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.”