Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 151 - Chapitre 160

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 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 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

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 hospital room was a flurry of activity as nurses and doctors moved around me, preparing for the imminent arrival of our little girl. I tried to focus on my breathing, just like we’d practiced in the prenatal classes, but it was hard to concentrate with the excitement and anticipation buzzing through me.Christian was by my side, his hand gripping mine tightly. He looked as nervous as I felt, but his eyes were full of love and determination. "You’re doing amazing, Bernie," he murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from my forehead.I managed a smile, squeezing his hand in return. The contractions were coming closer together now, each one more intense than the last. The pain was overwhelming at times, but I reminded myself of the incredible reward that awaited us. I am so going to meet my baby.Dr. Morgan, our obstetrician, appeared at the foot of the bed, her expression calm and reassuring. "Alright, Bernice, it’s time to start pushing. Are you ready?"I nodded, though I