SarahAt twenty weeks pregnant, I expected to feel like an inflatable beach ball, but there was something undeniably magical about the way my body was transforming.My belly, rounder and more prominent than ever, seems to defy gravity as it juts out in front of me. It's as if some unseen force is pulling it forward, announcing my pregnancy to the world before I can even open my mouth.I rub my belly and smile down at it fondly.I lean down, pressing my hands gently against my round belly, feeling the little kicks and movements from within. "Hey there, little one," I say with a playful grin. "What mischief are you getting up to in there today?"The baby responds with a small kick, almost as if in response to my question. I laugh, feeling a connection unlike any other. "Ah, I see you're already full of energy. Just like your dad," I tease, imagining the baby inheriting Vincent's grumpiness."But listen, kiddo," I whisper, lowering my voice conspiratorially. "We need to talk about these
VincentThe car glides along the tree-lined road toward campus. I glance over at Sarah, whose eyes sparkle with excitement as she takes in the sight of her new school.I park at the garage, and we both head inside the perimeter."Vincent, I can't believe you're really letting me do this," she says, clutching my hand tightly as I walk with her. "I know it's not going to be easy, but I promise I'll work hard and make you proud."I smile despite feeling the turmoil inside me. This was the last thing I wanted, but I couldn't stand to look at her sad eyes when I told her to wait until the baby was born. So, in the end, Sarah won the argument, and I let her go to the first day of class."Look at them all," Sarah murmurs as she looks at the chattering students around the campus."I guess you are one of them now," I say without smiling. "You better not flirt with other guys. There are too many men here.""God, Vincent. Always so insecure. You are the only Daddy I want," Sarah says, smiling fl
Sarah When I stepped into the classroom for the first time, my nerves were on edge. The unfamiliar faces and unknown expectations made me feel like a fish out of water. Little did I know, a huge surprise was waiting for me. As my eyes scan the rows of seats, they land on a figure that causes my heart to skip a beat. "Jared?" I exclaim in disbelief and excitement. His eyes turn wide. "Sarah? Holy crap! What are you doing here?" he asks, and then his eyes trail down to my swollen belly. "And you are...um...." "Pregnant!" I squeal, making some students turn their heads toward me. Jared's eyes widen even further, his surprise evident as he takes in the news. "Wow..um...congratulations?" he sounds unsure. I can't help but laugh at his reaction. Jared must think I am insane. "Yeah. I decided that I will never leave Vincent. I love him!" I chirp. Jared blinks, clearly taken aback by my sudden declaration. "Wow, that's... unexpected," he stammers, struggling to find the right words.
Vincent"Vincent," Sarah whimpers as she clutches my jacket. "I'm...I'm scared."Tears flow freely down Sarah's face as she clings to my jacket, trembling with fear. My heart is racing in panic, but I force myself to stay calm. For her."It's going to be okay, sweetheart," I whisper soothingly, wrapping my arms around her and carrying her into the hospital.Her sobs continue to wrack her body as she chokes out the words, "I'm bleeding...do you think...we lost our baby?"Each word feels like a stab to my heart. I try to hold back my own emotions as I assure her, "We'll find out soon...just hold on." The weight of responsibility for both my wife and our unborn child crushes down on me, threatening to break me. But I have to stay strong for her.Sarah holds on to me, her body trembling in fear.I tighten my grip on her, trying to provide as much comfort as I can. The only thing I have in mind is to keep her safe.Because if I lost her, I wouldn't know how to live anymore.A nurse hurries
Vincent "I need to see my wife," I demand.The doctor nods and motions me to follow her.As I follow the doctor, my heart races with worry. We enter the room, and I see Sarah lying in the bed, surrounded by beeping machines and wires. Her skin is pale, and her eyes are sunken. She looks frail and vulnerable, not like the bubbly and vibrant woman I know."She's in critical condition. The birth was complicated, and she lost a lot of blood. We've transfused her, but her body is struggling to recover," the doctor says.I feel a lump form in my throat as I approach Sarah's bedside. I take her hand, and it feels cold and limp. I squeeze it gently, hoping she can sense my presence."Don't leave me, I need you," I whisper, trying to hold it together.The machine beeps faster, and the nurse rushes to adjust the settings. "Her blood pressure is dropping. We need to get it under control."The doctor intervenes, "We need to take her back to surgery. There's still internal bleeding we need to add
SarahVincent pushes open the hospital's double doors, and we step out into the sunlight. I keep Bryce close to my chest as he wheels me toward his car."We will be home soon," Vincent says."Feels surreal," I murmur, watching Vincent put Bryce in his car seat.We are finally taking our baby home. I slide in next to him. Bryce's tiny hand wraps around my fingertip, and my heart does a somersault.Vincent catches my eye in the rearview mirror as we drive off, his usual confidence replaced by a silent understanding of the delicate situation we've been thrust into. We exchange a look that says, 'We can do this,' without uttering a word.The drive home was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the engine and the occasional beep from the portable monitor that now accompanied Bryce everywhere. He is still not completely stable, but just enough to go home with us.Once home, we had to turn the baby room into a mini ICU. A small oxygen tank is standing in the corner, and nasal cannulas are at the
