MasukTwo Christmases LaterBahamasSnow had a way of making everything feel so beautiful, white and peaceful. It reminded the whole world of the Christ child. The beauty of the season. Melody watched it fall through the glass window of the café, her fingers loosely wrapped around the warmth of the ceramic mug in front of her, though she hadn’t taken a sip yet. She was waiting for her takeout order.Sitting in Bahamas after a long conference for entrepreneurs, in which she gave a speech Melody couldn't help but smile at how much has changed since this time two years ago. And this was the time she got her Christmas miracle. Her heart was filled with gratitude.She leaned back slightly in her seat, exhaling softly as her gaze drifted across the room. The café was decorated in soft gold lights and small Christmas ornaments that hung carefully from the corners. Somewhere behind the counter, a low Christmas song played, blending into the background like a distant memory. Her phone buzzed light
Logan was spending the day with his mum, he offered to drive her for her doctor's appointment later in the day and since it was the weekend, he figured it would be great to just take a swim in the pool and unwind.He wanted to call Daniel to come join him but he figured that was a bad idea because Tara was always with him every free time he had. He's known Daniel for the longest time and this was the only relationship he didn't complain about. It feels like him and Tara were made just for each other.Whenever he thinks about how happy his friend is, he automatically feels sorry for his lonely self.Since he didn't have company except him, he spent almost two hours in and out of the pool. As he got out, he wrapped the towel around his waist as he stepped inside. He walked straight to his bar and poured himself a glass of whiskey before checking his messages.Almost immediately the hospital email caught his eyes and without even blinking he opened it and read its content. His eyes drop
One Month Later“Yes, ma’am, you ordered a cappuccino and a croissant,” Melody said, her voice warm but steady despite the lingering fatigue in her bones. “Here you go.”The young woman in front of her smiled, clearly pleased, and took the tray with a quick thank you before stepping aside to make room for the next customer. Melody watched her go for a second, before she allowed herself to exhale. That had been her last order before her break, and she could feel it deep in her shoulders, in her lower back, in the slow, constant heaviness that came with carrying not just a business, but a life inside her.“Alright, guys, I’ll be in the kitchen,” she called over her shoulder, already untying the front of her apron as she stepped away from the counter. The café buzzed behind her, orders being called, machines hissing, light chatter filling the air like background music and for a moment, just a brief moment, she paused and looked around.It was full. Tables occupied, staff moving efficient
The suitcase clicked shut, as Tara straightened, brushing invisible creases from her dress as she turned toward Melody, who stood by the door with her arms folded, watching her with that look, half amused, half reluctant, and entirely unwilling to admit how much she was going to miss her. It's been almost a month since they got back from SnowBrook.“Are you really going to be gone for a whole week?” Melody asked, her voice carrying a softness she tried to hide behind mild annoyance. “A whole week, Tara. With Daniel.”Tara grinned, completely unbothered, slinging the strap of her bag over her shoulder. “Girl, that is my fiancé. Of course I’m going. What do you expect me to do, cancel my engagement trip because you’re suddenly clingy?” She laughed lightly, stepping closer and nudging Melody’s arm. “It’s not even that long. One week. Seven days, and before you know it I'll be back to bother you.”Melody exhaled, glancing away. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one staying alone in thi
The flight from Snowbrook to New York felt longer than any Logan had ever taken. Not because of turbulence or delays, but because he just couldn't stomach the embarrassment he's feeling. Every second in the air stretched into something unbearable, an endless loop of humiliation replaying in high definition behind his eyes. Melody’s voice and how she said the words “You’re not the father,” with so much spite.The way the room had gone silent, the way eyes had turned to him, he could feel the pity in their stares, the way he had stood there, caught off guard, stripped of dignity in a space where he didn’t belong.His jaw tightened. Even now, seated in first class with untouched champagne by his side, Logan could still feel it, the sting crawling under his skin like something alive. He had left everything for her.Canceled meetings, postponed deals, ignored responsibilities and for what? To be made a fool.His fingers curled into fists on his lap. The moment the plane touched down, he d
The airport was surprisingly very busy today as people moved in every direction, announcements echoing overhead, suitcases rolling across polished floors. She parked, turned off the engine, and just sat there for a second, gripping the steering wheel like she needed it to stay grounded.Her eyes were still slightly swollen from crying. Her chest still felt tight, she didn't know if it was the pregnancy hormones that were kicking. She's been crying a lot lately, she cries about literally everything and anything.She exhaled slowly. “Get it together,” she muttered, then she stepped out. The moment she walked toward the arrival area, she saw her. Tara was wearing grey sweatpants and black body con top. And before Melody could even call her name, Tara had already spotted her.“Melody!” Tara started running toward her immediately, not even caring about the people in the way. Melody blinked in surprise for a second before she moved too, meeting her halfway. They collided into a tight hug.T
“It’s really cold tonight.” James kept his hands tight around the steering wheel as the car moved steadily through the quiet New York streets. Beside him, Melody stared out the window.She had barely spoken since the moment the word California had slipped into the dinner conversation like an unex
Tara sat alone in the quiet house, the hum of the refrigerator keeping her company. Melody had already left for the airport, off to Malibu with Logan, leaving Tara with a rare moment of solitude. She made her way to the kitchen, sliding open the fridge and retrieving a slice of the freshly baked ap
The ride back home was quiet, Melody kept looking out the window, her fingers fiddling with the edge of Tara’s borrowed purse. Logan kept stealing glances at her like he was trying not to stare too long. Like she was made of something delicate and dangerous at the same time.When his car pulled up
James pulled up slowly in front of Tara’s building, the engine humming softly as the early morning sunlight stretched across the quiet street.A few people walked their dogs. Melody leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to James’ lips.“I’ll call you later,” she said.James smiled, his hand resting l







