Maya and Carina meet with the contractor in the penthouse to discuss the upcoming renovations. The contractor, a seasoned professional with a clipboard and notepad, is ready to take on the project.

Maya starts the conversation, "We need to transform the study into a home office for Carina. We'd also like to change Carina's current office back into a guest room and convert the guest room into a nursery. Additionally, after the renovations are complete, we need help with baby-proofing the penthouse."

The contractor nods, taking notes. "Got it. I'll make sure we have a detailed plan for each of these changes. Let's start with the study."

Carina chimes in, "For the study, we want to create a functional and stylish home office that complements the rest of the penthouse. It should be both practical and comfortable for me."

The contractor asks, "Do you have any specific design preferences or requirements for the home office?"

Carina responds, "I'd like a space that's bright and welcoming, with plenty of storage and a large desk. It should also have a comfortable chair and maybe some built-in shelves for my books and documents."

Maya adds, "And make sure it has good lighting, especially task lighting for late-night work."

The contractor makes notes and then moves on to the guest room conversion. "Next, we'll be turning Carina's current office back into a guest room. Do you have any ideas on how you'd like it to look?"

Carina thinks for a moment. "We'd like to keep it simple and cozy, with a comfortable bed and maybe a small sitting area. We want it to be inviting for our guests."

Maya adds, "And ensure there's enough storage space for our guests' belongings. We can transfer most of the furniture out of the guest room by the master bedroom that will transform into the nursery. We would like to handle setting up the nursery as much as possible but we will let you know if there are tasks we can not complete."

Finally, the contractor addresses baby-proofing the penthouse. "Once the renovations are done, I'll help with baby-proofing the entire penthouse. We'll cover things like outlet covers, securing furniture to the walls, and any other safety measures needed."

Carina looks relieved. "That sounds perfect. Thank you for accommodating all of our requests."

Maya nods in agreement. "Yes, thank you. We're excited to get started and make these changes."

The contractor wraps up the meeting, saying, "I'll prepare a detailed plan and timeline for the renovations. We'll make sure everything is completed to your satisfaction."

Maya and Carina thank him and head out, looking forward to the upcoming changes and the new chapter in their lives.

— — —

On a lazy Saturday afternoon, Maya and Carina are lounging comfortably in their cozy man cave, the dim lighting casting a warm glow over the room. They're surrounded by soft cushions and blankets, enjoying each other's company as they talk about the future and their growing family.

Carina looks over at Maya with a curious smile. "So, Maya, have you thought about whether you'd prefer a boy or a girl?"

Maya hesitates for a moment, her gaze drifting to her hand resting gently on Carina's belly. "You know, I think I'd love a little girl. Someone just like you—smart, kind, and full of life."

Carina's eyes light up with a soft, affectionate smile. "That's sweet. I have a feeling this baby might be a boy, though. I guess we'll find out soon enough!"

Maya laughs softly, squeezing Carina's hand. "I guess we will. Either way, I'm just so excited to meet our little one."

Carina leans her head on Maya's shoulder, her smile widening. "Me too. And I can't wait to see you with our baby, no matter what they turn out to be."

As they continue to relax in the man cave, Maya turns her head slightly towards Carina, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"So, Carina," Maya asks, "have you thought of any names for the baby yet? I've been mulling it over, but I'd love to hear if you have any ideas."

Carina looks up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Actually, I have! For a boy, I've been leaning towards something classic, like Benjamin or Alexander. For a girl, I've thought about something timeless like Amelia or Sophia. What about you?"

Maya smiles, her mind racing with possibilities. "I've always liked the idea of names with a bit of a modern twist but still meaningful. For a boy, something like Ethan or Liam sounds good. And for a girl, maybe something like Harper or Isla?"

Carina nods, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "Those are great choices! It's so exciting to think about names. I think we should make a list and see which ones feel right as we get closer."

Maya agrees, squeezing Carina's hand gently. "Absolutely. We've got plenty of time to decide, but it's nice to start thinking about it."

