Fiona set her phone down on the kitchen counter after hanging up with Riley. She picked up her mug of tea , letting the warmth seep into her palms as she stared out the window at the fading evening light. The small curve of her belly pressed gently against the loose fabric of her sweater, a secret that felt heavier with every passing day.

The phone rang again, pulling her from her thoughts. Caleb’s name appeared on the screen. She answered with a small smile, her voice softening instinctively.

"Hey, you," she said, carrying the mug to the living room and sinking into the couch.

"Hey, beautiful," Caleb replied, his tone warm and steady like always. There was a gentle pause, as if he could sense the weight in her silence. "How are you feeling after talking to Riley? You sound a little tired."

Fiona let out a slow breath, curling her legs beneath her. "It was a lot. Clara basically tore apart every idea I contributed to the launch. The storytelling, the colors, even the tagline. It hurts more than I expected, hearing how they’re reshaping it. But I’m trying not to let it pull me back in. How was your day?"

They talked for a while about small things his meetings at the architecture firm, her quiet afternoon catching up on rest. Caleb listened patiently, offering the kind of steady support that never felt overwhelming. Then his voice shifted, carrying a note of careful excitement.

"Actually, I called for a specific reason," he said. "The Moonshine Lumina Glow launch... the team decided to move it up. It’s happening this weekend. Saturday night. I’d really love it if you could accompany me. As my date. Officially."

Fiona’s hand drifted automatically to her stomach. This weekend. The words settled slowly, bringing a flutter of nerves. The small bump was still easy enough to hide at home or on casual outings, but a formal company event felt different. More exposing. She took another sip of tea, giving herself time to process.

"This weekend?" she echoed softly. "That’s really soon, Caleb."

"I know it’s short notice," he said, his voice gentle and understanding. "The timing with the market felt right, and we’ve been preparing quietly for weeks. But if it’s too much with everything else going on, I completely understand. I just... I want you there with me, Fi. It would mean a lot."

Fiona closed her eyes for a moment, letting the invitation sit. Part of her felt excited at the thought of standing beside him, supporting this side of his life that he had kept carefully hidden. Another part worried about the visibility, the dress code, and how her changing body might show under brighter lights and closer scrutiny.

"I want to be there," she said finally, the decision forming as she spoke. "I really do. You’ve been so steady through all of this. But I’ll need to figure out what to wear. My regular clothes are starting to feel... snug in places. The bump is small, but it’s there now. I can’t risk it showing, especially at an event like that."

Caleb’s response was immediate and reassuring. "Of course. We’ll take care of that. I can arrange a private shopping appointment tomorrow morning at a boutique that specializes in elegant, flowing styles. Empire waists, soft draping, things that feel comfortable but still look stunning for the evening. No pressure, no rush. We’ll find something that makes you feel beautiful and confident while keeping everything private."

Fiona smiled faintly, the tension in her shoulders easing. "Thank you. That helps more than you know. I’m excited for you, Caleb. This launch sounds important."

"It is," he admitted, a quiet pride in his voice. "But having you there... that’s what I’m looking forward to most. We’ll keep things low-key if you want. Just us enjoying the night together."

They continued talking for a while longer, the conversation drifting naturally between details of the event and lighter everyday things. By the time they said goodnight, Fiona felt a cautious warmth settling in. The weekend was coming fast, but with Caleb’s support, it felt manageable.

---

The next morning arrived gently, sunlight filtering through the cottage curtains in soft, golden threads. Fiona had slept better than expected, though the upcoming weekend event still hummed quietly in the back of her mind. When Caleb pulled up outside, right on time, she stepped out to meet him wearing a simple loose blouse and leggings. His presence was immediately calming — that steady smile, the way he opened the car door for her without making a fuss.

"Good morning," he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. His hand rested lightly on her lower back for a moment, warm and reassuring. "Ready for a little adventure?"

Fiona nodded, settling into the passenger seat. "As ready as I can be. I keep imagining all the ways something could go wrong with the dress, but... I’m excited too. It feels like a real step."

The drive to the boutique was peaceful, filled with easy conversation about nothing important — the weather, a funny story from one of Caleb’s meetings, how the baby had been kicking more noticeably lately. By the time they arrived at the discreet storefront tucked away on a quiet tree-lined street, Fiona felt more relaxed.

Lila, the owner, welcomed them personally at the door with a warm, professional smile. She was an elegant woman in her fifties, dressed in flowing neutrals, clearly experienced in creating comfortable spaces for clients with special needs. "Mr. Reed, Miss Flare — welcome. I’ve prepared a private suite for you. No interruptions, plenty of natural light, and a selection I think you’ll love."

The private fitting room was even better than Fiona had imagined. Soft, flattering lighting glowed from recessed fixtures, comfortable velvet chairs sat in one corner, and a large three-way mirror reflected every angle with kindness rather than harsh judgment. Racks of evening wear in rich fabrics lined one wall — silks, chiffons, and soft crepes in deep jewel tones and elegant neutrals.

Lila gestured gracefully. "We’ll start with empire waists and draping styles that offer comfort and movement. Feel free to take your time. I’ll bring in different sizes and options as needed."

Caleb settled into one of the chairs, looking completely at ease. "Take all the time you want, Fi. I’m here for the fashion show."

Fiona stepped behind the thick curtain with the first few dresses Lila had selected. The fabrics felt luxurious against her skin — cool, flowing, forgiving. She slipped into a deep midnight blue gown first. The empire waist sat comfortably just below her bust, the soft chiffon draping beautifully over her small bump without clinging or revealing. When she stepped out, Caleb’s eyes lit up.

"Wow," he said softly, leaning forward. "Turn for me?"

She did a slow spin, the fabric swirling around her legs. In the mirror, she caught herself smiling. The color made her eyes brighter, and the cut gave her a graceful silhouette that felt both elegant and safe.

"It feels... good," she admitted, smoothing her hands over the sides. "Not too tight. I can actually breathe. What do you think?"

Caleb stood up, coming closer but respecting her space. "You look radiant. That blue against your skin — it’s perfect. Confident, but still soft. Like you."

They continued the process unhurriedly. Lila brought more options — a rich emerald green with delicate beading along the neckline, a soft rose gold that shimmered subtly when she moved, and a classic black with artistic draping that felt timeless. Each dress became its own small moment of discovery. Fiona stepped in and out of the fitting area, laughing quietly when one style made the bump too obvious or when Caleb offered playful but sincere compliments.

One particular gown — the deep emerald — made her pause longer in front of the mirror. The fabric draped beautifully, skimming over her changing figure while highlighting her shoulders and collarbone. She turned side to side, studying how it moved with her.

"This one," she said finally, a quiet excitement building. "It hides everything I need it to, but I still feel... beautiful. Like I belong on your arm at the launch."

Caleb stood beside her in the mirror’s reflection, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. "You do belong there. And you’re going to shine, Fi. Not just because of the dress because it’s you."

Lila made quick, precise adjustments on the spot a tuck here, a slight lengthening of the hem for comfort. The process felt collaborative and caring rather than rushed. By the time they left the boutique with the emerald gown carefully packaged, along with matching accessories and comfortable heels, Fiona felt lighter. The shopping had turned into something exciting and intimate a shared moment that made the weekend event feel less daunting and more like a celebration they were stepping into together.

On the drive back, Caleb reached over and took her hand. "Thank you for doing this with me. I know the timing is fast, but having you there... it changes everything for me."