Page 130 of Baby Surprise for my Brother's Best Friend

I force a brittle laugh, waving him off like it’s all fine.

But it’s not.

With the exception of Halie, I haven't told anyone about the pregnancy.

Not dad.

Not even Denver, who watches me like he knows I’m carrying a secret too heavy for my narrow shoulders.

In two days, I’m going to my first ultrasound appointment.

Halie insisted on coming with me. And even though part of me wanted to tell her no, to carry this alone, I said yes.

Because alone... alone feels too heavy right now.

I haven’t let myself think about what that’s going to feel like, walking into that sterile room, seeing the tiny flicker of life growing inside me, and not having Alessio there to see it too.

I can't let myself think about it.

Not if I want to survive the next five minutes, let alone the next few months.

To prove to myself that I’m okay, or at least to pretend, I drag myself to the prenatal yoga class I signed up for right after Alessio left.

It’s something to do.

Something to keep me from falling apart.

The studio smells like lavender and lemon, soft music playing from a corner speaker. Everything about it is calm, welcoming.

I don’t feel either of those things.

Nati spots me the second I walk in.

She’s a new friend, someone I met on the first day, bubbly, animated, the kind of woman who wears her heart right there on her sleeve and dares you not to love her for it.

She looks amazing too, perfect breasts, a toned body, her ass practically defying gravity.

She's told me in her own words, she is mybaby bestie.

She wraps me in a warm hug and presses a bottle of cucumber water into my hand.

“Look at you, mama. Glowing.”

I manage a smile. It’s weak, but it’s real enough to satisfy her.

We talk like everything is normal. Stretching out on our mats. Laughing at the instructor’s corny jokes.

Pretending.

Nati talks about her newborn daughter, how terrifying it was bringing her home alone, how after four months she still checks to make sure she’s breathing five times a night.

She adjusts her position into a careful seated twist. “Being a mom is scary. But also the most powerful thing we’ll ever do.”

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of her words settle deep in my chest.

“Yeah. Powerful.”

Nati shifts closer, nudging her mat against mine. Her voice gentle but fierce.

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