BRIAN

The  dining table at my parents' estate was still covered in white plates, half-eaten pieces of cake, and empty champagne glasses. The loud, joyous energy of the twin announcement was still hanging in the warm air of the room. My mother was sitting on the sofa in the adjoining parlor, already looking through thick bridal magazines on her phone, her face bright with a massive smile.

I sat close to Daisy at the table, my left arm wrapped tightly around her waist. My right hand rested flat against her stomach, feeling the soft warmth of her dress. Every time I looked down at her, a wave of raw emotion...