He’s the guy who lights up a room—always the funniest, with the biggest laugh. People called him a natural leader.

We weren’t trying for a baby, but we weren’t stopping it either. So when it happened, it felt like life decided for us.

I remember the night I told him. I’d made his favorite meal—steak with mashed potatoes. My hands shook so much I nearly dropped the plate.

When I finally said, “Horace… I’m pregnant,” he stopped, fork halfway to his mouth. For a moment, I thought he might be upset, or worse, not care.

Then his eyes got teary. He stood, came around the table, and hugged me so tight I could hardly breathe.

“For real?” he whispered.

“Completely,” I answered, laughing and crying together.

He kissed my forehead and promised, “I’ll be the best dad ever.”

In that