BerniceThe scent of cinnamon and pine filled the air as I carefully hung another ornament on our Christmas tree. Outside, fat snowflakes drifted lazily past the window, blanketing the world in a soft white silence. I stepped back, admiring the twinkling lights and glittering decorations that adorned the tree."What do you think, little one?" I murmured, resting a hand on my now-prominent baby bump. "Is Mommy doing a good job with her first Christmas tree?"A soft kick answered me, bringing a smile to my face. At six months pregnant, these little movements never failed to fill me with wonder and joy."I think it looks perfect," Christian's voice came from behind me. I turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, a mug of steaming hot chocolate in each hand. He crossed the room, handing me one of the mugs before wrapping an arm around my waist."You didn't have to do all this yourself, you know," he said, pressing a kiss to my temple. "I could have helped."I laughed, leaning into
BerniceThe shrill ring of the phone pierced through the quiet of our Sunday morning. Christian and I exchanged a glance, both recognizing the ringtone we'd assigned to the hospital. With a sigh, Christian reached for his phone on the nightstand."Christian Miller speaking," he answered, his voice still husky with sleep.I watched as his expression shifted from drowsy confusion to sharp alertness. He sat up straighter, running a hand through his tousled hair."I see," he said, his tone carefully neutral. "And you're sure he's stable enough for visitors?"My heart rate picked up. There was only one "he" they could be talking about."Alright, thank you for letting us know. We'll be there this afternoon," Christian concluded, ending the call.He turned to me, his grey eyes clouded with concern. "That was Dr. Patel from Sunrise Mental Health Center. Fed's doctors think it might be beneficial for him to have some visitors."I sat up, pulling the covers around me. "Are you sure that's a goo
BerniceThe bustling café was a welcome respite from the chilly winter air outside. I spotted Cathy at our usual table by the window, her bright red scarf making her easy to spot in the crowd. As I made my way over, carefully navigating around tables and chairs, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of my best friend practically bouncing in her seat with excitement."Bernie!" Cathy exclaimed as I approached, jumping up to envelop me in a warm hug. "Oh my god, look at you! You're absolutely glowing!"I laughed, returning her embrace before settling into the chair across from her. "I'm not sure if it's a pregnancy glow or just sweat from waddling over here," I joked, rubbing my now-prominent baby bump.Cathy grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Either way, you look fabulous. Now, spill! I want to hear everything that's been going on. How was the hospital visit? Is Fed still cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs?"I sighed, my smile fading slightly as I recalled our recent visit to the mental h
BerniceI couldn't stop grinning as I watched Christian adjust his "sympathy belly" for the umpteenth time. The usually composed CEO looked decidedly uncomfortable, his designer shirt straining against the bulky prosthetic."Are you sure this is necessary?" Christian grumbled, trying to find a comfortable position in his chair.I patted his arm consolingly. "Absolutely. If I have to carry this baby for nine months, you can handle it for a day."We were at the community center for the much-anticipated "Daddy Boot Camp," an event designed to prepare expectant fathers for the challenges of parenthood. Christian had insisted on attending, determined to be the best father possible. What he hadn't counted on was the decidedly un-CEO-like activities he'd be participating in."Miller! Front and center!" barked the instructor, a no-nonsense woman named Sergeant Sally (though I doubted that was her real name).Christian struggled to his feet, the fake belly throwing off his balance. He wobbled
BerniceI stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror, hardly recognizing myself. The designer maternity gown Cathy had insisted I wear hugged my baby bump perfectly, making me look more like a pregnant goddess than the waddling penguin I felt like most days."Are you sure about this, Christian?" I asked, turning to my husband who was adjusting his tie. "It's not too late to cancel and have a nice, quiet celebration at home."Christian chuckled, coming over to wrap his arms around me from behind. "And face the wrath of Hurricane Cathy? I think I'd rather face a boardroom full of angry shareholders."I couldn't help but laugh. He had a point. When Cathy got an idea in her head, there was no stopping her. And this baby shower was her magnum opus."Besides," Christian continued, pressing a kiss to my temple, "you look absolutely stunning. Why shouldn't we show you off a little?"Before I could respond, there was a frantic knocking at our hotel room door. "Bernice! Christian! Are yo
BerniceVictor spotted us and made his way over, a shark-like smile on his face. "Christian! Bernice! Congratulations on your impending arrival. I hope you don't mind me crashing the party. When I heard about this little soiree, I simply couldn't resist stopping by."Christian's arm tightened around my waist. "Victor. What a... surprise. I wasn't aware you were on the guest list."Victor's smile didn't waver. "Oh, I have my ways. And I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the great Christian Miller preparing for fatherhood. Tell me, Christian, do you think you'll be able to balance diapers and dividends?"I felt Christian tense beside me, but before he could respond, Cathy appeared, looking flustered."Okay, everyone! Time for 'Guess the Baby'! Even you, Mr. Hartley, since you've decided to join us."She herded us all towards a large screen, where baby photos of various celebrities and business moguls were displayed."Your task is simple," Cathy explained. "Match the baby photo to
