Nicola Taylor After dinner, as we cleared the plates and loaded them into the dishwasher, I couldn't help but feel a sense of companionship that was so rare for me. It was comforting having someone around, someone to talk to, share a meal with, and simply be present with. Cole's phone interrupted t
"Hello, Mr. Harrington, of course. It’s not a problem," I replied, trying to match his formality while inwardly hoping I wasn't making a fool of myself. Amelia then intervened, her tone carrying concern. "Your daughter is in her room and refuses to come out," she informed Cole as she invited us ins
Nicola Taylor "Miss Taylor," a small, timid voice broke through the quiet hum of conversation, prompting me to set my tea down. I smiled warmly as Arabella hurried over and enveloped me in a gentle hug. Her sweetness never failed to touch my heart, though I couldn't quite fathom why she held me i
"Is this a fucking joke?" I yell at Cole softly as soon as we step out of Arabella's room. "Language. She's sleeping," Cole replies just as softly, though a smile tugs at his lips. I punch him lightly in the arm, making him chuckle. “What are you up to?” I ask, exasperated, as he leads me through
Nicola Taylor “No, no, no,” I yell, covering my eyes as I step out of the bathroom, only to see Cole Harrington standing beside the bed, shirtless in just his joggers. “You cannot sleep shirtless around me. Are you trying to seduce me? Do you think this is how you get me to marry you?” I ask, movi
Nicola Taylor “Daddy!” I hear a loud scream, jolting me awake from my deep slumber. Cole and I sit up with a start, our eyes wide as we recognize the source of the scream. Oh god, no. Why didn’t we lock the door? There stands Arabella, her eyes as wide as saucers, clutching a stuffed bunny in her
Nicola Taylor I stared at the clock striking 2 pm as Cole and I sipped our coffee, the silence between us thick with unspoken words. Everything felt rushed, and I wasn’t sure how to navigate this conversation. “We should start our discussion. What are your demands?” he asked in a very professional
Nicola Taylor “Oh my god. I cannot believe this is happening.” Bella hadn’t stopped jumping since the moment I confirmed I was going to marry her father. Her joy was infectious, and it felt good to see her so happy. She deserves all the happiness in the world. “Bella, I’ll put on Peppa Pig. Go and
"Are you excited for Aaron's party?” I asked, brushing through her locks as she watched me through the mirror.She nodded, swinging her legs happily. “Yes! But I have to take care of everyone. Because Aaron’s just a baby, and I’m the big sister,” she said, very seriously.An hour later, we were fina
Nicola Taylor“No, no, Cole, let go of me now!” I groaned, half-heartedly trying to wriggle out from under him. His weight was pressed against me, his warm, muscled arms keeping me pinned to the bed. Despite my protests, I couldn't stop a smile from sneaking onto my face.“Baby, sleep. It’s fine,” h
He blinked, looking a bit taken aback. “Of course. What did you have in mind? Movie marathon or something?”I forced a small smile, working to keep the nerves out of my voice. “No…like a date.”His brow quirked with interest, but he nodded, loosening his tie and hanging it on the back of a chair. “A
Nicola TaylorThe past few months had been tough, but I’d finally turned a corner. The nausea was gone, and I was starting to glow. People said I looked radiant, my hair had this newfound shine, and my skin had that pregnancy flush everyone raved about. But beneath it all, I was struggling. The wors
When I returned to the room, she was still curled up, her eyes closed but her breathing uneven. I knew she was only half-asleep, fighting the nausea that had been plaguing her all evening.“Tea’s here,” I murmured softly, sitting beside her and holding the warm cup close to her face, letting her inh
Cole HarringtonAs I held Nicola's hair back, feeling the warmth of her trembling shoulders as she cried and heaved in turns, my heart ached for her. She leaned into my chest as if she couldn’t keep herself up anymore, her face flushed and exhausted. I’d never seen her look so vulnerable, and it only made me want to shield her more.“Nicola, just tell me when you’re done, okay?” I murmured, trying to soothe her as best as I could. "I'll carry you to bed, and you can rest a little or sleep for a few hours.”Her face twisted in a mix of frustration and exhaustion. "I’m covered in puke, Cole… this is so gross,” she choked out, tears spilling over as she buried her face in her hands.I smoothed her hair and smiled, trying to keep her calm. “Hey, hey… do you want to shower first? I can run a nice hot bath for you.” She looked up at me, a fragile, helpless nod, her eyes puffy and red. It was like looking at a child who'd been through too much.I kept a hand on her back as I stood and turned
He nodded, his gaze meeting mine. “Alright. Last time… with Arabella, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know what I was doing. I felt too young, unprepared, like I was in over my head. But now, even though this wasn’t planned, I feel more grounded. It’s just… I don’t want to make the same mistakes again,
Nicola TaylorThe quiet hum of the doctor’s office felt oddly comforting as I sat beside Cole, my fingers tapping against my knee. He didn’t say much, just held my hand, calm and steady in that way he always was when he was holding back. Part of me had expected more—something like shock or excitement—but his silence left me feeling exposed, like I’d hoped too much.After what felt like hours, the doctor finally walked in, her warm smile dissolving the tension a bit. “Congratulations,” she said, her tone cheerful yet professional. “You’re officially pregnant, Mrs. Harrington.”The words sank in, spreading a comforting warmth through me. I looked at Cole, waiting for something to flash across his face, some signal that he was thrilled or, at the very least, surprised. But instead, his eyes softened, and he smiled—not wide, not exactly happy, but something between relief and satisfaction. He squeezed my hand, a reassuring gesture, and nodded at me.“This is great news, isn’t it?” I said,
Cole HarringtonAs Nicola’s words sank in, I just stared, unable to process everything. She was sitting there, looking fragile in a way that broke my heart, her voice barely a whisper. "I… I think I might be pregnant, Cole," she managed, her voice trembling. "I haven’t taken a test, but I’m ten days late." She was holding back tears, bracing herself for my reaction.My silence must have been deafening because I saw her shoulders tense even more. I swallowed, pushing down my own whirlwind of emotions to focus on her, only her. I didn’t know what to say at that moment, but seeing her so scared, so vulnerable, made me realize that this was far more difficult for her than it was for me. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to sound calm. “Hey,” I murmured, pulling her closer, rubbing her back gently as I held her. "Whatever happens, we’ll figure it out. I’m here, okay? You’re not alone in this." She buried her face against my shoulder, and I felt her release a shaky breath. It made me w