I go back to the book.
Emotional Changes and Mental Health.
Pregnancy can bring significant emotional changes due to hormonal shifts.Mothers experience heightened anxiety, mood swings, and moments of doubt about their readiness for parenthood.
I stop.
Because Vesper would rather sprint across a field of Legos barefoot than admit she’s scared.
Today, when she heard the heartbeat, her mouth opened like a joke was ready.
And then she didn’t joke.
She listened and cried.At least she let us fuss over her while it was happening.
My thumb hovers over the next section.
How Partners Can Be Supportive During Pregnancy.
Partner.
I’m not her partner.Not exactly.
But I’m not nothing either.And I’m tired of living in the in-between like that’s safe.
I tap it.
Be present.Attend appointments.Listen.Reassure her she is not alone.
Check.Probably too much, considering she shot me that look when I answered the doctor’s question before she did.I can still feel that look, half annoyed, half grateful, like she didn’t want to need me and didn’t know what to do with the fact that she did.
Encourage rest.Offer to take on daily tasks.
Easy.The tricky part is convincing Vesper that letting me help doesn’t mean she’s weak.
Validate her feelings.Listen without judgment.Remind her she is capable, even when she has doubts.
I exhale and drag a hand down my face.Somehow, that last part feels like a trap.
Not because I don’t want to do it.But because Vesper has spent her whole life proving she doesn’t need anyone.She wears independence like armor.If I push too hard, she’ll bolt just to prove she can.
And I’m ...I’m selfish enough to want her not to.
Monty’s voice cuts in, quiet and rough.“Why do you keep looking at her?”
I glance up.
He’s watching me like he’s trying to decide if I’m a threat or an ally.
I keep my tone light.“I thought you didn’t care about my books.”
“I don’t,” he says flatly.“I care about her.”
I swallow.“So do I.”
Monty’s jaw flexes.“You stare like you’re waiting for her to disappear.”
Maybe I am.