They continue to chat about potential names, their conversation filled with anticipation and joy as they imagine the future with their baby.

— — —

Jack and Maya meet with the private investigator in Jack's office, the atmosphere tense but hopeful. The investigator lays out several documents and reports on the desk.

"Here's what we've found so far," the investigator begins, flipping through a folder. "The amounts that Sarah received are indeed linked to the business accounts. We've tracked the transactions, and it's clear that the money came from your accounts. The issue now is pinpointing exactly who transferred these funds to Sarah."

Maya leans forward, her expression troubled. "So, we know the money came from our accounts, but do we have any leads on who might have authorized these transactions?"

The investigator nods, pulling up a chart on his tablet. "We're looking at a few possibilities. The transactions were recorded under various account managers and department heads. We're analyzing the signatures and authorization logs to see if we can match any of them with Sarah's activities."

Jack frowns, tapping his pen on the desk. "What about the timing of these transactions? Could they align with any specific events or meetings that might point to someone's involvement?"

The investigator nods again. "That's one of the things we're examining. There's a pattern emerging where the transactions coincide with certain meetings and shifts in financial oversight. We're cross-referencing this with employee access logs and communication records."

Maya looks at Jack, her worry evident. "I don't understand how Sarah could have accessed these funds. She was mostly working with the corporate law firm, and only recently joined B4 Inc. How could she have gotten the authorization to withdraw this money?"

The investigator takes a deep breath. "It's possible that someone within the company facilitated this or had access to the funds in question. We're also investigating if Sarah had any accomplices or if she used insider knowledge to bypass certain controls."

Jack takes a deep breath, trying to process the information. "So, we're still looking at a potential internal leak?"

"Yes," the investigator confirms. "It's crucial to determine if there was an accomplice who may have manipulated the financial records or authorized the transfers. I'll keep you updated as we dig deeper into these leads."

Maya nods, her determination clear. "Please, keep us informed. We need to get to the bottom of this."

The investigator stands up, nodding. "Absolutely. I'll get back to you as soon as we have more information."

As the investigator leaves, Maya and Jack exchange worried glances, both aware that the situation is far from resolved.

Maya, feeling the weight of the financial discrepancies dials Lane's number. Her mind races as she waits for him to pick up.

"Hey, Maya," Lane answers, his voice warm but curious. "What's up?"

"Hi, Dad. I need to meet with you and Vincenzo," Maya says, trying to keep her voice steady. "There's something important we need to discuss regarding the recent financial issues we've been dealing with."

Lane's tone shifts to concern. "Is everything okay? What's going on?"

"Let's just say there are some discrepancies in the accounts that we need to address," Maya explains. "I want to make sure we're all on the same page. Can we meet tomorrow?"

Lane agrees, and they set a time and place to meet. After ending the call, Maya turns to Jack, who is reviewing some documents in his office.

"Jack, I need to talk to you," Maya says, her voice firm. "I've scheduled a meeting with my dad and Vincenzo for tomorrow to discuss the financial discrepancies. I need to hear directly from them that they don't know anything about this situation."

Jack looks up, sensing Maya's unease. "I understand. It's important to get clarity on this. If hearing it from them helps you settle your doubts, it's the right step."

Maya nods, her anxiety evident. "I just need to be sure. The investigator's findings are unsettling, and I need to know that this doesn't involve my family in any way."

ack spends the evening meticulously preparing for the meeting with Lane and Vincenzo. He reviews all the financial documents and reports related to the discrepancies, focusing on the problematic transactions and amounts that raised concerns. To ensure he is thoroughly prepared, he drafts a list of targeted questions aimed at clarifying the situation, including queries about potential involvement or knowledge of the discrepancies, the flow of funds, and any links to Sarah.

He creates a concise summary of his findings to present clearly during the meeting, ensuring that the key issues and discrepancies are easily understood. Jack also consults with Maya to confirm that his questions and approach align with her concerns and expectations, discussing their strategy and any specific points she wants to emphasize.

