Today was the day. It was time to move in with Anna and start the next chapter of our life together. It felt surreal that the day was finally here but I couldn’t wait. 10 days ago, I was scared out of my mind for this. Now, after a week plus of chaos and stress from my best friend being married to maybe becoming a dad, I’ve realised that not only is this not a big deal because I love Anna and living with her is going to be the best choice I’ve ever made, but I’m also ready. Hell, if Anna was pregnant, I think I’d be fine with it now. I feel like just over these past 10 days, I have grown up so much. I wouldn’t have been ready to propose a week ago. Now I am.  

I stood outside my childhood home and gave it a final look over. This was the only place I’ve ever lived; leaving it felt weird but I knew something just as good as the last 25 years was about to start today. “Sam, you ready?” I snapped out of my daydream-like state and smiled at my mum and dad who were in the doorway to the house. “Yeah. I think I am.” 

“We’ll always be here if you’ve forgotten anything or just want to visit.” My mum reminded me. I couldn’t help but choke up as I thought of all the great memories I’d made here. This was the house I first met my brother in when he came home from the hospital. This was the place I’ve had almost all my birthday parties. This was where my family was, it’s where I felt loved most. “I love you guys.” 

“We love you too.” And with that, a final smile and a blown kiss, I turned around and headed to the moving truck on the edge of the driveway.  

I buckled myself in and sniffled. I’ll admit that part of me didn’t want to leave but then I felt her hand on my left arm and I turned and saw her smile. “You alright?” I smiled back. The tears in my eyes went away. Right then, in that moment, I saw my future in front of me. Anna, our new home, our kids in the future. I saw it all and I was so happy. “Yeah. I couldn’t be better.” I leant in and we kissed briefly before I started the truck and we headed off on our long journey.  

It was just over halfway through when I got a call from Patrick. Since I was driving, I couldn’t really pick up but Anna could. I gently woke her from her nap and asked if she could answer it for me and put it on speaker. “Sam?” It felt good to hear his voice. It’d been the longest four days since we last had the chance to speak. “Paddy, everything alright?” 

“Everything’s great. I just wanted to call you for this. I’d have come and told you in person but you’re moving today and I really just wanted you to know.” I had no idea what he was on about at this point. I mean, I had a sneaking suspicion but surely that wasn’t right. “What’s up mate? What’s this big news?” There was a pause. 

“Sam, me and Niamh are pregnant!” Wow. I was speechless. That was what I was guessing the news was but actually hearing it was mind-blowing. “What! For real?” 

“Yeah, dude. I’m gonna be freaking dad! Me!” I laughed as he laughed. There wasn’t anything funny happening – although the thought of Patrick being a dad would’ve been hilarious 7 years ago – this was more the type of laughter that happens when you’re in disbelief. “Congrats, mate. That’s huge!” 

“Congratulations Patrick!” Anna spoke up. She was awake now and had the same smile I did on my face. “Thanks, guys. I wanted to tell you two first because, well, we want you two to be the godparents.” Wow again. I really didn’t expect that. “For real?” 

“Of course. Dude, you’re my best friend. We’ve known each other for over half our lives. Of course, I want you to be my kid’s godfather. And Anna is great with kids, as proven by her job. Together you’ll be great.” I looked at Anna briefly and something clicked in my head.  

Yeah. We would be great. We’d be great parents. 

“Thank you, dude. We’d be honoured, right?” 

“Yeah, thank you Patrick. That’s incredible news.” Anna squeezed my arm. She seemed excited at the news. “So, when are you two joining me and Niamh in parenthood?” If I being honest, I was ready now. After thinking so much before Olivia’s wedding about Anna being pregnant and maybe having a kid, I really want one. I turned to Anna to see if we were on the same page and she was already looking at me, smiling softly. “What?” She bit her bottom lip and was clearly holding back some tears. “Anna, what? Is everything okay?” 

She smiled and said two words: “Congratulations, dad.” 

It didn’t hit me for a solid 10 seconds. I was looking at her confused, not sure why she was calling me dad, then it hit me. I was going to be a dad. She was pregnant. “Are you-?” I didn’t finish my sentence because she nodded, already knowing my question. “Oh god.” I said it with a smile on my face and I gripped the wheel tighter. “Patrick!” He was still on the phone. 

“Yeah?” He asked pretty nonchalant. 

“Patrick, I’m gonna be a freaking dad too!” He didn’t say anything in response, I just heard a loud scream or cheer, I guess, and then, in the distance, “Anna’s pregnant too! We’re both gonna be dads!” He was clearly letting Niamh know. I laughed at his enthusiasm. I still couldn’t believe the news myself. I was going to be a dad. We really were doing every big life step at once. “I’m gonna be a dad.” I quietly whispered to myself. I couldn’t stop smiling.