BerniceWhen Christian surprised me with a "special date night," I'd imagined a romantic dinner at our favorite restaurant, maybe followed by a moonlit walk in the park. What I hadn't expected was to find myself standing in an industrial kitchen, wearing a chef's apron stretched comically over my eight-month pregnant belly."A cooking class?" I asked, eyeing the array of sharp knives and sizzling pans with trepidation. "Christian, you do remember the Great Pancake Disaster of 2023, right?"Christian grinned, looking unfairly handsome in his own crisp white apron. "That's why we're here, love. I figured we should probably learn how to cook something for babies before the baby arrives."Before I could protest further, a booming voice echoed through the kitchen. "Welcome, expectant parents, to 'Bun in the Oven: Gourmet Cooking for Two... Soon to be Three'!"I turned to see a man who could only be described as a walking stereotype of a celebrity chef. From his spiky bleached hair to his f
BerniceThe whisk he'd been holding clattered to the floor. "What? Now? But it's too early!"I nodded, grimacing as another contraction rolled through me. "Apparently your child has inherited your impatience for board meetings."The kitchen erupted into chaos. Cathy began running in circles, alternating between excited squeals and panicked shouts for hot water and towels. Melissa, thankfully, kept her cool, already on the phone with the hospital and rattling off instructions to the others.Taylor, ever the voice of reason, was calmly packing up our belongings and coordinating with the valet for our car. "Everything's under control, Mr. Miller," he assured Christian, who looked like he was about to faint into the pesto."It's okay, Bernie," Christian said, his voice an octave higher than normal. "We've got this. Just breathe, remember? Like we practiced in class."I couldn't help but laugh, despite the pain. "Honey, you're the one who needs to breathe. You look like you're about to pas
BerniceThe gentle sea breeze ruffled my hair as I stood on the balcony of our Hamptons beach house, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Ten years had passed since that first charity gala, a decade filled with more love, laughter, and fulfillment than I could have ever imagined."Penny for your thoughts?" Christian's voice came from behind me, as familiar and comforting as ever.I turned, smiling as he handed me a glass of wine. "Just reflecting. It's hard to believe it's been ten years."Christian nodded, leaning against the railing beside me. "Ten amazing years. And you know what? I have a feeling the best is still to come."As if on cue, the sound of children's laughter floated up from the beach below. I looked down to see Hope, now fourteen, chasing her younger siblings, seven-year-old Ethan and five-year-old Olivia, through the surf. Melissa and Alex's twins, eight-year-old Sophie and Lucas, were building an elaborate sandcastle nearby."Should we call them in for dinner?" I
BerniceThe grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel buzzed with excitement as New York's elite mingled, their designer gowns and tuxedos glittering under the chandeliers. I smoothed down the front of my own gown - a midnight blue creation that Cathy had insisted I wear - and scanned the room, making sure everything was in place for our charity gala."Relax, Bernie," Christian murmured in my ear, his hand warm on the small of my back. "Everything looks perfect."I turned to him, drinking in the sight of him in his tuxedo. Even after all these years, he still took my breath away. "I know, I know. I just want tonight to be perfect. We've worked so hard on this."Christian smiled, pressing a quick kiss to my temple. "It will be perfect. The Edward Hamilton Foundation's first major fundraiser - how could it be anything but?"I nodded, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. We had spent months planning this gala, bringing together all our friends and family to support the foundation's mission of
BerniceThe soft spring breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers through Central Park as I watched Melissa and Alex stroll hand in hand ahead of me. Christian walked beside me, pushing Hope's stroller as our daughter babbled happily, pointing at the colorful tulips lining the path."They look happy," I murmured to Christian, nodding towards Melissa and Alex.Christian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "They do. It's nice to see Melissa like this, isn't it? So carefree and content."I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. After everything Melissa had been through, seeing her find happiness with Alex felt like a small miracle.As we approached the Bethesda Fountain, I noticed Alex becoming increasingly fidgety. He kept reaching into his pocket, his face a mix of nervousness and excitement. I nudged Christian, raising an eyebrow in silent question. He nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips."You knew, didn't you?" I whispered accusingly.Christian shrugged,
BerniceThe shrill ring of my phone pierced through the peaceful silence of our bedroom at an ungodly hour. I fumbled for it, nearly knocking over the lamp in my sleep-addled state."Hello?" I mumbled, squinting at the too-bright screen."BERNICE!" Cathy's voice exploded through the speaker, causing me to jerk the phone away from my ear. "I need you! It's an emergency! "I sat up, instantly alert. "Cathy? What's wrong? Is Lily okay?""Lily? Oh, she's fine. Sleeping like an angel, the little traitor," Cathy huffed. "No, it's much worse. I'm filing for divorce!"I blinked, trying to process this information. "Divorce?! Cathy, what are you talking about?""I'm leaving Taylor!" she wailed dramatically. "I can't take it anymore, Bernie. He's driving me insane! Do you know what he did?""What did he do?" I asked cautiously, already suspecting this was going to be something ridiculous."He left his socks on the floor. AGAIN!" Cathy's voice rose to a pitch that I'm sure only dogs could hear.