In preparation, he gathers all relevant documents, including financial reports, the discrepancies summary, and related correspondence, organizing them for easy presentation. Jack plans to approach the meeting with a professional and calm demeanor, focusing on obtaining clear answers and understanding the full scope of the issue. He rehearses his presentation and potential questions, mentally preparing for various scenarios that might arise.

Maya and Carina settle into their cozy living room, the soft glow of the evening light creating a peaceful atmosphere. Maya turns to Carina with a serious expression, her eyes reflecting the weight of her concerns.

"I've scheduled a meeting with my dad and Vincenzo for tomorrow," Maya says, her voice steady but carrying an undertone of anxiety. "I need to hear it from them directly that they aren't involved in these financial discrepancies. I just can't shake the feeling that something might be off."

Carina nods, her expression supportive yet thoughtful. "I understand. It makes sense that you need this clarity, especially with everything going on. It's important for you to hear it from them, not just rely on the information we have."

Maya takes a deep breath, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edge of her blanket. "Exactly. I need to settle this unease. If they're involved or if they know something, it'll change everything. I want to make sure we're clear on where they stand before we move forward."

Carina reaches out, placing a comforting hand on Maya's arm. "You'll get the answers you need. Just be honest and direct. And remember, no matter what, we're in this together. We'll handle whatever comes up."

Maya gives a small, appreciative smile, feeling slightly reassured by Carina's support. "Thanks. I'll do my best to get to the bottom of this and make sure we're all on the same page. I just hope everything will be as straightforward as it should be."

— — —

The next morning, the atmosphere in the boardroom was tense as Jack, Maya, and Carina met with Lane and Vincenzo. The room was starkly lit, the serious nature of the discussion reflected in everyone's expressions. Maya had meticulously prepared for this meeting, and she was determined to get the clarity she needed.

As they sat down, Maya, with Jack beside her for support and Carina at her side, began the meeting by presenting the evidence of the financial discrepancies. The documents were laid out before everyone, showing the irregularities that began two years ago. Maya's voice was steady but edged with the weight of her concern.

"I need to understand if either of you know anything about these discrepancies," Maya said, her gaze fixed on Lane and Vincenzo. "These records show significant withdrawals from our business accounts that started two years ago, and I need to know if either of you had any knowledge of this."

Lane and Vincenzo exchanged glances before Lane spoke up. "Maya, I assure you, I have no knowledge of these discrepancies. If there was anything going on, it was not brought to my attention."

Vincenzo nodded in agreement. "I would have known if there was something amiss. We've been focused on our own operations, and I am not aware of any such issues."

Maya listened carefully to their responses, trying to gauge their sincerity. Though their words were clear, Maya couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Her gut told her there was more to uncover, but she couldn't pinpoint exactly what was troubling her.

Jack, ever perceptive to the nuances of such meetings, noted Maya's reaction and glanced at her, offering a subtle nod of reassurance. Carina, sitting quietly but with a firm expression, reached out to Maya's hand, providing silent support.

The discussion continued, and Maya's determination did not waver. As she reviewed the details of the financial discrepancies once more, her frustration was palpable. "Given the seriousness of these discrepancies, I'm considering turning all of this over to the police," she said firmly, her eyes locked on Lane and Vincenzo.

Lane's expression darkened immediately. "Maya, are you seriously suggesting that we involve the police? Do you realize the damage this could do to our businesses? We've worked tirelessly to build them up, and this could tear everything down."

Vincenzo, usually more reserved, now showed a rare glimpse of anger. "We're not saying we don't want to cooperate, but turning this over to the authorities could have disastrous consequences. It could lead to public scrutiny and damage our reputations beyond repair."

Maya remained calm but resolute. "I understand the potential fallout, but my priority is to ensure that we get to the bottom of this. If there's been wrongdoing, it's crucial that we address it properly. We can't just sweep it under the rug because it might be uncomfortable."

