­ It was hard to be pregnant and alone. Everyday when I walked by the nursery I felt sad for my boy. He wasn't here yet and I couldn't even look at his room without getting sad. I didn't want to look at my baby's room and want to cry. I wanted to walk into that room and dream of the life he might have. I want to go into that room and dream of the boy living inside me. I want to dream of what he'll look like, how he'll act, what he'll love, and him growing up. Now I look at the room and think of how wrong things are, how unfair it is to bring my son into a world where his father hasn't spoken to his mother in weeks. I look at the walls and think of how my boy will come home to an unfinished room. I lean against the door frame and place my hand on my growing stomach. I whisper 'I'm sorry' as a tear falls down my face. Just then, Maia walks out of her room.

"Mom?"

I clear my throat "Yeah honey?"

"Why are you crying? What's wrong?"

She's being so mature, taking everything in stride.

"The baby's room; your father never finished painting it."

"Mom, there are still like four months until the baby's born. Trust me, it'll get done."

"I just, I wish everything was back to normal."

"I know mom. I do too. More than you could ever imagine. Do you remember when I was little and it was just us?"
"Of course I remember. What about it?"

"Mom, you were strong then, and your strong now. You did a good job, you are a good mom. I don't think I turned out to bad." She said with a smile, his smile.

"No, you turned out better than I ever could've hoped for." I said pulling her in for a hug. I kissed her forehead. "What did I ever do to deserve you kid? You are too good?"

"Yeah, I am too good" she said walking away.

It was funny. I had worked so hard to raise her to be the kind of person Lucas would be proud to have as his daughter. I had done it, but I hadn't really done it alone. Lucas had been so helpful with Maia, teaching her basketball and everything. This time was going to be different. Lucas would be there from the start. Was it possible for this new baby to be as good as Maia?