Novels by Catherine Bannister

the ride home was a blur. I was in shock. how could I not know for fourteen weeks that I was pregnant? i couldn't help but think back on everything I had done in the last fourteen weeks. the engagement parties, the wedding, the honeymoon, I didn't get drunk or anything, but I did have a glass of wine or two. Alexander drove us home, and he couldn't stop smiling. every now and then, he'd squeeze my hand. thankfully, he didn't say anything. my husband is amazing and understanding. i hope he knew I was excited too just right now, I was shocked. we got home, and Alexander went to the bedroom to make a phone call. I just sat in the living room and tried to process everything. after about twenty minutes, Alexander came down stairs and scooped me off the couch. "What are you doing?" I asked, giggling. "My mom has Jane for the night," he stated. "You and I are going to process your emotions about this baby together, and you're gonna start by taking a bath." Alexander sat me down in

I sat in the waiting room, nervous and excited. it felt like hours, but I knew it had only been a few minutes. so many thoughts were running through my head right now. Alexander sat next to me, rubbing my knee and filling out some papers for me. I had filled out most of them, but he knew all the insurance stuff. "Mrs. Karina Branson" I heard a woman call my name we stood up together and walked to the nurse standing in the door to the back. I squeezed Alexander's hand as tightly as I could. "Follow me. we're gonna get some vitals and get an ultrasound before I take you to see the doctor." The woman smiled as she led us back. she was pretty blonde with hair pulled up into a cute, messy bun. her scrub top had hearts and pulse lines. her eyes were beautiful and kind, and I was jealous of her make-up skills and full lashes. the name tag on her badge read 'Eliza'. what a pretty name. "Alrighty then, let's get you to ultrasound." Eliza smiled and led us to dim room with a big screen

i tossed and turned last night. it was hard for me to sleep for some reason. i wasn't feeling well here lately. we'd been back for our honeymoon family trip for about a month and a half now. i slipped out of bed and headed for the shower. on my vanity laid a pair of leggings, one of Alexander's shirts, my undergarments, and a box with a note. *Take me, you're late* what was he talking about? I wasn't late... I checked the date on my phone. oh, snap. I checked my tracking app. I was a week late. I ripped the box open and hurriedly opened the package. I laid the test on the counter and waited. Alexander came into the bathroom and leaned against the wall. he looked at me and smiled. "Was I right?" he asked "I haven't looked." I sighed."I haven't even showered. "Well, shower, and then we'll look together." Alexander said as he turned on the shower for me. I was too nervous to take a shower, but I did anyway to hopefully calm my nerves. how in the world did this man know? what

I gave the honors of walking me down the aisle to kal. my heart was racing, and my hands were sweaty. my big brother was there to steady me. I wasn't sure how I got to the altar, but all of a sudden, I was standing in front of Alexander. his eyes were filled with tears, and he was smiling at me like a kid in a candy store. you could tell by the look on his face he was fighting the urge to kiss me. all my nerves and anxiety melted away once kal placed my hand in Alexander's. we both had clay hands, but neither of us cared. we stood there staring at one another, smiling from ear to ear as the officiant began. "Who gives this woman to this man?" she asked. "I guess her brothers do," Kal laughed. " Everyone, you man be seated," the officiant cleared her throat. " we are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of two hearts. in this ceremony, we will witness the joining of Alexander and Karina." everyone was beaming with excitement, joy, and p

flowers everywhere, roses, sunflowers, daisies, carnations, tulips, daffodils, orchids, lilies, dahlias, gladoili, iris, mums, and so much more all mixed shades of red and yellow spread all throughout the house and gardens. the property looked like a florist fairy had a party. gold and red tapestry was hung and flowing throughout as well. everything looked like a flower fairy tale. I was a bit nervous it was all too much, but Alexander insisted on going all out. up the bridal suit, the girls and myself were getting ready. everywhere was getting hair and makeup done by a team of artists. we were all laughing and just having a great time. I couldn't hide my nerves for anything. but it was the moment we were all waiting for. my hair was up in a traditional curly bridal updo with a gold tiara jeweled with rubies. my makeup was also red and gold. I stepped out from behind the curtain and revealed my dress. I stood in front of my bridal party as they stared in awe over my white straple

the alarm blared in my ear. it was only seven thirty. we had to get up, though. today marked 4 days before the wedding. we had to get last-minute preparations done, pick up tuxes and dresses, and pack for our separation time. Alexander was going to his parents' house for three days and I was going to stay at my family home. we agreed to separate a few days before the wedding. our families wanted us to separate for a week, but we couldn't do that to Jane or ourselves. we'd all three go crazy. "Are you excited?" Alexander asked as he turned off our alarms. "I'm nervous," I whispered as I curled into his arms. "There's nothing to be nervous about, my love," he said, kissing my head. he rolled me on top of him, and I straddled his lap as he leaned against the pillows. I could feel his morning wood through our pajamas. Alexander moved his hips as I grinded against him. we began to kiss passionately when both our phones started ringing, and Jane started calling for us through the