Fiona and I are building a future together. We're taking things one step at a time, and yes, there are changes happening. But this is very new, Mom. We're not ready to make any announcements yet. Please respect that.
Susan's expression softened with a mix of concern and understanding, but the suspicion remained clear in her eyes. So she is pregnant. I thought so. Caleb, why didn't you tell us? This is something to celebrate about. Or not. Why would you keep it a secret to us. Is the child not yours?
The garden around them felt suddenly smaller, the gentle afternoon breeze carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers while Susan's words settled between them like stones in still water. Caleb sat motionless for a moment, the weight of his mother's direct question pressing against the careful boundaries he had drawn to protect Fiona. He had known this conversation would test him, but hearing the accusation spoken so plainly still required every ounce of composure he possessed.
