** JO **
Jo March was used to the thrill of being on the road. The constant motion, the hum of life in different cities, and the buzz of excitement that came with promoting her first book, Raising Thunderstorms, all gave her a kind of high she hadn't experienced since she was a kid, racing through the fields back home in Concord. The tour had taken her to places she'd only read about, and with Fritz by her side, everything felt like an adventure, like the kind of story she might have written about a year ago, when she could only dream of this kind of success.
The day had started in Boston with a book signing at an independent bookstore—small but packed with eager readers who reminded her so much of herself. The questions about her writing process, her inspiration, and the characters in her book kept her energized, but as the hours wore on, a strange weariness began to settle in her bones. By the time they reached their hotel in Providence, Rhode Island, she felt the world spinning just a little too fast.
"Jo, you okay?" Fritz asked, his deep, concerned voice pulling her from her thoughts as they walked into their room.
"I'm fine," she replied, brushing it off. "Just tired, I guess. It's been a long day."
He didn't seem convinced, but he let it go, instead busying himself with their luggage. Jo slipped into the bathroom to splash water on her face, hoping to wash away the strange nausea that had been growing in the pit of her stomach. But as the cool water touched her skin, she felt a sudden wave of dizziness and gripped the edge of the sink for support.
"What is wrong with me?" she whispered to her reflection, her heart starting to race.
When she finally emerged, Fritz was seated on the bed, reading through some notes he had taken at her last signing. He looked up with that gentle smile she loved so much, the one that told her everything would be alright.
"I think I'm going to lie down for a bit," she said, forcing a smile.
"Of course, meine Liebe," Fritz said, setting the notes aside and coming over to kiss her forehead. "Rest. We have some time before dinner."
Jo curled up on the bed, trying to steady her breathing, but her mind raced. There had been moments over the last few weeks—subtle, almost unnoticeable things—like how her jeans had felt a bit tighter, or how the smell of coffee, usually her lifeblood, had started to turn her stomach. And now this sudden exhaustion, the nausea…
The thought that popped into her mind made her sit up, her breath catching in her throat.
No. It couldn't be.
But as she stared at the ceiling, the pieces started to fall into place. And suddenly, the feeling in her gut wasn't just nausea—it was certainty.
Her heart pounded as she grabbed her phone and snuck out of the room, needing a moment alone. She slipped into the hallway, where the quiet hum of the hotel allowed her thoughts to settle.
Who else could she talk to but Meg? Her sister had always been the calm, nurturing one—the one who knew exactly what to do in moments like these. She quickly found Meg's contact and pressed the call button. The phone rang a few times before a bleary-eyed Meg appeared on the screen, looking disheveled but still beautiful in that serene way of hers.
"Jo? What time is it?" Meg asked, stifling a yawn. In the background, Jo could hear the soft murmur of little voices—Demi and Daisy, no doubt, causing some midnight mischief.
"I'm sorry, Meg. I didn't mean to wake you," Jo said quickly. "I just… I needed to talk to you."
Meg's face softened, concern replacing the tiredness. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"I think…" Jo hesitated, the words catching in her throat. Saying it out loud made it real. "I think I'm pregnant."
Meg's eyes widened, and for a moment, there was silence as the weight of Jo's words hung between them.
"Jo!" Meg finally exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and joy. "That's… that's wonderful! Isn't it?"
Jo nodded slowly, feeling the tears prick at her eyes. "I think so. But… I'm scared, Meg. I don't know what to do."
Meg shifted the phone, and Jo could see Demi's little face peeking up at the screen, his thumb in his mouth, his big eyes sleepy but curious.
"Hi, Auntie Jo," he murmured.
Jo smiled, her heart aching with love for her nephew. "Hey, buddy."
Meg kissed the top of his head and then focused back on Jo, her expression serious but gentle. "Jo, it's okay to be scared. I was terrified when I found out I was pregnant with these two. But you're going to be an amazing mom. You've always been so strong and brave, and you've got Fritz. He loves you so much. You're not alone."
"I know," Jo whispered, wiping at her eyes. "But what about my book? The tour? I've worked so hard to get here, and now…"
"Jo, your life isn't going to end because you're having a baby," Meg said firmly. "You'll find a way to make it work. And if anyone can balance it all, it's you. Besides, you've got a whole family ready to help, and we're only a call away. No one says you have to do this on your own."
Jo nodded, taking a deep breath. "Thank you, Meg. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Meg smiled, that calm, knowing smile that always made Jo feel like everything would be alright. "You're going to be fine, Jo. Just take it one step at a time."
As they said their goodbyes and the call ended, Jo stood in the hallway for a moment, letting the reality of it all sink in. She was going to be a mother. The thought was both terrifying and exhilarating.
When she finally returned to the room, Fritz was still where she had left him, now scrolling through his phone. He looked up as she walked in, his eyes immediately locking onto hers.
"Jo, is everything alright?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.
Jo smiled, feeling a wave of calm wash over her. "Everything's more than alright, Fritz."
He stood, coming over to her, his hands gently cupping her face as he searched her eyes. "What is it?"
Jo took a deep breath, placing her hand over his. "I think we're going to have a baby."
For a moment, Fritz just stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, his face broke into the widest, most joyous smile she'd ever seen, and he pulled her into his arms, holding her tight.
"We're going to have a baby," he repeated, his voice full of wonder. "Oh, Jo, this is… this is incredible."
Jo laughed, tears of happiness mingling with her fears. "Yeah, it is."
They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the future suddenly wide open and full of possibilities. Jo knew there would be challenges ahead—there always were—but with Fritz by her side and her family behind her, she felt ready to face whatever came next.
Because, as Meg had said, Jo March was strong, and she was brave. And now, she was ready for the biggest adventure of all.