Carina, observing the heated exchange, felt a pang of concern. She squeezed Maya's hand reassuringly, signaling her support. Jack, ever the mediator, stepped in to try to defuse the situation. "I think what Maya is suggesting is about making sure we clear the air and ensure everything is handled transparently. We need to know the truth so that we can move forward without any lingering doubts."

Lane took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "We've always been transparent with each other. If there's anything to be addressed, we should handle it internally before involving outside parties."

Maya's tone was resolute as she continued the discussion. "I don't think you fully grasp the gravity of this situation," she said, her voice steady but intense. "Sarah's involvement is a significant concern. The police are already involved because it seems like there's a connection between her actions and the discrepancies we've found. This isn't something we can just brush aside."

Lane looked uneasy but tried to maintain his composure. "Maya, we're all on the same side here. We don't want any of this to damage our businesses. We're just concerned about how things might unfold if this goes public."

Maya's eyes narrowed slightly as she pressed further. "I understand your concerns, but the issue is too serious to ignore. The fact that Sarah's actions are linked to these discrepancies means we have to address this thoroughly. It's not just about the businesses—it's about ensuring that everything is above board."

Lane's frustration was evident. "What more do you want from us? We've already stated that we don't know anything about the discrepancies."

Maya took a deep breath and continued, "There's another point I need to address. When I was transferred to B4 Inc., I noticed how easily Sarah was brought on board. Given the situation, I have to ask—why was she hired so quickly and without any red flags? It seems like you didn't have any reservations about her, despite her history with the corporate office."

Lane's face grew darker, and Vincenzo shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Sarah was hired based on her experience and the needs of the company at the time. We didn't have any reason to believe she would be a problem. It's not like we could predict what would happen."

Carina's frustration boiled over as she leaned forward, her eyes narrowing at Lane and Vincenzo. "You knew Sarah was causing problems at the corporate office," she said, her voice rising with anger. "You were aware of her issues, both professionally and personally. And despite that, you brought her into B4 Inc. anyway."

Lane's face flushed with a mix of guilt and irritation. "We needed someone with her skill set at the time, and we didn't foresee these issues. We trusted her to do the job."

Carina shook her head, her tone sharp. "Trusting someone with a problematic history is one thing, but ignoring red flags is another. You brought her in knowing she had caused problems before, and now it's clear that those problems have escalated."

Vincenzo tried to interject, his voice firm. "Carina, we made decisions based on the information we had at the time. It's not fair to place all the blame on us now."

Carina's anger didn't waver. "It's not just about fairness. It's about responsibility. You should have been more thorough in vetting her, especially given the issues she had previously. This situation has not only affected our businesses but has also deeply impacted Maya and me personally. We trusted you to make better decisions, and now we're dealing with the fallout."

Maya's eyes remained fixed on Lane. "I need to know that we're all committed to getting to the bottom of this, not just to protect the businesses but to clear our names and ensure that everyone involved is held accountable."

Maya stood by Carina, her expression one of resolute support, as the gravity of the situation became even clearer to everyone present.

As the meeting came to a close, the atmosphere was thick with unresolved tension. Maya, Jack, and Carina reconvened in a private space, away from the tense atmosphere of the conference room. Maya's expression was troubled as she looked at Jack and Carina.

"Something still feels off," Maya confessed, her voice tinged with frustration and unease. "I heard what they said, and I want to believe them, but my gut is telling me there's more to this. I can't shake the feeling that we're missing something."

Jack, sensing Maya's distress, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll keep digging. If there's something more going on, we'll find it. We've uncovered a lot already, and we'll get to the bottom of this."

Carina nodded in agreement, her face reflecting Maya's concern. "We need to stay vigilant and not let this slide. If there's any chance that Lane and Vincenzo might be involved, or if there's another layer to this, we need to uncover it. We can't afford to ignore our instincts."

Maya took a deep breath, her mind racing through the information they had gathered. "I'm going to keep pushing. We need to be thorough. I know it's a lot, but I can't ignore this feeling. Something just doesn't add up, and we need to find out what it is."

