**Mia's POV**The sharp pain in my neck woke me. I'd fallen asleep at my desk again, surrounded by design sketches for the children's center. The soft weight of a blanket slipped from my shoulders as I straightened, sending a familiar scent, that ridiculously expensive cologne Kyle always wore.My heart stuttered. Had he been here? "Don't be stupid," I muttered to myself, folding the blanket carefully. "Mrs. Chen probably found it somewhere." But my hands lingered on the fabric, betraying my attempt at indifference. I hadn't seen Kyle since our confrontation at Scarlett's engagement party, and that was a good thing. It had to be.Gasoline's wet nose pressed against my hand, his warm brown eyes full of concern. "I'm okay, buddy." I scratched behind his ears, drawing comfort from his solid presence. "Just tired."My phone buzzed with a message from Nate: "Surgery prep starts in two hours. Try to eat something before coming in."Mom's final operation. The hospital corridors felt differ
**Mia's POV**The world started spinning the moment Taylor was wheeled away. My lungs seemed to forget how to work, each breath coming in short, painful gasps. I stumbled backward until my shoulders hit the cold hospital wall, legs threatening to give out.Seven weeks. They'd known for seven weeks.The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed too loudly, the sound drilling into my skull. My stomach rolled violently as fragments of Taylor's words played on repeat: Kyle's baby... our son... the nursery..."Focus," I whispered to myself, pressing my palms flat against the wall. The rough texture grounded me slightly, giving me something real to concentrate on. "Just breathe."But my body had other ideas. Black spots danced at the edges of my vision as memories crashed over me in merciless waves – my own blood on marble stairs, Kyle carrying Taylor away while our babies died, and now this. Their baby. Their son. Their future.The dizziness hit harder. I slid down the wall, not caring about who
Mia's POVThe word escaped before I could stop it: "Mommy?"Her eyes fluttered open. I see those familiar green eyes I'd inherited. God. I almost forgot mom's eyes. Now it is so clear and focused for the first time in years. Her hand reached for mine, trembling but determined."Hi baby," she whispered, voice rough from disuse.I couldn't breathe. Couldn't move. After so many months of one-sided conversations, hearing her voice - actually hearing her respond - seemed impossible.Mom. "Is this real?" The question slipped out, small and scared.Mom's fingers tightened around mine. "It's real, sweetheart. I'm here."That broke me. Tears spilled over as I collapsed against her, careful even in my desperation not to disturb the IV lines. Her free hand came up to stroke my hair, that achingly familiar gesture I'd missed so much."Shh," she soothed, just like she used to when I was little. "It's okay.""I missed you so much." The words tumbled out between sobs. "I was so scared you wouldn't
Mia's POVThe scent of freshly baked apple pie filled my new apartment, wrapping around me like a warm hug from the past. Mom stood at the kitchen counter, her movements slower than before but determined as she crimped the edges of the crust just like she used to when I was little."Mom, you really don't have to—" "Hush." She didn't even look up from her work. "Let me do this for my baby girl.""You just got discharged from the hospital," I protested, though my heart swelled at the familiar sight of her in the kitchen. "You should be resting.""I've rested enough for several lifetimes." Her hands stayed steady as she sprinkled cinnamon sugar over the top. "Besides, Dr. Pierce said light activity would be good for my recovery."As if summoned by his name, my doorbell chimed. Gas bounded toward the entrance, his tail wagging furiously as Nate's voice carried through: "Special delivery for the welcome home party!"I opened the door to find him juggling several bags of takeout while Scar
Mia's POVWeekend sunlight filtered through my curtains, painting warm stripes across my bed. For once, I let myself luxuriate in the quiet morning, no alarm pushing me toward meetings or site visits. Gas's gentle snoring from his bed in the corner provided a soothing backdrop as I stretched, my muscles protesting slightly from yesterday's workout."Just five more minutes," I mumbled into my pillow, though I knew it was closer to nine than my usual six AM. The sounds of Mom puttering in the kitchen drifted through my door – the gentle clink of her favorite teacup, the rustle of newspaper pages turning.When I finally dragged myself up, the wooden floor was cool under my bare feet. I padded to the window, pulling back the curtains to reveal a perfect autumn morning. The maple tree outside my window was just starting to turn golden at its edges."Time to adult," I told my reflection as I moved through my morning routine. The face in the mirror looked different lately – more relaxed, may
Mia's POVThe ultrasound room was colder than I remembered. Or maybe it was just my nerves making me shiver as I lay on the exam table, paper crinkling beneath me with every anxious shift. Mom sat beside me, her hand warm in mine."Everything will be fine," she whispered, but I heard the slight tremor in her voice.Dr. Sarah Matthews – not my usual OB, but the only one I trusted after last time – squeezed the gel onto my still-flat stomach. The cold made me flinch."Sorry," she smiled apologetically. "Should warm up in a second. Ready to take a look?"I nodded, not trusting my voice. The last time I'd been in a room like this, Kyle had stood where Mom was now, his face unreadable as the doctor confirmed our pregnancy. Before everything went wrong. Before Taylor. Before the stairs.The machine hummed to life. Dr. Matthews moved the wand slowly, her eyes fixed on the screen I couldn't quite see from my position."Ah," she said softly. "There we are."My heart stopped. "Is something wron
