The Wheeler house is louder than usual for Easter — not chaotic, just full. Karen’s pastel garlands hang from every doorway, and the dining table is already set with floral plates and a bowl of dyed eggs. But the real noise comes from the living room, where the Wheelers and Byers have merged into one big, mismatched, strangely perfect family.

You step inside with Mike, your hand tucked into his. His palm is warm, but his grip is tense. He’s been like that all morning — protective, quiet, thinking too hard.

Karen spots you first. “You’re here!” She rushes over, hugging you both. “Come in, come in, everyone’s already chatting.”

Nancy waves from the couch beside Jonathan, who gives you a soft, knowing smile. Holly darts between legs with a chocolate bunny, nearly colliding with Will, who laughs and steadies her. Joyce and Hopper stand near the window, talking with Ted, who nods along like he’s trying very hard to follow.

El, sitting cross‑legged on the floor with Holly, beams when she sees you. “Hi,” she says, warm and earnest. “We saved you a seat.”

Mike squeezes your hand again. You can feel his nerves humming under his skin.

Joyce approaches, arms open. “Look at you two,” she says, hugging you tightly. “College suits you.”

“Barely,” Mike mutters, and you elbow him gently.

Hopper claps Mike on the shoulder. “You surviving the big city?”

“Trying,” Mike says, but his eyes flick to you — the same silent question he’s asked all week. Are you okay.

You nod, though your stomach is fluttering. Not from nausea this time — just the weight of what you’re about to share.

Dinner is a squeeze, but Karen insists everyone can fit. Plates pass around, conversations overlap, and Holly proudly shows El her Easter drawings. Will and Jonathan talk about photography. Joyce compliments Karen’s ham. Hopper tells Ted a story that Ted pretends to understand.

You try to eat, but the smell turns your stomach. Mike notices instantly. His knee bumps yours under the table, protective, grounding.

Nancy pauses mid‑sentence. “You okay?” she asks softly.

You force a smile. “Just tired.”

Jonathan’s eyes flick between you and Mike. He knows something. He’s always been good at reading the room.

Dessert arrives — carrot cake, pastel cookies, and a bowl of jelly beans Holly insists everyone must try. Karen sets the tray down and beams at you and Mike.

“So,” she says brightly, “wedding planning. Have you two picked a date yet?”

Mike freezes. You feel him inhale sharply beside you.

The room quiets. Even Holly looks up.

Joyce tilts her head, sensing the shift. Hopper crosses his arms, curious. El watches you with gentle, open concern.

Mike clears his throat. “Actually… there’s something we should tell you.”

Karen’s smile softens. “What is it, honey?”

He looks at you. You nod.

“We’re… expecting,” he says quietly.

Silence. A heartbeat. Two.

Then everything happens at once.

Karen gasps, hands flying to her mouth. “A baby? You’re having a baby?” She pulls you into a hug so tight you nearly lose your breath. “Oh my goodness, sweetheart.”

Joyce’s eyes fill instantly. “Oh, that’s wonderful,” she says, hugging Mike, then you. “You’re going to be amazing parents.”

Nancy laughs, stunned but delighted. “You two! Wow. I mean — wow.” She hugs you fiercely. Jonathan claps Mike’s shoulder with a quiet, “Congrats, man.”

El steps closer, eyes shining. “I’m happy for you,” she says softly, touching your arm with gentle reverence.

Will grins. “You’re going to have the coolest kid.”

Hopper gives Mike a firm, approving nod. “Well. Guess you’re really grown up now.”

Even Ted manages a small smile. “Congratulations.”

Holly climbs onto the couch beside you, pressing her tiny hand to your stomach. “Is there really a baby in there?”

You smile, finally letting yourself breathe. “Yeah. There is.”

Mike slips his arm around you, relief flooding his face. For the first time all weekend, he looks like he can breathe again.

Karen wipes her eyes. “This is the best Easter surprise we’ve ever had.”

Joyce laughs through tears. “Best one we’ve had too.”