It had been a mutual decision, a life choice, a promise of a future together, no matter what. Lucy could remember exactly the moment she opened the trash and threw away her pill. Tim could remember exactly the moment he saw her do it, the smile on her face, his heart filled with love and promise. They didn't make it a challenge, hoping it would work on the first try; no, they decided to enjoy the journey, to keep it natural, savoring their intimacy as it was. They weren't in a rush, even if they were impatient. They didn't want to put pressure on it and let it become mechanical. It would happen when it happened.
That morning, all she could remember was when she opened the trash and threw her pill away five months ago. Beyond the intense fatigue she felt, it was more Kojo's behavior that alarmed her. Their dog had become more territorial, more protective of her, and her alone. He was glued to her, and the only human he tolerated nearby was Tim. This wasn't like him at all. She was sitting on the couch, drinking her coffee, when Kojo came up and put his nose on her stomach. She just looked at him. She did a quick search online and looked at him again. Then she rushed to the bathroom and used the one pregnancy test she had at home—the one they'd bought just in case, so they wouldn't have to run out and get one.
And then, she waited...
One minute.
Two minutes.
Five minutes.
Eight minutes.
Ten minutes.
She turned off her timer, took a deep breath, and with shaky hands, flipped the test.
Two pink lines.
Two pink lines, meaning she was pregnant. She was expecting a little one, five months after they'd decided to change their future for something more meaningful.
"You knew, didn't you? You're a good boy," she said to Kojo.
Her hands rested on her belly. There was something inside her. Something tiny, something fragile, something she had to care for, starting now.
Tim...oh, Tim. Should she call him right away? Was it right to tell him over the phone? No, she would wait until tonight. She wanted to see his reaction, to see his eyes, his smile. She wanted to witness the exact moment his mind grasped how their world had changed.
Later, she felt a bit foolish standing in front of the mirror, her hands on her still-flat belly, just staring. This tiny new life had already become the happiest part of her world. She was on her way to becoming a mother. Was she one already? She felt like one. She already wanted to protect it with everything in her. She couldn't wait to see it in her first ultrasound, couldn't wait to hear its heartbeat for the first time.
But what if something went wrong? What if everything ended before it began? What if she never heard that heartbeat? What if she never felt her baby kick? What if she became a terrible mother? What if her baby had health issues? What if she couldn't keep it safe from the world?
It was as if Kojo sensed it; he sat beside her, resting his nose against her leg. She smiled at him. All she had to do was wait until Tim came home.
She was in the kitchen when she heard the door open and close. He was home. She felt his arms wrap around her waist, his breath warm on her neck.
"Tough shift?" she asked.
"Sort of... Beer?"
"No, thanks. Something happened?"
"No, just tired...maybe a bit irritable. How was your day?"
"Good. I stayed home."
"Oh, I almost forgot—I have news for you!" he said, opening his beer.
"Me too. You first."
"We've got the date for your sergeant exam."
"Oh? When?"
"Two months on the 26th "
"Two months, okay. Two months."
"You'll do great, babe."
"Two months, though..."
"You've got this...okay? So, what's your news?"
"My news?"
"Yeah, you said you had news too."
"Oh, yes. Well...I hope they'll allow a ride-along during my sergeant exam..."
Silence. He just stared, trying to process what she was saying. She just looked at him, waiting for him to catch on.
"You..."
She nodded with a shy smile, her gaze steady on him.
"We..."
A smile broke across his face.
"I...Luce..."
His eyes were full of love, his heart too. He set his beer down on the counter and hugged her. He took a moment, letting the news sink in.
"Kojo knew before I did... He's been so protective lately."
"He's such a good boy."
Later, after dinner, Tim found himself watching her, sitting on their bed, whispering to their baby. It was so soft, as if she were afraid to disturb it.
"I can't wait to meet you. I know I have to wait a few more months, but you are the best decision your dad and I ever made. Thank you for choosing us."
His heart nearly burst when she said, "Your dad." He realized then: he was going to be someone's dad. He finally joined her.
"May I?" he asked.
She nodded.
With the gentlest touch, he kissed her belly. Inside her was a tiny life, a blend of him and her, the perfect expression of their love. How magical it was. And he couldn't exactly describe the feeling, except as pure love. He had never felt happier.
They headed to the shower together. It was supposed to be a quick one, but their first kiss led to another, then to their bodies pressed together. It was slow, filled with love.
Tim joined Lucy under the sheets, his bare chest against her back, one arm around her, his hand resting on her belly.
"I never thought I could fall more in love with you until tonight..."
And it made her smile. After he kissed her goodnight, he felt her drift off to sleep against him. This woman was, undoubtedly, the love of his life.
« With shortness of breath, i'll explain the infinite, How rare and beautiful it truly is that we exist. » ♫
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09.11.24. Hello everyone. This one is for @Chenford24Wopez ! Thank you so much for all your support and comments. I hope you will like this one. To everyone : Take care of you guys. Don't forget to vote and comment, it helps.
Playlist : ♫ : Saturn - Sleeping at last.