Mia's POVMy morning sickness had finally started to ease. But sleep was becoming my new enemy sometimes. my dreams were filled with storm-grey eyes that had once known every inch of me. I'd wake gasping, only to find myself in my new apartment with Gas snoring softly from his bed. This morning was no different. I lay in bed, watching dawn paint my ceiling in shades of pink and gold while my hands rested on my slightly rounded belly. Ten weeks. The babies were the size of small limes now, according to my pregnancy app.My phone buzzed with Scarlett's familiar tone:"Get dressed! We're going out tonight! 💃🏻"I texted back: "Can't drink, remember? Doctor's orders."Her response was immediate: "So? You can still have fun! Besides, I need my best friend. "I smiled despite myself. "Fine. But I'm leaving by 10.""Deal! Wear that green dress that makes your boobs look amazing! Love you! 😘"Speaking of boobs... I glanced down at my chest, which had definitely gotten fuller lately. Soon I
Mia's POV"Are you sure this dress hides everything?" I twisted in front of my bedroom mirror, studying my reflection critically. The loose navy silk skimmed over my small bump, but I swore it was more noticeable than yesterday.Mom appeared in the doorway, already dressed in her favorite cream blazer. Her taste seems didn't change. "You look beautiful. Stop fussing.""I'm not fussing. I'm being cautious." I smoothed the fabric again. "You know how observant Linda Morgan is.""Scarlett's mother has always been too nosy for her own good." Mom checked her watch. "Now come on, we're going to be late."The Morgan estate hadn't changed since I was a teenager. Same elegant fountain gurgling in the circular driveway. Memories of countless sleepovers with Scarlett flooded back as we pulled up to the entrance."There you are!" Scarlett bounced down the front steps, looking effortlessly glamorous in a red wrap dress. She hugged me carefully - she'd been treating me like I might break since lear
Mia's POV"Mia."The voice, that voice, snapped me back to reality with jarring suddenness.I turned my head. My eyes flew open to find Kyle standing a few feet away, his expression guarded but his posture hesitant.The second time. "Are you following me?" I blurted."No." He gestured to a building visible just beyond the park's edge. "My meeting was there. I saw you from the window."I wanted to believe it was another coincidence, but the statistical improbability, strained credulity. Paris was too big, with too many parks and too many paths for these encounters to be chance.I think I was angry."What do you want, Kyle?" I asked, suddenly tired of the games, the half-truths, the careful dance we'd been performing since the divorce.He hesitated, then sat beside me, leaving a careful distance between us. His closeness sent an unwanted ripple of awareness through me. Purely subconscious. For the familiar scent of his cologne, the warmth radiating from his body."Is it true?" he asked
Mia's POVI looked at Thomas. But I immediately realized that he wanted to help me.His eyes met mine briefly. A silent message passing between us: Play along. It's easier this way.One voice told me: This is not a good idea. Making things more complicated will not help. I should have corrected Thomas. I should have clarified that Thomas and I were just friends, that there was nothing romantic between us.But seeing Kyle's expression changed. A flash of raw pain quickly passed his face. It unlocked something petty and vindictive in me that I wasn't proud of.So I said nothing. Just moved closer to Thomas, even allowing him to place a protective hand at the small of my back.Kyle's eyes tracked the movement, his expression shuttering completely. When he spoke again, his voice held none of the emotion that had colored it moments before."I see." The two words were clipped, professional. "Then I won't waste any more of your time." He nodded once, a businessman concluding an unsuccessful
Mia's POVThomas looked at me. So sincere. "Of course," he said, his tone controlled."Scarlett seems to have some... ideas about us," I continued, choosing my words . "About you and me. I just want to make sure we're on the same page.""Ah." The single syllable revealed nothing of his thoughts. "Scarlett's matchmaking efforts haven't gone unnoticed, then."I laughed softly, relieved he wasn't pretending ignorance. "They're about as subtle as a billboard in Times Square."He took a sip of coffee. "My sister has many talents. Subtlety has never been among them.""No, it hasn't." I took a sip of water, gathering my thoughts. I'm afraid I'm imagining things. But I have to talk to Thomas. I sighed."I just wanted to say that I appreciate your friendship, especially now when everything's so..." I gestured vaguely at my pregnant belly, "complicated. But I'm not in a place where I can think about anything more than that."Thomas's expression softened. "Mia. I understand completely. And I hop
