“Yes, we are!” she said, with the relief she felt apparent in her voice.
“Wow! I’m in shock. I really don’t know what to think or say. We’re going to be parents! I’m assuming that is your decision?” he asked, suddenly uncertain.
“Yes, Zane, we are going to be parents!” she said.
“Allie, I’m ecstatic, really I am! I am going to be a dad! I can’t believe it! Oh, my darling, we have so much to plan and think about. What if it’s a little girl? What if it’s a boy?”
Laughing with joy, Allie said, “You’re going to be the best dad ever! There is no one I would rather share parenting with than you!”
“I hope I can live up to your expectations. I hate to be clichéd but feel like shouting it out from the roof tops!” Zane said, full of emotion.
“Well, it is still early. My best guess is that I’m just a little over a month pregnant, but I can’t wait to start coming up with a list of baby names. I love you, Zane. This dream is something I had given up on, and now, here we are, in love and starting a family together. My proverbial cup runneth over!” she said.
“Allie, I want to hop on a plane and fly there immediately, but unfortunately that is not currently an option. I hope you understand,” he said uncertainly.
“Of course I do! Stay focused on what you have going there. We can talk by phone, and I know you will get here as soon as you can,” Allie said.
“Allie, I love you more than you could ever understand.”
“I doubt that. I think I understand completely! I love you, too! Now, get back to work. You have another mouth to feed. If she is anything like her mother, that could get quite expensive,” she joked.
“She?” he asked. “Is that your gut feeling?”
“Kind of,” Allie said shyly.
“I would be thrilled beyond belief to have a baby girl.” he said. “She will not be driving until she is twenty-one nor dating before she is thirty!” he joked.
“Oh, Zane, this is definitely going to be the biggest adventure we have ever been on!” she said.
“You got that right, My Love.”
“Bye, Zane.”
“Thank you for honoring me with this experience, Allie. I won’t let you or our baby down. I’ve got you both,” he promised.
“I have no doubt in my mind. I’ve seen you in action.”
“I’ll call you later,” Zane said, hanging up with sheer joy in his heart. After disconnecting, he said out loud to himself in his office, “I AM GOING TO BE A FATHER!” trying to let it sink in. It was certainly going to be almost impossible to concentrate on work, but he was really going to have to try.