I step into our assigned room during the break, laughing with Tilly. We’ve secured second place and will be going on in thirty minutes to compete for first. I look at Ash as we shut the door, smiling. I begin to head over to her when she turns and the look on her face stops me in my tracks.

“Ash?” I ask.

Her face is white with fear as she stands in front of a large bouquet of flowers. Those weren’t there when Tilly and I left for the start of the tournament. They could be from a fan, but Ash’s expression makes me think they’re not.

“Honey, what-“ I begin.

“Lance.” She whispers so quietly I hardly hear her.

“What?!” I exclaim, rushing to her. I glance around to make sure he’s not actually here before looking down at the flowers. A small note sticks out of them.

“Dear Ash,

How’s your freedom, sweetheart? Is it as wonderful as you imagined? You may not see it now, you may think you’re safe, but eventually all fairytales come to an end. Eventually, you wake up at the end of every dream. You might feel safe now but do you feel safe enough for your little pup? Send the Belles my love.

Love,

Lance.”

I drop the note and pull Ash close to me, trying to calm her shaking body. I run my fingers through her hair and kiss her cheek. Anger courses through me. Lance has no claim over her anymore. She’s free and he needs to let her go.

“Shh, Ash. It’ll be okay. You’re safe. You will always be safe.” I tell her.

She shakes her head against me. “Not safe enough. Not here. I can’t-“ She pauses. “I don’t feel safe enough here to raise a family.”

I smile and step away a bit to look into her eyes. “Ash, don’t worry. When we begin our family we can leave Bridgeport and look for a home somewhere else. Maybe we can go back to Hidden Springs. With my whole family there, nothing could go wrong.”

Ash looks away, her hands clenched nervously. “Jayden…our family has already begun…” She whispers.

“Uhh…what?” I ask, confused.

“I-“ She stops and looks back at me, fear in her eyes. “I’m pregnant, Jayden.”

I freeze and I’m sure my mouth drops open. Ash stands there, watching me quietly. I let my eyes fall to her stomach and begin to shake my head, excitement, shock, and giddiness firing through my body.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think…I know we’re not married…If you’re not ready I can just…” She stutters.

“What?” I rush out, then realize my silence probably made her think I wasn’t happy about this. “Oh, gnome, Ash! You’re pregnant! I just can’t even…This is so great!” I exclaim, throwing my arms around her and pulling her close. “I don’t care if we’re not married right now. I’m so ready for this. I love you Ash, and I’m going to love our baby just as much.”

Ash smiles and laughs, hugging me back. “I love you too.”

Tilly steps back into the room, having left a while ago to go to the bathroom during the break. She smiles as she looks at us. I guess Ash had already told her the news.

“Come on, Jay. The last match is starting. Let’s knock this out so we can go celebrate.” She smiles and leaves the room again.

“Okay. I’m going to go now. I’ll be back soon. I love you. I love you so much.” I tell Ash, giving her a quick kiss before rushing out the door. Instead of thinking about this last fight, all I can think about is one thing:

I’m going to be a father.