Mia’s eyes widened, her breath caught somewhere between her chest and throat. “Pregnant?” she echoed, her voice trembling. “Are you serious?”

Claus’s gaze softened as he nodded slowly. “Yes. The doctor confirmed it himself.”

For a moment, the sterile hum of the hospital room filled the silence between them. Mia’s fingers gripped the edge of the bed as her mind raced. The words hung in the air, heavy, impossible.

“I…” She blinked rapidly, trying to find the ground beneath ...