CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-TWO: OVERPROTECTIVE MASON

Emily raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how's that going?" "So far, so good," Claire replied. "He's the one who suggested I come shopping with you today." Emily's eyes widened in surprise. "Well, color me impressed. Maybe there's hope for him yet." Claire laughed. "He's a good man, Em. Just... intense sometimes." "Speaking of intense," Emily said, lowering her voice conspiratorially, "have you thought about what you're going to do about work after the baby comes?" Claire's smile faltered slightly. "I... I'm not sure yet. We haven't really talked about it." Emily nodded sympathetically. "No pressure. Just something to think about, you know?" As they left the boutique, Claire's mind whirled with thoughts of the future. She loved her job, but the idea of balancing a career with motherhood seemed daunting. Back at home, Claire found Mason in his home office, engrossed in work. She knocked gently on the open door. Mason looked up, his face breaking into a smile. "Hey, you're back! How wa