The state I'm in COMPLETED

Hours

"She's in labour."

I blinked, processing what Harry had just said.

"Of course, Harry. Go... go!" I encouraged him, even though my mind was still catching up.

"I'm sorry... I need to—I need to go—" His words tumbled over each other as he grabbed his keys and jacket.

"Harry!" I called just as he reached the door. He turned, his jade-green eyes searching mine. "I hope everything turns out fine. I hope you have a healthy son." And I meant it.

His expression softened, and in two quick strides, he wrapped me in a warm, desperate hug. I could feel his heart pounding. He pressed a few quick kisses to my lips as if grounding himself before stepping into the unknown.

"I love you, I love you, I love you... I could say it all day." His voice was thick with emotion.

I smiled, cupping his cheek. "I love you too. And I'm here if you need me. If your parents need a place to rest, or if you just... I don't know, need anything—I'm here."

"I know. Thank you." He let out a deep breath, as if soaking in the reassurance.

"Harry... don't mention what happened last night to them, or to Nadia's family. Don't let them ruin this moment. Just focus on the baby, okay?"

He nodded. "I promise."

Then, just as he stepped out, he turned back. His voice was barely above a whisper, but it hit me like a bolt of lightning.

"I wish he was ours."

And then he was gone.

I stood frozen, his words echoing in my mind. He wished the baby was mine? But I wasn't ready for a child, not yet. If I did, though... it would be his.

Shaking off the overwhelming emotions, I focused on what I could do. I cooked, cleaned, anything to keep myself busy. I was about to bake cookies when Rose walked in, her usual dramatic entrance making me smile.

"Are you decent? If not, you have exactly three seconds."

"In the kitchen," I called back.

She sniffed the air, raising an eyebrow. "Smells good. Where's Harry?"

"His wife is in labor," I answered automatically, not realizing how cold it sounded until I heard my own voice.

Rose shot me a sharp look. "Don't be like that, Valerie."

I sighed. "I didn't mean it that way. We're good. We talked. I love him, Rose. I support him 100%."

She relaxed, exhaling. "Good. That explains the baking. You're freaking out."

I didn't deny it.

The doorbell rang, breaking the tension.

"I'll get it," Rose said, heading to the door. Seconds later, she called out, "Well, well, well..."

I smiled instantly, recognizing the voices.

"Hey, Rose, what's up?" Leo's deep voice was unmistakable, followed by a softer, more hesitant one.

"Hi, Rose," Cathrine.

I quickly washed my hands and rushed to greet them, hugging Cathrine first before turning to Leo.