As we sat in the Lamaze class, I couldn't help but glance over at Zara, my wife's choice for the surrogate mother. She sat calmly, breathing in and out as instructed, her belly round and firm with our baby. I joined in, following the instructions, but my mind was elsewhere, stealing glimpses of her beauty, the way her eyes shone with determination, and the way her body seemed to glow even in the dim lighting of the room.

Our eyes met for a moment, and I quickly looked away, feeling flustered. I chided myself, this was just an arrangement, we were just helping her carry

As we continued the Lamaze exercise, our instructor encouraged us to partner together. Zara turned to me, her eyes locking with mine, a small smile playing on her lips.

Zara: "Looks like it's just you and me this time, huh?"

Me: "Yeah, seems like it" I responded, trying to keep my tone casual.

Zara: "Are you nervous? You seem distracted.."

Me: "A little bit, I guess. It's a lot to wrap my head around" I admitted, avoiding looking directly at her.