The backyard was strung with soft white lights, paper lanterns swaying gently in the breeze that whispered through the trees. Despite it being late October, the weather was unseasonably warm, a rare gift of golden sunlight and blue skies. Mark had been sweating behind the grill in a black T-shirt and jeans, flipping burgers and hot dogs while keeping one eye on Ronnie and the other on the flaming meat.
Ronnie looked radiant.
She wore a pale blush maxi dress that hugged her baby bump, with fluttery sleeves and a delicate floral pattern. Her hair was half-pinned back, soft waves spilling over her shoulders, and her cheeks were flushed—not just from the heat, but from the sheer joy that shined through her eyes. She moved slowly, carefully, as she greeted guests and accepted hugs, but her sm
