The end
Ashlyn
The next morning, my body felt unbearably heavy, as though every muscle was begging me to stay in bed. I didn’t feel well at all, and for a moment I considered pulling the blanket over my head and forgetting the day. But the gentle warmth of sunlight slipping through the thin gap in the curtains brushed against my skin, coaxing me awake.
“Rise and shine, Sweet…” Marco’s tender voice broke through my grogginess.
When I forced my eyes open, the first thing I saw was his smiling face, radiating with so much warmth that it almost felt unfair to the morning sun. Despite how sick and drained I felt, I couldn’t help but smile back. He reached out, brushing his knuckles lightly against my cheek before leaning down to kiss me. His lips were soft, warm, and overflowing with care.
“Mmm…” a small moan escaped me when he deepened the kiss, like he was allowing the morning heat to engulf us both. For a fleeting second, I thought we would lose ourselves in the intimacy of the moment, letting it become the start of something sweet and passionate, until a sudden churn twisted my stomach.
I shoved him away quickly, barely able to explain before I bolted straight for the bathroom. Behind me, I heard his footsteps pounding against the floor, his voice tinged with panic.
“Sweet?!”
I barely made it to the sink before the nausea took over. My knees trembled as I bent forward, retching uncontrollably.
Marco rushed in right after me, crouching beside me without hesitation. His hand moved in soothing circles across my back, his worry palpable. “Sweet, are you okay?” His voice cracked ever so slightly.
I tried to steady myself, gripping the edge of the lavatory. “I’m fine… just not feeling well.” My voice was shaky, my breath uneven. We had promised long ago never to hide things from each other, so I told him honestly, though part of me wanted to downplay it.
He tilted his head, concern written all over his features, though a teasing smile tugged at his lips. “Did I wear you out too much last night?”
Despite my weakness, I couldn’t stop a small laugh from bubbling out. After rinsing my mouth, I looked at him and muttered, “You’re always like that when you claim me, as if there’s no tomorrow.”
His laugh joined mine, light but laced with affection. “Well, can you blame me? You make it impossible not to.”
“You’re impossible,” I murmured, tapping his shoulder.
But then his smile faded into a more serious expression. His eyes searched mine, as though trying to keep his worry in check. “I don’t want to assume anything. Let’s go to the hospital and have you checked, okay?”
I exhaled softly, my heart warming at his protectiveness. “Who am I to argue? I don’t want you worrying, either.”
“Good girl,” he said with a soft grin, pressing a kiss on the crown of my head before standing. “I’ll go downstairs and have your food prepared before we leave.” He gave my hand one last squeeze before exiting the bathroom.
I lingered for a moment, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My face looked pale, tired, but there was something else in my chest. A quiet, nervous flutter.
At the hospital…
Marco and I sat side by side on a row of benches just outside the clinic of Dr. Villanueva, a physician we had trusted for years. The hallway was hushed except for the soft shuffle of footsteps and muted voices of other patients waiting their turn.
At the far end of the corridor, a nurse busied herself organizing folders of medical records. My fingers, however, kept tugging at the hem of my blouse, unable to stay still. Marco never let go of my other hand, his palm firm and warm against mine, trying to anchor me as the whirlwind of nerves spun inside me.
My heartbeat thudded so loudly I thought the whole hallway could hear it. My mind raced, imagining the worst possible scenarios. What if it was something serious?
“Hey, relax, Sweet. Everything’s going to be alright.” Marco’s reassuring voice pulled me back. He gave my hand a squeeze, strong enough to let me feel his confidence even when I had none.
I looked at him, catching his steady gaze. My lips curled into a faint, shaky smile. “I hope so,” I whispered. Deep down, I knew I was overthinking. It had only been a day of feeling dizzy and sore, but with my medical history, especially surviving months in a coma, neither of us could take symptoms lightly.
“Sweet,” Marco leaned closer, his thumb brushing against my cheek. His eyes were steady, unwavering. “I’m right here. You don’t have to carry this alone.”
I swallowed hard, my chest easing just a little. “I know… thank you.”
Before I could sink further into my thoughts, the clinic door swung open. A nurse peeked out, holding a chart. “Mrs. Montecillo, you may come in. The doctor has your results.”
Marco and I exchanged a glance. Neither of us spoke, but the tension was there—thick, palpable. Hand in hand, we stood slowly, took a deep breath together, and stepped inside.
Dr. Villanueva greeted us with a kind smile from behind her desk, a folder open in front of her. “Good morning, Ashlyn. Good morning, Marco. Please, have a seat.”
I sat down, palms slick with cold sweat. Marco squeezed my hand again, firm and grounding, lending me the strength I couldn’t summon on my own.
The doctor scanned the papers, then lifted her eyes to us. The corners of her lips curved upward, as though she carried news she couldn’t wait to share. “Well… I’ve reviewed all your lab results.”
My heart pounded so fast I thought it might break free from my chest. My lips trembled. “What is it, Doc?” My voice was barely a whisper.
Dr. Villanueva cleared her throat softly, her smile widening. “Congratulations, Ashlyn. You’re pregnant.”
The words hung in the air, echoing inside my head. Pregnant. You’re pregnant.
I froze, unable to breathe for a second. My world seemed to stop spinning, every sound muffled, every thought erased, except those words.
“Sweet… we’re pregnant.” Marco’s voice broke as he whispered, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
My lips quivered. “M-me? Pregnant?”
The doctor nodded warmly. “Yes. Based on the results, you’re about six weeks along. Everything looks good so far, but of course, we’ll need regular check-ups to make sure both you and the baby stay healthy.”
Tears welled up instantly, spilling down my cheeks as my hands instinctively moved to my stomach. I couldn’t feel anything yet, but the knowledge alone made my heart burst with gratitude. “Thank You, Lord…” I whispered, overwhelmed.
Marco suddenly pulled me into his arms, hugging me so tightly it felt like he was afraid to let go. “Sweet… we prayed for this for so long. And now it’s real. I’m going to be a father again.”
I laughed through my tears, clinging to him. “And I’m going to be a mother.”
He pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes, his voice trembling with joy. “You already are. You’ll always be Asher and Maya’s mom. And now… you’re carrying another blessing. You're going to be a mother, again..."
I nodded, tears and laughter mixing together as I buried my face against his chest. At that moment, all fear melted away, replaced only with pure joy and gratitude.
The storm we had weathered in our lives was finally behind us, and God had chosen to bless us with another child. I had no more wishes left, just this overflowing happiness, and the certainty that Marco and I would face tomorrow with hearts fuller than ever.
The End.