Okay so the show they mention is called Leverage. It's amazing and one of my favorite shows. All 5 seasons are free on Tubi, no credit card number or even account required. There are all kinds of shows and movies on there, all free. It's an awesome show so go check it out if you want. But, also, #notsponsored.

Living Room
Berica's House
4:30 PM
Saturday
January 28th

Ben's POV:
I remembered the year I got married like it was yesterday. But honestly, it was coming up on 5 whole years. I was now 23, almost 24 and Erica was 26.

We'd been watching tv on the couch together when she strangely got up and went outside. And didn't say a word. I ran outside and opened her door before she left.

"Erica what's wrong?"

"It's uh- nothing."

"You know I'm not dumb enough to believe that."

"It was worth a shot." She gave a weak smile.

"Erica are you okay sweetie?"

"Yeah I'm fine." She lied.

"Erica, I can't help if you don't tell me what's wrong. And don't lie and say you're fine. I can tell you're not. Should I call your mom and see if she can help with anything?"

"Thanks Ben but I just need to run to the store."

"I can go get whatever you need or come with if you want."

"Thanks but I need to go myself and clear my head."

"Okay, but drive safe. I'll wait here on the porch for you." 

"You don't have to." 

"It wasn't an offer. It was a statement."

"Okay, your choice. I'm just running to Walmart a sec. I'll be fine."

"Okay but call me if anything happens."

"I will. Love you."

"Love you too."

I let her close her door and walked to the porch as she drove away.

15 minutes later she came back. I went to help her out of the car and bring her an umbrella, as it had started raining.

As she got out I noticed she slipped a little like she was distracted.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.

I helped her inside and she hugged me before heading to the other end of the house.

I sat down on the couch trying to figure out what was wrong. I decided I should call Catherine, Erica's mother to see if she would have any ideas.

"Hello Benjamin."

"Hey Catherine."

"How are you dear?"

"Pretty good. You?"

"Not bad at all. Is there something you need help with?"

"Kinda. Erica's acting weird and I can't figure out what's wrong."

"Did you try asking her?"

"Yeah. But she just changed the topic. She's been distracted too."

"Hmm... I'm not sure. I'd honestly just try talking to her and make sure she answers your questions. I know she can be a bit stubborn but sometimes a small push will get her to talk."

"I'll try that. Thanks Catherine."

"No problem Benjamin. If that doesn't work, call me back and I'll come over."

"Will do." 

I hung up and called out to Erica.

"Erica? Baby are you okay?"

"Yeah." She said quietly.

I followed the sound to the bathroom. Based on the shadow she was sitting against the door.

"Can I come in?"

"No."

"Okay."

I sat against the door on my side, knowing pushing her too much probably wouldn't help.

"Can we talk?"

"Why?"

"Because I love you and I'm worried about you."

"Why?"

"Because you're acting a little off, especially in the last few hours."

"No I'm not."

"I'm not blind."

"I'm just not feeling great, okay?"

"But it's more than that because you're distracted."

"Yeah cuz I don't do well with being sick. I hate it."

"I know. But that's not it. Erica I'm here to help. But I can't do that if you won't talk to me."

"Okay. But I don't want to talk about it right now."

"Fair enough. Let's just talk then. About whatever. Or we could watch Leverage. What will make you feel better?"

"I don't know."

"Okay. Can I come in now?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. Open the door a little bit for me?"

She opened it part way and I saw her sitting next to the door instead now. I walked in and sat down across from her. 

I took her hands in mine and just sat there with her.

"You know I'll support you no matter what, right? I love you more than anything else and will be here no matter what. Always."

"I know."

"Good. Are you feeling okay?"

"A little off but otherwise yeah."

"Did something happen?"

"I don't know."

"Okay. If you want I can call Catherine. Or Zoe or anyone really."

"That's okay. I just need you here."

"Awwee okay. Then if that's what you need, I'll be right here."

"Thanks."

"Absolutely. Do you want food or something to drink? Anything?"

"Not really."

"Okay."

We sat there a while not saying a word.

"Ben?"

"Yeah?"

"I need to tell you something."

"Alright."

She didn't say a word.

"Did you... wanna talk now or...?"

"Yeah okay."

She looked up at me with worry in her eyes but still didn't say anything.

"Why do you look worried baby?"

"I don't know how you're gonna react."

I looked at her, puzzled.

"To what?"

"I'm... pregnant?" She winced as she spoke ever so slowly.

I hugged her.

"That's what you were worried about?"

"Yeah?"

"Baby why? It's nothing to be worried about. Like I said I'm here with you all the way, no matter what and-" It registered what she'd just said. "Hold up I'm gonna be a dad?"

"I think so. Is that okay?" She asked.

"Of course it is!"

I hugged her again.

I couldn't believe it. I was so happy tears started forming in my eyes. Erica looked shocked at my reaction.

"What?" I asked.

"I thought you'd be upset."

"Why would I? I love you and there is nothing that will ever change that."

"But we're spies and this might make it difficult."

"You're 26. I'm almost 24. We are definitely adults at this point and we'll figure it out. It'll be perfectly okay."

"Yeah."

"Something wrong?"

"What if I won't be a good mom?"

"I don't understand. How could you not?"

She looked down. I put my hands on the sides of her face and looked into her eyes.

"You're caring and protective and loving and fun and responsible. And more! You'll be an amazing mom. Listen to me, you will be an amazing mom, no doubt about it and that's final."

I stood up and pulled her up too. I opened the door and picked her up. She was a little startled and jumped a little. 

"Put me down Ben." She said calmly.

"I will in a second. But we're gonna go watch a show because you're clearly stressed and it will help you take your mind off things."

I carried her to the living room and set her on the couch. I lay next to her and turned on the tv.

After watching a couple episodes I looked at her with a smile.

"Everything's gonna be just fine, I promise."

Okay, so that is the epilogue. In case you didn't understand the title, it means it is also the first chapter of the sequel to tie the two together better. There is one final post on this book with the details on the sequel.