We can't wait to meet you

Rae’s POVThe night was quiet, the kind of deep stillness that only comes after midnight when the resort guests have long gone to sleep. Moonlight spilled across the bed in soft silver patches, painting Killian’s sleeping face in gentle light. His arm was draped over my waist, heavy and warm, his breathing slow and even against my hair.I had been drifting in and out of sleep for hours, the pregnancy making my body feel both exhausted and strangely alert. The nausea had settled into a low hum, manageable with the ginger tea Killian kept refilling for me. But tonight something felt different.A tiny flutter.Not strong. Not even a kick. Just the faintest, lightest sensation low in my belly — like a bubble rising, or a butterfly testing its wings for the very first time. It happened once. Then again. Then a third time, soft and quick, gone almost before I could register it.My eyes flew open.I lay perfectly still, heart suddenly racing, one hand instinctively moving to rest on my st

I didn't know

Rae’s POVThe decision came to me slowly, like the tide pulling back before a wave. It had been building for days — ever since the positive test, ever since the beach confession, ever since Killian held me through the night whispering that we would face everything together. I couldn’t keep carrying the secret of my pregnancy and the weight of my mother’s words at the same time. One of them had to give.I chose the visit.Killian offered to go with me immediately. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching me with those steady gray eyes while I paced the suite in one of his hoodies.“I can be right there,” he said softly. “You don’t have to do this alone.”I stopped in front of him and took his hands. My fingers were cold despite the warm resort air drifting through the open doors.“I know,” I whispered. “But I think I need to do the first part by myself. Just me and her. I need to hear what she has to say without worrying about how it lands on you. Then… then we can go together.

I give you my blessings

Rae’s POVI drove back to the suite with my hands still trembling on the steering wheel. When I walked through the door, Killian was waiting in the living area. He took one look at my face and crossed the room in three long strides, pulling me into his arms without a word. I melted against him, burying my face in his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of him that always made the world feel a little steadier.He held me tight, one hand cradling the back of my head, the other rubbing slow circles on my back.“Tell me,” he murmured against my hair.I pulled back just enough to look up at him, my voice still shaky.“She divorced Victor. Two weeks ago. She said he’s a terrible person — controlling, emotionally abusive. She stayed for the family image, for stability… for me. But she couldn’t do it anymore.”Killian’s eyes widened slightly, then softened with understanding. He brushed a strand of hair from my face, thumb lingering on my cheek.“And how are you feeling about that?”“Sho

You deserve this Joy

Rae’s POVThe call came in the late afternoon while I was resting on the balcony lounger, Killian’s hand resting protectively on my stomach as we watched the ocean. My phone buzzed on the small table beside us. Zara’s name flashed on the screen.I answered immediately, heart already picking up speed.“Hey, babe,” Zara’s voice came through, bright and trembling with barely contained excitement. “I just left the doctor’s office. The scans… they’re perfect. Full remission. No signs of anything. They said I’m doing better than they expected.”Tears sprang to my eyes instantly. I sat up straighter, gripping Killian’s hand.“Zara… oh my God. That’s… that’s amazing.”She laughed, the sound watery and joyful. “I know. I’m still shaking. I wanted to tell you first. You’ve been with me through all the hard parts. I needed you to hear the good news too.”I was crying now — happy, relieved tears. Killian’s arm came around me immediately, pulling me close as he listened.“We’re so happy for you,”

More than yesterday

Rae’s POVThe late afternoon sun filtered through the wide windows of our home, casting a warm, golden glow across the living room floor. It had been four years since those two pink lines changed everything. Four years since the fear, the midnight flutters, the tearful confessions on the beach, and the fragile family dinner that marked the beginning of healing.We were married now — a quiet, intimate ceremony two years ago with only our closest circle: Zara as my maid of honor, her eyes sparkling with happy tears, and my mother in attendance, her presence cautious but genuine. No big spectacle. Just love, promises, and the people who had stood by us through the hardest parts.Today was an ordinary Tuesday, the kind I had come to cherish most.Our daughter, Lila — a spirited three-year-old with Killian’s gray eyes and my stubborn smile — was currently “helping” her father in the kitchen. She stood on a step stool, tiny hands covered in flour, “assisting” him with making cookies whil

Forever and always

Killian’s POVThe late afternoon sun bathed our backyard in warm golden light, the kind that makes everything look softer, kinder, like the world itself is smiling. I stood on the deck, arms crossed, watching our children play on the grass. Lila, now six, was spinning in circles with her arms wide, laughing as her dark hair flew around her face. Theo, four, chased after her on chubby legs, determined to keep up with his big sister. Their laughter rang out like music — bright, uninhibited, full of life.This was our life now.Not the stolen nights in Zara’s house. Not the fearful days after the positive test. Not the tense family dinners where acceptance grew slowly, like fragile new roots pushing through rocky soil.This.I felt Rae before I saw her — the familiar warmth of her presence as she stepped up beside me. She slipped her hand into mine without a word, leaning her head against my shoulder. I brought our joined hands to my lips and kissed her knuckles.“Happy anniversary, my