Page 175 of Pack Plus One

The trip home passes in a blur of nervous anticipation. When I arrive, I pause in the entryway, my eyes catching on the framed photo from our wedding day that holds pride of place on the wall. The five of us, laughing as Jude smashed cake into Caleb’s face while Liam and Mason looked on with identical expressions of fond exasperation. It had been the happiest day of my life.

Until, perhaps, today.

I take the test in the downstairs bathroom, setting the plastic stick on the counter before washing my hands with trembling fingers.

Three minutes. That’s what the instructions said. Three minutes to wait before my whole life potentially changes.

I pace the small space, mind racing with possibilities. A baby. Our baby. A tiny person with Caleb’s eyes or Jude’s smile or Liam’s thoughtfulness or Mason’s steadiness. Plus whatever traits I might contribute.

It’s terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure.

When the timer on my phone chimes, I nearly jump out of my skin. Taking a deep breath, I pick up the test, already knowing what I’ll see.

Two pink lines. Unmistakable.

I’m pregnant.

I lean against the counter, legs suddenly weak. It’s one thing to suspect, another entirely to know. There’s a life growing inside me, a new person who will join our unconventional family.

“Leah?” Caleb’s voice comes from the other side of the door, concern evident in his tone. “Are you okay? You’ve been in there a while.”

I open the door to find him standing there, brow furrowed with worry. His expression shifts immediately as he takes in my face, scenting the mix of emotions rolling off me.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, reaching for me automatically.

I hold up the test, words failing me completely.

His eyes drop to the plastic stick, widening as understanding dawns. For a moment, he’s perfectly still, not even breathing. Then, with a sound that’s part growl and part laugh, he lifts me off the ground in a crushing embrace.

“You’re pregnant?” he says against my hair, voice thick with emotion. “We’re having a baby?”

“We’re having a baby,” I confirm, tears suddenly streaming down my face. Caleb freezes.

“Leah…” His voice almost cracks. “Oh Leah…You don’t want this?”

My tears flow harder, but I’m already nodding. “I do! I’m just scared and happy and completely terrified and so, so happy.”

His shoulders sag with relief. He sets me down gently, cradling my face in his large hands. “You have no idea how happy this makes us.”

As if summoned by his words, the front door bursts open, followed by the sound of multiple footsteps rushing down the hall.

“Did she pee on it yet?” Jude’s voice carries ahead of him. “Is it positive? Are we having a tiny baker or what?”

“So much for respecting my process,” I laugh through my tears as Jude, Liam, and Mason appear in the hallway, all pretense of patience abandoned.

“We tried,” Liam says, not sounding particularly apologetic. “But Jude pointed out that if we waited for you to tell us, Caleb would have an unfair advantage in baby preparation time.”

“Which is absolutely unacceptable,” Jude declares. “Especially since I’ve already ordered customized baby-sized aprons for the bakery. With extra miniature chef hats.”

“You’ve what?” I laugh, wiping away tears.

“I might have also researched omega-safe prenatal yoga,” Liam admits sheepishly. “And enrolled us in a partner class.”

“Us?” I repeat, eyebrows raised.

“All of us,” he confirms. “The instructor was a bit surprised, but I explained our pack dynamics, and she was quite accommodating.”

“I’ve stocked the freezer with lactation cookies,” Mason adds calmly, as if this is a perfectly normal contribution. “Apparently they’re best prepared in advance to allow the flavors to mature.”

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