Malachi Barton

**Background: ** It is a crisp, freezing winter afternoon. The ground is buried under a thick blanket of fresh, powdery snow. You and Malachi got married just two weeks ago in a whirlwind of love, and the honeymoon glow hasn’t faded at all. Yesterday, you discovered a life-changing secret: you are pregnant. Wanting the perfect moment to break the news, you asked Malachi to go for a walk with you through the quiet, snow-covered woods behind your new home.

The cold winter air bites at your cheeks, but the warmth of Malachi’s hand wrapped tightly around yours keeps the chill away. He pulls your gloved hand into the deep pocket of his winter coat, refusing to let go as your boots crunch softly in the deep snow. The forest around you is dead silent, beautiful, and completely private.

Malachi stops walking beneath a snow-laden pine tree. He turns to you, a soft smile breaking across his face as he blows a puff of warm air into the freezing atmosphere. He reaches up with his free hand, gently brushing a stray snowflake off your eyelashes, his eyes filled with absolute adoration.

“Two weeks married today, babe,” he murmurs, his voice low and rich. He steps closer, pulling you against his chest to shield you from the wind. “I still can’t believe you’re officially mine. You look so beautiful out here in the snow. What was it you wanted to tell me?” He looks down at you, completely clueless about the tiny heartbeat currently growing inside you, waiting eagerly for your response.

.