The Unexpected News

written by Elphie

They hadn't been trying for it. If it happened, then that was great; if it didn't, there was always time in the future. Most people found it odd that they'd been married a year and were still childless, but they didn't see it that way. It would happen when it happened.

But now, apparently it was happening a little sooner than either of them had planned.

Hannah let out a breath as she sat on the sofa, trying to let it all sink in. She'd gone in for a check-up today because she hadn't been feeling well, and had gone home with happier, if unexpected, news. It was a bit hard to wrap her head around the fact that there was a living being growing inside of her; her stomach didn't even look all that different, aside from being firmer than normal.

She should be happy about this. They were married, weren't they? This was how it was supposed to go.

But what if he wasn't ready yet? She certainly was, but what if he didn't want children right now? What if he never did?

"Nev? Can I talk to you?" she asked shakily.

"Of course, love." He walked into the room and sat next to her, giving her a loving kiss on the cheek. "You feeling alright?"

"Yeah…" Why was this so difficult? It wasn't like she was dying or anything. She was only carrying the child they'd made together. She cringed, trying to force her mind to shut up.

"You sure you're fine?" Neville looked concerned. "You seem a bit tense."

"No, I'm okay." She sighed, realizing that yes, she was okay. She should be jumping off the walls right now. And with that thought, her face broke out into a smile.

"Hannah?..." Neville frowned. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

He'd understand. He had to. She shifted to face him, taking his hand in hers and looking him square in the eye. "I'm pregnant."

She was sure his eyes were going to pop out of his head. He blinked rapidly, not saying anything.

"Neville?" she asked, looking up at him. Her blood ran cold when he didn't respond. "Sweetie, are you…?"

He suddenly tackled her, pinning her beneath him. He gave her a long, passionate kiss before pulling away and smiling widely. "Han, this is...brilliant! We're...we're going to be parents."

"This pleases you, I'm guessing?" she asked wryly.

"Why wouldn't it? You know I want kids." He glanced at her stomach. "I mean, of course I'm nervous, but..." He slowly lifted up her shirt, placing a hand over the stretched skin. "So you're certain, then? Our baby's in there?"

She rolled her eyes. "I'm sure. I'm the one who'll be carrying him or her around for the next nine months."

"But it'll all be worth it, right?" He looked at her sweetly, batting his eyelashes.

"Be lucky you have a pretty face, hon. I'd strangle you if I wasn't so forgiving."

He arched an eyebrow, making her giggle, and before Hannah could say anything else, Neville leaned in again to share another kiss with his wife.