Never in his life did Wolfwood know someone who knew him back. Milly could read his mind, predict almost every thought, like he had a screen on his back displaying every fleeting feeling he had during the day. For someone who came off as so naive, she was horribly sharp when it came to emotions.
"You're thinking too hard."
Wolfwood opened his eyes at the sound, looking up from her swollen abdomen and into her soft gaze.
"Hm?"
"You're thinking too hard, honey. You get really still. It's like I can hear it."
She was right on the mark. Wolfwood rested his head back on her stomach, wondering if he could hear his baby's heartbeat inside of her if he listened hard enough. Milly ran her fingers against his scalp, eliciting a relaxed sigh from him.
"I'm scared. God, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm absolutely terrified." Wolfwood sat up from his spot, hands fidgeting in his lap.
Milly took his hands in hers, rubbing cirles into his palms with her thumbs. "Me too. But look at it this way: We've both got quite the experience with children, so we're not completely helpless." She giggled, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I just wish our lives were different. Raising a kid like this is going to be hard." Wolfwood said.
"Well," Milly began, "no one is ever really prepared to raise a child. All of my sibling's who have them said so. All you can do is try your best."
Ever the optimist, thought Wolfwood, as he curled back into his spot beside her.
"And I know that you'll be an excellent father, Nicholas."