Taylor stood in the kitchen, her hands trembling slightly as she washed the breakfast dishes. The faint, early morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm glow on the cozy space. She glanced over her shoulder at Colton, her four-year-old son, who was absorbed in his toy cars on the living room rug. The sight of him brought a tender smile to her face, but it also made her heart race with anxiety.
Today was the day she would tell Travis she was pregnant.
She was one month along, and although the news was joyful, it also dredged up painful memories from her previous pregnancy. Colton's father, her ex-boyfriend, had been absent throughout the entire process. Taylor had attended every appointment alone, struggled through every craving and discomfort without support, and had faced the challenges of new motherhood on her own. The thought of experiencing that loneliness again terrified her.
Travis, her fiancé, was different. She knew that. He was kind, attentive, and deeply in love with both her and Colton. Still, the fear of rejection and abandonment lingered, an unwelcome echo from her past.
Taking a deep breath, Taylor dried her hands and walked over to Colton. "Hey, buddy," she said, kneeling beside him. "Why don't you play with your cars here at the table? Mommy needs to talk to Travis when he comes down for breakfast, okay?"
Colton nodded, his bright eyes curious but untroubled. He gathered his toys and moved to the kitchen table, allowing Taylor to prepare for the conversation ahead.
When Travis appeared at the top of the stairs, Taylor's heart skipped a beat. He was dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt, his hair slightly tousled from sleep. The sight of him brought a wave of reassurance, but also intensified her nerves. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
"Morning, Tay," Travis greeted her with a warm smile as he entered the kitchen. He leaned down to kiss her cheek, his touch gentle and familiar. "Hey, Colton," he added, ruffling the boy's hair as he passed by.
"Travis, can we talk for a minute?" Taylor asked, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest.
"Of course," he replied, concern flickering in his eyes. "Is everything okay?"
She nodded, motioning for him to sit at the kitchen table. Once he was seated, she took a seat across from him, glancing briefly at Colton who was absorbed in his play. Taylor took another deep breath, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
"Travis, there's something I need to tell you," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm pregnant."
For a moment, there was silence. Taylor held her breath, bracing herself for his reaction. But what happened next left her stunned.
Travis's eyes widened, and a broad smile spread across his face. "Are you serious?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement.
Taylor nodded, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "Yes, I found out a few days ago. I'm about a month along."
Without warning, Travis jumped up from his seat and scooped her into his arms, lifting her off the ground. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" he exclaimed, his voice overflowing with joy. He twirled her around, laughing, and Taylor couldn't help but laugh with him, her heart swelling with relief and happiness.
When he finally set her down, his eyes were shining with tears. "Taylor, this is amazing news," he said, cupping her face in his hands. "I can't believe it. We're having a baby!"
Taylor's tears spilled over, and she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. "I'm so glad you're happy," she whispered. "I was so scared to tell you."
