CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX - Preparing for Parenthood

Three months after their return from the honeymoon, Ella stood in the bathroom of their home, staring at a small plastic stick in her hand. Two pink lines stared back at her, unmistakable in their meaning. "Oh my God," she whispered, her free hand flying to her mouth. She had been feeling off for a few weeks – tired, nauseous, her appetite all over the place. She had chalked it up to stress from managing both Montgomery's and the new Sweet Beginnings café. But this... this changed everything. Ella's mind raced. They had talked about kids, sure, but not this soon. How would Lucas react? How would this affect their businesses? Was she ready to be a mother? She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear Lucas come home. "Ella?" his voice called out. "Are you here?" Ella quickly wrapped the test in tissue paper and shoved it in her pocket. "In here!" she called back, her voice higher than usual. Lucas appeared in the doorway, a concerned look on his face. "Are you okay? You look pa