Sarah"Vincent, you don't have to do this," I croak out as he canceled yet another one of his meetings with a client."Yes, I do," he says."No, you don't. I am fine on my own. Jennifer is here and...""Sarah, stop," he says, his voice firm yet lined with a tenderness that wasn't part of his usual attitude. He smooths back the hair sticking to my forehead. "You need me here."I open my mouth to protest once again, but the piercing intensity in his eyes brings me to a halt. It's the same unwavering look he always gives when he has made up his mind about something, leaving no room for argument."Your health is still fragile," Vincent insists, flashing a warm smile that sends a rush of warmth through my chest, "You need someone here to take care of you.""I know, but Jennifer is already here. She can help with Bryce, and Sophia said she can come over too. You don't have to leave your office just to be here with me," I retort.Even though I am overjoyed to have him by my side, there is a
SarahI glance at my phone as it buzzed, a piece of cookie halfway to my mouth. The screen flashes with Vincent's name, and a grin tugs at my lips before I even read the message."Meet me in the garden. Now."I've been ready for this promised date ever since Bryce had settled down with his Nanny. But Vincent told me to be patient and wait for his signal.What is Mr. grumpy up to this time?I step inside the garden, and there he is—Vincent, looking dapper in a charcoal suit that hugged his shoulders just right, his dark hair neatly combed, yet one rebellious lock insists on falling over his brow. That mischievous smile played on his lips, the one that told me he was up to something wonderfully ridiculous."Vincent," I say, feigning exasperation. "What is all this?" In front of me is a table set for two, draped in a white linen cloth that fluttered slightly in the evening breeze. Candles flickering in the dimming light. A bottle of what I assumed was expensive wine chilled in a bucket
SarahMy heart feels like it will burst right out of my chest. Bryce is home. It has been two weeks since the kidnapping but I don't want to think about it anymore. My baby is finally back in my arms after the agonizing days of not knowing where he was or if I'd ever see him again. I cling to him tightly, tears of joy and relief streaming down my face."It's okay, Mommy's got you," I whisper, stroking his hair as he nestles against me.Vincent wraps his arms around us both, and we stay huddled together on the couch for a long time, just holding each other and crying. We are exhausted, completely drained after the trauma of Bryce's kidnapping. But now that he is home safe, some of the crushing weight has been lifted off our shoulders."I can't believe this nightmare is finally over," Vincent says hoarsely, his voice heavy with emotion. "We've got our boy back."I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. The terror and despair of the past week still cling to me, making my hands
VincentThe whiskey burns my throat as I swallow hard. Across from me sits Detective Mills, his steely eyes boring into mine."It's the work of Thomas. I know it," I tell him.I shift in my seat. Thomas Whitmore. Just the sound of his name makes my blood boil.Mills nods. "We have to consider every possibility. Especially given your...history with the man."I let out a bitter laugh. "History. That's one word for it." My hands curl into fists at the memory. "I stole everything from me. So he stole my son."Mills holds my gaze steadily. "I appreciate you being so candid. We'll leave no stone unturned in investigating Whitmore's involvement. I promise you that."I let out a shaky breath, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on my chest. But for Bryce, I have to stay strong."Just bring me back my boy," I say hoarsely. "Whatever it takes."Mills nods, his eyes filled with grim determination. "We will, Vincent. You have my word."Mills gathers up the case files on the table, tucking the
VincentMy heart pounds like a jackhammer as I pace back and forth across the living room floor. The clock on the wall ticks deafeningly loud, each second an eternity as I wait anxiously for the phone to ring. I run a shaky hand through my hair, swallowing hard past the lump in my throat.Sarah is sitting on the couch, sobbing quite while the police detective stares at the phone. I am told that the kidnappers always call immediately after the kidnapping."Come on, come on," I mutter under my breath, glancing at the silent phone for the hundredth time. I bite my lip until I taste blood, trying to rein in the panic rising in my chest.Where is he? Is he okay? A million terrifying scenarios race through my mind, each one worse than the last. I squeeze my eyes shut, shaking my head sharply. I can't go there. I have to keep it together for Bryce.I stop pacing and take a deep breath, rolling my shoulders back. I just have to hold on a little longer. Everything is going to be okay. The phon
SarahIt is finally Christmas day and I am feeling pretty festive as all of us gathered around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree."Look at all these presents!" Sophia exclaimed, clapping her hands together in excitement. "You guys went overboard.""Sarah did most of the shopping," Vincent announces."I couldn't help it. I love spending your money," I grin. "Besides, it's Bryce's first Christmas!""Where is the little guy?" Lucy asks."Upstairs, sleeping. I will wake him up in a few minutes," I say."It's also my first Christmas with my wife," Vincent says, pulling me closer.My heart flutters as I look at his loving gaze. "That's the real present," I tease, nudging him gently.Nathan suddenly enters the room, carrying a tray of steaming mugs of hot chocolate."Hot chocolate, anyone?" Nathan offers, his gaze lingering on Lucy for just a moment longer than necessary."Thanks, Nathan," I say, gratefully taking a mug from him. I noticed the subtle tension between Nathan and Lucy.
