Fate || BENNIFER

A Lovely Day

Jennifer's P.O.V

Tiny arms and legs, a perfect little nose and ears, but what made me find myself lost in thought was the rapid, steady thump of our baby's heart. I would've sworn mine was beating just as fast at that moment, and I wondered if Ben's closeness was enough for him to feel it.

The dimly lit and quiet room was a surprisingly good place to think because, for a moment, I didn't have to think about logistical or practical issues related to the pregnancy and our future parenting, such as preparing the nursery, choosing the right stroller, or organizing our busy schedules. Only simple and natural thoughts came to mind, those that come from the purest and most instinctive form of love that exists, maternal love.

It had been a lovely day, and after the ultrasound, we continued to enjoy the afternoon. The sun was setting on the calm beach as I strolled along the shore holding Sam in my arms. Ben walked alongside me, wrapping his arm around my waist, enjoying the serenity of the moment.

"Charlotte is a beautiful name." Ben said. "If we have a girl."

"I would need to see her face to decide." I said.

"Leo, if it's a boy." He continued.

"Absolutely not." I giggled. "Also, you don't think it's a boy."

"But you want it to be." He said smiling.

"I will be the happiest whether we have a boy or a girl." I grabbed his hand.

"I will be happy if I can sleep." He joked.

"You better not pretend to be asleep if you hear crying in the middle of the night." I gave him a funny sidelong glance.

"I would never." He laughed.

"Wow... I thought you were a better actor." I pretended a surprised face.

"I'm not acting at all." He said taking his attention to Sam and tickling him.

"I mean... you can pretend as much as you want, but if I'm awake, so are you." I bumped his shoulder.

As we walked, our love was palpable, but we couldn't escape the paparazzi who had been chasing us all day. Behind us, the throng of photographers snapped pictures, hoping to catch us in an intimate moment.

Despite the intrusion, I remained composed, carrying Sam as the waves lapped the shoreline. I glanced over my shoulder and flashed a smile at the photographers, knowing they had another reason to take pictures that day, a child that wasn't mine, but was loved as my own.

Ben then placed his arm around my shoulder, and we continued our walk. We exchanged laughs and whispers, basking in the warmth of the sun and the peace of the beach.

As we reached the edge of the beach, we turned towards the paparazzi and paused as we were surrounded. Flashlights flickered, and Sam smiled obliviously.

We hadn't had that conversation yet, but it was clear that we still had to decide whether we wanted to show our child's face or not.

Though we could imagine it, we still didn't know the pictures of me carrying Sam with Ben by my side would become headlines the day after, igniting discussions about love, family, and parenthood. None of them talked about how we could form a family that though unconventional, still managed to be beautiful.