Trying for a baby, Lina discovered, was both wonderful and stressful.
Wonderful because of the practice—lots of practice, as Kai liked to joke. Stressful because every month brought hope, then disappointment.
"Maybe something's wrong with me," Lina said after the third month.
"Nothing's wrong with you." Kai held her as she cried. "These things take time. Everyone says so."
"What if it never happens?"
"Then we'll figure it out. Together. Adoption, fostering, whatever. We'll be parents somehow." He kissed her forehead. "But it's only been three months. Give it time."
She nodded, wiping her eyes. "You're right. I know you're right. I just... I want this so much."
"I know. Me too."
Month four brought more hope.
Lina was late. Really late. She bought a test, hands shaking, and took it in their bathroom.
Two lines.
She stared, not believing.
"KAI!"
He came running, panicked. "What? What's wrong?"
She held up the test. "Nothing's wrong. Everything's right."
He looked at the test. Looked at her. Looked at the test again.
"Are you—is this—Lina—"
"We're having a baby."
He dropped to his knees, wrapping his arms around her waist, pressing his face to her stomach. "Hi, baby," he whispered. "I'm your dad. I'm going to love you so much."
Lina laughed through tears, running her fingers through his hair.
"We're really doing this," she whispered. "We're really having a family."