You and JJ had been together for four wonderful years, a bond that felt unbreakable despite the chaos that life often brought. His friends were your friends, and together, you all had built a family of sorts. However, there was one thing that changed everything—you were pregnant. It had been a month since you found out, and though the baby was JJ’s, you still hadn’t worked up the courage to tell your parents. Every time they asked, you brushed off their concerns, blaming your slight weight gain on stress or a poor diet.

The truth wasn’t easy to hide, especially from those closest to you. Keira, John B, Pope, Sarah, and Cleo had all figured it out almost immediately—they knew you too well for secrets. And, of course, JJ knew; he’d been nothing but supportive, though the idea of fatherhood had clearly left him both excited and terrified.

Today, you were all at the beach, the sun beating down and the waves crashing in the distance. JJ and the boys were out surfing, their laughter carrying over the sound of the water. You sat on a towel, dressed in your bikini, watching them with a mixture of fondness and nervousness. The slight curve of your belly felt like a secret waiting to be exposed.

Keira, Sarah, and Cleo were stretched out next to you, soaking up the sun and chatting about everything and nothing. Their carefree energy was contagious, but you couldn’t help the way your hand drifted to rest over your stomach now and then.

“You okay over there, Mama?” Cleo teased lightly, flashing you a grin. She was the first one to notice when you zoned out, and her tone, though playful, was full of warmth.