 Short Story Press presents Sergeant's Heart, written by Natasha Janssen, Short Story Press, narrated by Ella Lynch. Chapter 1 It's the 9th of July. This is unbelievable. I didn't miss one day, Celeste said, looking at the pregnancy test results. Well, honey, if God has a plan for you then there is nothing you can do to change it. Mark hugged her from behind and gently kissed her on the side of her head. And here I thought we're going to have an extended honeymoon. Well, at least until you leave for Afghanistan. Look on the bright side, Cupcake. By the time I get back you will be ready to give birth. You mean by the time you get back you would have missed out on all the morning sickness, swollen ankles and me just being hormonal? Yes, I'm going to miss out on all the joys of pregnancy, he grinned. Men, they are all the same. Celeste and Mark Adams married two months before. Initially they were planning on having their wedding just before Christmas, but unfortunately duty called and Mark was informed that he was drafted to Afghanistan in September. Although they were not planning on getting pregnant any time soon, the unplanned pregnancy was not a disappointment. I know we didn't plan this, but to be honest I am happy. At least while I'm away I will know that part of me is with you, very close to your heart. Oh, honey, that is so sweet. You make me want to cry. Two seconds pregnant and already her hormones are crazy, he said teasingly. Very funny, Sergeant Adams. I suggest you enjoy every second of this hormonal face because you will be gone for a long time. Yeah, don't remind me. At least seven months, they said, but it might be longer, he sighed. This is not fair. You will literally come home shortly before I give birth. If not while I give birth. It sucks, I know. That means I have to start preparing for the birth before I leave. What? You'll see, he grinned. Mark dressed and left in a hurry without telling Celeste where he was going. She was confused because she couldn't think what he could possibly have in mind to prepare for the birth. She had to talk to someone and that would be Dinah, her best friend. Hello, girlfriend. Guess what? She said when Dinah answered the phone. Brown sugar, you do know it is Sunday morning and I am a church going woman on my way to, but Celeste cut her off. Oh please, you're in bed with a hangover. The last time you were in church, cell phones didn't exist. Okay, so I'm a heathen with a hangover. What's up so early in the morning? Guess. God help me. I am not awake and don't have the strength to guess. Sample complete. Ready to continue?