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Our son. The words still feel surreal.

The Edgewater comes into view, its flagpole visible first, then the distinctive white siding. A sign welcomes guests to "TheWedding of Anna Astor and Thomas Hill," adorned with tasteful silver and blue ribbons.

"Ready for one more wedding?" Charlie asks, kissing my temple.

"This is technically our first as a real couple," I remind him.

His smile turns soft around the edges. "The first of many, I hope."

The words hang between us, loaded with implication. Before I can respond, we're swept inside to the ceremony.

Anna is radiant, her empire-waist dress cleverly disguising her pregnancy to the casual observer. As she and Thomas exchange vows, Charlie's fingers lace with mine, and I wonder if he's thinking what I am—that someday, this could be us.

The reception is held in the Olympic Ballroom, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. The sun is beginning its descent, casting golden light across the room, making the crystal glasses and silver cutlery gleam. A band plays softly in one corner, and servers circulate with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

"Tess, darling!" Bev Astor's voice carries over the gentle hum of conversation. She emerges from a cluster of guests, Bill at her side. They make an impressive pair—Bev in a tailored navy dress, Bill commanding in his perfectly fitted gray suit.

"You look lovely," Bev says, kissing my cheek. Her eyes drop briefly to my midsection, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "How are you feeling?"

"Good, thanks. The little bit of morning sickness that I had seems to be gone."

"It’s amazing that she didn’t have more of that," Charlie interjects. "I hear that’s rare—especially with twins."

Bill claps Charlie on the shoulder, his usual stoicism softened into something that might be pride. "When are you telling everyone else? Your mother's about to burst keeping this secret."

"After Anna's spotlight has dimmed," Charlie says diplomatically. "Maybe next week."

"Smart," Bill nods. He turns to me, his expression unusually gentle. "And you're sure you're feeling well? Beverly was so fatigued with both Charlie and Jane."

The genuine concern in his voice catches me off guard. “I am definitely tired sometimes.”

"Twins will do that," Bev says knowingly. "You must rest whenever possible. I've been reading all about twin pregnancies."

"There you are!" Jane's voice cuts through the conversation as she and Trey approach, champagne flutes in hand. "We've been looking for you."

Jane hugs me tightly, whispering in my ear, "You look amazing. No one would guess you're growing two humans in there."

"That's what I told her," Charlie says, giving Trey a firm handshake that turns into a half-hug.

"So, twins," Trey says, grinning. "You didn't waste any time, Charlie."

"Trey!" Jane elbows him, but she's laughing. "Ignore him. We're just so excited for you both."

"Jane's already bought them matching onesies," Trey confides. "One says 'Copy' and the other says 'Paste.'"

"I couldn't resist," Jane admits. "And I may have ordered a custom rocking horse. Tess, you should see it—it’s absolutely gorgeous. It's being hand-painted right now."

"Oh my gosh! You’re the best!" I give her another big hug.

"My niece and nephew deserve to develop their riding skills early. Olympic equestrians, both of them, I'm sure of it."

Charlie laughs. "Let's let them be born first before you start planning their athletic careers."

"I've been thinking about music, actually," I admit. "How early to start them on instruments."

"Both," Jane declares. "They can be musical equestrians. Now, come sit with us. I want to hear all about the ultrasound."

As Jane leads me away, her arm linked through mine, I glance back at Charlie. He's watching us, a soft smile playing on his lips, and something in my chest expands. I love all of these people so much.