Ariana's POV
I sat on the couch, my legs sprawled out in front of me, as the weight of my growing belly pressed heavily against me. A sour tangerine was tucked into my palm, its sharp taste soothing me in some inexplicable way. Claire sat on the floor beside me, her small hands moving gently over my swollen foot with a determination that made my heart swell with gratitude. I looked down at her, and she gave me a reassuring smile, her bright eyes catching mine as if to say she would take care of me through anything.
Across the room, Emily and Ryan chatted lightly, filling the space with a comfortable buzz. Meanwhile, Mercy was in the kitchen, clattering around as she made me a bowl of her famous soup. The smell wafted through the house, wrapping around me like a blanket. For a moment, it
