"Carson, darling, are you listening to me?" Margaret's voice cut through Carson's thoughts like a knife.Carson blinked, forcing himself to focus on his fiancée. They were sitting in the MacPherson mansion's grand dining room, surrounded by wedding samples and catalogues. "Sorry, what were you saying?"Margaret frowned, her perfectly manicured nails tapping on the table. "I was asking if you preferred the ivory or the eggshell napkins for the reception."Carson stared at the two nearly identical pieces of fabric. He couldn't see any difference, and honestly, he couldn't bring himself to care. "Whichever you think is best," he said, trying to sound interested.Margaret beamed, clearly pleased to have the decision left to her. "I think the ivory. It'll match the tablecloths better."As Margaret chattered on about table settings and flower arrangements, Carson's mind wandered again. He couldn't stop thinking about Alice. Where was she now? Was she okay? How was the baby?"Carson!" Margar
"What do you mean the venue burned down?" Carson's voice echoed through the MacPherson mansion.Margaret's face was pale as she clutched her phone. "The wedding planner just called. There was a fire at the country club last night. It's... it's gone, Carson."Carson blinked, trying to process the news. Their wedding venue,the biggest cathedral known as the exclusive Hillcrest Country Club, had been destroyed in a freak accident. "Well, can't we just find another place?" he asked, surprised by the relief he felt at this unexpected delay.Margaret shook her head frantically. "You don't understand! Hillcrest was perfect. It's where all the best weddings happen. We can't just go anywhere!"As Margaret dissolved into tears, Carson's mother uneasily walked into the room. "What's all this commotion about?"After they explained the situation, Mrs. MacPherson pursed her lips. "Well, this is unfortunate. But perhaps it's for the best. We can take more time to plan the perfect wedding.""More ti
"I'm sorry, but we're looking for someone who can commit long-term," the manager said, his eyes flicking to Alice's obvious baby bump.Alice felt her heart sink. This was the third job interview this week, and it had ended just like the others. She forced a smile. "I understand. Thank you for your time."As she walked out of the small bookshop, Alice blinked back tears. She'd thought this job would be perfect - part-time hours, a quiet environment. But apparently, being pregnant made her unemployable.Her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was Emma. "Hey, sis! How'd the interview go?"Alice sighed, sitting down on a nearby bench. "Same as the others. They took one look at my belly and suddenly the position was filled.""Oh, Alice," Emma said, her voice full of sympathy. "I'm so sorry. Want me to come over? We could watch a movie, eat some ice cream?"Alice smiled despite herself. "Thanks, Em. But I think I just want to be alone for a bit."After hanging up, Alice sat on the bench for a wh
"Carson, darling, what do you think of this one?" Margaret's voice echoed through the vast, empty hall.Carson looked up from his phone, barely glancing at the ornate room around them. "It's fine," he muttered.Margaret frowned, putting her hands on her hips. "That's what you said about the last three places. Are you even paying attention?"Carson sighed, shoving his phone in his pocket. "Look, Margaret, they're all big rooms with fancy decorations. Pick whichever one you like best."The wedding planner, a thin woman named Evelyn, cleared her throat nervously. "Perhaps we could take a closer look at the ballroom? It has a lovely view of the gardens."As Margaret followed Evelyn, chattering excitedly about flower arrangements and lighting, Carson hung back. He pulled out his phone again, scrolling through his messages. There was one from a pretty bartender he'd met last week. She wanted to meet up again.Carson smirked, quickly typing out a reply. He'd have to be careful, though. The w
"Ouch!" she yelped, clutching her stomach. "What was that?"She'd been having little pains all day, but this was different. Stronger. Scarier.Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Alice? You in there?" It was her brother Mike's voice."Come in!" Alice called out, trying to keep the panic out of her voice.Mike walked in, grinning. "Hey, sis! I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd... whoa, are you okay?"Alice tried to smile, but another pain hit her, making her wince. "I think... I think the baby's coming."Mike's eyes went wide. "What? Now? Are you sure?"Alice nodded, suddenly feeling very scared. "Pretty sure. Mike, I don't know what to do. It's too early. I'm not ready!"Mike took a deep breath, visibly trying to stay calm. "Okay, okay. Let's not panic. We need to get you to the hospital."He helped Alice to her feet, grabbing her pre-packed hospital bag from beside the door. "Can you walk to the car?"Alice nodded, taking small steps. "I think so. Just... slowly."The dr
Alice woke up to the sound of Charlie's soft cries. She blinked, rubbing her eyes, and glanced at the clock. 3 AM. Again."I'm coming, little man," she mumbled, stumbling out of bed.She picked up Charlie from his crib, cradling him close. His cries stopped as soon as he felt her warmth."Hungry again, huh?" Alice said, settling into the rocking chair to feed him.As Charlie nursed, Alice looked down at his tiny face. His eyes, so much like Carson's, blinked up at her sleepily. She felt her heart swell with love."You're the best thing that ever happened to me," she whispered, stroking his soft cheek.After Charlie fell back asleep, Alice couldn't. She sat in the quiet darkness, thinking about how much her life had changed in just a few weeks.When morning came, Alice was tired but happy. She changed Charlie, got him dressed, and was just making herself a much-needed cup of coffee when there was a knock at the door."Come in, Mom!" she called out, recognizing her mother's knock.Her m
Alice wiped the spit-up from Charlie's chin, smiling despite her tiredness. "There you go, little man. All clean."Charlie gurgled happily, waving his tiny fists. At three months old, he was becoming more active every day.Alice's phone buzzed. It was a message from her new client, the bakery owner. "Great job on the quarterly report! Can we meet next week to discuss?"A warm feeling of pride spread through Alice's chest. She was doing it. She was building a life for herself and Charlie.As she typed out a reply, Alice's mind wandered. She wondered what Carson was doing right now...---Carson stood in front of the mirror, tugging at his tie. Two days. Just two more days until the wedding."You look handsome, darling," Margaret said, coming up behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his shoulder.Carson forced a smile. "Thanks. You excited for the big day?"Margaret beamed. "Of course! It's going to be perfect. Everything's ready - the venue, the flowers
,Carson woke up with a heavy feeling in his stomach. He looked at the calendar on his bedside table. One day left. Just one more day until he married Margaret.He should be excited. Happy. Instead, he felt... scared? Unsure? He couldn't quite put his finger on the feeling.As he got dressed, Carson caught sight of himself in the mirror. He looked tired. Worried. Not like a happy groom-to-be at all."Pull yourself together," he muttered to his reflection. "This is what you're supposed to want."Downstairs, the house was buzzing with activity. Wedding planners rushed around, carrying flowers and checking lists. Carson's sisters chattered excitedly, their voices high and happy."There's the groom!" his mother called, spotting him at the bottom of the stairs. She hurried over, straightening his tie. "How are you feeling, darling? Excited?"Carson forced a smile. "Sure, Mom. Excited."His mother frowned, studying his face. "You look pale. Are you feeling alright?""I'm fine," Carson said