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When we first decided to do this, it was simple.
Rihanna was going to carry the baby. That's it.
No strings, no titles, no co-parenting contracts.
Just my best friend doing something incredible for me because she could, because she wanted to, because that's who she is.
I was ready to be a mom on my own. Had been ready.
We laughed about it. We promised to keep it light.
She told me straight up, "I'm going to be the cool rich auntie."
And I respected that. I appreciated it. I never wanted to put pressure on her to be something she wasn't trying to be. This was a gift, not a lifelong contract.
We started this with one plan.
But life has a way of rewriting the rules when you least expect it.
The sound of that heartbeat is still echoing in my head.
It's wild how something so small can make everything else fade. My doubts. My fears. Even the coldness of this clinic. Gone. Replaced by that tiny flicker on the screen and the feeling that something bigger than me just started.
I'm still leaning into Rihanna when the doctor clears her throat gently, reminding us she's still here. I sit up, finally letting go of her hand. But my other hand finds its way to Rihanna's stomach like I can feel the baby already.
"You're officially six weeks along," the doctor says with a smile. "Everything looks great so far. Healthy heartbeat, strong implantation. But we're still in early stages, so there are a few things I'll need you both to be aware of."
Rihanna nods, brushing her hair behind her ear. Her glow's already starting like her whole body knows something magical's happening.
The doctor pulls out a folder and flips it open.
"No heavy lifting and obviously no alcohol. Plenty of water. Lots of rest. Prenatal vitamins start today. And YN," she looks at me, "you're going to be a big part of her support system. That includes checking in, making sure she's eating enough, staying relaxed—low stress is key right now."
I nod so fast I almost get whiplash. "I got it. I'm all in. Like all in."
Rihanna laughs softly, watching me with a fondness I can feel in my chest.
"You're really excited," she says.
I glance at her, trying to keep my cool, but it's pointless. I'm glowing harder than she is.
"Are you kidding? That's my baby. Right there." I motion to the screen, where the image is still frozen—tiny, barely formed, but absolutely everything to me now. "I've wanted this for so long. And the fact that it's you..." I trail off, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I couldn't imagine anyone else doing this with me."
Her expression softens. She reaches for my hand again, holding it gently.
"Same. I mean, I never pictured myself doing this at all... but for you? There was never a second thought."
God. I could cry. I kind of want to.
The doctor finishes giving us the folder of information and stands. "I'll give you two a moment. We'll schedule your next appointment at the front."
She slips out, and the door clicks shut behind her.
Silence falls, but it's not awkward. It's peaceful. Full.
"You really ready for this?" Rihanna asks.
I look her straight in the eye. "More than anything. You?"
She smiles soft, a little vulnerable, but still her.
"I think I am now."
We sit there for a second longer, hands tangled, eyes drifting back to the screen where that little miracle is frozen in black and white.
My baby.
A week later ...
The apartment was quiet except for the low hum of a fan and the occasional sound of traffic outside the window. Rihanna was curled up on one end of the couch, feet tucked beneath her, hoodie zipped halfway up. I sat beside her, legs stretched out, scrolling mindlessly on my phone not reading, not focused. Just filling the silence.
She broke it first.
"I've been thinking," she said quietly, eyes still on the ceiling like she was afraid to meet mine.
I set my phone down. "What's up?"
Rihanna shifted, turning to face me, one leg drawn up. Her hand went to her belly instinctively something she'd started doing more without even realizing it. "I don't want to just carry this baby for you."
My heart stuttered.
Her voice was calm but steady. "I want to raise them. With you."
I blinked, stunned silent for a moment. "You... you sure? I thought you said you just wanted to be the cool Auntie?"
Her eyes met mine unwavering, warm, and full of something I couldn't quite name but felt deep in my chest. "Yeah. I know it's not what we originally planned. But... things change. And I've changed."
She looked down, hand still resting over the tiny life growing inside her. "I already love this baby. Like deep, already-can't-sleep-at-night love. And the more I think about it, the more I know... I don't want to just walk away when they're born. I want to be there. Fully. I want to be a mom."
I sat up straighter, trying to find the right words. "You'd be an amazing one, Rih. But... this is big. Are you sure it's not just the hormones talking?"
She laughed softly. "I thought about that too. But no. This isn't hormones. This is me knowing I've found something that makes sense. We'd be good at this, YN. You and me? As a team?"
I felt something tighten in my chest... not fear exactly, just... a shift. Like the ground under me was moving and I had to catch up. I looked at her, really looked.
She wasn't scared.
She was sure.
And suddenly, so was I.
"I didn't expect this," I admitted. "But... I'm not against it. Not even a little. If you're in this with me, fully."
"I am," she said, without hesitation.
I nodded slowly, eyes stinging with something I didn't want to call tears. "Then yeah. Let's raise our baby together."
She smiled, wide and soft, and leaned her head on my shoulder.
"Family," she whispered.
"Family," I echoed, and for the first time in a long time, I felt it.
