LOGIN“Almost done…” she murmured, leaning in with a touch of gloss for my lips. I couldn’t help but laugh at how serious she looked, as if I were some delicate art piece she was trying to perfect. Finally, she stepped back with a smile. “There. Now, the dress.” Amber was already at my side, helping m
Hannah The next morning, I woke with a flutter in my stomach that had nothing to do with morning sickness. Sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. I blinked up at the ceiling, letting that first realization sink in. It was the day of our wedding. In le
Hannah Mornings had gotten louder since Melody learned to walk. And she wasn’t just walking—she was trying to run, arms flapping and her chubby legs barely holding her up as she went. This morning, she seemed to be hell bent on dashing down the hallway as Noah tried to brush his teeth and I hunted
I laughed, hoping it sounded more natural than I felt. “Hey, I can spoil you once in a while if I want. Just because it’s a Thursday doesn’t mean I can’t surprise you.” We chatted about our day as we ate, filling each other in on all the usual things. But every so often, his eyes would flicker to
Hannah My hands shook a little as I straightened the delicate flower crown over Melody’s soft hair, adjusting it so the petals framed her tiny face just right. She blinked up at me with those wide, innocent eyes, slapping her hands contentedly on the top of her high chair. I smiled as I ran my f
Hannah By the time we stepped out of the ring, it felt as if my entire body was on fire. Every muscle seemed to be taut, every heartbeat one thump away from shifting. I couldn’t tell if I wanted to run circles around the building or maybe tear up the walls like a caged animal. What was wrong wit
Hannah The lights were blinding as Noah and I took our seats behind the long judges’ table, our names proudly displayed on plaques in front of us. I squinted against the harsh glare, trying to make out the rows of empty seats that would soon be filled with attendees for tonight’s pageant. My hea
Hannah The sleek gray facade of the youth center stood stark against the bright blue sky, its barred windows almost looking like big, empty eyes staring at nothing. I shuddered as I looked up at it. “Is this really what our local youth center looks like?” I murmured, glancing over at Sophia, the
Hannah The water was so hot it almost scalded my skin as I stepped into the shower, but I didn’t mind; if anything, it soothed my sore muscles and tender flesh. I let out a sigh as I slid the glass door shut behind me, inhaling the steam and the scent of echinacea. I shut my eyes as I ran my hai
Hannah It was bright and early, the sun barely having warmed the ground outside. I had been up for a while already—painstakingly preparing myself for today. Training. After Noah had agreed to Drake’s challenge, we had scheduled Saturday to begin. Today, I would be receiving a lesson from both







