**Chapter 16: Ren's Concerns**

Ren's hands were shaking as she poured herself a cup of coffee, her mind racing with thoughts of the positive pregnancy test. Xander was sitting on the couch, watching her with a concerned expression on his face. "I don't know if I can do this," Ren said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Being a mom, I mean. I'm not sure I'm ready." Xander got up and walked over to her, putting a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "You'll be an amazing mom," he said. "You're already an amazing person, and you'll be even better with a little one to care for." Ren sighed and leaned into him, feeling a sense of comfort with his arm around her. "But what about your lifestyle?" she asked, looking up at him. "You're always on the road, biking and racing. How can you be a father with that kind of lifestyle?" Xander's expression turned thoughtful, and he stroked his chin. "I've been thinking about that," he said. "And I've realized that maybe it's time for me to slow down a bit. I can still ride and race, but I can do it more selectively, and make sure I'm there for you and the baby." Ren looked at him skeptically. "You're willing to give up your passion for us?" she asked. Xander's eyes locked onto hers, and he smiled. "My passion is you, Ren," he said. "You and our future together. If that means I have to adjust my lifestyle, then I'm happy to do it." Ren felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at him, her heart full of emotion. She had never thought that Xander would be willing to make such sacrifices for her and their future. "But what about my studies?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "I'm supposed to be focusing on my degree, not raising a baby." Xander chuckled and pulled her closer. "We'll figure it out," he said. "We can get help, hire a nanny or ask your parents to come stay with us. And besides, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, and we'll do it together." Ren took a deep breath and looked at him, her eyes searching his. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and she knew that he was committed to making this work. "Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let's do this. Let's try to make this work." Xander smiled and pulled her into a kiss, his lips warm and gentle. "We'll make it work," he said. "I promise." As they pulled back, Ren felt a sense of hope and excitement. Maybe, just maybe, they could make this work. Maybe they could be happy, together, with a little one on the way. Xander's phone buzzed, breaking the moment, and he smiled apologetically. "I have to go," he said. "But I'll be back soon, and we'll talk more about this." Ren nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. She didn't want him to leave, not now that they were finally talking about their future. But Xander just smiled and kissed her again. "I'll be back," he said. "And we'll figure this out, together." As he walked out the door, Ren felt a sense of reassurance. She knew that she wasn't alone in this, that Xander was committed to making this work. And with that thought, she felt a sense of peace wash over her, and she knew that they would face whatever came next, together.