No Strings Attached

The SUV had barely rolled into the driveway of the villa when Snow scampered to the rear car door, her tail wagging in anticipation.

He let out soft, eager whines as he waited.

lan stepped out of the car and bent down to give Snow's neck a gentle squeeze. "Stay back from your mom for now, okay? You've got germs, and we can't risk anything with the baby on the way." Snow let out a couple of defiant barks but obediently took a few steps back.

As lan helped Clara out of the car, Snow could no longer contain his excitement.

He pranced around Clara, clearly yearning for affection.

Yet, he stayed put, not daring to come too close.

Clara gestured to him. "Come here, Snow. Don't listen to your dad. Let mommy give you a little love."

Snow heard her invitation and dashed over to Clara, circling her before settling at her feet, his whines growing louder.

Clara stroked his fur and chuckled. "Mommy's missed you too, Snow. But I can't pick you up just yet. How about a big hug after the baby's born, okay?"

Snow seemed to nod, his glossy black eyes shimmering with understanding.

And be careful-it's chilly out

his excitement palpable as

leaping up to nudge the door open, but lan stopped him. "Snow, go play

as if to say

look from lan, and he sulked

to speak when suddenly, darkness enveloped

slipped off his black tie and

softly and whispered, "Mrs. Hayes, you've yet to see your

in confusion.

and see.

Clara's shoulders and slowly opened the

delicate scent of roses wafted toward them, filling

deeply. "That smells amazing.

with a child on the way, Clara's heart couldn't help but race at the unexpected surprise.

softly and murmured,

he slowly untied

a

bed was dressed in crimson linens, and

joy and happiness, and even