Fate || BENNIFER

Time

Jennifer's P.O.V

It had been a hectic couple of days since Grace had come into our lives. With visits from friends and family coming almost daily, the house had been a bust of activity. Throughout all the changes that had turned our lives upside down, Leah had been a continuous source of support, helping us with the kids and multiple chores and errands while we adjusted to our new life with a baby.

As I sat on the couch with Leah, my eyes drifted to the stairs. I could hear the soft sounds of Ben trying to soothe our newborn to sleep.

"He's been trying to get her to nap for the last hour." I said with a smile. "He's great."

"You're lucky to have him."  She said.

"He's an absolute dream." I replied.

"I bet you can't wait to get back on stage." She said, taking a sip of her drink.

"You have no idea." I smiled. "I miss it so much already. I can't wait to get back into rehearsals and start performing again."

"But you also want to take some time off, enjoy the moment more this time." She pointed out.

"I do. But performing is part of who I am." There was a hint of nostalgia in my voice. "I can't bear the thought of being away for too long."

"Well, whenever you're ready to get back on stage, we'll be there to support you." She grinned.

Ben walked downstairs and exhaled.

"She finally went down." He said.

He warmly greeted Leah. He then sat down and explained to her how this film he was shooting was particularly interesting for him. I immediately saw how much that film meant to him and I could feel his passion despite his exhaustion. I knew what an exceptional talent he was, and this work was more important to him than he had told me.

"Ben, go to the set." I said touching his shoulder. "You need to finish the movie."

He looked surprised, his eyebrows raising in question.

"I know you've been working really hard on your movie, and I know you've been putting it on hold to help me with Grace, but I think it's time for you to go back to it." I said.

"I don't want to leave you alone with the baby." His voice was hesitant.

"I'm not alone." I shook my head. "I'm with Leah."

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"I'm sure." I responded in a cheerful tone. "It's important to you."

He looked at me for a moment, considering my words. Then he nodded, a grateful smile on his face.

"Thank you, little." He leaned in to kiss the top of my head.

I watched him make his way out of the house, his excitement palpable.

After he left, I thought it was the perfect moment to tell Leah about something that had been weighing on my mind for a few days.

"Ben popped the question when I was in labor." I said fidgeting with my fingers.

"What?" She laughed.

"I know, the worst moment imaginable." I let out a small laugh. "The thing is he hasn't brought it up since then."

"Would you have said yes?" She asked.

"I love him." I responded. "Yes. I would've said yes."

"You should be over the moon about it." She grinned.

"Do you think he'll propose again?" I asked.

"Everything will come in time." She said. "Things need to calm down a little before he can really make that move. You even told me about wanting to move to a new house, one that you can fill with memories as a family."

"We've been talking about it. He isn't against the idea." I explained.

"Jen, listen to me. Ben loves you. I know that for a fact." She said. "Give him time."

She stood up and walked towards the stairs.

"Now I'm going to see that adorable baby." She announced in a funny tone.

"Sure. She's sleeping right now though." I followed her.

We tiptoed up the stairs to the nursery. She quietly opened the door and peeked inside. The room was dark, but she could see the outline of the crib with Grace sleeping soundly inside.

"She's beautiful." She said stepping back. "I miss those early months of motherhood."

"I know how you feel." I smiled sympathetically. "It's a magical time, but it's also a scary time. You don't want to miss anything."