Chapter 17: Xander's Support

As Ren sat on the couch, staring blankly at the wall, Xander walked over to her and sat down beside her. He put a gentle hand on her knee, and Ren felt a surge of comfort at his touch. "Hey, we've got this," he said, looking at her with a reassuring smile. "We're in this together, always." Ren took a deep breath and turned to him, her eyes searching his. "But what does this mean for us?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "For our future?" Xander's expression turned thoughtful, and he leaned back against the couch. "Well, first and foremost, we're going to take care of you and the baby," he said. "We'll figure out the details, but I promise you, I'll be there for you every step of the way." 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 so supportive, so willing to take on this challenge with her. "But what about your lifestyle?" she asked again, her voice laced with concern. "You're always on the road, biking and racing. How can you balance that with being a father?" Xander chuckled and shook his head. "I've been thinking about that a lot, actually," 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, but Xander could see the hope in her eyes. "I'm serious, Ren," he said. "I want to be a part of this, to be a good partner and father. I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen." As they talked, Ren felt a sense of reassurance wash over her. She knew that Xander was committed to making this work, to being there for her and their future. "But what about my studies?" she asked, her voice still laced with concern. "I'm supposed to be focusing on my degree, not raising a baby." Xander smiled and pulled her close. "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. "I trust you." Xander smiled and pulled her into a kiss, his lips warm and gentle. "I'll always be here for you, Ren," 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 stood up and pulled Ren into a hug. "We'll get through this, together," he said. "And I'll be here for you, every step of the way." Ren felt a sense of peace wash over her as she hugged him back. 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 reassurance, a sense of hope for their future together.