BerniceEverybody hold their breath, seeing Cathy and Taylor exchanged rings. I caught Christian's eye across the altar. He smiled at me, mouthing 'I love you,' and I felt my heart swell with happiness for my friends and gratitude for my own love story.Finally, the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and Taylor pulled Cathy into a kiss that had the entire church erupting in cheers and applause. As they made their way back down the aisle, showered in rose petals and well-wishes, I couldn't help but feel that we were witnessing the start of something truly special.The reception was held at a stunning château just outside the city, its sprawling gardens and elegant ballroom providing the perfect setting for Cathy's vision of a Parisian fairytale. As the maid of honor, I had the task of giving a toast, a responsibility that both excited and terrified me.As I stood up, tapping my glass to get everyone's attention, I felt a moment of panic. But then I caught Cathy's eye, saw her
BerniceThe sun cast long, golden shadows across the tarmac as we made our way towards the private jet. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of romance, celebration, and new beginnings. I felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of returning home.Christian's hand was warm and steady on the small of my back as he guided me into the luxurious cabin. Hope, nestled securely in her carrier, cooed softly as we settled into our seats."Everyone ready for the journey home?" Christian asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he took in our rather large traveling party.Cathy, still glowing with newlywed bliss, bounced in her seat next to Taylor. "Ready as we'll ever be! Though I have to say, leaving Paris feels a bit like waking up from the most magical dream."Taylor chuckled, squeezing her hand. "The dream's not over yet, Mrs. Brooks. We've still got a lifetime of adventures ahead of us.""Smooth talker," Cathy grinned, leaning in to plant a kiss on his cheek. "No wonder I married yo
BerniceThe New York skyline glittered like a string of jewels against the inky night sky as I stood at the window of our penthouse apartment. It had been three weeks since our return from Paris, and the city's energy was slowly seeping back into my veins, igniting a creative spark I hadn't felt in years."Still up, love?" Christian's voice came softly from behind me. I turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, his hair tousled from sleep, concern etched on his face.I smiled, holding out my hand to him. "Just thinking. Did I wake you?"He crossed the room, enveloping me in his arms. "I missed you. Another sleepless night?"I nodded, leaning into his warmth. "I can't turn my mind off. There are so many ideas swirling around, I'm afraid I'll lose them if I close my eyes."Christian chuckled, pressing a kiss to my temple. "That's my brilliant designer. But you know, sleep is also important for creativity."I sighed, knowing he was right. "I know, I know. It's just... I have that
BerniceThe months following the showcase were a whirlwind of activity. My phone seemed to ring constantly with inquiries from boutiques, fashion magazines, and private clients. I had officially re-entered the world of high-end jewelry design, and it was both exhilarating and exhausting."Bernie, darling, you simply must come to this gala next week," Cathy's voice bubbled through my phone as I sketched a new design in my studio. "It's for the Children's Hospital, and all the A-listers will be there. It's the perfect place to network!"I chuckled, tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder as I continued to work. "Cat, you know I'm not really one for big, fancy parties. Besides, I've got a deadline for this commission.""Oh, pish posh," Cathy dismissed. "This is important for your career! Plus, I need my best friend there to keep me from getting into too much trouble."I raised an eyebrow, even though she couldn't see me. "And where will your husband be during all this potential tro
BerniceThe reality of what had just happened began to sink in, and I felt a mix of elation and panic. "Oh my god, Cathy. What have I gotten myself into? The Oscars? That's... that's huge. What if I mess it up? What if she hates what I design?"Cathy grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to look at her. "Bernice Miller, you listen to me. You are incredibly talented. Aurelia saw that, just like I've always seen it. You are going to create something amazing, and it's going to launch your career into the stratosphere. Now, let's get you home so you can start sketching!"The rest of the night passed in a blur. By the time I made it home, my mind was racing with ideas. Christian was waiting up for me, a knowing smile on his face as I burst through the door."So," he said, taking in my flushed cheeks and bright eyes, "I take it the gala was a success?"I launched into an excited recounting of the evening, my words tumbling over each other in my haste to share everything. Christian listened patie
BerniceThe shrill ring of my phone jolted me awake. I fumbled in the darkness, my hand finally closing around the vibrating device on my nightstand. The clock read 3:17 AM."Hello?" I mumbled, still half-asleep."Bernie! It's happening!" Cathy's voice, high-pitched with excitement and a hint of panic, came through the speaker.I sat up, suddenly wide awake. "The baby? Now? But you're not due for another two weeks!""Tell that to this little gymnast," Cathy groaned, and I could hear the pain in her voice. "My water broke about an hour ago, and the contractions are getting stronger. Taylor's freaking out. Can you meet us at the hospital?""Of course," I said, already swinging my legs out of bed. "We'll be there as soon as we can. Hang in there, Cat."I ended the call and turned to Christian, who was now awake and looking at me questioningly. "Cathy's in labor," I explained, rushing to pull on some clothes. "We need to go to the hospital."Christian was up in an instant, moving with the
Bernice"Lily Bernice?"I felt fresh tears spring to my eyes at the name. "Lily Bernice?" I whispered, moving closer to the bed.Cathy nodded, smiling up at me. "After my grandmother, and my best friend. I hope you don't mind.""Mind?" I choked out. "Cathy, I'm honored."As I peered down at little Lily, I was struck by how perfect she was. Tiny fingers, a button nose, and yes, a full head of dark hair just like Taylor had said."Would you like to hold your goddaughter?" Cathy asked, already moving to pass Lily to me.I took the baby carefully, marveling at how light she was. "Hello, Lily," I whispered. "I'm your Aunt Bernie. I've been waiting so long to meet you."As I held Lily, I felt Christian come up behind me, peering over my shoulder at the baby. "She's beautiful," he murmured. "You did good, Cathy."Cathy beamed, though I could see the exhaustion in her eyes. "Thanks. I have to say, though, that was not quite the birth experience I was expecting."Taylor, who had taken up posit
BerniceThe morning dawned grey and overcast, fitting the somber mood that had settled over our household. Christian had been up most of the night, poring over documents and making phone calls. I'd tried to stay awake with him, offering support, but he'd gently insisted I get some rest."One of us needs to be functional tomorrow," he'd said with a wan smile, pressing a kiss to my forehead.Now, as I padded into the kitchen, I found him at the table, suit impeccable as always, but with dark circles under his eyes betraying his sleepless night. He looked up as I entered, attempting a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes."Morning, love," he said, his voice rough with fatigue.I moved to his side, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and pressing a kiss to his temple. "How are you holding up?"He leaned into my embrace, letting out a deep sigh. "As well as can be expected, I suppose. It's not every day you dismantle your family's legacy."I pulled back slightly, studying his face. The
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