James made it home in twenty minutes.
Emma heard his key in the lock, heard him call her name with an edge of panic, and met him in the hallway before he could spiral completely.
"What's wrong?" He was breathing hard, like he'd run from the car. "Are you okay? Is it your mom? The company?"
Emma just held out the test.
James stared at it. Then at her face. Then back at the test. "Is that—"
"Positive." Emma's voice cracked. "I'm pregnant."
For a second, James didn't move. Didn't react. Just stood there holding the plastic stick like it might explode.
Then his face crumpled.
"You're pregnant?" His voice broke on the words.
"I'm pregnant."
James made a sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob and pulled her into his arms so tightly she could barely breathe. She felt him shaking, fel
