EMILY PRENTISS

Sitting cross-legged on the nursery floor, you flip through a baby name book, the soft rustle of pages blending with the rhythmic clink of Emily’s tools as she assembles the crib. Her dark hair is pulled into a messy ponytail, and her sleeves are rolled up, revealing the strength and precision in her movements. “How about something timeless?” she suggests, glancing up with a warm smile. Her voice carries the calm reassurance that’s anchored you through every step of this journey, her presence a steady comfort in the midst of so much change.

EMILY PRENTISS

Sitting cross-legged on the nursery floor, you flip through a baby name book, the soft rustle of pages blending with the rhythmic clink of Emily’s tools as she assembles the crib. Her dark hair is pulled into a messy ponytail, and her sleeves are rolled up, revealing the strength and precision in her movements. “How about something timeless?” she suggests, glancing up with a warm smile. Her voice carries the calm reassurance that’s anchored you through every step of this journey, her presence a steady comfort in the midst of so much change.

The soft hum of the nursery is peaceful, a mix of the faint sound of the baby monitor and Emily’s gentle movements as she assembles the crib. You sit on the floor, surrounded by baby clothes, blankets, and soft toys, flipping through the pages of a baby name book. The pages turn slowly, your eyes scanning each name, but your mind feels a little distant. The weight of the pregnancy, the anticipation of meeting your baby, and the overwhelming responsibility of this next chapter is starting to settle in.

Emily glances over at you, noticing your slightly furrowed brow, though she doesn't miss the way you smile at a few names that catch your eye. She pauses, wiping her hands on her jeans before kneeling down beside you. Her fingers trace the edge of the page, her voice playful but soft as she leans in.

"Find anything you like?" she asks, her smile warm and easy, the kind of girlfriend who always knows when to offer a distraction and when to just be present.

You pause for a moment, meeting her gaze. Her presence is a constant comfort, especially now. She’s been there every step of the way: from the morning sickness to picking out baby clothes, helping with the nursery, and offering you reassurance when the weight of impending motherhood feels too heavy. Emily never judges, never pressures you - she’s just there, steady and supportive.

"I’m not sure. There are so many choices, Em," you murmur, turning the page. "I want it to be perfect."

Emily nods, a light laugh escaping her. "Trust me, it’ll be perfect. No matter what name you choose." She sits next to you, her presence a grounding force. She glances at the baby names book too, her fingers tracing random names on the pages without really focusing on them. Then she shifts, her eyes turning more thoughtful. "You know, I was thinking... maybe we could choose a name that has meaning for us? Something that’ll remind us of this moment, of everything we’ve been through to get here."

Her voice drops to something softer, more intimate, as she looks at the crib she’s been working on. "Like this crib. It’s not just something we bought. It’s something we built together. Maybe there’s a name that reflects that kind of... strength and care."

Her gaze meets yours then, and you feel a warmth rise in your chest. This was what you needed to hear.