Sarah"Alright, ladies," Vincent says with a grin, "I've got to head out. Take good care of our little furball, won't you?""Of course!" I reply, giving him a quick peck on the lips before ushering him out the door. "Have a great day at work.""Thanks, love. See you all tonight." With a final wave, Vincent closes the door behind him."Alright, girls, let's go play with the new puppy!" I exclaim, clapping my hands together in excitement. "Let's take him outside in the garden.Lucy and Sophia laughed, but I knew they were just as excited as I was.Outside, the sun was shining bright, so it was the perfect weather for the puppy to run around."Is Bryce is going to be okay?" Sophia asks."Oh, yes. He is fast asleep, and I can hear the monitor on my phone, "I reply. I can't wait until he is old enough to play with Teddy," I add as I look at the little dog frolicking around.I watch with amusement as Teddy leaps into the air, trying to catch a butterfly that is just out of his reach."What
SarahAs soon as we enter the animal shelter, my heart leaps. I take in the sight of all those wagging tails and perked ears poking out from behind chain link fences."Hey there, cutie!" I coo, stopping to scratch a spotted mutt behind his floppy ears. His tail thumps against the concrete floor in appreciation.Vincent chuckles, giving my shoulder a squeeze. "Someone's excited.""Are you kidding? Just look at all these faces!" I gesture excitedly. "How could I not be? There are so many puppies here!"Vincent smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "How will you choose?""I will know when I see the right one," I say determinedly.We make our way down the crowded aisles, pausing every so often so I can offer a scratch or a kind word. Somewhere among all this fur and fluff was a new member of our family, just waiting to be found.I can't wait to welcome them home.I let my feet guide me, weaving through the maze of kennels as I take in all the unique personalities around me. There are
SarahI scowl as I see Lucy striding toward me in the garden.Should I pretend like I didn't see her and walk back inside the house?No, that's just silly. Besides, I have no reason to be this hostile to her. She hasn't done anything to me to deserve such treatment. If anything, it's my insecurity that's the real problem!"Sarah! Hi!" She says cheerfully as she finally caught up with me."H-hi," I say, holding Bryce pressed against my chest. He is finally able to breathe without oxygen tube and is healthy enough to see some sunlight. So I had him wrapped inside one of those baby slings so I can walk with him in the garden.Lucy's grey eyes warm as she looks at Bryce. "Oh my goodness, he's adorable! How's he doing?""He's doing great," I reply, my initial tension easing a bit. "He's come a long way.""I'm so glad to hear that," Lucy says, her smile warm and genuine. "You must be so relieved.""I am," I admit, my voice softening. "It's been a tough few months, but seeing him like this m
Vincent"Humph!"Sarah mutters under her breath, but I hear it clearly.My lips quirk into a mischievous grin as I revel in her obvious discontent.Meanwhile, Lucy remains blissfully unaware of Sarah's disapproval, flashing a toothy smile my way."Vince! Oh, it's so good to see you again. I've missed you," Lucy says.She had rushed towards me, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace earlier right in front of Sarah.Oh, boy. I'll be in trouble later.Jennifer's daughter Lucy towered over Sarah, her long and slender frame accentuated by the ash blonde locks cascading down her back. Her piercing light grey eyes seemed to radiate an intense energy.Right now, we are all sitting in the living room. Jennifer served us coffee and some snacks so we can catch up with Lucy."My god, Vince. I can't believe you got married. And to someone so...young at that," Lucy says, looking at Sarah."I am not that young," Sarah nearly barks, her tone defensive and her eyes narrowing.Lucy raises an eye
SarahSix days until Christmas. Oh god, I'm so excited!Bryce is now two months old, and he looks healthier than ever despite being so small. The little guy has brought so much joy into our lives, and this will be his first Christmas. I can't wait to see his reaction to the lights and the decorations!I am running around the house, adding final touches to the decorations. In two months, I also regained my health, feeling stronger and more energized each day.I take a moment to admire the scene, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. After everything we've been through recently, this moment of peace feels even more precious.I walk over to the crib where Bryce is lying, watching the mobile spin slowly above him. His big eyes are wide with wonder, and he coos softly."Hey there, buddy," I whisper, leaning down to gently stroke his tiny hand. "Ready for your first Christmas?"Bryce's fingers curl around mine, and I can't help but smile.I feel a presence behind me, but I don't turn ar