Fate || BENNIFER

A Very Special Birthday

Jennifer's P.O.V

The sun crept through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. I stirred in my sleep, slowly becoming aware of my surroundings. I smiled as I felt Ben's gentle weight beside me. As I rolled to face him, his eyes opened and he looked at me with a soft expression.

"Good morning." He breathed, leaning in to brush his lips against mine.

I closed my eyes, savoring the feeling of his kiss. He had a way to make me feel so loved, especially on special days like that. His lips were soft and warm as he pulled me in closer, his arms wrapping around me in a tight hug.

"Happy birthday." He whispered, his breath tickling my ear.

I ran my fingers through his hair, looking into his eyes with gratitude. It was a very special birthday.

"The kids wanted to wake you up to surprise you." He said.

"Should I pretend I'm still asleep?" I said with a sleepy smile.

"That's a great idea." He smiled.

Ben's P.O.V

I pretended to slip quietly out of bed and I went downstairs, to Max and Emme's room, and woke them up.

"Are you guys ready to surprise mom?" I whispered.

They nodded their heads eagerly and I led the way. The door creaked a little as we pushed it open, and we all held our breaths hoping not to wake her. Max bounced, barely able to keep still. Emme counted down slowly.

They tiptoed into the room, trying not to make too much noise, but also not able to contain their excitement.

"Mommy, mommy!" They whispered, jumping onto the bed. "You have to wake up, it's your birthday!"

She sat up slowly like trying to figure out what was happening. They hugged her and kissed her. She smiled down at them as they cuddled up to her like kittens.

"Is it the baby's birthday too?" Max asked raising an eyebrow.

Jen and I looked at each other, exchanging a quick smile before a little laugh.

"It's not." She answered. "But it will be soon."

"How soon?" Emme asked.

"In about three months." She glanced up at me.

"Christmas?" Max asked startled.

"Christmas is still five months away." She explained amused.

"Are we still getting presents?" Emme asked worried.

"This baby isn't going to change how much I love you two." She said bringing them closer. "Okay?"

"So we're getting presents?" Max wanted to make sure.

"Yes baby, you're getting presents." She laughed and kissed the top of his head. "But only if you're good, or I'll tell Santa not to come this year."

"I'm going to be good!" Max shouted.

"Are you?" She asked frowning. "I'm not so sure."

"Yes!" He stood up and jumped repeatedly on the bed.

He was very determined to prove it, but all that determination just vanished when Lola walked in the room. His new goal was to show everyone the tricks he had taught her.

It was a beautiful moment for me as I pondered on the privilege it was to witness Jennifer being the best mom to her children. I thought about how lucky I was to have her as the mother of my baby. I knew that from the moment our child was born, Jennifer would devote herself entirely to caring for him or her as she did with Emme and Max, always putting their needs above hers.

As I continued to watch her, I was struck by the amount of love and patience she possessed. It is an admirable quality, and I knew it hadn't always been easy for her. Being a mom is a 24/7 job, and she embraced it with open arms as she still managed to thrive in her exceptional career.