Soul Serenade

31

The sunlight streamed through the window, painting golden streaks across the room where Miranda lay nestled in a plush white robe. The wedding day had arrived, a culmination of dreams, love, and the promise of a bright future.

"Breakfast" Callie boomed, bursting into the room with a tray laden with steaming tea and a plate of delicate pastries. Her ever-present smile was even more radiant today.

Beside Callie stood Miranda's mother, a newfound tenderness softening her features. Gone were the days of past clashes; in their place, a bond strengthened by forgiveness and the shared excitement of welcoming a new grandchild.

"Good morning, sweetheart," her mother said

"Good Morning" Miranda smiled

Callie bustled around the room, setting down the tray "Alright, beautiful mama," she declared, "first things first. Breakfast of champions. Then, it's Operation: Gorgeous Bride"

Miranda chuckled, the nervous tension easing in the face of Callie's infectious enthusiasm. As they sipped tea and nibbled on pastries, a comfortable chatter filled the room.

"You know, honey," her mother began, her voice filled with a quiet awe, "I still can't believe you managed to pull this off. The tour, the wedding planning, all while eight months pregnant. You're a wonder woman."

Miranda, nestled in her plush robe, smiled. "It wasn't easy, Mom. But with everyone's help it all came together. Plus, Harmony seems to thrive on the chaos."

Callie's hand gently touched Miranda's belly. "Is Harmony feeling peaceful today?" she asked, her voice soft with concern.

Miranda nodded "Seems so," she replied. "Just a few little kicks here and there, nothing too disruptive. Maybe she knows it's a special day."

A wave of tenderness softened her mother's look. "Speaking of Harmony," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper, "are you sure you're up to all this? The wedding, the crowds..."

"Yes mom. I want to walk down that aisle and marry. Dr. Benjamin Warren in this beautiful ceremony in front of family and friends"

In the groom's suite Ben sat at a table laden with breakfast pastries, a mug of coffee clutched in his hand. He wasn't quite ready to face the whirlwind of emotions the day held, but the nervous energy fizzed in his veins nonetheless.

Across from him, William, in a white plush robe that was a tad too big, munched on a chocolate chip muffin. Compared to the usual boundless energy of his son, William seemed oddly subdued, picking at his food with a frown. Beside him, Paul, watched William

"Feeling a little nervous, buddy?" Paul asked

William, his lower lip trembling slightly, nodded. "Will Mommy be okay, Uncle Paul? She has a big baby in her tummy."

Ben's heart ached for his son. He understood the worry, the uncertainty of such a big change.

"Harmony will be just fine, champ," Ben reassured him. "She's strong, just like your mom.

"Are you gonna cry, Dad?" he asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Ben chuckled "Maybe a tear or two, buddy. Happy tears, of course."

Paul leaned back in his chair, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "You deserve all the happiness, Ben. You've been a rock for Miranda, and William's lucky to have you as a dad."

Ben smiled, a wave of warmth washing over him. "I'm lucky to have him as a son"

The door to the suite swung open, and two figures entered, instantly calming the frenetic energy. Ben's father, a man whose kind eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, and Miranda's father, looking a touch sheepish but undeniably proud, walked in carrying garment bags.