From Divorce to Billionaire’s Baby

Chapter 13: A Step Forward

The next morning feels different, like the world is holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. I wake up to the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains, the apartment bathed in a peaceful, golden glow. For a moment, I let myself savor the quiet, the promise of a new day.

After a quick breakfast and a few morning meetings, I find myself with a rare stretch of free time. I decide to head to a nearby park, needing some fresh air and a break from my thoughts. I sit on a bench under the shade of a large oak tree, watching people go about their lives, families with strollers, couples holding hands, children chasing each other across the grass.

It’s peaceful, yet I can’t help but feel a pang of longing as I watch them. Soon, I’ll be one of those parents, pushing a stroller, watching my daughter take her first steps. And yet, I can’t picture it without Ryan. Despite everything, he’s been on my mind more than ever lately.

As if summoned by my thoughts, my phone buzzes in my bag. I pull it out, my heart skipping a beat when I see Ryan’s name on the screen.

Ryan: Morning, Tess. Are you free today?

My fingers hover over the screen as I think of how to respond. There’s something different in the way he’s reaching out, something more open, like he’s ready to take another step forward.

Me: Morning. I’m free now, actually. What’s up?

His reply comes almost instantly.

Ryan: I was thinking... maybe we could go shopping for baby things? Together?

I blink at the message, surprised by the suggestion. Shopping for baby things? Together? It feels like a big step, and yet, something about the idea makes me smile. It’s something normal, something real that parents do, together. And for the first time, the thought doesn’t terrify me.

Me: Sure. That sounds... nice. I am at the park near my office, but I will head back to my apartment.

Ryan: Great. I’ll pick you up in an hour.

I agree, a small thrill running through me as I put my phone away. Shopping for baby things with Ryan. It feels so... domestic, so unlike the careful distance we’ve been keeping. But maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe we need to start doing things like this if we’re going to figure out what we want for our future.

I head back to my apartment, taking a quick shower and changing into a comfortable sundress. As I get ready, I catch a glimpse of the ultrasound photo on the mantel, and a soft smile tugs at my lips. It still feels surreal, this new chapter of my life, but it’s starting to feel more real with each passing day.

True to his word, Ryan arrives an hour later, pulling up in front of my building in his sleek black car. I can see him waiting for me, his hands resting casually on the steering wheel, and for a moment, I just watch him. There’s something different about him today, more relaxed, more open. The tension that used to cling to him like a second skin seems to have melted away, replaced by a quiet determination.

I take a deep breath, stepping outside and sliding into the passenger seat.

"Hey," I say, giving him a small smile as I buckle my seatbelt.

"Hey," he replies, his eyes meeting mine for a moment before he pulls away from the curb. "You look... happy."

I laugh softly, glancing out the window. "I guess I am. It’s been a good morning."

We fall into a comfortable silence as we drive, the city passing by in a blur of tall buildings and bustling streets. After a few minutes, Ryan clears his throat, glancing at me.

"I’ve been thinking a lot about the baby," he says quietly. "About what we need to do to prepare. I know we haven’t really talked about... everything, but I want to be involved, Tess including buying diapers. I want to be there for her, and for you." His been saying this a lot lately.

His words hang in the air between us, heavy with meaning. I turn to look at him, my heart swelling at the sincerity in his voice. This is a side of Ryan I haven’t seen ever, vulnerable, and honest. And it’s exactly what I needed to hear.

"I appreciate that, Ryan," I say softly. "I want you to be involved too. We’re both in this, no matter what happens between us."

He nods, relief flickering in his eyes as we pull into the parking lot of a baby boutique. It’s a charming little shop with large windows showcasing adorable baby clothes, cribs, and stuffed animals. As we step out of the car, I feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This is the first time we’re doing something like this, something that feels like a real step toward building a future together. Not even when we were married did we go shopping.

The shop is cozy and welcoming, with soft lighting and soothing music playing in the background. We’re greeted by a friendly saleswoman who guides us to the section with cribs and strollers. Ryan looks around, his eyes wide with a mix of awe and confusion.

"Wow," he mutters under his breath, running a hand through his hair. "There’s so much... stuff."

I laugh, reaching for his arm. "Welcome to parenthood. It’s overwhelming, but we’ll figure it out."

We spend the next hour browsing through the shop, picking out baby clothes, blankets, and little toys. Ryan is surprisingly engaged, asking questions about everything from car seats to cribs. There’s a moment when he holds up a tiny pink onesie with a sheep on the front, and the look of wonder on his face makes my heart ache in the best way.

"I can’t believe we’re doing this," he says quietly, his voice filled with a mix of amazement and disbelief. "We’re really having a baby."

I nod, smiling softly. "We really are."

I take a moment to look at Ryan and I am amused by his excitement. This is a different version of him I never got to see when we were married. I am happy to see him like this, laid back and happy, enjoying what’s about to come.

As we finish up, we find ourselves in front of the crib section, and Ryan’s gaze lingers on a sleek, modern crib with a soft grey finish. He runs his hand along the edge, his expression thoughtful.

"What do you think?" he asks, glancing at me. "Do you think she’d like this?"

I step closer, running my fingers over the crib’s smooth surface. It’s beautiful, simple, but elegant. And it feels right.

"I think it’s perfect," I say, meeting his gaze.

Ryan smiles, and for the first time in a long time, it feels like we’re on the same page, like we’re building something together. This isn’t just about shopping for baby things, it’s about laying the foundation for whatever comes next.

As we walk out of the shop, bags in hand, the sun is starting to set, casting the city in a warm, golden light. I glance over at Ryan, my heart feeling lighter than it has in weeks.

"Thank you for today," I say quietly. "It means a lot to me that you’re here."

He stops, turning to face me. "I told you, Tess. I’m all in. Whatever it takes."

And for the first time, I believe him. We may not have all the answers yet, but we’re taking steps forward, together. And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough.