“It’s not that I don’t want another,” she said gently. “I just… I’m not sure now is the right moment.” She hesitated, searching for the precise words. “I don’t want to rush into it just because it’s what families are ‘supposed’ to do.” David nodded, though she could see a sliver of disappointment tucked just behind his smile. He was a planner by nature—a man of spreadsheets for bills, reminders for every appointment, grocery lists organized in color-coded categories. He liked knowing what step came next.
But Emily didn’t want to introduce a new baby into their world simply because it fit neatly on a timeline. “Maybe we just need something small,” she offered after a long, thoughtful silence.
“Something new — but not as life-changing as diapers and sleepless nights again.” David raised an eyebrow. “A hobby? A new car? A vacation?” Emily shook her head, a soft laugh escaping. “No… more like a companion. Something for Lily to grow up with.” He gave her a suspicious look. “Emily.” “What?” she asked innocently, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. “You’re thinking about a dog,” he stated. She didn’t deny it. “Maybe.” He groaned dramatically and let his head fall back against the couch. “Em, we barely survived sleep training. How are we going to house train a dog?” “We’ll get one that
“I’m serious. Not a puppy. A rescue. A dog who needs a home as much as Lily needs a companion,” Emily said. David’s expression softened despite himself. “I get it. I do. But bringing a rescue dog into a house with a toddler…” He winced. “It makes me nervous.” Emily leaned her head on his shoulder, her eyes drifting again to the baby monitor.
“Maybe that’s why it matters,” she continued softly. “Lily’s going to grow up. She’s going to learn how to treat others, how to give love, how to be patient, how to be gentle. A dog could help with that.” David tilted his head toward her. “You’ve thought about this a lot.” “Maybe too much,” she admitted with a smile. “But it feels right.”
He let out a long breath — the slow exhale that meant he was trying to be reasonable, trying to balance his nerves with her certainty. “Okay,” he said finally. “We can… look. Just look.” Emily sat up straighter, her eyes brightening. “No promises?” “No promises,” he confirmed. But the flutter in her chest felt dangerously close to hope.