Ben and Amy had finally spoken, they'd decided not to let them trying to figure out whether or not they were ready to be married, ruin what they have. Ben lay in bed on Friday night, staring at his ceiling. Without him even noticing, Leo was standing by his bed.
"What are doing home on a Friday night?" Leo asked.
"Huh? Oh, I didn't feel like going out." Ben said, lost in his thoughts.
"I've noticed that you've been pretty preoccupied lately, what's going on?" Leo asked.
"Amy's trying to figure out whether or not she's ready to be married. I mean what is there to figure out, we're already married." Ben said.
"Everything! There's everything to figure out, Ben. She has a lot going on in her life right now and she's entitled to take her time to figure out what she wants, especially if it's something as big as being married. And for the last time, you aren't married!" Leo said.
"But I mean, why is she so confused, it makes things so much easier for her, I'll be there to help her with everything and I'd take care of her and the baby." Ben said.
"I know you don't want to hear this Ben but being married to Amy will not change the fact that Amy is having Ricky's baby and that he's going to be around for a long time." Leo said taking a seat.
"I know that!" Ben said defensively.
"Do you? I know you love her Ben and I'm really proud of you for stepping up the way you have and being the kind of man you've been to Amy but when you take care of Amy, you have to help her with Ricky and their situation and put your feelings on it aside. That's what being a husband is about, putting Amy first. If you aren't ready to be a husband, don't be married Benjamin." Leo said.
Ben didn't say anything, He was just trying to process all his father had just said to him. Sure, he hated that Ricky was the father of this baby and he would give anything for this baby to be his but he loved Amy and he'd find a way to put aside his feelings toward Ricky.
"Look Ben, I tried helping you with this before, I did but there's no point being married if you aren't ready for it. I know you want to be ready but there's a difference between being ready and wanting to be. If you get married before you're ready, then you're not only ruining your life and Amy's but also the baby's. So think long and hard about whether or not you're ready. If you and Amy are meant to be together, then you'll make it even without being married." Leo said.
"How did you know you were ready to be married to mom?" Ben asked.
"I was ready to marry your mom the day I met her but by the time your grandparents actually agreed, we were much older and settled in our lives and we were sure of who we were as individuals and together that it felt like there was nothing left to do but be married. Our situation was never as complicated as yours and Amy's." Leo said.
Ben smiled. "I really wish, it was my baby."
"I know you do, but don't get married because you aren't happy with what's actually happening. Don't be married for the wrong reasons, that isn't fair to you or Amy." Leo said.
Ben nodded.
"Think about it." Leo said.
"I will." Ben said.
"Goodnight , love you." Leo said walking out.
"Goodnight, love you too." Ben said.
Maybe his dad was right, ben thought. Maybe he was wanting to stay married to Amy for the wrong reasons. Being married to Amy wouldn't change that it was Ricky's baby or that he and Amy would always be connected by this baby but he really wanted to be there for Amy, make her feel safe. Ben didn't know what to do, he just wanted to help.
