant to fit there. Collin is a few feet away, crouched in the sand and completely in his own world. He’s got a bucket in one hand and a tiny shovel
Serena’s POVThe cheers and clapping swell around us as Bill and I walk back down the aisle, hand in hand. I can’t stop smiling, and from the way his thumb brushes over mine, I know he’s feeling the same. The sun warms my skin, the sand is soft under my bare feet, and for the first time in what feel
Bill’s POVThe officiant starts talking, but honestly, I barely hear a word. Serena is standing so close to me now, her hand in mine, and that’s all I can focus on. She looks at me like I’m the only thing that matters, her eyes shining with something I don’t even know how to put into words. It’s ov