For the first time, Merina stepped inside the condo. He’d found an experienced designer to remodel it into a fashionable, spacious home for their needs. She moved through it. The movers had already done their job. She had only her business things needed to move in, and she had a company licenced to do that coming in later that day to set up her office. They didn’t keep a physical office because they ran on word of mouth. That meant they could work wherever their secure files were. Now she walked through the top floor of O’Keefe Industries Office building where Conner set himself up with his condo a decade ago. He liked the ease of commuting, and they were downtown with a private elevator. Staff wouldn’t be knocking on their door at all hours. The chef and housekeeper were present as day staff. They’d leave after they served dinner most nights. They had space to grow and entertain. But Conner insisted this would be their home until they had children.

Jeff wanted to celebrate. His plans were going as expected. Ana agreed to marry him. He wanted everything perfect. Later that week after the party, Merina held her housewarming for their condo rebuild. Despite Merina being a wreck, it went off without a hitch. He’d learned from Conner that they’d confirmed that afternoon that Merina was pregnant. However, they didn’t know how far along she was yet. They’d have those results in a few days. He showed Ana around his home, pointing out the details he had overlooked before because of other priorities. She’d returned to the house and come prepared not to feel impressed about what he showed her. This house stood for their future and his first step towards stability in life, which Ana came to accept. “I don’t understand. If you record your album at the studio at the production studio, why do you need this room here?” “I don’t write in the studio. I don’t enjoy writing with background noise as it

[SIX MONTHS LATER] The family piled out of the limousine. Baby seats and gear carried by a happy Conner, Ian, and Andre. Merina noticed her father wave at a man in a wheelchair who was being pushed by a female attendant. That was Ana’s father. He appeared to be headed into the house from somewhere in the garden. Today was Ana’s wedding and the hive of action revealed how close the ceremony was to take place. Merina and Conner had to hurry to get ready. The two grandfathers were taking care of their two little bundles, which worried Merina a little. Merina caught sight of their fathers showing off the babies to everyone who showed any remote interest. With that, the wedding planner whisked her and Conner off for the final preparations. Hair, makeup, dress, champagne, photographs became a whirlwind of excitement and activity. Security was exceptional, with news of Jeff’s wedding and news leaking about his new album. “It’s a perfect day for your weddin