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 Airbnb we found is small and cozy, just perfect for a quick night’s stay after a long day at the beach. Collin’s already knocked out, his little hand gripping the edge of the crib we managed to snag at the last minute. I watch him for a moment, smiling at the way he’s sprawled out,
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
Serena’s POVThe sun is warm on my skin as my dad loops his arm through mine, steadying me. My heart is racing, but I’m not sure if it’s nerves or excitement. Probably both. The waves crash softly behind us, the sound grounding me in a way nothing else can. I glance down at the bracelet on my wrist—
Bill’s POVThe driftwood arch sways a little in the breeze, the flowers tied to it shifting just enough to remind me how real this all is. I stand under it, feeling the sand shift slightly under my feet. The waves roll in steady behind me, the sound both calming and electric. My suit feels snug but
Serena’s POVThe rhythmic crash of waves pulls me from sleep, the sound both soothing and energizing. For a moment, I just lie there, letting the warmth of the sun streaming through the curtains wash over me. I’ve always loved the ocean—it feels like it holds every version of me. The restless dreame
Serena’s POVAs I follow Calvin inside his office, I notice how different he looks. He’s got a slight tan, like he’s been spending more time outside, and there’s a certain air about him — an aura of confidence that feels sharper, more deliberate. He’s always been self-assured, but this feels differe
Serena’s POVThe kitchen table is a disaster zone. Wedding magazines are piled high, ready to topple over at the slightest nudge. Fabric swatches are scattered everywhere like pastel confetti, and sticky notes are plastered all over, each one screaming something I still need to deal with. My laptop
Bill’s POVThe elevator ride to our suite feels longer than usual, but I’m not complaining. Serena leans into me, her fingers tracing lazy patterns along the back of my hand. Her engagement ring catches the soft glow of the elevator lights, and I can’t help but smile. I don’t know how I got lucky en
Serena’s POVBy the time we return to the hotel, Collin is completely worn out. I tuck him into his crib, brushing his hair back as he mumbles sleepily. His tiny chest rises and falls, his face relaxed in a way that only toddlers can manage.When I step out of the room, Bill is waiting for me, a mis
Serena’s POVThe morning is cool, and the light spilling through the trees casts a golden hue on everything. We’re sitting at this small café by the canal, the kind of place that’s almost too picturesque to believe — flower pots on the tables, cobblestones underfoot, and the faint sound of water lap