Chapter 154 – Amara POV
The Answer I Didn't Expect
The cabin Ethan brought me to was beautiful—quiet, cozy, and tucked into the trees like something out of a dream. The air was fresh, crisp with the scent of pine, and everything about it made my heart soften. He thought of everything, down to the rose-scented candles and a basket full of my favorite snacks.
He knew me. Every piece of me.
But even here, away from work, noise, and stress, I couldn't deny the nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach.
It wasn't worry. Not exactly. It was something physical.
I'd barely made it halfway through the blueberry pancakes Ethan made before I had to run to the bathroom—again. I'd thrown up twice in the last 24 hours. My appetite had been through the roof lately, and now my body was acting like food was both its greatest love and biggest enemy.
I stood at the sink afterward, staring at my reflection. My skin looked slightly paler, and my body felt different. Not in a way that hurt. Just… foreign. Unfamiliar.
When I stepped out, Ethan was on the couch, flipping through a book, but his eyes lifted the moment he heard me. His brow creased.
"That was the third time this weekend," he said gently. "You sure you're okay?"
I gave him a weak smile. "Probably just a bug."
"Still?" he said, standing. "Maybe we should head back to the city. Go see a doctor."
"No, I don't want to ruin this trip."
"It's not ruined if it means making sure you're okay."
His tone was soft but firm. The worry in his eyes made my chest tighten.
I nodded reluctantly. "Okay. When we get back."
But we didn't wait.
When we returned Sunday evening, I felt dizzy enough that Ethan didn't let me argue. He called the clinic first thing Monday morning and drove me there himself, even though I told him he didn't need to.
He wouldn't let go of my hand the entire time in the waiting room.
My fingers trembled slightly, though I tried to hide it. I wasn't scared… just confused. My mind was already running through worst-case scenarios—maybe something hormonal, or anemia, or…
"Mrs. Lantel?"
The nurse's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I followed her back alone while Ethan stayed behind. Vitals, questions, samples. Then I sat on the paper-covered exam bed, heart racing in my chest.
Ten minutes later, the doctor walked in with a gentle smile.
"Well, Amara, I have your results."
I looked up. "Is it serious?"
She chuckled lightly. "Not at all. You're perfectly healthy."
I blinked. "Then why have I been feeling so… weird?"
She tilted her head, her smile deepening. "Because you're pregnant."
I froze. "…I'm what?"
"Pregnant," she said kindly. "About eight weeks, based on the symptoms and your last cycle. All the signs are there—nausea, increased appetite, fatigue. But everything looks good. Congratulations."
My lips parted, but no sound came out.
Pregnant?
Me?
The word echoed in my head, bouncing around like it didn't belong. It didn't feel real. I hadn't planned for this. Hadn't even thought about it. I was on birth control… or at least I thought I was—wait. Oh no. I had skipped a few pills during that crazy month after the wedding.
Oh. My. God.
The doctor gave me a moment, then said softly, "Do you want me to bring your husband in?"
I nodded slowly.
She left, and I sat frozen on the bed, staring at my hands.
Pregnant.
I had a life inside me.
When the door opened again, Ethan stepped in, his worry written all over his face. "Mara?"
I stood slowly. My legs wobbled a little, so he caught me instinctively, arms wrapping around me.
"What is it? What did they say?"
I looked up into his eyes.
And somehow… the words wouldn't come.
I swallowed hard, pressing a hand to my belly.
Ethan followed the movement, then blinked. "Wait…"
His voice softened, almost breaking. "Are you—"
I nodded slowly, eyes filling with disbelief. "We're having a baby."
He stared at me.
And then—he laughed.
The most joyful, relieved, overwhelmed sound I'd ever heard.
He kissed me. Just like that, he wrapped me in his arms and kissed me like we'd been given a miracle. Like nothing else in the world mattered but this one moment.
"A baby?" he whispered against my lips, almost in awe. "You're sure?"
"Yes. Eight weeks."
He pulled back just to look into my face again. "You… you didn't know?"
I shook my head. "I thought it was stress, or the food, or… I don't know. I never expected this."
He rested his forehead against mine, eyes shining. "You have no idea how happy this makes me."
And I believed him. Every word. Every breath.
Because somehow, in the chaos of life and love and marriage, we'd made something new.
Something that would carry a piece of us both.
I closed my eyes, leaning into him. My heart felt like it might burst with wonder, shock, and joy all tangled together.
I didn't know what kind of parents we'd be.
I didn't know if I was ready.
But I knew this—Ethan would be by my side.
And we would figure it out.
Together.