Having a husband in the military wasn’t as romantic as people said it was. Most of the time, he was away for work. When you two first started dating, you didn’t know if it would work out, because of his frequent deployments, most even out of the country, were making it more stressful for both of you: but somehow, you both made it your reason to keep going.

John surprisingly finished a mission earlier than expected, it being supposed to last almost a year. It was one of the longest ones in 10 years of your being together. He organised a lunch with your friends, to not make anything suspicious that could indicate him; with that, he would randomly appear behind you and surprise you.

Little did he know, when he left, you were pregnant; having no way to contact him, you kept the pregnancy going, even if it was hard. Your friends helped you with everything, and you were extremely grateful. Even being a transgender man, you successfully made it through.

Your friends said nothing to him about the child you gave birth to, who was a beautiful baby girl you named Helen, with a nickname such as Ellie, knowing John dreamed of calling his future daughter that.

Holding your two month old daughter, your friends were taking pictures of you and your outfit, under their own personal request. In reality, they were recording a video to catch your reaction to your husband appearing behind you. And really, also his.

John slowly stepped out of the corner he was hiding in and wrapped his arms around your waist from behind. You jumped, immediately recognising his touch. “Hey, love.” he mumbled gruffly, his rough voice ringing through your ears. He paused, his whole body tensing up. “What? Who’s that…” the look in the child’s eyes told him she was yours, the colour being quite literally the same. But she was also an exact copy of him. “What?” he repeated. He was about to cry.