Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Emma was carrying the baby and dealing with all the challenges that came with it, yet here she was, asking a question that surprised even her. Dustin glanced at her belly, feeling a whirlwind of emotions.

A baby before tying the knot? That was never in his plans. He liked Isaac, and lately, he'd been lost in thoughts about what having a child might be like-boy or girl, what kind of person they'd grow into. His dream had always been to give the woman he loved a beautiful wedding first, then plan for kids when they both felt ready. But now, his child was almost here.

"Mr. Lynch, I'm sorry," Emma began, but Dustin interrupted.

"No, I should be the one apologizing. When Aubree called me twice, I figured out last night that I was the father. Still, I needed to hear it straight from you. I didn't think you'd be so determined."

He rubbed his temples, feeling a mix of pressure and confusion. He'd handled past relationships, but having someone pregnant with his child was uncharted territory. Should he marry her?

"Emma, would you marry me?"

"Is it just because of the baby?"

"I won't lie. Yes, it is. We don't have a real connection, but I can't let my child grow up without a father. I'm sorry, Emma."

He did find her intriguing, but not enough to take that leap. Emma lowered her gaze, her hands clenched but slowly relaxing.

"Mr. Lynch, I never planned on marrying you. I didn't want to tell you about the baby because I feared you'd feel forced into something. You don't like me, and I didn't want to disrupt your life. It's my choice to have the baby."

Dustin was at a loss for words. After a pause, he asked, "Have you had the prenatal checkup?"

"I have, but there's another one this afternoon. I should get going."

"I'll come with you."

Emma wanted to refuse, but Dustin was already on his feet, kindly picking up her purse. She couldn't argue.

As they headed out, Dustin grabbed

a hat and mask for her. Peyton

to see them leaving togethpris.co

returned from the garden, surprised

"Emma, wasn't I going with you for the checkup?" her mom asked, slightly taken aback.

Emma felt awkward, "Mom, Mr. Lynch is coming with me."

Peyton's face clouded with displeasure, but given Dustin's standing, she kept quiet.

In the car, Emma felt uneasy. This was her first time having a man accompany her to a prenatal appointment. At the hospital, the maternity ward buzzed with expectant mothers. Dustin,

vel

unfamiliar with the scene, helped her queue for several procedures, drawing curious looks from the

pregnant women.

A nurse approached him gently, "Sorry, sir, this area is off-limits to men. Please wait in the hallway."

Surprised but not embarrassed,

Dustin found the situation intriguing. The hallway was a microcosm of life, full of men waiting nervously or idly scrolling on their phones, and even a couple arguing loudly causing a commotion.

Watching from afar, Dustin realized he was witnessing a slice of life he'd never seen before.