Emily, why on earth do we need a baby? her wife would say, tugging at the edge of the duvet. Were fine as a pair! Darling, kids are a nightmare sleepless nights, roundtheclock care, and my figure will go from fit to flabtastic. Do we really want that? Lets push parenthood back another six years, shall we?
***
Jack and Emily had been married for five years, and at first everything was straight out of a romcom. Then Jack slowly nudged the idea of motherhood, while Emily kept putting it off, until, one evening, she announced she didnt even want to hear the word children. Their oncehappy relationship started to fray, arguments flared, and Jack, desperate, fell to petty blackmail. Emily, however, merely rolled her eyes and replied:
Jack, whats the point of that little bundle of drool and mucus? Sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, a postbaby belly the size of a Thanksgiving turkey, and constant fatigue. And thats just the harmless stuff! Im not willing to sacrifice my youth for that. Lets wait a bit longer.
Jack heard his wifes words like thunder on a clear day. Before they wed, Emily had dreamed of a big family and kept reassuring him:
Of course, love, well have loads of kids at least three! But not right this instant, okay? Lets live a little, get settled, then well pop out the kiddos.
Five years later, Emily suddenly declared she wasnt ready for children just yet. Jack, who had always imagined an heir, tried to convince her that the time was long overdue:
Emily, weve been together eight years, five of them married. I think its high time we think about a legacy! Weve got a flat in Manchester, a decent car, a decent nest egg saved for maternity leave, and everything we need for a baby. What are we waiting for?
What makes you think now is the right moment? Emily snapped. I still want to enjoy my own plans. I have a bucket list a mile long, and a baby just doesnt fit. Jack, arent we fine as a pair? We have everything! Why do we need a third wheel?
What do you mean third wheel? Are you treating a baby like a stranger? Jack retorted. When will you ever be ready? In a proper family, kids are a must. I want to be a dad, period! I dont get why youve flipped your stance on me.
Because its easy for you to pontificate! Emily exploded. You dont have to endure nine months of a growing belly, morning sickness, or the extra weight afterward. Ive been at the gym for five years! And now you want to throw it all away? Im not willing to lose my shape or abandon my lifestyle. After a baby, Id lose five years of friends, shopping trips, and a normal life! Why would I sign up for that?
Everyone does it, love! Jack tried to soothe her. Its not the end of the world. The child will grow, and youll get back to your fun. Ill help every step of the way.
Jack, lets revisit this in five or six years, okay? Im not ready now. I dont want us to argue; just respect my view. After all, its my body, and I decide what to do with it. Im not about to become a whale.
At first Jack tried the usual tactics: movie nights with feelgood parenting flicks, strolls through parks and past playgrounds, even arranging visits to a cousin whod just welcomed her fourth. He hoped a little babysnuggle would spark something, but Emily remained stonecold, barely tolerating the chance to hold a newborn. Motherhood instinct seemed to have taken a holiday.
***
Having exhausted every gentle approach, Jack set the ultimatum:
Emily, if you dont want children with me, were not meant for each other. Lets split. Well each go our own way. Youll find someone who shares your outlook, and I I wont be left standing alone.
Emily, who never imagined divorce, froze. She worked from home, and Jack helped with the bills. A split would mean finding a new flat and a new job.
Jack, hold on! she begged. What are you talking about? Divorce? Are you really willing to lose me over this?
Its not a joke! Jack insisted. I grew up in a big family with siblings. A childless marriage feels incomplete. Were wasting years. You told me before we said I do that you wanted kids, and now you backtrack because youre scared of gaining a few pounds. Its downright funny!
Jack, cant we just enjoy ourselves? A child is a massive expense. Wed have to give up everything you love, while Id have to overhaul my whole lifestyle! You cant leave the house, you cant go out, youre on call 24/7. Im not ready for that. Isnt that clear enough?
Ill hire a nanny! A housekeeper! My parents will pitch in! Whats the problem? Jack shouted. Your attitude is the issue. Theres not a hint of tenderness in your eyes! Emily, what do you actually want? How do you see our future?
Emily couldnt admit that children werent in her plan; she wanted carefree travel, designer shoes, and a husband whod foot the bill. Though she still loved Jack, finances were high on her list.
She found no ally. Aunt Margaret, ever the matriarch, barged in:
Emily, youre behaving disgracefully! Youve lost all sense of propriety! Youre gallivanting around bars while your husband works! Stop embarrassing the family!
What am I doing wrong? Emily pleaded. Jack knows where Im at. Its not every day Im out. Weekends are my only escape, and Im home most of the time. Give me some advice. We argue constantly about kids. He wants them, I dont. Why now? Maybe you could talk to him? He respects you.
I wont speak to him! Aunt Margaret snapped. Hes right. Its high time you had a baby. Then youll finally have sense!
Unwilling to compromise, Emily pretended to agree with Jacks terms just to keep the peace. One afternoon she dramatically tossed a packet of diapers on the floor and announced:
Fine, Jack, Ill have a baby but only if a nanny raises him while I do my own thing!
Jack bought the act. Meanwhile, Emily secretly kept taking contraceptive pills and, to keep Jack offbalance, took him to a familiar doctor who shrugged and said:
Nothing to worry about. Just relax! Forget about the baby for a while. Ive seen many couples who wait years and it works out naturally.
***
Six months later, the dreaded surprise arrived: the pregnancy test showed two pink lines. Emily stared at the result, panicking. What now? Have a baby? Throw my life into chaos?
Jack popped into the bathroom unannounced. Emily tried to hide the test behind her back, but it was too late.
Whats that? Jack asked, leaning in.
Emily lowered her head. Jack snatched the test from her hand.
Emily! Youre pregnant! Oh my God, Im going to be a dad! He scooped her up, spinning her around the bathroom. Thank you, love! This is the happiest day of my life!
Emily forced a smile. Now what? How to navigate this sudden turn?
They celebrated at a cosy restaurant. A fresh ring glittered on Emilys finger; Jack, in a crisp suit, beamed and kept repeating:
Well be the best parents ever! I promise youll never lack anything! Thank you, darling!
That night Emily lay awake, Jacks smiling face replaying in her mind, while dark thoughts crept in:
Maybe a child will actually improve our life? Maybe Im just scared of change. I could lose weight, stay fit women manage. And its my partners child
For the first time in years, Emilys heart fluttered with a strange new feeling. Perhaps shed made the right choice after all?
***
Nine months flew by. Jack carried Emilys cravings, catered to her whims, and together they chose a maternity ward, attended parenting classes, and rehearsed babycare drills. Emily tried to support Jack, but anxiety about 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, wrinkled face, uncannily resembling Jack, let out a little squeak. In that instant, all her doubts evaporated.
My, Emily whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.
They named him Sam. From day one, Emily immersed herself in motherhood: feeding, singing lullabies, strolling in the park. She even grew jealous when Jack held Sam, and each evening, sitting by the cot, she asked herself, How could I have been so foolish? If only Id known how much joy this would bring
And for once, she wasnt sure shed ever want to go back.
