After a thorough check, the family doctor’s face broke into a smile. “Sir,” he said respectfully, “she’s pregnant—already a month along.” Arthur blinked. “Pregnant?” Seeing he hadn’t processed it, the doctor explained patiently, “Yes—she’s expecting. You’re going to have a child.” “What!” That sank in. Arthur turned to Ashley, still stunned. “You’re pregnant? We’re going to have a baby? I’m going to be… a dad?” Ashley gently rested a hand on her stomach. His dazed expression made her smile. She nodded softly. “Yes—you’re going to be a dad.” The doctor, still smiling, excused himself to give them privacy. Arthur’s delayed reaction finally hit all at once. The corners of his mouth stretched wide. “I’m going to be a dad! I’m going to be a dad!”Laughing, he scooped Ashley into his arms and spun her in circles. “I’m going to be a dad!” Her arms looped around his neck, and though she tried to shush him, her own heart was light with joy. She was going to be a mother. Mid-spin, Arthur froze, suddenly remembering something. He quickly set her down, speaking in a rush. “I’ve heard pregnant women need to be extra careful—no excitement, no sudden movements.” Once she was settled, he checked her belly anxiously. “My fault, my fault. I was too excited. Are you okay? Does anything hurt?” She couldn’t help laughing at his worried face. She took his hand and guided it lower. “Silly, the baby’s here—the uterus. Not way up here.” Arthur paused, chuckled awkwardly, then pressed his ear to her stomach. “Let me hear what the baby’s doing.” Ashley tapped his head with amusement. “It’s only been a month. The baby isn’t developed enough for you to hear anything yet.” He thought about it, then nodded seriously. “So… is it a boy or a girl?”She burst out laughing. “How would I know?” He stared at her. “You don’t?” “I can’t see into my own belly, Arthur.” He scratched his head. “Right… guess I’m just too excited.” Gently settling her in a seat, he fussed over her, peeling fruit. “What do you feel like eating? Just tell me.” Her smile was warm. She took a piece of fruit, her appetite returning as her earlier nausea faded. Arthur beamed and immediately began calling everyone—his grandfather, the Gibson family, the Sutton family, and every friend he could think of—to share the news. Watching him glow with happiness filled Ashley with a gentle contentment. She cradled her stomach, awed at the thought of a tiny life growing inside her. An hour later, Arthur returned, phone finally silent. “Honey, are you tired? Want to go rest? I’ll help you upstairs.” She rolled her eyes affectionately. “I’m pregnant, not disabled. You don’t have to overreact.”He shook his head. “Pregnant women have to be careful—especially in the first three months. That’s what the guys on Heaven Island told me.” Ever since their wedding, the elders had been showering him with advice.