Journey of the heart(3)

Chapter 12: Sharing the News

The next morning, Mya woke up with a new sense of purpose. The reality of bein' pregnant had finally started to sink in, and though it was still early, she knew she had to start thinkin' about the future—what her work life was gonna look like, how she'd balance it all, and, of course, how they were gonna tell their family and friends.

Jaylen was still sleepin' beside her, his face peaceful in the early morning light. Mya smiled, watchin' him for a minute before quietly slidin' out of bed. She grabbed her phone off the nightstand and made her way to the kitchen, pourin' herself a glass of water as she thought about how they were gonna break the news.

First up, Layla. Mya could already picture her best friend's reaction. Layla was always the loudest, most excited person in the room, and Mya knew this was gonna be no different.

Mya tapped out a quick message:

Mya: Hey, girl. You free for brunch today? Got somethin' big to tell you.

It didn't take long for Layla to reply.

Layla: Uh, yeah! Brunch at 11? What's goin' on?? 👀

Mya: You'll see 😉

Mya chuckled, feelin' a mix of excitement and nerves. It was one thing to know she was pregnant, but sayin' it out loud, to the people she loved, was a whole other level. It made everything feel even more real.

By the time Mya met up with Layla later that morning, the nerves had settled into a buzz of anticipation. They met at their usual spot, a cozy little brunch place downtown. Layla was already at a table, wavin' her over with a big grin on her face.

"Mya! Girl, you look good! What's goin' on?" Layla asked, standin' up to give her a hug.

Mya laughed, huggin' her back. "You always sayin' that. I'm good though. Got some news to share."

They sat down, and after orderin' their food, Layla leaned forward, her eyes practically glowin' with curiosity. "Alright, spill! You got me all curious. What's this big news?"

Mya took a deep breath, her heart racin' just a little. She hadn't planned on bein' so nervous, but now that the moment was here, it felt like a huge deal.

"Well," Mya started, a slow smile spreadin' across her face. "I'm pregnant."

For a second, Layla just stared at her, her mouth slightly open. Then, as expected, she exploded with excitement.

"WHAT?! Oh my GOD, Mya!" Layla practically jumped out of her seat, her hands flyin' to her mouth in shock. "You're pregnant?!"

Mya laughed, noddin'. "Yeah, girl! I just found out yesterday. It's still early, but Jaylen and I are so excited."

Layla stood up and rushed around the table, huggin' Mya so tight she could barely breathe. "I'm so happy for you! Oh my God, this is HUGE! You're gonna be a mom!"

Mya smiled, feelin' a wave of happiness wash over her. It felt good to finally share the news with someone, especially Layla, who'd been by her side through every other big moment in her life.

"I know," Mya said softly, pullin' back to look at her best friend. "It's crazy, right? I mean, we just moved into the house, and now this. Everything's movin' so fast."

"But in the best way," Layla said, her voice full of excitement. "Y'all been buildin' somethin' real, and now it's just gettin' bigger and better. I can't wait to see you with a baby bump! You're gonna be so cute, Mya."

Mya laughed, feelin' her cheeks flush. "Girl, stop. I'm still tryin' to wrap my head around it."

Layla smiled, takin' her hand across the table. "You and Jaylen are gonna be amazing parents. I already know. And you know I'm here for you, every step of the way."

"Thanks, Lay," Mya said, feelin' grateful. "I appreciate that. It's a lot to think about, but I'm excited."

They spent the rest of brunch talkin' about everything—baby names, nursery ideas, and how Mya was plannin' to balance her business with bein' a mom. Layla was full of ideas and excitement, and by the time they left the restaurant, Mya felt more confident than ever about what was comin'.

Later that evenin', Mya and Jaylen sat in their new backyard, enjoyin' the quiet as the sun started to set. Jaylen had fired up the grill, and they were sittin' side by side, talkin' about how they'd tell their families the big news.

"So, you told Layla, huh?" Jaylen said, smilin' as he flipped a few burgers.

Mya chuckled, noddin'. "Yeah, and she lost her mind, as expected."

Jaylen laughed. "I bet. I'm surprised she ain't called me already."

Mya leaned back in her chair, watchin' the sky turn shades of pink and orange. "It feels real now, you know? Like, tellin' people makes it sink in."

Jaylen turned to look at her, his expression soft. "It is real. And it's big, Mya. We about to be parents."

Mya smiled, feelin' a mix of excitement and nerves again. "I know. It's just a lot to process. But I'm ready for it. I feel like... we're ready."

Jaylen set down the spatula and walked over to her, kneelin' beside her chair. He took her hand in his, his voice gentle. "We ready, baby. We been buildin' toward this. And whatever comes next, we gon' face it together."

Mya felt a rush of emotion as she looked into his eyes. Jaylen had always been her rock, but now more than ever, she felt how solid their foundation was. They'd been through so much together, and now they were steppin' into a new chapter, one that would bring challenges, joy,