Emily, why would we want a baby? his wife had asked one evening. Were fine just the two of us. A child brings sleepless nights, constant care, and Ill lose my shape Do we really need that? Lets postpone having a child for another six years.
James and Emily had been married for five years, and at first everything felt like a fairytale. Gradually, however, James began nudging Emily toward motherhood. She tried to stall, then one day declared that she didnt even want to talk about children. Their relationship strained, arguments flared, and James resorted to desperate threats. Emilys retorts grew sharper:
James, whats the point of a bundle of spit and snot? Endless sleepless nights, endless diapers, a figure like a cow after calving, and perpetual fatigue. Ive only listed the harmless stuff! I dont want to ruin my youth. Lets wait a bit longer.
James heard her words like thunder. Before they married, Emily had dreamed of a big family and promised him:
Of course, love, well have many childrenat least three! But not right away, okay? Well settle first, then well start a family.
Five years later Emily suddenly claimed she wasnt ready for children. James, who had always longed for an heir, tried to convince her that the time had long since arrived:
Emily, weve been together eight years, five of them married. Dont you think its time to think about the next generation? We have a flat, a car, a nest egg saved for a baby, everything we need. What are we waiting for?
What makes you think now is the right moment? Emily snapped. I still want to enjoy my own plans. A child doesnt fit into them. Arent we fine just the two of us? We have everything! Why do we need a third?
What do you mean a third? Are you treating a child like a stranger? James retorted. When will you ever be ready? A normal family has children. I want to be a father, period! I dont understand why youve changed your mind so suddenly. Before we married you said the opposite.
Its easy for you to say! Emily exploded. You dont have to walk around with a ninemonth belly, you dont suffer morning sickness, you dont fight extra weight! Ive been at the gym for five years! And now you expect me to give up my shape, my life, my friends, shopping, everything? Why would I want that?
Everyone does it, James tried to reason. The child will grow, and youll get back to your hobbies. Ill help with everything.
Lets revisit this in five or six years, okay? Im not ready now. I dont want to argue; just accept my view. Its my body, after all, and Im the one who decides what to do with it.
At first James tried every tactic. They watched films about happy families, strolled through parks and playgrounds, and he even arranged for Emily to help a relative who had just welcomed a fourth baby. Emily never showed any enthusiasm; she recoiled at the sight of a newborn, as if the maternal instinct were missing.
Having exhausted all options, James set an ultimatum:
Emily, if you dont want children, were not meant for each other. Lets separate and go our own ways. Youll find someone who shares your views, and I I wont be alone.
Emily was shocked. She worked from home, and James helped with the household. Divorce would mean finding a new job and a new flat.
James, wait! she pleaded. What are you saying? Divorce? Would you really lose me over this?
Its not a joke, James answered. I grew up in a full family with brothers and sisters. A childless marriage feels empty. If you dont want kids, why stay together? I asked about children before we married, and you always said yes. Now its all about fearing a few pounds. Its ridiculous!
James, cant we just live for ourselves? A child is a huge expense. Id have to give up everything I love, stay at home constantly, endure sleepless nights and endless tiredness. Im not ready for that.
Ill hire a nanny, a housekeeper, our parents will help! Whats the problem? James shouted. Your attitude is the issue. There isnt a speck of tenderness in your eyes. Tell me what you truly want, what future you see for us.
Emily couldnt admit that she never wanted children. She wanted to travel, buy designer things, and believed a husband should foot the bill. Though she still cared for James, finances were a priority.
Her aunt, Margaret, intervened:
Emily, youre behaving disgracefully! Youve forgotten youre married! Youre out drinking while your husband works! Stop bringing shame on the family!
What am I doing wrong? Emily retorted. James knows where I go. Weekends Im home all day. Please, give us advice. We argue constantly about children. He wants them, I dont. Why now? Maybe you could talk to him?
I wont, Aunt Margaret snapped. Hes right. Its time you had a baby. Then youll have sense!
Emily refused to abandon her principles. She decided to feign agreement to keep the peace. One night she tossed a packet of diapers and announced:
Fine, James, Ill have a baby, but only if a nanny raises it while I pursue my own life.
James believed her. Meanwhile, Emily secretly took birthcontrol pills and, to keep James unsuspecting, visited a familiar doctor who waved his hands and advised patience:
No problem. Just relax. Forget about the baby for a while. Ive seen many couples after years of infertility who simply wait and things happen naturally.
Six months later the unexpected happened: a pregnancy test showed two lines. Emily panicked. What now? Give birth and ruin the life shed built?
James entered the bathroom unexpectedly. Emily tried to hide the test, but it was too late.
Whats that? he asked, drawing nearer.
She fell silent, head bowed. James snatched the test from her hand.
Emily! Youre pregnant! Oh my God, Im going to be a father! He lifted her into his arms, spun her around in the bathroom, laughing. Thank you, love! This is the happiest day of my life!
Emily forced a smile. What now? How to cope?
They celebrated at a restaurant. A new ring glittered on Emilys finger; James, in a crisp suit, beamed and kept repeating:
Well be the best parents ever! Ill provide everything you need! Thank you, love!
That night Emily lay awake, haunted by Jamess joyous face. Dark thoughts crept in:
Maybe a child will truly improve our life? Maybe Im just scared of change. I can still stay fit, keep my routinewomen manage. And its his child
For the first time in years, Emilys heart fluttered. A new, unfamiliar feeling rose within her. Perhaps she had made the right choice?
Nine months flew by. James pampered Emily, catered to her whims, chose the hospital, and they attended parenting classes together. Emily tried to support him, but fear of labour and motherhood lingered.
When the due date arrived, Emily gave birth to a healthy boy. As the midwife placed him on her chest, she saw his tiny face, a crumpled little bundle that bore an uncanny resemblance to James, letting out a funny squeak. All her doubts vanished.
My, Emily whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.
They named him Samuel. From the first day, Emily immersed herself in motherhood: feeding, singing lullabies, strolling in the park. She even felt jealous when James held Samuel. Each evening, sitting by her sons crib, she asked herself, How could I have been so foolish? If only shed known sooner how much joy parenthood would bring.
In the end, Emily learned that lifes greatest gifts often arrive when we least expect them, and that compromise, love, and openness can turn fear into fulfillment. The lesson lingered: true happiness grows when we nurture both ourselves and those we cherish.
