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"Looks amazing, doesn’t it?" Theo whispers, his breath warm against my ear.
I nod, my voice barely more than a breath. "It’s perfect."
I drink in every detail—the scent of fresh paint mingling with the promise of tomorrows yet to come. This room, nearly ready to welcome a new life, holds everything we’ve worked for—everything but one final piece. And as I watch Austin and Cohen, their hands steady and sure, I know that even that will soon fall into place.
A flutter of movement beneath my palm sends ripples of emotion through me, and I stand rooted to the spot, drinking in the sight of our nearly finished nursery. My heart swells, heavy with a love so profound it threatens to spill from my eyes.
Another kick—tiny but unmistakable—reminds me of the changes soon to unfold. A year ago, this moment was unimaginable. The warmth that now fills this home—my home, with Theo, Austin, Cohen, and their kids—was beyond reach. But here it is.
Theo steps behind me, his presence solid and grounding. His hands find my shoulders, his touch gentle but sure. "We’ve climbed mountains to get here, you know?"
I nod, unable to speak past the emotion swelling in my throat. Words are unnecessary. Theo’s touch says everything.
"Look how far we’ve come," he murmurs, his voice steady, tinged with pride. "The fear, the uncertainty...we’ve weathered it all. And now..." His voice trails off, leaving the rest of the thought unspoken, but we both feel it—hope and endless possibility.
I lean into him, the warmth of his chest against my back a quiet reassurance. This journey—filled with its own set of struggles—has also been defined by unwavering support, by love that has carried us through.
"We’re ready for whatever comes next," I whisper, the promise in my voice as firm as the hands resting on my belly.
It's a promise, a vow spoken not just to Theo but to myself—to the woman who once believed she'd face the world alone.
But I'm not alone. Not anymore.
Theo’s hands shift to the curve of my stomach, a gentle pressure that causes a ripple of sensation deep inside. "Can you believe it?" he asks softly. "We’re really doing this."
I smile, my heart full as I imagine all the milestones ahead. And I know, with certainty, that no matter what comes next, we’re in this together. My hand covers his, feeling the warmth and strength of his grip, the steadiness that has always been there for me. For us.