No strategy behind it.
Just truth.
“Really?”
“Yes.” I struggle to rein in my emotions. “This is the best news I’ve ever gotten in my life.”
She smiles shyly, shaking her head. For the first time since all of this started—since Anton, since the war—something good exists between us. Something untouched.
I let out a quiet breath.
“We should drink to this,” I say.
She laughs.
Fully this time.
Bright. Unrestrained.
“I’m pregnant,” she says, shaking her head. “I can’t drink, silly.”
A small smile pulls at my lips.
“Right,” I say. “I didn’t know.”
“You can,” she adds lightly. “Go ahead.”
I shake my head. “No.”
Silence settles between us.
“Can I…?” I start, then stop.
I don’t ask questions like this.
I don’t hesitate like this.
“…can I hug you?”
She nods.
That’s all I need.
I pull her into me, my arms wrapping around her, firm and certain.
She fits there too easily.
Like she belongs.
I don’t let go.
I stay there.
Holding her.
Holding this moment.
Because this—this is joy.
