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 POVAs soon as we’re back from the beach, I barely have time to settle in before my phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance down at the screen— Aunt Claire. She’s not the type to call without a reason, and a feeling of dread settles over me.“Hey, Aunt Claire,” I answer, trying to keep my tone ca
Bill’s POVI pull away from Aunt Claire’s hug, noticing the lines of exhaustion on her face. She’s been here often — more than she’s probably said. “How is she?” I ask quietly.“She’s resting,” Aunt Claire replies, her voice thick with emotion. She glances down, like she’s trying to hold herself to
Stevie’s POVI can’t remember how we got from the bar to the elevator, but I know I’ve been kissing Calvin like my life depends on it. His hands are everywhere—my waist, my ass, tangled in my hair. I don’t think I’ve ever been kissed like this. It’s all-consuming, messy, and so goddamn good. By the
Calvin’s POVThe bar is quieter than the reception, but the burn of whiskey in my glass is no match for the fire still coursing through me. Dancing with Stevie was supposed to be a distraction, a little fun. But now? Now I can’t stop thinking about the way her body felt pressed against mine. The way
Bill’s POVThe door to our suite clicks shut behind us, muffling the sounds of the party still in full swing downstairs. I glance at Serena, who’s already kicking off her shoes with a sigh of relief. Her smile is tired but genuine, and I can’t help but stare for a second. She’s still in her dress, t
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