— — —

At Carina's next appointment with Jo a few days later, Maya was visibly excited but also anxious. They arrived at the clinic, and Jo greeted them warmly, offering her congratulations once again.

"Ready for today?" Jo asked with a reassuring smile.

Carina, already seated and prepared, nodded. "I am. And Maya is over the moon."

Jo guided them to the examination room, where the sound of the heartbeat would soon fill the space. Carina lay back on the examination table, and Maya stood close by, holding her hand. Jo explained the process for the ultrasound and the Doppler fetal monitor as she prepared the equipment.

When Jo placed the Doppler on Carina's belly, a soft, rhythmic sound began to fill the room. Maya squeezed Carina's hand tightly, her eyes fixed on Jo's face for any sign of concern. After a few moments, the unmistakable sound of the baby's heartbeat came through clearly.

Maya's eyes filled with tears of joy, and she looked at Carina with a beaming smile. "That's our baby's heartbeat," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Carina's eyes were also misty as she looked at Maya, feeling a deep connection to the tiny life growing inside her. Jo smiled warmly at the couple.

"It's always such a wonderful moment," Jo said, "hearing the heartbeat for the first time. It's a reassuring sign that everything is progressing well."

As Jo continued with the check-up, she provided some insights into what Carina could expect during the second trimester. "You're likely to start feeling better as the nausea subsides. Your energy should increase, and you might notice some physical changes, like a growing belly and possibly some backaches. It's all part of the process as your body adjusts to the pregnancy."

Carina nodded, absorbing the information. "Thank you, Jo. It's good to know what's coming."

Maya listened intently. "That's good to hear. What about diet and exercise? Are there any specific recommendations for this stage?"

Jo nodded. "Maintaining a balanced diet is key, as Carina's nutritional needs will continue to change. She should focus on eating a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Staying hydrated is also important. As for exercise, moderate activities like walking or prenatal yoga can be beneficial, but it's essential to avoid anything too strenuous. Carina should listen to her body and adjust her activity level as needed."

Carina nodded in agreement. "I've been trying to eat well and stay active, but it's good to know that I'm on the right track."

Maya glanced at Jo with another question. "What about prenatal care? Are there any specific tests or appointments we should be aware of in the coming weeks?"

Jo nodded. "In the second trimester, we'll schedule a routine ultrasound, typically around 18-20 weeks, to check on the baby's development and anatomy. We'll also discuss any genetic screening options if you're interested. Regular check-ups will continue to monitor Carina's health and the baby's growth."

Maya looked relieved. "Thanks, Jo. I'm also curious about what Carina should do if she experiences any unusual symptoms or discomfort. What should we watch out for?"

Jo's expression became more serious. "It's important to be vigilant. If Carina experiences severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or any sudden, unusual symptoms, she should contact us immediately. Most minor discomforts are normal, but it's always better to err on the side of caution."

Carina reached out to hold Maya's hand, feeling reassured by the information. "Thanks, Jo. That helps a lot. I'm glad we have such a supportive team."

Jo smiled warmly. "I'm here to help, and it's great to see you both so engaged in this journey. If you have any more questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out."

As the appointment neared its end, Maya shifted in her seat, a bit hesitant but clearly with something on her mind. She glanced at Carina and then back at Jo, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Jo, I hope this isn't too awkward to ask," Maya began, her voice tinged with embarrassment, "but I wanted to ask about having sex during the pregnancy. Is there anything we should be aware of or any precautions we should take?"

Jo, ever the professional, offered a reassuring smile. "That's a common question, Maya, and it's perfectly okay to ask. For most pregnancies, having sex is completely safe and can be a normal part of your relationship. However, there are a few things to keep in mind."

Carina looked at Maya, a supportive smile on her face. Jo continued, "As long as Carina's pregnancy is progressing normally and she isn't experiencing any complications, you can continue to be intimate. It's important to listen to her body and her comfort levels, though. If Carina experiences any pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms during or after sex, it's best to check in with me."

