Avery stretched lazily in bed, sunlight filtering through the curtains and warming the room. The sound of Sunny’s soft snoring reached her ears, and she smiled as she turned to see Ryan Hayes still fast asleep beside her, his arm draped over her waist. Life felt like a dream these days.
The past few months had been a whirlwind of love, laughter, and a growing family. Ryan had been doting on her endlessly, from late-night cravings to impromptu foot massages. Sunny had settled into their lives like she’d always been there, filling their home with boundless energy and mischief.
Avery was now nearing the end of her first trimester, her pregnancy progressing smoothly so far. Though there had been the occasional bout of nausea or fatigue, she felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. She gently placed a hand on her stomach, where a tiny life was beginning to take shape.
“Good morning, little one,” she whispered, a soft smile on her lips.
Sunny stirred at the sound of her voice, hopping off her dog bed and onto the mattress with an excited bark.
“Sunny, no!” Avery exclaimed, laughing as the puppy enthusiastically licked her face.
Ryan groaned, rolling over and pulling a pillow over his head. “It’s too early for this,” he mumbled, his voice muffled.
“Tell that to Sunny,” Avery teased, trying to fend off the puppy’s affectionate assault.
Finally, Ryan sat up, his hair adorably messy. He reached out to scratch Sunny behind the ears, earning a happy wag of her tail. “Alright, alright. I’m awake. Coffee?”
“Always,” Avery said, sliding out of bed.
Ryan headed to the kitchen while Avery showered and got dressed. By the time she joined him, the smell of fresh coffee and scrambled eggs filled the air.
“Breakfast is served,” Ryan said, handing her a plate.
“You’re spoiling me,” Avery said, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
“Get used to it,” he replied with a grin.
As the day went on, Avery began to feel an unusual tightness in her lower abdomen. At first, she brushed it off, assuming it was just the normal aches and changes of pregnancy. She’d read plenty of books that described similar sensations.
By evening, the discomfort had turned into sharp, intermittent pains that made her pause mid-step.
“Are you okay?” Ryan asked, noticing her wincing as she leaned against the counter.
“I think so,” Avery said, trying to sound casual. “It’s probably just stretching or something. Growing a baby isn’t exactly easy.”
But when the pain woke her up in the middle of the night, she knew it wasn’t normal. Her stomach felt tight, and a deep ache spread through her lower abdomen, leaving her unable to find a comfortable position.
“Ryan,” she said, her voice trembling as she shook him awake.
He sat up immediately, concern etched across his face. “Avery? What’s wrong?”
“I have stomach pains,” she admitted, clutching her abdomen. “It’s been on and off all day, but now it’s worse.”
Ryan’s expression grew serious. “We’re going to the hospital. Right now.”