The Arrangement

44

Maya wraps her arms around Carina, holding her close. Her voice is filled with warmth and excitement as she whispers, "I can't wait to start this new chapter with you. I've been imagining it all day, thinking about how incredible it will be to share this journey together." She places her hand gently on Carina's belly, feeling a surge of emotion.

Carina smiles softly, her hand resting over Maya's. "I know, and it's so wonderful to see you so excited. But right now, the baby is just a small lump of cells. We have a long way to go before we meet our little one."

Maya nods, her gaze tender. "I understand that, but even this tiny beginning feels like a miracle. It's hard not to be excited about the future and what's to come. I'm just so grateful that we're in this together."

Carina's eyes soften as she looks at Maya. "And I'm so grateful for you. We have so much to look forward to, and it's comforting to know we'll be facing it all side by side."

Maya chuckles, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know, I was thinking about getting another sports car—something fast and flashy. But now, with the baby on the way, maybe I should look into something more family-friendly."

Carina laughs, a genuine, lighthearted sound that fills the room. "We already have an Escalade, Maya. I think we're covered on the family-friendly front."

Maya grins, leaning closer. "True, but you know me. I just can't resist a new toy. Maybe I'll just get us a minivan with all the bells and whistles, and we can have the coolest baby on the block."

Carina playfully rolls her eyes. "Oh, I'm sure our little one will be more than happy in the Escalade. But if you really want to add to our collection, just promise me it won't be a mini van."

Maya nods, feigning seriousness. "I promise. Maybe a family-sized SUV or something practical—just as long as it has a little bit of style."

Carina takes a deep breath and dials Jo's number. As she waits for Jo to pick up, she feels a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Hey, Carina!" Jo's voice comes through the phone, cheerful and warm.

"Hi Jo," Carina begins, trying to keep her voice steady. "I was hoping we could set up an appointment for me to come in and confirm a pregnancy."

There's a brief pause on the other end before Jo responds with a gentle tone. "Of course, Carina. I'd be happy to help with that. When would you like to come in?"

Carina thinks for a moment, considering her schedule and how soon she wants to move forward. "How about tomorrow morning? I'd like to get this sorted out as soon as possible."

"Tomorrow morning works for me," Jo confirms. "I'll schedule you for an appointment. We'll do a thorough check to confirm everything and make sure you're taken care of."

"Thank you, Jo," Carina says, feeling a bit of relief. "I appreciate it."

Jo's tone remains supportive. "No problem at all. I'll see you tomorrow morning. We'll get everything sorted out."

"See you then," Carina replies before they hang up.

Carina feels a mix of anticipation and anxiety as she prepares for the appointment, grateful to have Jo's support during this important time.

— — —

Maya sits at her desk, but her mind keeps drifting back to the news she received earlier. The initial excitement and joy of discovering the pregnancy have given way to a swirl of thoughts and worries. As she tries to focus on her work, she finds it nearly impossible to concentrate. Her fingers move almost instinctively to her keyboard, and before she realizes it, she's searching for baby items online.