Facing the Music

The sound of the front door opening echoed through the house, and Ashley's heart skipped a beat as she heard Avan's familiar voice calling out, "Hey, I'm home!" She felt a mix of emotions swirl inside her - anxiety, nervousness, and a hint of dread. She knew that with his return, she could no longer avoid the conversation she had been putting off. As Avan walked into the living room, Ashley couldn't help but notice the tired look on his face. He had been working long hours lately, and it showed. But despite his exhaustion, his eyes lit up when he saw Ashley and the kids. "Hey, beautiful," he said, giving Ashley a quick kiss on the cheek. "How was your day?" Ashley forced a smile onto her face, trying to play it cool. "It was fine," she said, trying to brush off the question. But Avan's gaze lingered on her, and she knew he could see right through her. As Avan made his way over to the couch, he noticed Alex and Avery's toys scattered all over the floor. "Looks like you guys had a busy day," he said, chuckling. Ashley nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for not having cleaned up more thoroughly. Avan sat down on the couch and began to unwind, taking off his shoes and running a hand through his hair. Ashley took a deep breath, knowing that she couldn't put off the conversation any longer. She walked over to the couch and sat down beside him, her heart pounding in her chest. "Avan, we need to talk," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Avan looked at her, his expression concerned. "What's up?" he asked, his voice soft. Ashley took another deep breath before blurting out the news. "I'm pregnant," she said, the words tumbling out of her mouth. Avan's expression changed from concern to surprise, and he sat up straight, his eyes wide. "Pregnant?" he repeated, his voice filled with excitement. "That's amazing!" But as he looked at Ashley's face, he saw the uncertainty there, and his expression faltered. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice cautious. Ashley shook her head, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I don't know if I want this baby," she said, the words spilling out of her. Avan's face went still, and he looked at her like he had been punched in the gut. "Ashley, what do you mean?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. Ashley felt a wave of tears wash over her, and she knew that she was in for a long and difficult conversation.