When 3 turns into 4

Tuesday Afternoon – Arsenal Men's Training Pitch

The whistle blew.

Training ended.

Ric pulled off his bib, wiped sweat from his brow, and scanned the sidelines like he always did now — like I was home base.

I walked across the pitch slowly.

The hoodie I'd been living in swallowed me whole, hands tucked inside. I could still feel the ultrasound wand pressure lingering on my skin. Could still hear the heartbeat.

He spotted me. His whole face lit up.

When I reached him, he didn't say anything — just searched my expression like it held everything.

I smiled.

"Still in there," I said softly. "Nine weeks and two days. Measuring perfect. Heartbeat was strong."

His exhale sounded like something that had been caged in his chest all day.

I reached for his hand and slowly placed it against the low curve of my belly — not much of a bump yet, just a shift in shape, a subtle newness.

His palm stilled.

And his eyes filled.

"You're amazing," he whispered.

"I'm tired," I whispered back, laughing softly.

"I'll be your legs, your arms, your everything," he said. "You just grow our little person."

⸻

Later That Night – At Home

The kids were curled up on the couch with us — Lucy asleep against Ric's chest, Eli half-watching a nature show with one hand still clutching his plush shark.

I was curled up beside them, one of Ric's arms draped behind me, the other resting lightly over Lucy.

The glow from the TV flickered soft patterns across the walls.

He leaned in and whispered, "Should we tell them?"

I blinked, then looked at him.

"You sure?"

He smiled. "I've never been more."

I hesitated — then nodded.

"Yeah. Let's tell them now."

He gently nudged Lucy. "Hey, little mermaid."

She stirred. "Mmm?"

"Can we tell you something?"

Her eyes fluttered open.

Eli perked up too, sensing the tone shift.

I reached over, tucked Eli under one arm, Lucy under the other.

"So... there's going to be a baby," I said gently.

Lucy gasped.

Eli's eyes widened.

"A baby?" Lucy squealed. "Like in your tummy?"

I nodded.

"Right now?" Eli asked. "It's already there?"

Ric smiled. "Yep. Growing every day."

Lucy immediately started rattling off name ideas.

Eli stayed quiet.

I pulled him closer.

"You okay?"

He nodded slowly.