BerniceThe familiar New York skyline greeted us as our car wound its way through the city streets. After the rugged beauty of Scotland, the urban landscape felt both jarring and comforting. Hope was fast asleep in her car seat, her new stuffed highland cow clutched tightly to her chest."Home sweet home," Christian murmured, his hand finding mine in the space between us.As we pulled up to our building, I saw the doorman, George, step forward to help with our luggage. His familiar face broke into a warm smile as he saw us."Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Miller," he said, opening the car door. "How was your trip?""Wonderful, George, thank you," Christian replied, carefully lifting the still-sleeping Hope from her car seat. "But it's good to be home."I followed them into the building, my mind already racing with all the things we needed to do. Unpack, sort through mail, check in with work... The list seemed endless.As we entered our apartment, the silence enveloped us. After the bustle
BerniceThe early morning sun streamed through the windows of our Paris apartment, casting a golden glow over the scattered suitcases and travel documents strewn across the bed. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my blouse and taking a deep breath. Today was the day we'd been planning for weeks - our family trip to Scotland, to Christian's ancestral home."Mama! Mama!" Hope's excited voice preceded her as she toddled into the room, her little arms outstretched. I scooped her up, pressing a kiss to her chubby cheek."Are you ready for our big adventure, sweetheart?" I asked, smoothing down her unruly curls.Hope nodded enthusiastically. "See sheep!" she declared, her face lighting up with joy.I laughed, remembering the picture books of Scotland we'd been reading to her. "That's right, we're going to see lots of sheep. And castles, and lochs, and maybe even a highland cow or two."Christian appeared in the doorway, looking handsome in a casual sweater and jeans. The pendant I'd
BerniceThe soft glow of my desk lamp cast shadows across the scattered sketches and gemstones before me. It was well past midnight, but sleep eluded me. I was searching for a way to help Christian through his mourning.I picked up a rough sapphire, turning it over in my palm. Its deep blue reminded me of Edward's eyes, always twinkling with mischief and kindness. An idea began to form in my mind, a way to capture a piece of Edward's spirit in something tangible that Christian could carry with him.With renewed energy, I began to sketch. The design took shape under my pencil - a simple yet elegant pendant. A teardrop-shaped sapphire, surrounded by a delicate filigree of white gold, designed to look like the intertwining branches of a family tree. At the base of the pendant, almost hidden within the metalwork, I planned to engrave Edward's initials and the coordinates of his favorite spot in Paris - a bench in the Jardin des Tuileries where he used to take Christian as a boy.As the fi
BerniceIt was a moment of pure magic, tinged with the bittersweet knowledge that it might be one of Edward's last.The night stretched on, marked by Edward's labored breathing and occasional coughs. His skin had taken on a grayish pallor, and his cheeks seemed more sunken than ever. Every so often, his eyes would flutter open, unfocused and glassy, before closing again.Dr. Fournier entered the room for what felt like the hundredth time that night. He checked Edward's vitals with practiced efficiency, his brow furrowing as he noted the dropping blood pressure and weakening pulse. "We've increased his morphine dosage," he murmured to Christian. "He shouldn't be in any pain now."Edward's fingers twitched sporadically against the bedsheet, and his breathing became more irregular - sometimes rapid and shallow, then pausing for long, terrifying moments before resuming. The oxygen mask fogged rhythmically with each exhale, a visual reminder of his continuing fight.As dawn approached, Edw
BerniceChristian rushed in, followed closely by Dr. Fournier. For the next few minutes, the room was a flurry of activity as the doctor checked Edward's vitals and responses.Slowly, miraculously, Edward's eyes fluttered open. They were unfocused at first, but then they found Christian's face."Chris... Christian," he rasped, his voice barely audible around the breathing tube.Christian's face broke into a smile, tears streaming down his cheeks. "I'm here, Grandfather. I'm right here."Dr. Fournier quickly removed the breathing tube, replacing it with an oxygen mask. "Mr. Hamilton," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "Try not to speak too much. You've been through quite an ordeal."Edward nodded weakly, his eyes never leaving Christian's face. He lifted a shaky hand, which Christian immediately grasped."I'm sorry," Edward whispered. "I'm so sorry."Christian frowned, confused. "Sorry? Grandfather, you have nothing to be sorry for. You're going to be okay. You're going to get better