After three long, exhausting weeks away on a business trip, Vanessa was finally on her way home to San Diego. It was well past midnight when she landed, her body aching from jet lag, but her heart full of anticipation. She had planned the perfect surprise for her husband, Eric—no warning, no calls. Just a quiet return and slipping into bed beside him, the way they used to when life was simpler.

But nothing about the night she came home was simple.

A Quiet Return Turns Into a Moment of Shock
The house was dark when Vanessa stepped inside. She took off her shoes, set down her bags, and tiptoed through the hall. She didn’t want to wake Eric. She just wanted to climb into bed and feel the warmth of home again.

But when she opened their bedroom door, she froze.

There, in the pale moonlight, was Eric—fast asleep on his side of the bed.

And next to him, nestled in a soft blue blanket, was a baby.

Vanessa’s breath caught. A baby? In their bed? In her spot?

They didn’t have children. They’d never discussed fostering. Eric had no family nearby—no nieces, no nephews. Her mind raced for answers, but none came.

Her hands trembled as she crossed the room and shook Eric gently. “Eric. Wake up. Now.”

He stirred, blinking through sleep. “Vanessa? What are you doing home?”

“In the kitchen,” she said, her voice sharp. “We need to talk.”

“Want to Explain the Baby You Forgot to Mention?”