She nodded, tears pooling in her eyes. “I found out yesterday. I’ve been trying to figure out the perfect way to tell you, and—”
Before she could finish, Ryan swept her into his arms, spinning her around. “We’re having a baby,” he repeated, his voice full of wonder. “I can’t believe it. This is… this is the best news ever.”
Avery laughed through her tears, clinging to him as he set her down. “You’re happy?”
“Happy?” Ryan said, cupping her face in his hands. “Avery, you’ve just made me the happiest man alive. I can’t wait to do this with you—to be parents together.”
They sat down to dinner, their conversations filled with excitement about the future. Ryan couldn’t stop glancing at the cake, shaking his head in disbelief.
“So, how are you feeling?” he asked, his hand resting on hers.
“A little tired and nauseous,” Avery admitted, “but mostly excited. It’s still sinking in, honestly.”
“Well, you won’t go through any of this alone,” Ryan said, his voice steady. “I’ll be there every step of the way.”
“I know,” Avery said, squeezing his hand. “You always are.”
After dinner, they cut into the cake together, laughing as the pink-and-blue layers revealed themselves. Ryan took a picture of the slice, already planning to save it for their baby album.
“This might be the best dessert I’ve ever had,” he said, taking a bite.
“That’s because it comes with the best news,” Avery teased, stealing a bite from his plate.
Sunny trotted around the apartment, chasing after a small toy Ryan had brought along with her. Watching her, Avery laughed.
“You realize Sunny is going to have to share the spotlight now, right?” Avery said, leaning against Ryan.
“Sunny will be the perfect big sister,” Ryan said, wrapping an arm around her. “She’s already part of the family, just like our little one will be.”
Avery smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. “I can’t believe how much our lives are changing.”
“And I can’t wait for it,” Ryan said, kissing the top of her head.
As the evening wound down, Avery and Ryan cuddled on the couch, Sunny asleep on Avery’s lap.
“Today was perfect,” Avery said softly.
Ryan smiled, his eyes filled with love. “It really was. And I know this is just the beginning, Aves. We’re going to make an amazing team.”