**Chapter 10: Lucas's Reaction**

Dorothy felt like she was in a daze as she walked through the front door, still trying to process the news. She had just found out she was pregnant, and her mind was reeling with thoughts of what this meant for her and Lucas. She had called him as soon as she left the doctor's office, and he was on his way home. As she waited for him to arrive, she couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness. How would he react? Would he be excited, or would he be scared? She knew he would be supportive, but she also knew that this news would come as a shock to him. The doorbell rang, and Dorothy's heart skipped a beat. It was Lucas, home to start this new journey with her. She opened the door, and Lucas enveloped her in a warm hug. "Hey, sweetheart," he said, pulling back to look at her. "I got your message. What's going on?" Dorothy took a deep breath and smiled. "I'm pregnant," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Lucas's expression changed from curiosity to shock. He looked like he had been punched in the gut. "Pregnant?" he repeated, his voice laced with surprise. Dorothy nodded, and Lucas's face broke into a wide smile. "Oh my god, Dorothy! This is amazing!" he exclaimed, pulling her into another hug. Dorothy laughed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was glad Lucas was taking the news well. As they hugged, Dorothy couldn't help but think about how this would change their lives. They were55 and57 years old, respectively. They were at an age where most people were thinking about retirement, not parenthood. But as they pulled back and looked at each other, Dorothy saw the excitement and joy in Lucas's eyes. He was like a kid again, eager to start this new chapter in their lives. "We're really doing this, aren't we?" Lucas said, his voice filled with wonder. Dorothy nodded, smiling. "We sure are," she said. Lucas took her hand, and they walked into the living room together. As they sat down on the couch, Lucas turned to her and asked, "So, what did the doctor say?" Dorothy filled him in on the details, telling him about the pregnancy test, the due date, and the prenatal appointments. Lucas listened intently, asking questions and making supportive noises. As they talked, Dorothy felt a sense of gratitude towards Lucas. He was being amazing, just as she had known he would be. They would face this new chapter in their lives together, as a team. As they sat on the couch, holding hands and smiling at each other, Dorothy felt a sense of excitement wash over her. They were having a baby, and their lives were about to change in ways they never could have imagined. But for now, they were just enjoying the moment, savoring the surprise and joy that this new development had brought into their lives. The girls would be thrilled to hear the news, and Dorothy couldn't wait to share it with them. She picked up her phone and dialed Sophia's number. "Hey, Sophia," she said, trying to contain her excitement. "You won't believe the news I just got." Sophia's voice was curious on the other end of the line. "What is it, dear?" Dorothy took a deep breath and blurted out the news. "I'm pregnant," she said. There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then Sophia let out a loud " Picture it: Sicily, 1922... No, wait, I have better news than that! You're going to be a mother!" Dorothy laughed, feeling happy and relieved that her friends would be supportive of her pregnancy. She knew that with Lucas by her side and the girls' love and support, she could face whatever came next. The rest of the day was a blur of phone calls and visits from the girls, all of whom were thrilled to hear the news. Dorothy and Lucas were going to be parents, and their friends were overjoyed for them. As the sun began to set on Miami, Dorothy and Lucas sat on the couch, holding hands and smiling at each other. They knew that their lives were about to change in ways they never could have imagined, but they were ready to face whatever came next, together.