I met Will at the door when he arrived home, which was not unusual itself. I suppose I looked rather grim, however, judging by the concerned expression he donned as he embraced me.
"You seem troubled."
I tried to smile, but I felt it falter. "Come sit," I said, and he let me lead him to the kitchen, where I had already been preparing a cup of tea to calm my own nerves. We sat at the table, and he took my hand in both of his. This small gesture brought the smile, and I met his eyes with it tugging at the corners of my mouth.
"I love you." It came so easy now, after six years of knowing, but it still surprised me every time I was able to give it voice.
"And I, you, dear. Now tell me what's wrong."
I shook my head. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing is wrong. I'm pregnant."
He stared for a moment, stunned, and then swept me up into an embrace tighter than I had ever felt. I yelped, though I hugged him back once I'd recovered from my own surprise.
"I just found out," I told him. "This morning."
"Ah, you must have been on pins and needles. I apologize for not being here."
I laughed, and kissed him. "Don't be silly. You were at work, you shouldn't apologize for that." I paused, smiling, and letting myself be lost in the moment for once. "Lance should."
He chuckled and set me back in the chair, hands lingering for a second on my hips, then brushing the front of my abdomen. "Four weeks? Six?"
"I'm not positive." I had done the math, though. "Four, I think."
"We should schedule an appointment, of course."
"Yes. Monday morning."
"I shall be sure to be there."
"If that slavedriver you call a Champion can spare you, darling."
He leaned over to kiss my cheek, and I smiled at him.
"Do you know how very happy I am right now?"
"I think I have some idea."
