**Chapter 12: A New Beginning**

The days that followed were a whirlwind of excitement and preparation. Ashley and Avan spent every spare moment researching, planning, and preparing for the arrival of their baby. They devoured books on parenting, attended prenatal classes, and even started setting up the nursery. Avan was over the moon with excitement, and his enthusiasm was contagious. Ashley found herself getting caught up in the thrill of it all, and soon she was just as excited as he was. As they navigated this new chapter in their lives, Ashley couldn't help but notice the way Avan's eyes sparkled whenever he talked about the baby. He would ask her questions like "Do you think we'll have a boy or a girl?" and "What kind of parent do you think we'll make?" His enthusiasm was infectious, and Ashley found herself feeling more and more confident about their future together. One evening, as they were setting up the crib, Avan turned to Ashley and said, "You know, I've been thinking. We should start thinking about names." Ashley smiled, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over her. She had always loved names, and now she had the chance to choose one for their child. "I've been thinking about that too," she said, "What do you think about Emily or Jackson?" Avan nodded thoughtfully. "I like those. But I was thinking maybe something a bit more unique. What about Luna or Atticus?" Ashley's eyes widened as she considered the options. "I love those," she said, "But what if we wait until we find out the sex of the baby?" Avan grinned. "I guess we can wait. But it's fun to speculate." As they continued to discuss names, Ashley felt a sense of contentment wash over her. This was what she had always wanted - a partner who was excited to start a family with her, and who would be there to support her every step of the way. As the weeks turned into months, Ashley and Avan grew closer, their bond strengthened by their shared excitement and anticipation. They started to feel like a team, working together to prepare for the arrival of their baby. And as they navigated the ups and downs of pregnancy, they began to realize that their love was stronger than they ever thought possible. But as they approached the halfway mark of Ashley's pregnancy, a subtle change crept into their relationship. Avan started to get increasingly busy with work, and Ashley found herself feeling more and more alone. She would try to call him during the day, but he would often be in meetings or unavailable. She started to feel like she was navigating this journey on her own, and it was starting to take a toll on her. One evening, as Avan walked in the door, exhausted and stressed, Ashley confronted him about her feelings. "Hey, I've been feeling really alone lately," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "You're always busy with work, and I feel like I'm handling everything on my own." Avan looked at her, taken aback. "I'm sorry, Ash," he said, "I had no idea you were feeling that way. I'll try to do better." But as he pulled her into a hug, Ashley couldn't shake the feeling that their relationship was about to be put to the test in ways they never could have imagined. The calm and peaceful surface of their lives was about to be disrupted, and it would take all their love and strength to navigate the stormy waters ahead.