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"Good morning, Mr. Hartman, Mrs. Hartman to-be," Maria greeted us warmly.

"Good morning, Maria," I replied, my voice tinged with exhaustion. "It's been quite a morning already."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement, and I could tell she was feeling the same mixture of emotions I was.

Maria paused in her cleaning and looked at us kindly.

"Would you like some coffee?"

Elizabeth and I exchanged a glance and quickly nodded. We both needed a caffeine boost.

"That sounds lovely, Maria," Elizabeth said with a grateful smile.

Maria quickly went about her task, brewing a fresh pot of coffee. As the rich aroma filled the kitchen, I couldn't help but reflect on how our lives had changed in just a day.

From the grandeur of our engagement party to the quiet moments that followed, it was a whirlwind of emotions.

Once the coffee was ready, Maria poured each of us a cup, and we sat at the kitchen table, savoring the warmth of the mugs in our hands.

Elizabeth took a sip and sighed contentedly.

"You know, Alexander, I'm not used to having someone make coffee for me."

I chuckled, realizing that she had a lot of changes coming that would feel new and different.

"It's small, but it's a wonderful luxury."

Elizabeth, still cradling her coffee cup, looked suddenly concerned.

"Oh, Alexander, I completely forgot about Teddy!" she exclaimed.

Teddy had been alone at her apartment since the festivities began yesterday. I could see the worry etched across her face.

I couldn't help but feel for her. Teddy was like family to Elizabeth, and she couldn't bear the thought of him being alone for much longer.

I'll drive you home," I offered, knowing Elizabeth would want to see her furry friend as soon as possible.

She nodded in gratitude. As we sped through the winding roads towards her apartment, I couldn't help but admire her determination and compassion. She cared deeply for those she loved, whether they had two legs or four.

As we pulled up to her apartment building, Elizabeth hurriedly got out of the car, clutching her bag of belongings. I followed her to her apartment, where Teddy greeted her with an affectionate meow and a gentle head bump.

"Oh, Teddy, I missed you so much!" Elizabeth cooed, scooping him up into her arms.

"I promise I won't leave you alone like this again."

Teddy purred contentedly in response, nuzzling against Elizabeth's cheek. He’d missed her too.

With Teddy in her arms, Elizabeth quickly packed a bag with essentials – clothes, toiletries, and a few of Teddy's favorite toys and supplies.

I could see a hint of reluctance in her eyes as she did.

"Elizabeth," I said gently, "I know you have work to do, but what if we take a few days off and go somewhere together? Just you, me, and Teddy. A little vacation to relax and unwind."

She hesitated, her brows furrowed in thought.

"Alexander, I have a lot on my plate at work. I can't just disappear."

I smiled, trying to be as persuasive as possible.

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