Echoes of the Silent Realm

Chapter 34: A "blessing" in disguise

**Chapter 34: A "blessing" in disguise

The kitchen was warm with the smell of fresh coffee, and sunlight streamed in through the windows, casting a soft glow across the countertops. Kelsey leaned against the counter, a hand resting on her stomach, her thoughts miles away. It had been a few weeks since the doctor's appointment, and she still hadn't found the right moment to tell the kids—or Jason, for that matter.

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. This wasn't how she had imagined things going. After everything they had been through, from the grief of losing Alan to rebuilding her life with Jason, she hadn't expected this new development. A baby. A fresh start in the most literal sense. It both terrified and excited her.

Jason entered the kitchen, his usual smile lighting up his face. "Morning," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and kissing her on the cheek. "You okay? You've seemed a little off lately."

Kelsey turned in his arms, gazing into his eyes. Jason had been her rock through so much, supporting her through the hardest times, yet this was something she hadn't prepared herself to share. But now, she couldn't wait any longer.

"Jason," she began, her voice soft, "there's something I need to tell you."

His expression shifted, concern clouding his features. "What is it? Is everything okay?"

She took a deep breath, reaching for his hand and placing it gently on her stomach. "I'm pregnant."

For a moment, Jason's face was unreadable, his brain catching up to the words she had just said. Then his eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait... what? Pregnant? We're having a baby?"

Kelsey nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yes. We're having a baby."

A mixture of joy, shock, and excitement flashed across Jason's face, and before she could say anything else, he pulled her into a tight embrace. "Oh my God, Kelsey! This is amazing!" His voice was filled with genuine happiness, his laughter ringing through the kitchen. "I can't believe it... I'm going to be a dad."

Relief washed over Kelsey as she held him close, her own heart lifting. She had worried about how he would react, especially with everything that had happened in the past. But Jason's joy was contagious, and for the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to fully embrace the excitement of this new chapter.

As they pulled apart, Jason looked into her eyes, a newfound determination in his expression. "We have to tell the kids. They're going to be so excited!"

Kelsey hesitated, her hand falling to her side. "I know... but I'm not sure how they'll take it, Jason. Things have been so strange lately, especially with Aaly, Luke, and Isaac. They've been acting different, distant. I don't want to overwhelm them."

Jason's brow furrowed. "You're right. We should ease into it. But they deserve to know, Kelsey. This baby is part of our family too."

She nodded, knowing he was right. They had worked so hard to bring their blended family together, and now there was another piece of that puzzle—a new life, a new beginning. But with the tension growing between the kids and the strange things happening in the woods, she worried this news might complicate things.

Later that evening, after dinner, Kelsey gathered the kids in the living room. Aaly, Luke, and Isaac sat on the couch, each absorbed in their own thoughts. There was an unspoken tension in the room, something Kelsey couldn't quite place, but it gnawed at her. She exchanged a glance with Jason, who gave her an encouraging nod.

"Kids," Kelsey began, her voice steady but gentle. "There's something Jason and I need to tell you."

Isaac looked up first, his innocent eyes widening with curiosity. "What is it, Mom?"