Sera kept her eyes on the floor as she spoke with the receptionist, her voice steady even though her heart wasn’t. But the whole time, she felt Finn’s presence beside her—his hand holding hers, warm and steady, his fingers occasionally giving a reassuring squeeze.

When the call ended and the appointment was set, she slowly lowered the phone and turned her gaze toward him. He hadn’t said a word, but he didn’t have to. Just being there, just staying—that was everything.

She leaned into his side, resting her head on his shoulder. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she murmured, voice small but honest. “You don’t even have to say anything and you still make it feel better.”

Sera felt her heart melt at his words, her eyes stinging with tears she didn’t let fall. She lifted her head just enough to meet his gaze, brushing her thumb gently across his knuckles where their hands were still clasped.

“I know you will,” she whispered, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “And I hope you know I’ll always be here for you too, no matter what.”

Her voice trembled slightly at the end, but the warmth in her chest stayed steady. Even through the uncertainty, even through the nausea and fear—he was her anchor. And she would be his.

Sera gave his hand a little squeeze, resting her head against his shoulder again. The lingering queasiness still gnawed at her belly, but his warmth beside her made it bearable.

“Maybe… in an hour or so?” she murmured softly, not quite ready to face the sterile brightness of a doctor’s office just yet. “I just wanna stay here with you a little longer.”

She glanced up at him with tired eyes and a faint smile. “I feel safer when I’m with you.”

Sera smiled faintly, her stomach still uneasy, but her heart full from his words. She rested her head lightly on his shoulder, soaking in the warmth of his presence for just a few more seconds before the soft chime of her phone buzzed on the nightstand.

She glanced at it—Appointment: 10:00 AM.

A soft sigh left her lips. “That’s our cue,” she murmured, sitting up slowly. She reached for his hand and gave it a small squeeze. “Ready to go find out what’s going on with me?” she asked, trying to keep her voice light even as nerves twisted in her chest.