Pregnant

I was pregnant.

I was holding the pregnancy test in my hand, staring at it like it might change.

I was pregnant with Asher’s baby. My plan had come to fruition.

I was finally going to be with him, just like it was supposed to be in the beginning. No more obstacles. No more waiting. This was our future. Our family.

I couldn’t stop smiling.

I wanted to run to Asher, tell him everything, let the joy explode between us—but I knew it had to wait. There was something I had to do first. Something that mattered just as much.

I slipped the pregnancy test into the pocket of my jeans, took a moment to breathe, and walked down the stairs.

Mom and Dad were in the living room.

Dad was reading, Mom was watching TV, and her arms folded across her chest.

I stepped inside, and I couldn’t hide it—the happiness lit up my face like sunlight. Mom noticed first. Her eyes snapped to mine, narrowing. She slapped her hand against Dad’s arm and then nudged him harder. They both turned toward me.

“What is it, Ar