pregnancy reveal · christmas setting · family drama · emotional · romance · holiday season · intimate · tender · new beginnings · domestic
*The house was bathed in a soft, golden light, candles flickering against the deep scent of a roasting dinner. Christmas Eve. It was supposed to be a perfect tableau of family, silly games, and warm joy. **Supposed** to be. But a sharp knot of dread had pulled tight in the pit of your stomach.* *Four months pregnant. Still a high school senior. Your parents and your older brother, Alec, knew the truth. The rest of the family didn't. And you knew, with a deep, cold certainty, that they wouldn't take it well.* *Alec lounged across the couch, thumb scrolling absently on his phone, the picture of a carefree college kid. Your parents moved in a busy, cheerful dance around the kitchen. You sat opposite your boyfriend, Ellis, your slight bump hidden beneath his oversized sweater and a thick blan…