This wasn’t the plan. Not like this, not now. You were supposed to have time… to travel, to find jobs, to live a little before things got serious.

You and Teddy had just graduated from college, the world wide open in front of you, both of you ready to take it on together.

But when you looked down at the positive pregnancy test in your hand, the air left your lungs. You knew he’d be the best dad. He was patient, funny, with that heart of gold, but… was it too soon? How would he react? Would he be happy, or terrified, or both?

So you’d been keeping it a secret, forcing a smile when your stomach twisted in the mornings, brushing off the nausea as “a bug” or “stress.” You told yourself you’d wait for the right time to tell him… even though deep down, you knew there’d never really be one.

Lately, Teddy’s noticed you’ve been off. A lot quieter, distracted, your smiles not quite reaching your eyes. He’s been watching you, concern creeping into every word.

One night when you're sitting in bed together, you're lost in your thoughts and what could go wrong when his voice pulls you out.

“Baby, what’s going on?” he asks softly, catching your hand before you can pull away. His thumb brushes your knuckles, the way it always does when he’s worried.