Last Kiss

chapter 49: love is madness

The night was warm and inviting, the kind of night that seemed to beckon people outdoors to bask in its gentle embrace. Jeremiah sat on the porch of the beach house, his guitar resting against his knee as he strummed softly, lost in the melody. He hadn't noticed Belly approaching until she spoke, her voice pulling him from his reverie.

"Hey, Jeremiah," Belly said, her tone warm and welcoming as she settled onto the porch steps beside him.

Jeremiah looked up, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Hey, Belly," he replied, setting his guitar aside. "What brings you out here tonight?"

Belly shrugged, her gaze drifting out towards the ocean. "Just needed some fresh air," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

Jeremiah studied her for a moment, sensing that something was weighing heavily on her mind. "Is everything okay?" he asked gently, reaching out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Belly sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Conrad and I...we found out something today."

Jeremiah's brow furrowed with concern as he waited for her to continue. Belly took a deep breath, steeling herself to share the news. "I'm pregnant," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Jeremiah's eyes widened in surprise before a slow smile spread across his face. "Wow, Belly, that's...that's incredible," he said, his voice filled with genuine happiness. "Congratulations."

Belly offered him a weak smile, her heart heavy with the weight of uncertainty. "Thanks, Jeremiah," she said, her voice barely audible over the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. "But...I don't know what to do. Everything feels so complicated right now."

Jeremiah listened quietly, his presence a comforting anchor in the midst of her swirling emotions. "I know it's a lot to take in," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring. "But no matter what happens, you're not alone. You have people who love you and will support you no matter what."

Belly nodded, tears glistening in her eyes as she leaned into his embrace. At that moment, surrounded by the comforting embrace of a friend, she felt a glimmer of hope begin to blossom within her heart. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she knew that she would face them with the love and support of those who mattered most.

As they sat together beneath the star-studded sky, Belly felt a sense of peace wash over her. As Jeremiah began to play his guitar once more, the soothing melody filling the night air, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected moments of solace and connection that life had to offer.