Michael POV:We walked into the house together to Mrs. Hardy laying on the sofa. She sat up straight in her chair and folded her hands on her lap. “Okay. What’s going on?”“Two cars? Both of you here just after work? It’s something big.” She said "Aurora, looks scared, so it can't be a good news" She added"Trust me, Mrs. Hardy it's a bad news, it's something joyful, but depends on how you see it. you need not stress yourself. It's just something that need to be said, you are bound to find out sooner or later.""Oh' so you have both decided to come clean and tell me, my daughter is pregnant" “Mama!” She exclaimed, horrified.My mouth fell open.“She thinks I’m deaf,” Mrs. Said to me. “I’d have to be, not to hear her throwing up every morning.” She studied him belligerently. “Well? I presume it's yours, since you are here with her and look quite anxious unlike your charismatic self. The old woman is so intelligent. "You are right Mrs. Hardy, i impregnated your daughter""Since wh
Michael POV:As I walked into the jewelry store, my heart was pounding with excitement and nerves. I was met with the sparkling sight of diamond rings on display, each one more dazzling than the last.I realized i was making Aurora settle for the bare minimum and felt pissed with myself, she didn't even receive a romantic and beautiful Proposal like every woman dreams of. I wanted to do it tonight, when the emotions was still running high. I had been looking for an excuse to leave and come back and going back to town to get some food had been the perfect excuse and distraction. I knew she wouldn't suspect a thing.I approached a friendly sales associate and explained my situation. "I'm looking for an engagement ring for my Woman" I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Something special that will take her breath away."The sales associate nodded understandingly. "Of course. Do you have any specific styles or designs in mind?"I shook my head. "I really don't know where to start. I j
Aurora POV:He’d promised lunch, but I could tell that the discussion about Lucy was wounding him. I only smiled. “I’ll look forward to it,” i said. “Drive carefully.”He nodded absently, turned, and went to his car. He didn’t look back as he drove away.I hesitated before i went back into the house. I wasn’t really worried. He wasn’t lying about their physical compatibility, and he did seem to want our child. But he hadn’t completely settled the past. He needed time, and i was going to give it to him. I wanted him desperately. But he had to want her just as much. He had to let go of the memory of Lucy. Somehow, i knew, he would manage that.Mom caught the sight of the ring of my finger when i stepped. It was hard not to. "That's new" she eyed it"Yes Mom" i said flashing it for her to have a better look "He just proposed to me" "That was thoughtful of him" She nodded with relief"I guess what's left is to pick a date and start plannig a wedding before your stomach before you start
Michael POV:I had gone home in a black mood. Mee and Yow curled up beside me in bed that night and purred while I brooded. I couldn’t get that last vision of Lucy out of my mind, lying so still and beautiful in her white coffin. All the long years, he’d wondered if i could have saved her if i'd managed to convince her not to go to the party instead of agreeing to go. I agreed to go to the party with her. She’d asked him to, and he’d wanted to go. Then I'd watch her die. I'd gone around in a daze for weeks afterward. He hadn’t been able to think, much less work. I wanted to punish myself for it and i did punish myself for it. My reserve unit, like Cag Hart’s, had been called up in 1991 when Operation Desert Storm sent soldiers to Kuwait to liberate it from invasion. He’d volunteered without a second thought, not at all concerned that he might die.He’d waded right in with his company, in the thick of the fighting, a captain in a forward unit. During a memorable firefight, i’d propell
Aurora POV:The cats were both sitting in the front window when the car drove up.“That’s odd,” Michael remarked. “They never wait for me like that unless it’s grocery day.”“Maybe they smell the salmon!” I teased.He made a face. “Fat chance.”I picked up the fish and we both went in the front door together.“Hi, guys,” I said, wafting the brown-wrapped fish above their heads. “Hungry?”They both started yowling, sounding for all the world like crying babies as they stood on their hind legs trying to swat the package out of my hands.“That has to be a good sign,” I told him.“We’ll see. Come on, girls,” he called to them, leading me through the living room and into the spacious kitchen. “I’ll get their bowls.”He pulled them out of the dishwasher and settled them on the counter. Violet opened the brown package and split the salmon down the middle. The cats were all but climbing the cabinet.“Here you go, babies,” I said softly, and put the fish down.They both glanced at me with big
Aurora POV:It was Libby wedding the following week. We went together to the wedding. She married hugh in a beautiful church service, with most of the leading citizens of Jacobsville for witnesses. As her brother Curt led her down the aisle, she glanced at Aurora, sitting so close beside me, and grinned. We grinned back.The soft melodies of a string quartet played in the background, creating an atmosphere of enchantment and romance. The late afternoon sun bathed the scene in a warm, golden glow, casting a spell on all who gathered to witness this momentous occasion.The ceremony itself was a beautifully orchestrated affair. The vows spoken by Sarah and James were heartfelt and sincere, capturing the essence of their deep connection and unwavering commitment to each other. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement, knowing that my own wedding was just around the corner.The presence of Calhoun added to the class of the occasion, like ants attracted to a lump of sugar, Calhoun p
Aurora POV:As I walked hand in hand with Michael through the grand entrance of the bridal boutique, anticipation and joy danced within my heart like a thousand butterflies. The air seemed to shimmer with an ethereal light, mirroring the radiance of our love that illuminated every step we took together. We were embarking on a journey, not just to find the perfect wedding dresses, but to weave our dreams into reality, one delicate stitch at a time.The boutique, a sanctuary of bridal enchantment, embraced us with its whispered promises of beauty and grace. Soft music floated through the air, gently caressing our souls and lifting our spirits to new heights. The walls were adorned with cascades of lace and satin, like precious tapestries that held the stories of countless love stories before ours. It was as if the very essence of love had permeated every thread, every seam, and every detail.A man in his 40s welcomed us, he had radiant smile plastered on his face."Welcome Mr. and Mrs.
Michael POV: "I'm so sorry i called you, trust me you are the last person i would have want to bother" The tear stricken voice said. "I thought you guys have have a different type of relationship and might know what he is up to" "I assure you, i know nothing" "I'm so worried, he has never not come home for a day. My husband hasn't been home for three days, without prior informing of his whereabouts" She lamented"I'm so sorry Josie. I'm sure he is fine and a perfect explanation for his dissapearance" I said. Even i don't believe what i had told the young woman, but i had to find a way to keep her calm."I certainly hope so" she mused."And forgive me, i don't mean to ruin your special day""I understand, your husband safety is more important""Mazel Tov" "Thanks Josie" I hung up. "It's considef badluck to receive a phone call during your wedding in some part of the country" Calhoun said.He was sat across in an adorned suit to match occasion. Having the Mayor of the city as yoyr