Bonus Story

Bonus Story
CHAPTER ONE

Tanya walked into class with a light smile on her face. As soon as she saw Anna Briggs sitting by the window, flipping through her notebook, she hurried over and hugged her tightly from behind.

“You’re late,” Anna teased without looking up.

“And you’re always too early,” Tanya whispered, making Anna giggle.

They had only been friends for a few months, but Tanya already felt like she’d known Anna forever. There was just something warm and comforting about her—like the sister Tanya never had.

Anna turned around in her seat with a sparkle in her eyes. “You didn’t forget about tomorrow, right?”

Tanya raised a brow. “Your engagement party? Of course not. I’ve already picked out my dress!”

Anna beamed. “Good! I’m even more excited that the party will be at your husband’s hotel. That place is stunning.”

Tanya nodded, brushing a stray curl from her cheek. “Yeah, he does have good taste… when he’s not being a complete workaholic.”

Anna laughed. “Is he coming with you?”

“Of course,” Tanya replied with a confident smirk. “You think he’ll let me roam the city at night by myself in my condition?”

Anna placed a hand over Tanya’s belly and whispered dramatically, “Honestly, if you didn’t say anything, no one would guess you’re three months pregnant.”

Tanya chuckled and rubbed her small bump. “Perks of still being able to fit into my old jeans.”

“Lucky you. I’d probably look like a balloon by now,” Anna said, rolling her eyes with mock jealousy.

They both burst into laughter, drawing a few amused looks from their coursemates. The rest of the day went by quickly—lectures, snacks, whispered jokes—and by the time Tanya got home, the sun was already beginning to set.

She kicked off her shoes the moment she walked into their cozy living room and found her husband, Colby Tanner, sitting on the couch with his laptop. His tie was loose around his neck, and his hair looked like he’d run his hands through it a hundred times.

“Darling,” she said, flopping beside him, “Don’t her too busy and forget, Anna’s engagement party is tomorrow night.”

Colby looked up, his brow furrowing. “That’s tomorrow?”

Tanya gave him a look.

“I totally forgot,” he sighed, shutting the laptop. “I’ve got an important meeting with Henry Duke. We’ve been planning it for weeks.”

“Henry Duke?” Tanya said, sitting up straighter. “Darling, I know Henry. He’s your friend. He’ll understand. Just tell him you’ll reschedule.”

Colby groaned and rubbed his temples. “Baby…”

She folded her arms and gave him the pout. That pout always worked, and they both knew it.

“Anna is the only friend I’ve made that I really like since… you know, everything,” she said gently. “She’s been so sweet to me, and she really wants me there. I don’t want to disappoint her.”

Colby looked at her, defeated. He sighed again, but this time, it was the sigh of a man who had just lost a silent battle with his wife.

“Fine,” he said, lifting his hands in surrender. “You win. You’re the boss.”

Tanya grinned. “Damn right, I am.”

“What time is the party?”

“Eight,” she said, placing a kiss on his cheek. “And don’t forget, it’s at your hotel.”

He chuckled. “Right. I knew that. I was just testing you.”

“Sure you were.”

Meanwhile, across the city, Anna was on the phone, lying on her bed with her legs kicking softly in the air. Her voice was soft, almost shy.

“I still can’t believe you are going to marry me,” she said.

“Why wouldn’t I?” came the smooth voice on the other end. It belonged to Sam Harrison, her fiancé.

“I’m adopted,” Anna murmured. “The Briggs family was kind to take me in, but I always felt like I didn’t belong. Like I had to keep proving I was good enough to stay. But with you… with you, it feels like I finally have a place. A real family.”

Sam was quiet for a moment. Then he said, “That’s because you do belong. With me. Forever.”

Anna smiled. “Stop saying sweet things or I’ll cry before the party even begins.”

Sam chuckled. “Better save those tears for when I make my grand entrance in a tux.”

“Oh please, I’ll be too busy stealing the spotlight,” she said, pretending to flip her hair.

“Exactly why I’m marrying you,” Sam replied.