With this Candle

Mrs. Jarvis spun her glass of wine around again as she looked over Victoria, who sat with her hands folded in her lap. She could make out children's voices from the other room. Both yelled at the other. But Mrs. Jarvis did nothing to stop it. Victoria adjusted herself in her seat. Almost wanting to break up the fight herself.

"You know," Mrs. Jarvis said. She hiccuped and laughed. "I thought I was so clever. I had a fishing hook engraved to tell him."

Victoria flashed a smile. "Tell him what, Mrs. Jarvis?"

"That I was pregnant."

She barely stopped herself in time before her jaw dropped. Victoria lifted her chin. From her early years, her mother conditioned her into knowing that the word, pregnant was much too scandalous for a proper young lady to say. Only women of the night used such a word. Though Victoria made herself understand. Mrs. Jarvis had been relying on their social calls much more lately. She was drunk half the time and complained about her husband, whether she was sober or not. After learning more of her life story, Mrs. Jarvis was pitiable.

"He didn't appreciate it," Mrs. Jarvis continued, "I shouldn't have been surprised. He didn't even care to learn of the arrival of our firstborn. Or second born. Or . . ." She waved her hand in the air. "How many do I have?" She dropped her hand. "No matter. He didn't care about any of them."

"I'm very sorry to hear that, Mrs. Jarvis."

Victoria hadn't realized her hands were cupped around her own stomach. She blushed and looked away.

Mrs. Jarvis grunted. She went on to complain about the next thing in her life.

Once Victoria was home, in an nearly-empty house, she got to thinking. It would be fun to do something for Victor. After all, it wasn't every day a man learned he was going to become a father.

But perhaps Victor followed in Mr. Jarvis's footsteps. He didn't care. Or Victoria told him the news, he grunted and opened the paper in front of the fireplace.

No, no, no. That wasn't like Victor at all. If anything, he would likely faint.

Of course, Victoria didn't want her husband to pass out. But she couldn't help but wonder. She traveled through their home. Passing the kitchen door, where a delightful scent was already brewing from inside. Perhaps, she could hide a note in his food. No. Victor might eat it. And choke on it.

Victoria traveled up the stairs. She stopped in front of the mirror. The midwife said she might be able to see some symptoms. Upon a brief examination, she couldn't fine any. No matter. Victoria's hand swept past a pile of small papers. Victor had a presentation at work a few days ago. He used the sheets to remember his notes. Victoria picked them up, peering down at them. A smile crept into her features.

Yes, she would have a surprise for Victor, after all.

"Victoria? Victoria, I'm home!"

Usually, Victor never needed to call for her. She was always near the door by the time he arrived home from work. On purpose or on accident. Perhaps she was out today. Victor checked his watch. Not likely. Didn't ladies end their social visits by now? Hhe ventured into the house. Why was it so dark?

He set his briefcase down by the front table. When he looked up, he noticed a candle with a note underneath. His name was written in Victoria's neat cursive. Victor unfolded the paper.

Victor,

Finding the first clue will be a treat! Look for it where you get something to eat.

He read it again. First clue. Victoria wasn't one to play games. Victor smiled. This was good. She didn't get the chance to really play as a child.

You get something to eat.

The kitchen? The dining room?

Victor took the candle in his other hand, keeping the clue open in the other. He checked the dining room first. On the table, he could make out another scrap of paper. Victor nearly ran to it.

Now that you're fed, go and look for the clue where you lay your head.

Their bedroom! He was certain of it. Victor climbed with the stairs. Now holding both clues.

"Victoria?" Victor called again, upon entry. He received no answer.

But there was another clue on his pillow. He scooped it up. Frantically reading its contents.

The next place you'll need to look is the place where you can find a book.

Victor didn't hesitate to duck into their library. The clue wasn't left on the table, as he would have guessed it would be. He searched through piles of books. Before finding a paper stuck to the back of one.

Don't tear the room apart. Just take a look in the supplies for art.

He curled around to the room adjacent to the library. His drawing room, as their fondly nicknamed it. Victor shifted through sketchbooks and pencils before taking out a spare piece of paper. His area was usually well organized. The clue was easy to spot among the stacks of supplies.

Look for the clues, but don't get stressed. You'll find another where you get dressed.

Victor found the next clue in one of his spare coat pockets. Which made him start to wonder why Victoria set this up. It had to be a happy reason. This seemed inappropriate for something distressful. But what could it be?

The next clue can be found on the box with a musical sound

The music box on Victoria's dresser didn't have one. Victor stumbled downstairs. Instead of his sheet music on the piano, he found a clue addressed to himself.

Wanting more? Why don't you check the front door?

Obediently, Victor went. A clue was stuck between the door and the frame. After a bit of an effort, he pulled it through. The clue only tore a bit at the edge.

Looking for the final prize? God where you can look into your own eyes.

It wasn't their anniversary. Was it? No. That wasn't until . . . Until. Victor widened his eyes as he realized. He forgot their anniversary! It was only their second one and he already messed up. Tonight after whatever Victoria had planned, he would sneak out and find something nice for her. She had been eyeing that brooch in the catalogue lately. Victor could give her whatever he found, promising that the brooch was on its way. A little white lie couldn't hurt much. Although it pained him to think about lying to his wife.

With heavy steps, he found his way back to their bedroom. Victor faced the mirror. Another piece of parchment was stuck to it. He set the candle down and removed it.

You did it! Now get ready to become a . . .

He turned it over.

Father!

Victor blinked.

Father?

"Victor?"

He jumped back, landing into the edge of the dresser. Victor groaned. Victoria helped him up, grimacing for him.

"Are you all right? What happened?" she asked, running her hand through his hair.

"I'm all-all right." Victor steadied himself and bent down to grab the fallen note. Victoria bet him to it. Handing it back with a small smile. She looked up at him. His mouth went dry. Father. That was what it said. Father. "Victoria? I . . ."

"Surprise," Victoria said, waving her hand. She knitted her eyebrows together.

Father. Father. Father.

He was going to be a father.

That meant Victoria was expecting. Father. Mother. A baby.

Victor's eyes widened.

"Victoria!" He threw his arms around her. "You're-you're-"

"Having a baby." Victoria laughed. "I know!"

"We're having a baby."

Those were the best words that had ever grazed his tongue. Victor laughed with Victoria. They embraced. He kissed the top of her head.

"I love you, Victor," Victoria said, looking up at him.

He looked down at her. "I love you too, Victoria."

I do apologize for any mistakes in this ficlet. I randomly got inspired after having none for weeks and I really wanted to get this up.

Thanks for reading!