CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-THREE: BABY SHOPPING SPREE

As they climbed into bed, Claire felt a flutter in her stomach. She gasped, placing a hand on her belly. "What is it?" Mason asked, concern etching his features. "Are you okay?" Claire laughed, tears of joy springing to her eyes. "I think... I think I just felt the baby move." Mason's eyes widened in wonder. "Really? Can I...?" Claire nodded, guiding his hand to the spot. They waited in breathless anticipation, and after a moment, there it was again – a tiny flutter, like the wings of a butterfly. Mason's face broke into a radiant smile. "That's... that's our baby." As they lay there, hands intertwined over Claire's belly, the reality of their growing family settled over them. The challenges of the past few weeks seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of awe and excitement for the future. "I love you," Claire whispered, her eyes heavy with sleep. "I love you too," Mason replied, pulling her close. "Both of you." The Los Angeles sun beat down on the sidewalk as Claire and Mas