Passion Renewed

Chapter 98

Melanie

I'm overwhelmed with happiness. My heart feels like it might burst out of my chest with joy. Marcus's excitement mirrors mine, and it's infectious. We're going to have a baby, and the thought fills me with such elation that I can hardly contain it.

After texting Evie to let her know that she was right, that I am indeed pregnant, I can practically hear her happy squeals through the phone. It's comforting to have her support and excitement during this incredible time.

Now, we have to tell our families. It's a daunting prospect, but I know they'll be thrilled for us. With my phone in hand, I sit on the couch, preparing to call Mallory. Marcus, sensing my nervousness, asks, "Who are you calling?"

I glance up at him, my brows furrowing slightly. "Mallory," I reply, my voice tinged with excitement. "I want to share the news with her."

Marcus's expression changes, and I can tell there's something on his mind. "Before you call her, there's something I have to tell you," he says, his voice serious.

I feel a flicker of concern at his tone, my heart skipping a beat. "What is it?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Marcus sits down next to me, taking my hands in his. "When Adam and Mallory came to visit, Adam proposed that I join his company," he confesses, his eyes searching mine for a reaction.

I'm stunned into silence for a moment, trying to process his words. Marcus joining Adam's company would mean big changes for both of us – a new job, a new city, a new chapter in our lives together.

"At the time, I didn't want to leave town without resolving things between us," Marcus explains, his voice tinged with regret. "But now, I have to talk to Adam and give him a serious answer. And since my decision affects you too, we have to talk about it."

I nod slowly, the weight of his words settling heavily on my shoulders. I don't know what to say, how to respond to this sudden twist in our plans.

"I... I don't know what to say," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

Marcus reaches out to take my hand, his touch grounding me in the midst of my swirling thoughts. "I know I'm springing this on you," he acknowledges, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I truly believe it's a good opportunity for both of us, especially with the baby coming."

He continues, his words coming faster now, as if he's trying to convince himself as much as me. "I'll make better money, my hours will be more flexible, and there are so many opportunities there for you too, Melanie."

"But I'm pregnant," I interject, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "How am I supposed to get a new job?"

Marcus furrows his brows, his expression thoughtful. "You're right," he acknowledges, his tone serious.

I look at Marcus, practically seeing the wheels turning in his mind as he weighs our options. Taking a deep breath, I reach out and grab his hand, squeezing it gently. "We'll think about it," I assure him, my voice filled with determination. "I'll see if I can go fully remote at my job, and we should talk to Adam too. Maybe he has something in mind."

Marcus's face softens into a smile at my words. "Yeah, that's a good idea," he agrees, his voice filled with gratitude.

"We'll work it out," I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel. "I'm just... I'm just sad that we'll have to leave this place behind."

Marcus's expression softens, his gaze filled with understanding. "Yeah, me too," he admits, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "It was our first home, where we found each other again."

I nod, feeling a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving behind the memories we've shared in this place. But I know that our future together holds even greater possibilities, and I'm determined to face it with Marcus by my side.

"Are you going to call Mallory?" Marcus asks, breaking the silence that has settled between us.

I nod, reaching for my phone. "Yeah," I say softly, dialing Mallory's number and waiting for her to pick up.

Hey, sis. We were just talking about you," Mallory's voice comes through the phone.

"All good things, I hope," I reply playfully, relief flooding through me at the sound of her voice.

"Always," Mallory chuckles. "How are you?"

I pause, a hint of excitement bubbling up inside me. "I'm good. Actually, I have some news. Haven't told anyone yet."

"What is it?" Mallory asks, her tone filled with curiosity.

Taking a deep breath, I muster up the courage to share my news. "I'm pregnant," I say, my voice trembling with excitement and nerves.

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and then Mallory's voice comes through, barely above a whisper. "You're pregnant?"

I swallow hard, feeling a surge of guilt wash over me. "I'm sorry, Mal," I begin, my voice shaking. "I've kept something from you. I'm back together with Marcus, and we're having a baby. We found out today."

Mallory's response is immediate and overwhelming. She starts screaming with joy, her excitement practically bursting through the phone. "Melanie, you're the worst!" she exclaims, her voice filled with laughter. "I thought you were having a baby with fucking Daniel! These are wonderful news, Melanie. I'm so happy for you!"

Tears of relief and joy well up in my eyes as I listen to Mallory's words. Despite my fears and insecurities, she's nothing but supportive and thrilled for me. In this moment, I couldn't ask for a better sister.

Mallory's excitement continues to pour through the phone as she repeats, "Oh my god, I'm going to be an aunt! I can't believe it, Melanie, you fucking scared me! You are the worst, but I love you so much."

I can't help but laugh at her reaction, feeling lighter than I have in days. "I love you too, Mal," I say, my voice filled with affection and gratitude.

Mallory exclaims, "Wait, I'm putting you on speaker."

"Yeah, wait, I'm doing it too," I respond, quickly switching my phone to speaker mode.

Adam's voice comes through the phone, filled with genuine happiness. "Congrats, you two! I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks, man," Marcus replies.

Adam's tone turns teasing as he adds, "Marcus, you're a fucking prick for not telling me all this time."

I chuckle at Adam's straightforwardness. "Sorry for that," I say, unable to contain my laughter. "I asked him to do that."

Mallory chimes in, her voice full of understanding. "It's all good. What matters is that you two are finally together, and I am going to be an aunt!" She practically screams the last part with excitement.

Adam laughs, the sound infectious. "Someone's excited," he teases.

Mallory's enthusiasm doesn't wane as she asks, "When are you telling Mom and Dad?"

I hesitate for a moment, uncertain. "I don't know yet," I admit.

"Can I be there, please, please, please?" Mallory pleads eagerly.

I laugh and say, "Okay, but when are you coming?"

Mallory quickly responds, "Next weekend?"

Adam chimes in, "We can be there next weekend."

"Next weekend it is," I confirm with a smile.

Mallory squeals with excitement, exclaiming, "I can't wait!"

"I love you," Mallory tells me earnestly, her voice filled with joy. "These are the best news ever."

"I love you too," I reply, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for her support.

We hang up, and I lean back, relieved by Mallory's reaction and excited to see her. Marcus wraps his arm around my shoulder, and I melt into him, feeling a wave of pure happiness wash over me.