Behind Closed Doors

Diane's POV

As Noah's footsteps faded down the hallway, I closed my bedroom door and leaned against it, exhaling deeply. The soft click of the lock felt...ending one chapter, and beginning another.

My fingers trembled slightly as I reached beneath my oversized sweater, unfastening the concealed band that had been pressing against my growing belly all day.

I held the supportive garment in my hands, staring at it. How much longer could I keep this secret? The pregnancy band had become my constant companion, my shield against prying eyes and questions I wasn't ready to answer. At nearly five months along, I was still able to hide my condition, but time was running out.

I tossed the band onto the bedside table and ran my hands over the small but distinct swell of my stomach. The twins. My babies. Our little secret.