I closed my eyes, feeling joyful and terrified all at once.

At least it all made sense now—the nausea, the crying at every little thing, the dizziness, the sore breasts, the gradual but steady weight gain. I’d been glad for the extra pounds and excited to have some more curves, but I’d also had this odd suspicion something wasn’t quite right with my body, so I’d made an appointment with April’s doctor.

April—what would April say? As soon as I had the thought, I knew April would be supportive. But what about the kids? My parents? Did this make me just like Brett? And wasn’t I too old to have a baby? What if something went wrong?

From somewhere deep within me, a voice spoke up—not a voice of doubt this time, but a voice of strength.

That’s enough, Sylvia. Stop fretting about this and go in and tell Henry he’s going to be a father. You are not betraying anybody by having a baby—it’s an incredible, unexpected miracle that will mean more love in this family and in this world. Be grateful you were given such a gift.

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the house where I grew up.

Smiling, I got out of the car.

“What’s up?” Henry followed me into his office and shut the door.

I spun around and faced him. “You might want to sit down.”

“Sylvia, tell me.” His face was concerned—he knew I’d had a doctor’s appointment this morning. He put his arms around me. “What did she say? Whatever it is, it’s going to be okay.”

“Well,” I said, feeling a laugh bubble up out of nowhere. Good Lord, pregnancy made you moody! “It’s actually . . . a baby.”

One of his brows shot up. “A what?”

“A baby.” I smiled tentatively. “I’m pregnant.”

A full ten seconds passed while Henry digested the news. He didn’t move, didn’t blink, didn’t breathe. Then his eyes closed. “Tell me I’m not dreaming.”

“You’re not dreaming, Henry. I’m—we’re—having a baby. I’m almost twelve weeks along.”

Suddenly he picked me up and swung me around. When he set me on my feet, he took my face in his hands and planted a huge kiss on my lips. His eyes were wet. “And you’re sure?”

I nodded. “Those tests don’t lie. And she examined me to confirm it.”

“Oh my God, Sylvia.” He pulled me close and wrapped me up in his arms. “You have no idea how happy I am.”

“I’ve got some idea,” I said, coughing. “Careful, you’re squishing us.”

“Oh, sorry!” He let me go, but took my hands in his and looked me in the eye. “How are you? Are you feeling okay? Do you need to sit down? Are you happy? Are you scared? How did this even happen? Talk to me.”

I laughed, lifting my shoulders. “I’m happy, Henry. I have no idea how this happened, and I’m worried about how Whitney and Keaton are going to handle the news, but I’m happy. Maybe a little scared.”

“Don’t be.” His expression was serious and he squeezed my hands. “I’ll be there every step of the way, and I’ll help you talk to the kids if you want. You have nothing to be afraid of. My God, Sylvia.” He took me in his arms again, more gently this time. “I never thought I’d have this moment. Thank you.”

At the crack in his voice, my tears were back. I put my arms around his waist and took comfort in his warm, familiar scent, the solidity of his chest against my cheek, even the hole in his shirt. This was real love.

He dropped to his knee and looked up. “Marry me, Sylvia. I would have asked you anyway, but I was trying to be patient for once. Clearly, the universe does not want us to take our time. I’m sorry I don’t have a ring, but what I do have is a promise—I will love you forever. I will be a good father to this baby. And I will never try to take the place of Whitney and Keaton’s dad, but I will be there for them, no matter what.”

I nodded through my tears.

“Is that yes?”

“Yes,” I said, my heart clanging against my ribs. “Yes.”

He rose and scooped me up again, gently rocking me from side to side. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. And I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know it.”

I laughed and sniffled. “I don’t mind at all.”

As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about where my kids were concerned. Both Whitney and Keaton were surprised but excited about the prospect of a little brother or sister. Henry and I told them together the following Saturday night. It was kind of a tradition now that we all hung out and watched a movie at the new house. Henry never stayed the night, although I was longing for the day when he could.

“Can I tell Millie?” Whitney wanted to know.

“Well, we were planning to tell everyone tomorrow night at Cloverleigh,” I said, linking hands with Henry at the table. “The entire family is going for Sunday dinner because it’s Grandma’s birthday. Can you wait until then?”

“I guess.” She looked glum for a second. Then she perked up. “Can the baby sleep in my room?”

Henry and I laughed. “You won’t want the baby in your room at first, trust me,” I told her. “But I will need plenty of help, don’t worry.”

Later, when I was saying goodnight to Whitney, she asked me if Henry and I would get married.

“We want to,” I said gently, sitting on the edge of her bed. “How do you feel about that?”

“I think you should.” Her tone was confident. “Would Henry live here?”

“Probably. We haven’t talked about it yet, but that makes the most sense.”

“Good.” She snuggled deeper under her covers. “I don’t want to move again. I like my new room.”

“I’m glad.” I smoothed her hair back from her face. “You’re sure you’re okay with all this? If you’re not, it’s okay to tell me.”

“I’m sure. This doesn’t feel like it did with Dad and Kimmy, if that’s what you’re worried about. It feels really different.”

“Good.”

“I’m happy for you, Mom.”

“Thank you.”

“Can I be in the wedding?”

I laughed. “Sure. You’ll have to help me plan.”

“Really? You mean it?”

“Of course. You know, if it weren’t for you, none of this would have happened. So we should be thanking you.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, her voice full of teenage smug.

Laughing, I leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

“Night, Mom.”

The following night, we were all gathered in the great room with drinks at my parents’ house before dinner when Henry surprised me by asking for everyone’s attention. He definitely wasn’t someone who enjoyed all eyes in a room on him, and this wasn’t how we’d discussed sharing our news.

Taking my hand, he brought me in front of the fireplace and turned to face the crowd. Everyone was there—my parents and kids, April, Mack and Frannie’s family, Meg and Noah, Chloe and Oliver. Even Noah’s dog Renzo was lying on the floor at his feet. When everyone was quiet and looking in our direction, Henry glanced at me. “Sylvia and I have something to tell you.”