My husband had been blessed with a quick metabolism and a natural wiriness. Over the course of our years together, he’d worked out sporadically, usually staying fit with games of pickup basketball or bike rides with his buddies. As I watched him on the floor strengthening his core, I realized how isolated Brian had become. He’d left his sporty pals behind. On the island, he had no friends but Max, a professional athlete who worked out like a warrior. And they hadn’t seen each other in months.

“I left work early to see Freya,” I said, to the back of his head. “She had some news.”

“What was it?” he asked, through gritted teeth.

“She’s pregnant.”

Brian’s held his position for a few more seconds, then lowered his knees. “Really?”

“I was surprised, too. And so was she. She didn’t think they could conceive, but it just happened.”

He didn’t speak for a moment, absorbing the news. Then he said, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “I felt jealous at first, but I’m happy for her. I think she really wants this baby.”

My husband gave me a sympathetic smile and squeezed my arm. “I need water,” he said, and moved to the kitchen.

“She’d always told me she didn’t want kids,” I said, trailing after him. “She sounded like she kind of hated them. But it’ll be different with her own.”

Brian filled a glass with water. “And Max?”

My one-time lover’s name on my husband’s lips elevated my pulse, but I affected a casual tone. “I haven’t seen him, but Freya said he’s happy. He was surprised, but they both feel like this is a new beginning for them. They’ve been through a lot of ugliness. A baby will bring so much joy.”

Brian drained the glass and set it down. “It’s hard to envision them as parents.”

“I thought so, too, until I saw how excited Freya is.”

“A baby will change their lifestyle. No more magic-mushroom parties, for one.”

“Definitely not.” I laughed awkwardly.

We had never talked about that night. My one attempt at a confession had been subverted, and I could see no reason to bring my dalliance with Max into the light now. So I changed the subject.

“Freya’s feeling pretty overwhelmed. But I said I’d help her and support her.”

“You’re a good friend to her.”

“We can have a role in this baby’s life, Brian. We can be its auntie and uncle.”

My husband almost smiled, but not quite. “I’m going to take a shower.”

“I’ll start dinner.”