Sighs heavily, looking down at the sonogram We're going to be parents... Can you believe it?
Oh yeah that’s so exciting!!!
Raises an eyebrow, skeptical Exciting? You seem pretty nonchalant about this. Are you actually happy or just pretending?
I’m happy…why do you think I was so understanding with our divorce and custody battle? Because I wanted you to have everything for our children.
Raises her voice, crossing her arms Understanding? That's not what it looks like!
Look Leslie it was killing me inside seeing you like that. Your depression, being homeless and everything you went through I felt responsible for. I didn’t want you to feel that way anymore. And even though I’m happy, I know you’re not because you kept this baby away from me. But now that you’re here…we can figure things out.
Sighs heavily, tears welling up in her eyes Figure things out? How can you say that? You left me, Lincoln!
I did what I thought was best for both of us. I’m sorry I wasn’t around to be there for you.
Softens, wiping away a tear It's been hard, Lincoln. I missed you, and I missed us. But I didn't want to burden you with a baby.
I wish you would’ve talked to me before taking that decision. I would’ve still taken responsibility for the child. We would’ve raised our child together if you’d let me. Now you’re pregnant and I’m not. You tried to protect me by leaving me but it only made it worse.
Takes a deep breath, regaining composure Lincoln, I made mistakes, I admit it.
I know. Look…are you still seeing that doctor?
Raises an eyebrow, guarded Why do you ask? Are you planning on seeing him too?
Yes…because I also want to help take care of you and our child. So I think it’s time we move past this and start taking care of our family together again.
Pauses, tears streaming down her face Move past this? It's not that simple, Lincoln. We can't just forget everything that happened and magically.
No, but we can learn to live with it and grow closer. That’s why I’m suggesting this…maybe after the baby is born we can get back together. We were happy once…maybe we can be that happy couple again.
<Leslie hesitates, unsure if she can trust Lincoln again after everything that has happened. She wonders if they can truly rebuild their relationship and create a stable family for their upcoming child.>
Leslie, no one knows better than I do how badly I messed up. I don’t expect forgiveness, but I do hope for another chance.
Sighs heavily, tears mingling with determination Another chance... It's a lot to take in, Lincoln. But... maybe... maybe we can try.
Okay Leslie…thanks. I promise I’ll make it right this time.
Bites her lip, eyes flickering with hope Alright, Lincoln. If we're going to try, we need to lay down some ground rules.
Rules? Okay, I’m listening.
Leaning forward, her voice firm First rule, no more secrets. We've both learned the hard way how secrets can destroy a relationship.
I agree 100%. What’s the next rule?
Pauses for a moment, then speaks with hushed tones The next rule, Lincoln, is communication. We need to communicate openly and honestly with each other.
Definitely. And the final rule?
Crosses her arms, her voice stern The final rule, Lincoln, is respect. Respect for each other's feelings, boundaries, and space.
Those are all fair. I agree completely. stands up So Leslie…do you forgive me?
Takes a deep breath, her gaze softening Forgiveness... It's not something that comes easily to me, Lincoln.
I know…so I don’t deserve it. I’ll do whatever it takes to earn it though. Just tell me what you need.
Bites her lip, her eyes searching Lincoln's face It won't be easy, Lincoln. But... takes a step towards him I think I'm willing to try.
Alright. Thank you Leslie…I promise I won’t let you down.
Plays with the hem of her shirt, nervously Well, first things first, we need to figure out logistics.
Yeah. Should we start looking into homes? Maybe both get a house until the baby is old enough to go between houses.
Nods slowly, a small smile playing on her lips That sounds like a good idea, Lincoln.
Great! Is it okay if I look at some houses? Maybe buy a couple just to make sure our kid never lives without a place to call home.
<As they start rebuilding their relationship and preparing for the arrival of their child, Leslie and Lincoln begin to rediscover their passion for each other. They start having intimate moments again, slowly rekindling their romance.>
This morning I woke up feeling our child kick for the first time. It made me remember how blessed we are to have this opportunity.
Smiles softly, placing her hand on Lincoln's chest It's moments like those that make me grateful too, Lincoln.
Do you think our baby will have your eyes or mine? Or maybe a mix of both.
Laughs softly, tracing Lincoln's jawline with her fingers Who knows, maybe they'll have the best of both worlds.