Mia's POVThe short walk from the hotel suite to the elevator felt like a small victory."Settle down, you two," I whispered, rubbing the spot where one of them, probably Twin B, the more active one according to Dr. Matthews. He was particularly insistent with his kicking. "We're just going to the spa. Nothing exciting."But maybe that wasn't entirely true. I tugged at the hem of the "spa transition outfit" Scarlett had laid out for me. It's a flowing maxi dress in soft gray with a light cardigan. Leave it to Scarlett to find maternity wear that didn't make me feel like a walking tent.The elevator doors slid open to reveal the opulent lobby of Le Grand Paris. Thomas was already there, leaning against one of the marble columns with casual elegance, checking something on his phone. He wore the same impeccably tailored suit from brunch, but had removed his tie and unbuttoned his collar slightly.Like Scarlett, he inherited the best of both his parents. They looked like the favored child
Mia's POVMorning arrived. For a moment, I lay still, until reality reasserted itself.The twins were already awake. "Good morning to you too," I murmured, rubbing the spot where one of them seemed to be practicing somersaults.A discreet knock sounded at my door just as I was contemplating whether I had the energy to get up. "Yes?" I called, pushing myself into a sitting position."Good morning, Ms. Williams," a woman's voice responded. "I've brought your breakfast, as requested by Mrs. Morton."Scarlett, of course. I should have known she wouldn't leave my morning meal to chance. "Come in, please."A uniformed staff member entered, pushing a cart laden with covered dishes, fresh flowers, and what appeared to be every international newspaper published that morning. "Where would you prefer to dine, madam? The terrace has been prepared, or I can set up here by the window.""The terrace sounds perfect," I said, sliding my feet into the plush slippers that had been thoughtfully placed be
Mia's POV"Thank you, Henri," I said, settling into the buttery leather seat. My back ached from the flight despite the specialized accommodations, and the twins seemed determined to make up for their earlier quiet by performing what felt like synchronized swimming routines."Everything okay?" Scarlett asked quietly, noting my wince as one particularly enthusiastic kick caught me under the ribs."Just my travel companions making their presence known," I assured her, rubbing the spot gently. "I think they're excited about Paris."Henri navigated through evening traffic with the practiced ease of someone who'd been driving these streets for decades. I caught glimpses of the city through the windows—elegant buildings, street cafés, people strolling along tree-lined boulevards. Even in these fleeting snapshots, Paris had an undeniable romance to it.Our hotel—Le Grand Paris—was a magnificent historic building in what Scarle
Mia's POV"Me? Nothing!" Her expression of wounded innocence wouldn't have fooled a toddler. "He mentioned needing to check on the Paris office weeks ago. Is it my fault their audit coincides with our trip?""Scarlett," I said slowly, "did you arrange a corporate audit just to send your brother to Paris while we're there?""Don't be ridiculous," she laughed. "I don't have that kind of power.""Your husband does," I pointed out.She shrugged, a small smile playing at her lips. "Morton may have mentioned some accounting irregularities that required personal attention from the finance team. Pure coincidence.""Right," I said flatly. "Pure coincidence that your brother—whom you've been trying to set me up with for months—happens to be going to Paris at the exact same time we are, staying at the exact same hotel.""The universe works in mysterious ways," she said, examining her manicure with sudden interest.I sighed, leaning back against the headrest. "Scarlett, I know you mean well, but
Mia's POVThe interior of the private jet redefined luxury—cream leather seats, polished wood details, and what appeared to be a fully stocked bar at the rear. Scarlett immediately made herself at home, kicking off her heels and curling into one of the oversized chairs."Isn't it fabulous?" she grinned at my wide-eyed expression. "Wait until you see the bedroom in the back.""There's a bedroom?" I couldn't help the disbelief in my voice."Of course there's a bedroom," she laughed. "Where else would we nap during a seven-hour flight?"Morton directed me to what was clearly the most comfortable seat, already equipped with extra pillows, a cashmere blanket, and what appeared to be a specialized pregnancy support belt for long flights."Pressure will stabilize quickly after takeoff," he explained, helping me get settled. "If you experience any discomfort at all, please let us know immediately. We have direct communication with air traffic control and can make an emergency landing if neces
Mia's POVNate emerged from the driver's side, casual in jeans and a light sweater, his smile warm as he approached. Behind him, excited barking emanated from his vehicle—Einstein, Schrödinger, and Marie Curie clearly sensing their friend's presence."Morning, everyone," Nate greeted, nodding to the assembled group.Gas could barely contain himself, prancing between my legs and the SUV, his entire body vibrating with excitement. So much for tearful goodbyes—he was clearly ready to abandon me for his canine companions without a backward glance."Traitor," I told him, though I couldn't help smiling at his enthusiasm.Nate laughed. "Don't take it personally. Einstein brought his favorite tennis ball as a welcome gift.""I see where his loyalties lie," I said, crouching awkwardly to give Gas a final scratch. "Be good, okay? No teaching the others your bad habits."In response, Gas licked my face and then promptly trotted over to Nate, looking up expectantly as if to say 'let's go already!