Maya nodded, absorbing the information. "That's good to know. I've been a bit concerned about whether there are any specific positions or anything that's better to avoid."

Jo shook her head gently. "There aren't typically any specific positions that are off-limits, but comfort is key. As Carina's belly grows, it might be helpful to try different positions that are more comfortable for her. The main thing is to make sure she's comfortable and not experiencing any pressure or pain."

Maya, still feeling a bit uneasy despite Jo's reassuring answers, hesitated before speaking up again. "Jo, I have one more question," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern. "I know it sounds a bit strange, but I just want to be absolutely sure. Will we need to worry about anything like, um, the baby being hurt during sex? I mean, I don't want to accidentally cause any harm."

Jo smiled warmly, sensing Maya's anxiety. "It's a perfectly valid concern, Maya. Let me reassure you: during pregnancy, the baby is well-protected inside the uterus. The uterus is a strong, muscular organ, and it's cushioned by amniotic fluid. The baby is not in direct contact with the vaginal walls, so there's no risk of causing harm or injury."

Maya looked visibly relieved, though still a bit embarrassed. "So, there's no chance of, you know, me poking our baby with my dick?"

Jo shook her head, maintaining her comforting tone. "No, there's no chance of that. The baby is safely surrounded and protected. It's completely normal to have these concerns, but you can be confident that your baby is well-protected."

Carina, squeezing Maya's hand, added with a reassuring smile, "See, it's going to be okay. We're just taking all the right steps to make sure everything goes smoothly."

Maya nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Jo. I really appreciate the reassurance."

Jo gave a supportive nod. "Of course, Maya. It's important to address any concerns you have, no matter how small they might seem. If you have more questions as you go along, don't hesitate to ask. Your peace of mind is important."

As Maya and Carina left the appointment, the excitement from hearing their baby's heartbeat still fresh, Carina's earlier unease resurfaced. She took a deep breath, glancing at Maya with a thoughtful expression. "Maya, I've been thinking," she began hesitantly. "I'm still not sure about telling our parents. With everything going on, especially with our fathers possibly being involved with Sarah's crimes, it feels like a bad time."

Maya looked at Carina, understanding the concern but trying to stay optimistic. "I get it, Carina. It's a lot to process, especially with all the uncertainties surrounding our families right now. But don't you think it's important that we share this with them eventually? I mean, it's a big part of our lives."

Carina sighed, rubbing her temples. "I know it's important, but I'm just so worried about their reactions. If they are involved in any way, it might complicate things even more. I just want us to be in a good place before we bring this news to them."

Maya nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I understand. Maybe we should hold off for now until we have a clearer picture of what's really going on. We don't want to add any unnecessary stress for ourselves or them. But let's not keep this from them forever. When the time is right, we'll figure out the best way to share the news."

Carina gave a small, relieved smile. "Thank you for understanding. I think we're doing the right thing by waiting a bit. We need to make sure everything is settled before we bring them into this."

Maya wrapped an arm around Carina, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "We're in this together, and we'll handle it one step at a time. For now, let's focus on preparing for the baby and making sure everything is ready."

With that mutual understanding, Maya and Carina continued their day, their excitement tempered by the need to navigate their family's complex situation carefully.

— — —

As Maya and Carina settled into their cozy living room that evening, the conversation naturally shifted to their upcoming nursery. Carina, already surrounded by samples and mood boards, looked up at Maya with a smile. "So, have you given any more thought to the nursery theme?"

Maya, visibly excited, leaned forward. "Absolutely! I've been thinking about it a lot. I really want to paint the room myself. I know it's going to be a bit of work, but I think it'll be worth it. It's such a special space, and I want to put my personal touch on it."

Carina's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh really? You're determined to take on the painting yourself? I was expecting you to delegate that task."

Maya grinned. "Nope, I'm set on this. I've been watching some DIY videos and reading up on techniques. I want to create something unique for our baby, and I think painting it myself will make it even more special."

