More Than a Soldier

Chapter 78 - Wedding Anniversary

Y/n's POV:

I wake up to soft kisses against my stomach. I smile with my eyes closed as I hear Scarlett speaking to our baby. "I can't wait to meet you. I love seeing your mommy pregnant, but I'm so excited to see you." She speaks to my bump. "But today, is all about your mommy and me. It's our anniversary and I plan to spoil her. She has given me so much and is going to give me you soon. She deserves to be spoilt today. " She informs our son. "So if you could go easy on your mom that would be great. That means no kicking too hard or using her bladder as a squishy toy." She requests, making me chuckle. 

"What if I want to spoil you?" I mumble, still feeling sleepy. "Mommy's awake speak to you soon little one." She says, making me chuckle as she presses on last kiss to my stomach and moves so she's hovering over me. "Happy anniversary babe." She greets me, leaning down to press our lips together. I wrap my arms around her body and pull her into me. Which is a little difficult with the growing bump between us. "Happy anniversary angel." I respond, as she rests her head against mine.

"I have a whole day planned today. But don't worry, it's nothing too strenuous." She tells me with a wide smile. "I can't believe it's been a year since we got married. Time sure has flown by." I say a bit in awe. "Me either. Now we're sat here with a baby on the way and happier than ever." She responds, pecking my lips once again. "Ok then Miss bossy, what's the plan?" I ask, earning a pinch to my side. "I'm not bossy. But first up is returning to where it all started." She tells me excitedly. "Griffith Park?" I ask and she nods. "I thought we could have a walk around the park before it gets too hot and grab a drink from Bobby." She shares her idea and I love it.

"Sounds perfect, but first, I have a present for you." I inform her, stealing a kiss and moving to stand up. I'm 25 weeks at the moment and I'm larger than average, which is something I'm trying not to think too much about as I'm dreading having a big baby! It means getting from the lying position to standing is gradually getting more difficult. But my amazing wife, helps me to my feet and I make my way to the closet in the guest room where I had hidden my present.

We had agreed to not buy too much for each other and stick to the traditional anniversary gifts. As it's our first wedding anniversary, the traditional gift is paper. Which actually gave me lots of ideas for a sentimental present for Scarlett.

With my gift in hand, I return to our bedroom where Scarlett is waiting on the bed for me with a present in her lap. I climb into bed next to her and rest my back against the headboard. "Here you go my love." I tell her, handing her the present. "It's paper, but I used a bit of creative license." I explain to her as she carefully takes off the wrapping paper.

Her eyes instantly gloss over as she sees the photo of us on the beach after the wedding ceremony. "Wait is this a vinyl?" She asks and I nod, indicating for her turn it over. "These are all the songs from our wedding." She notices. "That last one Alan helped me out with. I couldn't find a recording of "I only want to be with you." That was similar to what I sang for you." I start to explain, and her gaze snaps up to mine. "You recorded it? This is you?" She asks in surprise, and I nod shyly. "I can't wait to play this! And I love the picture. This is always going to be my absolutely favourite of the two of us." She rambles excitedly.

"I know the vinyl itself isn't paper, but the case is, so I feel like I hit the brief." I chuckle and let out a small squeal as Scarlett carefully launches at me, causing me to fall backwards. "I love it. It's the best gift I've ever gotten. Well, after your tattoo." She shares. "The tattoo isn't in it's best condition right now." I chuckle, lifting my shirt to show that the end of it is slightly distorted where my belly has grown. "Still love it." She mumbles, tracing over the lines of the compass.

Scar helps me back to a sitting position and places her present in my lap. "This one's for you." She smiles. I quickly get to work taking the wrapping paper off and let out a gasps as I see a watercolour painting. "I had this commissioned from the photo of our first kiss. It captures the amazing venue we celebrated in, the beautiful beach, our friends and family as well as our first kiss as wives." She explains to me.