From Divorce to Billionaire’s Baby

Chapter 14: New Beginnings

As we drive home from the baby boutique, a comfortable silence settles between us. Ryan’s hand grips the steering wheel lightly, and every now and then, he glances at me with a soft smile. It’s surreal, this feeling of togetherness, after everything we’ve been through. For the first time in a long time, things between us feel... easy.

I can’t help but replay the day’s events in my mind. The way Ryan carefully picked out baby clothes, his eyes lighting up at every little pink onesie and plush toy. His attention to detail as we discussed cribs, strollers, and car seats. There was something incredibly grounding about watching him lean into this new role, and it made my heart swell in a way I hadn’t expected.

As we pull into my apartment complex, the sun has dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Ryan parks the car and kills the engine, turning to face me.

"Do you want help bringing these upstairs?" he asks, nodding toward the bags in the back seat.

I glance at the bags, then back at him, hesitating for a moment. Part of me wants to say yes, to extend this moment of connection just a little longer. But another part of me knows we’re both treading carefully, and I don’t want to rush anything.

"It’s okay," I say softly. "I’ve got it."

Ryan nods, though I can see the slight disappointment flicker across his face. "Alright. But I’m serious, Tess. If you ever need anything, anything at all, I’m here."

"I know." My voice is quiet, but there’s a weight to my words. "Thank you, Ryan. For today. It... it meant a lot to me."

He smiles, that warm, genuine smile that used to be so rare, and for a moment, it feels like the years of distance between us are shrinking.

"I’m glad," he says, his voice low and sincere. "It meant a lot to me too."

We linger there for a moment, the space between us charged with unspoken things. Then, with a small nod, I reach for the door handle.

"I’ll see you soon," I say, stepping out of the car and grabbing the shopping bags from the back seat.

As I walk toward the entrance of my building, I can feel Ryan’s gaze on me, and when I turn back for just a second, he’s still watching, his eyes filled with something I can’t quite name.

Once inside, I close the door behind me and let out a long breath. Today was a step forward, a small but meaningful one. And as I set the bags down and glance at the ultrasound photo on the mantel, I can’t help but feel that hope blooming again in my chest.

For the first time, the future doesn’t feel so uncertain.

I spend the next hour unpacking the baby things, folding tiny clothes, and setting aside the plush toys we picked out. Each item feels like a small promise, a new beginning, not just for our daughter, but for Ryan and me as well.

By the time I’m done, the apartment feels a little cozier, a little more like the home I’ve been craving. I settle onto the couch, my hand resting on my belly, and a quiet peace washes over me as I wait for mom and dad, I know they are coming, they always do.

My phone buzzes on the coffee table. I reach for it, smiling when I see Ryan’s name lighting up the screen.

Ryan: I had a really good time today. Hope you’re feeling okay.

Me: I’m good, thanks. Today was... really nice.

Ryan: It was. Maybe we could do it again sometime? You know, before the baby comes.

I bite my lip, staring at the message. There’s a part of me that’s still cautious, still unsure of where we stand. But today felt real, and for the first time in a long time, I want to believe that things between us could actually work.

Me: I’d like that.

His reply comes almost immediately.

Ryan: Good. I’ll let you get some rest, but... let me know if you need anything.

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me.

Me: I will. Goodnight, Ryan.

Ryan: Goodnight, Tess.

The next few days pass in a blur of work and quiet anticipation. Ryan and I exchange texts here and there, mostly about the baby, but it’s all light, easy. It feels like we’re finding our rhythm again, and it’s a strange but comforting feeling.

One afternoon, as I’m going through some paperwork in my apartment, my phone buzzes again. It’s Ryan.

Ryan: Hey, I was thinking... do you want to check out the new baby furniture store downtown this weekend? We could start looking at nursery ideas.

My heart skips a beat at the suggestion. It’s such a simple thing, but the thought of planning a nursery together feels like another step forward, another piece of the future falling into place.

Me: That sounds like a good idea. Let me see if I can free up a day.

Ryan: Great! How’s Saturday afternoon if you’re free?

Me: Works for me.

I sit back, smiling to myself as I imagine the two of us picking out paint colours and crib designs. It’s a future I hadn’t dared to hope for, but now, it feels closer than ever.

Maybe, just maybe, we’re building something new. Something real.

“Someone is a lot happier these days.” Mom comments when she walks into my home office.

“Ryan just sent me a text asking to see a baby furniture store this weekend.” I tell her.

“Mmmm, I see. You are Ryan are mending what was broken and that’s good.” She smiles after placing a fresh smoothie next to me.

I stay silent, Ryan’s return has really turned things around for me. I was worried about trusting him again but now I am getting comfortable having him around and if he leaves I think it will really break me and I am praying he doesn’t.