Fate || BENNIFER

Grateful

Ben's P.O.V

I opened my eyes, my vision adjusting to the dim light. I reached out for Jennifer, but my hand hit the empty space next to me. I sat up and glanced towards the bathroom. The door was open, revealing the darkness inside, but I couldn't see any movement. I yawned and stretched as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, my bare feet sinking into the soft carpet. I shuffled towards the bathroom, my steps slow and unsteady. I confirmed it was empty and I frowned.

As I walked down the hallway, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and stretched my arms. When I reached the doorway of our baby's room, I saw her standing by the crib. She motioned for me to come closer and be quiet. Quietly, I approached her and slipped my arm around her waist, standing by her side. She glanced up at me and smiled, but returned her gaze back to our daughter. Grace was sleeping soundly, her tiny chest rising and falling in a slow rhythm.

"I didn't hear her cry." I whispered.

"I know." Her voice barely above a whisper. "I just wanted to make sure she was okay."

I knew how it felt to worry about our daughter, especially on her first night at home, far from doctors and nurses.

"Look at her, she's fine, having the best sleep she will ever have." I smiled.

"It feels wrong to miss a single second." She whispered.

"I understand, but you need to sleep." I said softly.

"I know." She replied.

We stayed like that for a while, watching our daughter sleep, until I convinced her to go back to bed. She hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, knowing that she needed rest as well.

I gently guided her back to our bedroom, my hand wrapped around hers. We climbed into bed, and I wrapped my arms around her, feeling the softness of her skin against mine. She leaned into me, resting her head on my chest. I leaned down and kissed her forehead while I caressed her hair, tracing the curves of her face with my fingertips.

Jennifer's P.O.V

Our mothers had been eagerly waiting to meet their new granddaughter, and we were very pleased with their visit.

"Is that her?" Ben's mother asked, unable to contain the excitement in her voice.

"Yes." I replied. "This is your granddaughter, Grace."

"Do you want to hold her?" Ben asked.

She nodded, and I carefully passed the baby over to her.

"She's beautiful." She whispered, unable to take her eyes off her.

My mom leaned over and gently kissed her head before taking her into her own arms. I gasped in delight as I took in the sight of my mother cooing over her. The room was filled with a sense of joy and wonder as they took turns holding her, marveling at her tiny fingers and her soft hair. I was surprised when Ben's mom remarked on how much she looked like me, mentioning her delicate features and bright eyes. My father stood proudly, looking on with a mixture of pride and awe.

When she began to stir, they handed her back and we soothed her back to sleep. However, it wasn't long before she began to fuss and cry, signaling that she was hungry. My mother asked if she could feed her herself, and I was more than happy to oblige, grateful for the help. She took the bottle and cradled her in her arms, gently cooing and rocking her. I knew she couldn't help but think of her own children, me and my sisters, and how quickly the time had passed.

Ben's children got to meet her only a day later. Sam was still too little, but Violet and Seraphina were very excited. They sat on the couch while Ben walked downstairs with Grace in his arms. He knelt in front of them and gently placed her on Violet's lap. Her eyes sparkled with wonder as she gazed at her little sister. Sera was the next one in line. She was a little more hesitant but wanted in on the action.

I had always wanted a big family, so I could only be grateful for the love and acceptance our children had shown their new baby sister. I couldn't believe how lucky I was to have such a beautiful family.