**Chapter 22: New Horizons**

The fluorescent lights of the hospital room cast a pale glow on Brooklyn's face, illuminating the mix of emotions that danced across her features. Joe's eyes remained fixed on hers, drinking in the sight of her, as if trying to memorize every detail. The news of the pregnancy had left them both reeling, but as they sat there, hands entwined, a sense of calm began to settle over them. As they sat in comfortable silence, Joe couldn't help but think about the journey that had brought them to this point. The island, the isolation, the struggles – it had all seemed so overwhelming at the time. But now, in retrospect, it seemed to have been a necessary precursor to this moment. Brooklyn's eyes drifted closed, and Joe gently squeezed her hand, drawing her attention back to him. "We need to talk about what this means," Brooklyn said, her voice soft but determined. Joe nodded, his mind already racing with the implications. They would need to make plans, to prepare for the arrival of their baby. But as they sat there, the reality of their situation began to sink in – they were in this together, as a family. The hospital room was quiet, the only sound the soft beeping of machines and the gentle hum of the air conditioning. Joe's thoughts were interrupted by the doctor, who entered the room with a chart in hand. "I see you're both adjusting well to the news," he said, his smile warm. "I just wanted to go over a few things with you. Prenatal care, nutrition, that sort of thing." As the doctor launched into a detailed explanation of Brooklyn's care, Joe listened intently, his mind whirling with questions. What kind of parent would he make? How would Brooklyn and he navigate this new chapter in their lives? But as he glanced over at Brooklyn, he saw a spark of determination in her eyes. She was ready for this, and he was determined to be right there beside her. The doctor finished his explanation, and Joe walked him out of the room, leaving Brooklyn to rest. As he stepped out into the hallway, he was greeted by a flurry of activity – nurses rushing to and fro, the sound of phones ringing, and the murmur of conversation. Joe took a deep breath, feeling a sense of resolve wash over him. He returned to Brooklyn's room, finding her dozing off, a peaceful smile on her face. Joe sat down beside her, taking her hand in his. As he looked at her, he knew that their lives were about to change in ways they couldn't even imagine. But for now, in this moment, he was grateful for the chance to start anew, to build a life with the woman he loved, and to welcome their child into the world. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the hospital room, Joe leaned over and whispered, "I'm here for you, Brooklyn. Always." Brooklyn's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "I'm here for you too, Joe," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. And in that moment, they both knew that they were ready to face whatever lay ahead, as long as they were facing it together.