CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY EIGHT – A LIFE CONCIEVED

Erik froze, his eyes widening as he processed her words. For a moment, he was silent, and Anna felt a flicker of uncertainty. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face, broader and more joyful than any she had ever seen from him. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder. Anna nodded, her own smile growing to match his. "I haven't taken a test yet, but... I'm pretty sure. I've been feeling different, and I'm late, and..." She didn't get to finish her sentence as Erik swept her up in his arms, spinning her around in a rare display of unbridled joy. When he set her down, he cupped her face in his hands, his eyes shining with emotion. "Anna," he said softly, "you've made me the happiest man in the world. Twice now, actually. First by agreeing to be with me, and now with this incredible news." Anna laughed, happy tears spilling down her cheeks. "I love you, Erik. I can't imagine doing this with anyone else." They stood there for a long moment, foreheads pressed togeth