Carina chuckled, shaking her head. "Alright, I trust you. What do you have in mind for the theme?"

Maya pulled out a sketchbook filled with doodles and color swatches. "I was thinking something whimsical and calming—maybe a nature theme with soft greens and blues. We could have a mural of trees and clouds, and I'd love to add some cute animal accents."

Carina looked at the sketches, nodding in approval. "I love it. It sounds peaceful and perfect for a nursery. Plus, I'm sure the mural will be amazing with your artistic touch."

Maya's face lit up with excitement. "I'm glad you think so! I was also considering some decorative elements like hand-painted wooden animals and a cozy reading nook with a small bookshelf. What do you think?"

Carina smiled warmly. "I think it's going to be wonderful. I can already picture it in my mind. I'm excited to see it come together."

Maya reached out and took Carina's hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm glad you're on board. I know it's going to be a lot of work, but I'm really looking forward to it. It'll be our little project together."

Carina nodded, her eyes soft with affection. "I'm looking forward to it too. It's going to be an amazing space for our little one, and I'm thrilled to be doing this with you."

As they continued to discuss the details and make plans, the anticipation for their baby's arrival grew, bringing them closer as they prepared to welcome this new chapter in their lives.

As Carina and Maya settled into their cozy living room, Carina excitedly began pulling out boxes from a nearby closet. "I've already started ordering some baby items," she said with a grin, her excitement evident.

Maya's eyes widened with curiosity and anticipation. "Oh, I can't wait to see what you've picked out!" she exclaimed.

Carina carefully opened the first box, revealing a soft, pastel-colored baby blanket. "I got this for the crib. It's super soft and has a really cute design." She held it up for Maya to admire.

Maya reached out to touch the blanket, feeling its softness. "It's adorable! I love the colors and the pattern. It's perfect for the nursery."

Next, Carina pulled out a set of tiny onesies in various prints. "I found these online. Aren't they just the cutest?" She laid them out, showing off designs with playful animals and whimsical patterns.

Maya laughed softly, her face lighting up with joy. "They're absolutely precious. I can already picture our little one in those."

Carina then revealed a set of plush toys and a small, colorful mobile. "I thought this mobile would be perfect for hanging above the crib. And these toys are just too cute to resist."

Maya picked up one of the plush toys, examining it closely. "Oh, these are adorable! I love the soft textures and the bright colors. They'll definitely make the nursery even more inviting."

Finally, Carina pulled out a set of matching storage bins and organizers. "I thought these would be great for keeping everything tidy and organized. Plus, they match the theme we're going for."

Maya nodded approvingly. "Those will definitely come in handy. It's nice to have everything organized and within reach."

Carina looked over at Maya with a thoughtful expression. "You know, we've got a lot of the small stuff sorted out, but I think it might be a good idea to check out some baby furniture this weekend."

Maya, still beaming from the excitement of the new baby gear, nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds like a great plan! It would be nice to see everything in person and pick out furniture that fits the nursery theme."

Carina smiled, clearly pleased with Maya's response. "I've heard about a few baby stores in the area that have great selections. We could spend some time looking at cribs, changing tables, and maybe even some rocking chairs."

Maya's eyes lit up at the idea. "I'd love that. Plus, it'll be fun to start picking out the big pieces. I'm really excited to see how the nursery will come together."

Carina laughed softly. "Me too. I think it'll help us visualize everything and make sure we get the perfect pieces for our little one."

They began discussing their weekend plans, already feeling the anticipation of turning their ideas into reality. Maya's mind was filled with thoughts of the nursery coming to life, and Carina was thrilled at the prospect of making the space as perfect as possible for their baby.

As they settled in for the evening, Maya reached over and squeezed Carina's hand. "Thanks for suggesting this. It's going to be so much fun shopping for the nursery together."

Carina squeezed Maya's hand back, her eyes filled with warmth. "I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be an adventure, and I'm glad we get to share it."